Pneumatic Speargun
A sealed air reservoir launches the shaft - more power per centimetre of barrel than a band gun, with fixed pre-charged pressure, some pump maintenance, and a louder shot.
The pneumatic speargun stores its power in compressed air: you pump the sealed reservoir once (it stays charged for months of use), and each loading pushes the shaft against that pressure to cock the internal piston. The payoff is compactness - a pneumatic delivers band-gun power from a shorter barrel, which is why it thrives in the Mediterranean's rocky, low-visibility hunting. The costs are a louder shot, a fixed feel you can't tune mid-dive (unless the gun has a power regulator), and seals that eventually need service.
⚠️ Spearfishing is freediving - and freediving has real risks. Shallow-water blackout can strike experienced divers without warning: never dive alone (one diver up watching, one down - always), never hyperventilate before a dive, and get formal freediving training before pushing depth. Tow a float with a diver-down flag - it's legally required in many waters and it's what keeps boats off you. Load a speargun only in the water, never point it at anyone, and know your local rules: spearfishing is prohibited in fresh water and in many marine areas, and species, size and season limits apply. We describe gear and technique for education only - we don't give legal or medical advice; check your local regulations and train with qualified instructors.
What it is
A speargun with a sealed compressed-air reservoir and internal piston: loading the shaft compresses the system, the trigger releases it. Air is a stored spring, not a consumable - it isn't 'used up' per shot.
Where it shines
Tight, rocky, low-visibility hunting where a short manoeuvrable gun wins; hole hunting; and divers who prefer one fixed, repeatable power level over band arithmetic.
How to use it
Load in the water with the dedicated loader, muzzle away from you and everyone; hunting handling is the same discipline as any gun - it fires with the same lethality. Expect a sharper report than bands.
Choosing & sizing
Shorter barrels than equivalent band guns do the same work; a power regulator (low/high) adds flexibility. Factor in seal-service availability - pneumatics reward owners who keep up light maintenance.
Strengths & weaknesses
Compact power, fast loading once learned, consistent shot-to-shot - but louder (spooks fish in pressured spots), seal maintenance is non-optional, and travel pressure rules need checking.
Common mistakes
Dry-firing (hard on the piston), letting seals age until the gun loses pressure mid-trip, treating the loader as optional, and forgetting that a 'small' pneumatic hits like a big band gun.