The ‘Miracle’ Air Gun.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 466, 26 April 1890, Page 6

The ‘Miracle’ Air Gun.

The German press has been discussing the merits of a new repeating air rifle, called by its inventor the ‘Miracle ' gun, which, it is claimed, will supersede all sorts of powder guns. The weapon is described as much lighter than any of the military rifles now in use. It resembles the magazine rifle in that a steel cartridge holder, about a span and a half long, and as thick as a man's thumb, is attached to the one barrel by means of a screw. This reaervior contains sufficient air for 300 cartridges, which can be discharged as rapidly or slowly as the rifleman desires. Since only compressed and liquified air supplies the impelling force, no smoke and no flash accompany the discharge. Only a short, _ sharp, low report is heard as the piece is discharged, while the sudden release of the compressed air will drive a bullet a distance of 2,500 to 3,000 yards. As soon as one reservoir ,is empty another can be fixed upon the gun as quickly and as simply as charging an ordinary breechloader. Mr. Paul Giffard, the inventor of this miraculous gun, is an old gentleman in his seventyninth year. He says that 300 shots or cartridges can be produced for less than 3d, while the rifle itself can be bought for 21s. The ammunition is not affected by climatic changes, and its motive power will do equally well for cannon-shot as for bullets. Whether these assertions can be supported by practical trial has jet to be satisfactorily shown, —‘New York Herald.’