Mares Sten help...

[scubaru]

Anyone know where to get a new spear for a pneumatic sten 133??? Nothing online, JBL doesn't make one, nothing on E-Bay, Mares is no help. Maybe some spearo out there knows some people who know some people that can help out. I know the shaft isn't the problem, it's the tailpiece that's the trick.

[speckle-catcher]

JBL used to sell a shaft threaded on both ends. You have to buy the shaft, then thread on an adapter that fits in the gun end. they may not sell that any more.

[speckle-catcher]

here you go, they still mke them. I think the adapter #7255 fits a Sten:

http://www.jblspearguns.com/products/accessories/accessories2.html#adapta-adapters

[scubaru]

So, is this adapter what actually locks the spear into place? W/ out having a complete spear, I can't remember what that end of the shaft is supposed to look like.

[speckle-catcher]

basically the end of the shaft that goes in a pneumatic gun is tapered down from the shaft diameter. That tapered piece is what holds the shaft in place (by friction). It should work for you.

Where are you located? Try calling Sea Sports in Houston and find the store that Jesse works at (281-894-4488 I think) - he should know exactly what you need.

I've never been a big fan of pneumatic guns because:

1. the shaft does not lock in place like on a band gun
2. too complicated (oring's, pump, etc)
3. they lose power at depth.

[scubaru]

Thanks for your research and help SC. The tailpiece on my booger has a notch that tapers from dia then perpindcular back out, and locked it tight into place. That's why the JBL adapter was a little fuzzy to me. Complicated, well I dunno, I guess so. I 6'ed that pump right outta the box, and had the dive shop rig me a T w/ a Bar guage and HP hose, that I can maintain my 22 bar with off any scuba tank. This is something I've never had to do BTW. As for power, my last shot was when I lost this friggin tailpiece. 111 FSW, gave last rites to a 45lb AJ, stone cold style. Power at that depth was a non-issue, and that's about the edge of my envelope on a single tank of air, shooting big fish, and the bottom is the back side of China.
I've got my dive shop owner (Dennis- WWDiving in Humble), and Rob over in Florida all over it. Technically, if I just had a tailpiece, this gun would be a shooter again.

[scubaru]

Don't get me wrong, this gun is the blacksheep of my group's arsenal. Every other gun we shoot is a triple band JBL. I picked this up just for the sake of having something to shoot when the floor of the boat is covered in busted bands. But other than not PM'ing this spear with a little locktite, this gun has been a maint free, steel slingin minister of death.

[speckle-catcher]

I've only actually only ever seen one Sten gun. They were replaced with the Mares Cyrano line of guns. I've seen one of those stone an 80# ling.

Personally I shoot a Riffe Metal #4 with 3 9/16" bands. I can go to 4 5/8" bands if I want to.

I just picked up a Riffe No Ka Oi (same as the metal gun, but teak) - thanks Dunc!

I've got 2 JBL's that I give out as loaners.

Are you making your own bands?

[scubaru]

Nope, guess that would be a good 12 hour project. (Shiftworker, can't you tell..)
And so your the ole boy that picked up Dunc's gun......lol!
These JBL XHD's and Woody's are about as fancy as we get. There's no price tag that can correct shot good shot placement.
I actually wanted the Cyranno but ended up with the Sten. Was told told it was a grade above the Coprannos.....Anyway. Parts seem a lot more readily available for the latter.

[speckle-catcher]

I can make up a set of bands in about 30 minutes, and for much cheaper than you can buy them...Just have to remember how to tie the knots.

I think they quit making Stens in 98 or so. Parts were hard to come by even them. I seem to remember there was someone in Oregon or WA State that specializes in pneumatic guns. You might do some searching up there.

[scubaru]

Sweet, and once again thanks for all your input. If you got to Mares.com though they tell you all about their Sten line of guns right up until the 2004 collection. Mine is like the one in the Apnea pic, not one of those funky white handled ones.