This category holds Rob Allen conventional spearguns, also called railguns, with bands that pull from the muzzle and an integrated rail guiding the shaft. It covers single-band reef guns such as the Scorpia, Cobia, Kawa and Sparid, twin-band models such as the Tuna Railgun and GT Carbon, and triple-band Trevally and BlueFin guns.
Band count is the quickest way to narrow the choice. Single 16 mm band guns – the Scorpia, Cobia, Kawa Carbon and Sparid – are light, easy to load and suited to reef and close-range hunting with a 6.3–6.6 mm shaft. Twin-band guns such as the Tuna Railgun (2 x 16 mm), GT Carbon Railgun (2 x 16 mm), Mahi Carbon and Snapper Railgun (2 x 14 mm) push a 7–7.5 mm shaft further. The triple-band Trevally, BlueFin and Havoc Timberline models carry three 14 mm bands for larger fish and open water.
Length and shaft
Rob Allen's own setup examples give a useful guide: a 50 cm gun pairs with an 80 cm spear and 45 cm rubber, a 100 cm gun with a 1.4 m spear and 55 cm rubber, and a 140 cm gun with a 1.8 m spear and 76 cm rubber. Short guns are easier in holes and low visibility; longer ones reach further in clear water.
Aluminium or carbon
Most railguns here come in aluminium, which is durable and good value – see aluminium spearguns. Carbon versions such as the Kawa, Mahi, GT Carbon and BlueFin Pro are lighter and stiffer.
FAQ
What is the rail on a railgun for? The integrated rail supports the shaft along the barrel, which helps it leave the gun straight and quietly.
Is the pole spear a speargun? No. The Rob Allen Aluminum Pole Spear is a hand spear without a trigger, a simple alternative to a band-powered gun.
Where can I buy a spare shaft for my railgun? Shafts from 6.6 to 8 mm are listed in Spears & Bands. Compare roller models in Rollerguns.
