You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 44.201.0.0/16 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪ST47‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a web host's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and they should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 23:54, 31 July 2024.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪AntiCompositeNumber‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: Visit the FAQ if you are affected .
- Start of block: 13:55, 18 August 2022
- Expiry of block: 13:55, 18 April 2025
Your current IP address is 44.201.244.194. The blocked range is 44.201.0.0/16. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((short description|Specialized firearm used underwater that is fired when in direct contact with the target ))
((About|the firearm|the water pump used in aquariums|Powerhead (pump)))
((Multiple issues|
((Globalize|article|USA|2name=the United States|date=December 2014))
((more citations needed|date=April 2012))
))

((Infobox weapon
| name               = Powerhead (firearm)
| image              = 
| image_size         = 300
| alt                =
| caption            = 
| type               = Underwater Firearm
| origin             = 
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = yes
| is_bladed          = 
| is_explosive       = 
| is_artillery       = 
| is_vehicle         = 
| is_missile         = 
| is_UK              = 
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 
| used_by            = 
| wars               = 
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = 
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 
| number             = 
| variants           =
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| mass               = 
| length             = 
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 
| passengers         =
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> 
| cartridge          = ((plainlist|
* [[.22 WMR]]
* [[Gauge (bore diameter)|12 gauge]] and larger
* [[.357 Magnum]]
* [[.44 Magnum]]
* Others))
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = 
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = 
<!-- For all -->
| ref                = 
))

A '''powerhead''' is a specialized [[firearm]] used underwater that is fired when in direct contact with the target. Powerheads are often used for [[spear fishing]] and against [[shark]]s or [[alligator]]s for sport, defense, or to kill nuisance animals. The term powerhead refers to the firearm-like part of the device; when attached to a shaft to form a [[spear]], it may be referred to as a '''bang stick''' or '''shark stick'''. The spear in question may be handheld or launchable from a [[spear gun]].<ref name=fdlfaq>((cite web |url=http://www.freediver.net/freedivelist/faqstuff/faq_bangsticks.html  |title=FreeDiveList FAQ |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071215231500/http://www.freediver.net/freedivelist/faqstuff/faq_bangsticks.html |archivedate = 2007-12-15))</ref><ref name=beco>((cite web |url=http://www.beco-products.com/beco_catalog.htm |title=Beco Inner Space Products On-Line Catalog))</ref><ref name=atf>((cite web|url=https://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/rr_55569.txt |title=Revenue Ruling 55-569, C.B. 1955-2, 483. |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010719073315/https://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/rr_55569.txt |archivedate=July 19, 2001 ))</ref>

==Design==
A powerhead consists of a length of tubing which is the [[Chamber (weaponry)|chamber]] for the cartridge, a firing pin to fire the cartridge, and usually some form of safety pin or latch that prevents firing when it is engaged. The rear of the power head is fitted with some provision for attaching to a spear.<ref name=fdlfaq />

Powerheads are available that chamber a variety of [[handgun]], [[rifle]], and [[shotgun]] cartridges, from [[.22 WMR]] to [[Gauge (bore diameter)|12 gauge]] and larger. [[.357 Magnum]] is probably the most common, as it is fairly powerful yet still compact enough to be used in a spear gun. Large cartridges such as the 12 gauge are generally only used on a handheld spear.<ref name=fdlfaq />

Some powerheads use the cartridge to propel a barbed spear point into the target.  These are generally used on a bangstick for alligator hunting, to secure a line to the alligator to prevent escape.<ref name=beco /><ref>((cite web|url=http://myfwc.com/gators/public/TO_manual_2007.pdf |title=Alligator Hunting |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524123203/http://myfwc.com/gators/public/TO_manual_2007.pdf |archivedate=May 24, 2011 ))</ref>

===Purpose of contact-shooting===
[[Bullet]]s are generally designed to work in air, which has a very low [[density]].  The density of [[water]] is roughly 800 times higher than that of air at sea level, and that reduces the penetration of a bullet proportionally.  A bullet might travel a mile (1.6&nbsp;km) in air, but travel no more than a few feet (about a meter) in water. Expanding hunting or defensive ammunition, such as that using [[hollow point bullet]]s, will penetrate even less, as the water is dense enough to cause the bullet to expand. By firing while in contact with the target, a powerhead does not waste energy on traveling through the water, but rather expends all its energy directly on the target.<ref name=fdlfaq />

===How they work===
Although most commercial powerheads use standard [[handgun]] [[ammunition]], such as [[.357 Magnum]] or [[.44 Magnum]], many users choose to use larger caliber ammunition to do maximum damage to the intended target. ((Citation needed|date=February 2012)) A common misconception of how powerheads function is that the [[muzzle flash|muzzle blast]] does the damage, as much high-pressure gas is forced into the flesh of the target. While the gas does do some minimal damage, it is ultimately the penetration of the slug that causes the damage to the target. Most powerheads function just as traditional firearms do, except that it is the spear which acts as the firing hammer.  One commercially produced version used a modified [[.30-30 Winchester]] cartridge case, loaded backwards, with a primed [[.38 Special]] case loaded in its mouth holding the primer.  The cartridge was loaded with the .30-30 case facing outwards, so that the .30-30 case full of burning powder was propelled into the target upon firing.<ref name=fdlfaq /><ref>((US patent reference |number=4058062 |y=1977 |m=3 |d=21 |inventor=Rhett McNair |title=Powerhead cartridge))</ref> This system is fast to reload and one of the most effective despite the fact that it does not use a bullet.

===Ammunition issues===
Since most powerheads are designed to use commercial ammunition, which is not designed to be used underwater, the ammunition used must be waterproofed.  A coating of [[nail polish]] or [[varnish]] is commonly used around the primer and case mouth. For [[shotshell]]s, a layer of [[rubber]], such as  a balloon, can be used to seal the crimped front of the shell.<ref name=fdlfaq /><ref name=beco />

==Legal issues==
===Australia===
In Australia they are classed as category A firearms requiring a legitimate reason for issuance of a permit to acquire to a weapons licence holder. When not in use, they must be safely stored in a locked container with ammunition stored separately. Regulations vary between states, with some states permitting their use for defense against sharks only, and not for spearfishing.

===United States===
A powerhead may be considered a firearm under some circumstances.  In the US, the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|ATF]] considers a powerhead a firearm if it is not permanently affixed to a shaft; generally powerheads are sold spot welded to a temporary steel shaft giving an overall length of greater than 18 inches (45&nbsp;cm).  After installing permanently on a spear shaft, the spot weld is cut, and the temporary shaft discarded.<ref name=atf /> Revenue Ruling 55-569, C.B. 1955–2, 483 says:

((blockquote|text=A device ostensibly designed for submarine spear fishing, but capable of chambering and firing .22 caliber rimfire  ammunition, is a firearm within the purview of the National Firearms Act.  However, such device, if permanently attached to the speargun shaft by the manufacturer, would not be a firearm.|sign=|source=Revenue Ruling 55-569, C.B. 1955-2, 483))

This ruling is with regard to the [[National Firearms Act]], and not to the 1968 [[Gun Control Act]]. (The National Firearms Act defines 'firearm' as [[machine gun]]s, [[short barreled rifles]], [[Sawed-off shotgun|short barreled shotguns]], and concealable firearms that are neither pistols nor revolvers.) This means that powerheads may still be under the authority of the 1968 Gun Control Act with regard to shipping them and purchase of them from licensed dealers.<ref name=atf />

Laws may also prohibit the use of powerheads in sport fishing.  They are allowed in US federally controlled waters, but many states prohibit their use in state controlled waters. One can be easily in violation of state law despite being compliant with federal regulations.

==References==
((reflist))

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150723003903/http://www.thejohnharding.com/archives/00000182.htm Wally Gibbins] with an eleven-foot tiger shark and 10 gauge shotgun powerhead in 1963. Archived from [http://www.thejohnharding.com/archives/00000182.htm the original] on 2016-07-27.

((Underwater diving|prodiv))

[[Category:Firearm terminology]]
[[Category:Underwater firearms]]
[[Category:.357 Magnum firearms]]
[[Category:.44 Magnum firearms]]
[[Category:.22 Winchester Magnum firearms]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Powerhead (firearm) (edit)
Template:About (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Blockquote (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Blockquote/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation/make link (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Citation needed (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite patent/authors (view source) (extended confirmed protected)
Template:Cite patent/core (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:Comma separated entries (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Delink (view source) (protected)
Template:Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Fix (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix/category (view source) (protected)
Template:Globalize (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Globalize/name (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Has short description (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Hlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Icon (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:If empty (view source) (protected)
Template:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Infobox weapon (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:More citations needed (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Multiple issues (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Multiple issues/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:Plainlist (view source) (protected)
Template:Plainlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Template:Template other (view source) (protected)
Template:US patent reference (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Underwater diving (view source) (semi-protected)
Template:WPMILHIST Infobox style (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:About (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Delink (view source) (protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:Find sources (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/links (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/templates/Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Format link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:GetParameters (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Icon (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Icon/data (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:If empty (view source) (protected)
Module:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Infobox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:InfoboxImage (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbar/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Navbox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/configuration (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Navbox with collapsible groups (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:Separated entries (view source) (protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:String2 (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:TableTools (view source) (protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:WPMILHIST Infobox style (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Powerhead (firearm).

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerhead_(firearm)"