I’ve used a Hawaiian sling for the past few years I’ve been in Florida but finally decided to take the leap and get a gun. I’ve always done well free-diving with my 7’ pole (lots of average size hogs, grey triggers, mangroves, yellowtail, infinite whitings, etc..) so I’ve really never felt the need to buy a gun, but after being teased by a dozen or so cuda’s in West Palm this past weekend I finally decided I want to get a gun. Plus there have been a lot of times I’ll see a black grouper, mackerel or exceptional sized hog or snapper that’s smart enough to keep outside my pole’s distance.

From what I’ve read I’ll probably go with something ~110cm. With my current budget of ~$150, I’m looking at the Cressi Comanche (110cm for $160) on amazon, the JBL Carbine d8 (40.5” for $126) on amazon is also in my price range. Otherwise I’ll be looking to get used, I’ve seen a Rob Allen 110 (also Rob Allen Tuna 1000 and 1200) each listed on CL for $150, a Beuchat Marlin carbine 105 (asking $180), and some other used ones from 100-250 (I’d have to talk them down to ~$150).

Would you guys recommend buying a new gun off amazon, or waiting/looking around for a used gun in my price range? I probably go free diving 1-2x per month (but I’d like to go more), and scuba 1-2x per year at the moment (hopefully more as I’m meeting more people who dive and spear).