How the Umarex Airsaber Works
The Umarex Airsaber is an air-powered bow designed for hunting. The Umarex Airsaber, like most hunting air weapons, uses pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) power to propel its projectile. PCP air weapons are the most powerful type of air weapons, and they are the type most often used for hunting. While most air rifles shoot a small pellet, the Airsaber shoots a full-length arrow. It uses over 3600 psi of pressure to fire this arrow at around 475 feet per second.
In practice, the Airsaber is very similar to a crossbow. It can shoot up to 25 shots before the power starts to wane. After this point, the projectile is no longer being propelled with enough force to humanely kill large game. Like a crossbow, the Airsaber can mount a scope. This may be necessary, as it can effectively kill animals at distances approaching 70 yards.
Airbows vs. Air Rifles for Hunting
Hunting air rifles were developed before airbows, and they are still far more popular. However, as more airbows reach the market and prove their effectiveness in the field, some hunters are starting to prefer them over air rifles.
Airbows have several advantages over air rifles. The first and most important advantage is stopping power. A full-size arrow hits much harder than a small pellet, especially at close ranges. A pellet is also more likely to shatter upon impact, which could produce dangerous shrapnel.
However, airbows do have several drawbacks. The large arrows are much more likely to hit twigs or branches and get deflected. Also, they are more susceptible to wind due to their vanes. Finally, airbow arrows have to be specially made for this application. Regular arrows will not work. In fact, it may even be dangerous to use regular arrows in an airgun. The Airsaber comes with three arrows made specifically for the weapon.
The Umarex Airsaber Legal States
Many states have addressed the use of the Umarex Airsaber (and airbows in general). It can be used to take big game animals like deer and turkey in Alabama, Arizona, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, small game, like hogs, can be hunted in Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Many states allow the use of airbows to shoot predators like coyotes as well.
Because the airbow was only released in 2016, there has been relatively little time for the legality of its use to be addressed. There will most likely be changes to states allowing for the use of the Umarex Airsaber in the future.
