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Worldbuilding

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  • $\begingroup$ Provided the bolt isn't damaged too much on impact, would it be re-useable? $\endgroup$
    – GridAlien
    Commented Feb 14, 2020 at 17:36
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @GridAlien Similar to arrows shot from a regular bow, yes. If the bolts don't hit a hard surface like rock or metal, it's highly possible that they can be recovered and shot again. Eventually, fetching on the bolts will probably have to be replaced but only depending on how deep the bolt penetrates/what material the fetching is made of. $\endgroup$
    – Dragongeek
    Commented Feb 14, 2020 at 17:40
  • $\begingroup$ The Girandoni air rifle was in service between 1780 and 1815, and was the world's first service semi automatic battle rifle, with a range of about 150 m. However it was very expensive and not well suited for the conditions of field use, hence its short service life. $\endgroup$
    – Thucydides
    Commented Feb 14, 2020 at 19:34
  • $\begingroup$ @Dragongeek If you mean the little vanes on the tail, those are called fletching. $\endgroup$
    – Bloke Down The Pub
    Commented Feb 15, 2020 at 22:37
  • $\begingroup$ Airbolts (like quarrels and arrows) would have less range, armor penetration, and weight efficiency as well as smaller, higher velocity slugs. So, unless the OP rules them out as a type of "gun", airguns would beat out airbows very early on in the arms race to make the best air weapon. $\endgroup$
    – Nosajimiki
    Commented Feb 24, 2020 at 15:10