Barakuda EL54 on eBay

[dsticha]

A Barakuda EL54 ether injection unit went up for auction on eBay, FYI. The rifle is not included, just the injector.
It's a working and complete unit in like new condition but it's being sold as a collector's item only.

Vintage Barakuda Ether Injection Unit for EL54 Barakuda Air Rifle | eBay

THE RIFLE IS NOT INCLUDED, JUST THE ETHER INJECTION UNIT. See close up pictures. This unit is being sold as-is for collecting purposes only.

www.ebay.com

 

[Bad News Beeman]

Probably a good reason why this system was only ever a footnote in airgun history, noone likes an intentional detonation in their AG.

Cool to see one in NIB condition though.

 

[DualMagMike]

The ether injection system is not needed to use the rifle, it's a modified HW35 at heart. Often called HW35 Barakuda, this is not correct as noted in the OP it's Barakuda HW EL54. Unless marked Barakuda (not Baracuda) the rifle is not considered authentic. Some HW35's were made later with spare part injection tubes like the one on eBay.

My Barakuda with vintage glass vile ether capsules and round shot.

 

[dsticha]

Probably a good reason why this system was only ever a footnote in airgun history, noone likes an intentional detonation in their AG.

Cool to see one in NIB condition though.

I agree, its a cool contraption but I would never ever use one.
However, in any discussion of the Barakuda you eventually hear the same thing get mentioned, "Beware! It will blow up in your face!". Is this a real caution supported by documented cases? I'm thinking it never sold well and failed in the marketplace because advances in springer technology made it obsolete, not because of perceived or real danger. And because here in the US (the biggest market for premium grade airguns) regular old 22lr guns (which use gunpowder which is MUCH MORE dangerous then ether) could be had much cheaper and be more effective as well. I'm thinking the fear around these units is one of those "truths" that tend to take root despite evidence to the contrary and get passed around forever after as gospel. Having said that though I think you're right. The HW35 works just fine the way it was originally designed, why introduce an "explosive" component to the shooting process? Springers are elegant in their simplicity, why complicate and sully the design?

 

[dsticha]

The ether injection system is not needed to use the rifle, it's a modified HW35 at heart. Often called HW35 Barakuda, this is not correct as noted in the OP it's Barakuda HW EL54. Unless marked Barakuda (not Baracuda) the rifle is not considered authentic. Some HW35's were made later with spare part injection tubes like the one on eBay.

My Barakuda with vintage glass vile ether capsules and round shot.
View attachment 436734

View attachment 436735

It should also be noted that installing the ether unit on a HW35 is not a trivial matter and takes a certain amount of mechanical skill. I've also heard that the gun also requires internal modification as well (metal piston seal???) to be used safely with ether injection.

 

[DualMagMike]

It should also be noted that installing the ether unit on a HW35 is not a trivial matter and takes a certain amount of mechanical skill. I've also heard that the gun also requires internal modification as well (metal piston seal???) to be used safely with ether injection.

NEVER heard of a metal seal in Barakuda!

 

[Spartan]

That's a cool bit of history! I wonder how they sealed those glass ampules with the ether being so flammable. Typically that type of ampule is sealed using a hot flame.