CASH Cowpuncher
Accles & Shelvoke Ltd · Pistol · In Production
Also known as: Cash Cowpuncher, Accles & Shelvoke CASH Cowpuncher, CASH Cowpuncher 25R
Overview
The CASH Cowpuncher is a cartridge-powered penetrating captive bolt stunning pistol made by Accles & Shelvoke and designed specifically for the humane pre-slaughter stunning of cattle. Built around a robust cylindrical body, it uses a unique contact-fire mechanism that discharges when the muzzle is pressed firmly against the animal's skull, allowing one-handed operation without pressing a trigger. Firing a blank .22 or .25 caliber cartridge drives a retained (captive) steel bolt forward to deliver a concussive penetrating blow that renders the animal instantly unconscious, after which the bolt automatically returns to its seated position. Colour-coded cartridges of differing propellant charge let the operator match bolt energy to animal size, from small pigs and goats up to very heavy bulls, sows and boars, and a positive no-fire safety prevents accidental discharge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2800 g (98.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 265 mm (10.43") |
| Width | 60 mm (2.36") |
| Action Type | Breech Loading |
| Firing Mechanism | Fixed Firing Pin |
| Trigger Type | Contact Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 55 m/s (180 fps) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Captive Bolt Blank · primary — also known as .22 blank, .22 stunning cartridge, 5.6mm captive bolt blank
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Breech Loaded Cartridge
- Safety mechanisms: Positive No Fire Safety, Contact Fire Interlock, Captive Bolt Retention
- Features: Captive Bolt, Contact Fire Operation, One Handed Operation, Automatic Bolt Return, Cylindrical Body, Interchangeable Cartridge Loads, Long Handle Option
Variants
- CASH Cowpuncher .25 - Heavy Duty
Service history
Operators
- Meat processing and slaughter industry
Production
Current-production humane stunning tool used daily in abattoirs and on farms worldwide
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Notes
A captive bolt stunner is not a conventional firearm: the bolt is retained within the tool and no free projectile is discharged. The Cowpuncher is offered in both .22 and .25 caliber and accepts a telescopic long-handle accessory for stunning at greater reach. Manufacturer figures: length approximately 265 mm, width approximately 60 mm, weight approximately 2.8 kg. Cartridges span roughly 2.0 to 6.0 grain propellant loads distinguished by colour code.
Background
The CASH captive bolt principle pioneered by Accles & Shelvoke replaced the poleaxe and other crude methods, becoming a founding standard of humane slaughter referenced in EU welfare regulation EC 1099/2009. The Cowpuncher's contact-fire design lets a handler stun cattle single-handed without a separate trigger pull.