Pneu-Dart Model 196
Pneu-Dart, Inc. · Rifle · In Production
Also known as: Pneu-Dart 196, Model 196 Cartridge Fired Projector, PneuDart Model 196
Overview
The Pneu-Dart Model 196 is an American cartridge-fired projector rifle built on a Marlin Model XT bolt-action stock and receiver, used to deliver remote drug-delivery (RDD) darts to wildlife, zoo animals, and livestock rather than to fire a conventional lethal projectile. A dedicated .50 caliber rifled break-open dart barrel launches a self-injecting syringe dart, propelled by the gas of a .22 caliber rimfire blank power charge fed from a five-round clip. A five-position power-control knob on the rear of the gas block, combined with color-coded charge strengths, lets the operator tune range from point-blank out to roughly 90 metres, delivering anaesthetic or medication to an animal from a safe distance.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2948 g (104.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1090 mm (42.91") |
| Barrel Length | 432 mm (17.01") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 60 m (66 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 91 m (100 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .50 Caliber Cartridge-Fired Dart · primary — also known as .50 cal RDD dart, 50 caliber projectile syringe, Type C disposable dart, 1cc RDD dart
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Dart Break Open, Five Shot Power Charge Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Cartridge Powered, Break Open Dart Barrel, Five Position Power Control, Rifled Dart Barrel, Airflow Control Ports, Fiber Optic Front Sight, Quick Detachable Sling Swivels
Service history
Operators
- Wildlife veterinarians and game capture teams
Production
Long-running flagship cartridge-fired projector in the Pneu-Dart lineup; exact production figures are not published.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The .50 caliber dart barrel breaks open shotgun-style for single-dart loading, while the underlying Marlin XT action cycles .22 caliber blank power charges from a detachable five-shot clip. Recommended CCI charge strengths are Brown (level 2), Green (level 3) and Yellow (level 4). Because it is cartridge-fired, U.S. interstate sale is regulated by federal law and restricted to government agencies or Federal Firearms License holders. It is a remote drug-delivery capture device, not a conventional firearm.
Background
Pneu-Dart of Williamsport, Pennsylvania is one of the best-known makers of remote drug-delivery equipment in North America, and the Model 196 is a staff favourite among wildlife biologists and veterinarians for its rugged simplicity when darting deer, bears, and other large game for research, relocation, and medical care.