JBL Sawed Off Magnum, is it really that bad?

I just bought a new aluminum alloy JBL sawed off magnum.  While researching this and other sites about tips in using the gun and set-ups, it seems these guns are not too well liked.  I was just curious why?  It seems like a love it or hate it relationship.

The gun came recommended from the shop, and the owner stated it and the AB Billers were about the same quality wise, and the price was in my range as I don't get to dive as much as I would like.

It has a cast aluminum handle (no plastic), aluminum barrel, 3/8" shaft and 2 5/8" power bands.  After holding all the guns in the store, I liked the feel of this gun.  It is a nice low vis blue color, and came with a double flopper tip.  It was 200 dollars, so didn't break the bank.  It seems like a much more quality gun than some of the older JBL's I have held and tried in the past.  I think this is their Magnum line of guns.

I am upgrading from a 6' pole spear, and just wanted a gun for the rocks and kelp around Mendocino and Fort Bragg.  Easier to transport on my float and kayak, and i can free dive and scube dive with it.  Something for larger fish like Lincod, Cabazone and maybe a Halibut if I am lucky enough to come across one.

I know this isn't a Riffe or fancy blue water gun, but is it really that bad of a gun?  I know how opinions run wild on the internet, so I would appreciate experiences and any suggested upgrades/modifications/set-ups.

The dive owner (a good guy I have known for some time) recommended cutting the shooting line to one wrap to ease loading.  With the one wrap it should still run out about 10 ft, which I am sure is well past the guns true limit and mine, use one 5/8" power band in the rocks to save the tip and shaft.  He says he can shoot through a 40lb Ling with a single band on his., and cut the rear butt down about 4" to improve its mobility in the rocks.

I appreciate any input.  Eventually I may even break down and try to build a wood gun.  I have read some great articles on it, and it looks like a great winter project.  Matt

i think that the gun will suit you just fine and it is an upgrade from the pole spear. with 2 bands the gun will be able to take lings and halibut. for halibut just run a floatline so you can let go of the gun when you shoot one. i took my first ling and halibut with the sawed off magnum wood jbl.

jbl's been making guns for a while and i think they are the choice for a lot of first guns. my first gun was a jbl and i still have it.

maybe later you will want something with more range but i think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the jbl. power it up and rinse it well after each dive.

good luck!

I've got a JBL and like it fine.  It's no sports car, but it's been a pretty solid gun for me.

Greg

Same here, my first gun was and is a JBL w/ a single band and I shoot all types of fish with it( lings, halibut, carp ). It's the cheap 60 $ gun and it has never failed me yet. I have since bought some more expensive guns but my jbl is the first one I load up into my kayak or my boogie board. I put a coiled line on mine that way I don't have to worry about wrapping it back up every time I shoot at something. Have fun with it,