There are a LOT of advertisements for .40 Caliber Blowguns.  From my experience, I've found these items to be MINIMALLY effective at best.  If you are going to use the blowgun for target practice or just plain "plinking", they are fine.  If used as a hunting weapon, you would have to take "dead aim" at the heart and lungs just behind the shoulder blade of an unsuspecting critter.  Their downrange velocity drops off sharply after 10-15 feet.  Also, keep in mind the type of blowgun dart you are using for practical applications.  I would have to recommend the Cold Steel .625 Magnum using broadhead darts.  The tube for the Cold Steel Blowgun is 5 feet, dramatically adding to both velocity and accuracy.  Lastly, keep in mind what prey you will be going after.  Anything over 5-6 lbs...................FORGET it unless you are at POINT BLANK range!  Squirrels are great, rabbits too.  You might even get lucky and nab yourself a prairie dog.  I got one from about 18 feet away, but it was a very lucky shot.  The dart instantly penetrated the right lung, and blood was spewing out it's mouth in buckets.  The gurgling sound it made was most annoying as well, but it got the job done.  In summary, don't waste your time with the 40 caliber "toys".  When you want the very best..............Go COLD STEEL! No, I do not work for Cold Steel, but have purchased and reviewed quite a few of their items.  It's just unfortunate the 2006 prices have gone up so high.  I recently purchased a Cold Steel Land/Sea Rescue Knife.  Got it directly from their factory for $64.99.  Bear in mind though, this isn't a fighting knife, but it's one of the best utility/emergency rescue knives on the market.  It cuts through seat belts like a hot knife through butter.  Nuff said.  Thank you for listening to my techno-babble!