The Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50 is a premium solution in the compact speargun category. Very short spearguns, particularly 50 cm models, are often equipped with basic components: plastic trigger mechanisms, low-performance rubber bands, small 26 or 28 mm barrels and simple muzzles.
The Argo Dragon Mini 50 takes a completely different approach. Meandros combines the same high-quality components used on its longer spearguns with an extremely compact 50 cm barrel. The result is a powerful, rigid and precise short speargun designed primarily for hole hunting and fishing in confined spaces.
Argo elliptical aluminium barrel
The barrel is one of the most distinctive elements of the Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50. “Argo” identifies the oversized elliptical aluminium barrel developed by the Greek manufacturer to offer excellent rigidity, internal volume and buoyancy. The buoyancy is so good you can actually shoot a fish and the Argo Mini will float even if setup with a reel, so it will not drop on the sea floor and eventually get stuck while you are ascending from the dive with your catch! This is a key aspect!
The barrel measures 32 mm in height and 40 mm in width, with 1.5 mm thick walls. This generous elliptical cross-section provides exceptional resistance to bending.
The integrated shaft guide further increases the structural rigidity of the barrel. It also helps improve shooting accuracy and makes it easier to position the shaft correctly during loading.
The entire aluminium barrel is perfectly anodized to ensure effective and durable protection against corrosion and wear.
Meandros handle and inverted trigger mechanism
The Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50 uses the high-quality handle and trigger mechanism entirely designed and manufactured by Meandros. It is the same system found on the Meandros b32, winner of the Apnea Passion Best Choice 2025 Award.
The patented handle and loading butt form a single structure, offering excellent rigidity. The loading butt is 5.7 cm wide and covered with a softer rubber material for greater comfort and a secure, non-slip contact against the chest.
Two lateral wings positioned in front of the trigger mechanism keep the monofilament away from the line of sight. This provides a cleaner aiming picture and prevents the shooting line from interfering with target acquisition.
The grip is also covered with a softer rubber compound to improve control and prevent slipping. However, the material remains sufficiently firm to avoid unwanted deformation when swinging the speargun.
The inverted trigger mechanism is made entirely of stainless steel, including the trigger and lateral line-release lever. The latter is compact but strong, with a carefully designed V-shaped profile that securely holds the monofilament in position.
Another key feature is the minimal vertical distance between the index finger and the shaft. This reduced offset makes aiming and shooting more natural, intuitive and precise.
Meandros Dragon closed muzzle
The speargun is fitted with the Meandros Dragon closed muzzle, another component designed and manufactured by the Greek company.
Strong and carefully engineered, the muzzle is designed for the standard pair of straight rubber bands. It also allows an additional circular band to be installed when more power is required.
A small bridge in the centre of the muzzle features an integrated aiming line, helping the diver align the speargun with the target. The straight rubber bands are connected through traditional threaded bushings.
Shaft and rubber-band setup
Thanks to the high internal volume and buoyancy of the Argo barrel, the Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50 can be set up with either a 6.5 mm or 6.75 mm shaft.
The standard shaft features loading notches and a threaded tip, allowing different multiprong spearheads to be installed according to the type of prey and fishing conditions.
The propulsion system consists of two powerful 17.5 mm Meandros straight rubber bands, each 20 cm long and fitted with threaded bushings. They are connected to the shaft through a metal spring wishbone.
This powerful setup is unusual for such a compact speargun and highlights the premium positioning of the Argo Dragon Mini 50.
S-Dive K5 five-prong spearhead
The threaded shaft requires a suitable spearhead. For our setup, we selected the interesting S-Dive K5 five-prong spearhead, designed by Nicola Riolo.
This five-prong solution appears particularly suitable for close-range hole hunting and deserves a dedicated test to evaluate its penetration, holding capability and durability.
Is the Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50 worth buying?
The Meandros Argo Dragon Mini 50 is a unique short speargun. It combines premium components normally associated with longer and more powerful models with the manoeuvrability of a compact 50 cm barrel.
Despite its nominal barrel length, the speargun has an overall length of 74.5 cm. Its compact dimensions make it easy to control inside holes, under rocks and in other confined environments, while its rigid barrel, stainless-steel trigger mechanism and powerful twin-band setup offer performance well above that of most entry-level short spearguns.
The Argo Dragon Mini 50 is therefore an excellent choice for demanding spearfishers looking for a powerful, precise and durable short speargun for hole hunting.
