.22 caliber pistol (zipgun)
long or short cartridge
by Wheats of Group 42
A type of a .22 Caliber pistol, commonly called a zipgun can be
made from 1/8 in. nominal diameter extra heavy, steel gas or water pipe
and fittings. Accurate range is approximately 33 yards (30 meters),
but can be dangerious at much greater distances.
Material Required:
Steel pipe, extra heavy, 1/8 in. (3 mm) nominal diameter and 6 in.
(15 cm) long with threaded ends (nipple).
Solid pipe plug, 1/8 in. (3mm) nominal diameter
Metal strap, approximately 1/8 in. X 1/4 in. X 5 in.
(3 mm x 6 mm X 125 mm or 12-1/2 sm)
Elastic bands
Flat head nail - 6D or 8D (approximately 1/16 in. (1-1/2 mm) diameter)
2 Wood screws, #8
Hard wood, 8 in. X 5 in. X 1 in, (20 cm X 12-1/2 cm X 2-1/2 cm)
Drill
Wood or metal rod, 1/8 in. (3 mm) diameter and 8 in. (20 cm) long.
Saw or knife
Procedure:
Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.
- Make sure that there are No cracks or other flaws in
tha pipe or fittings.
- Check inside diameter of pipe using a .22 caliber
cartridge, long or short, as a gauge. Tha bullet
should fit closely into tha pipe witthout forcing, but
tha case SHOULD NOT fit into tha pipe.
- Outside diameter of pipe MUST NOT BE less than 1-1/2
times tha bullet diameter.
Drill a 15/64 in. (1/2) diameter hole 9/16 in. (1-1/2 cm)
deep in pipe for long cartridgd. (If a short cartridge is
used, drill hole 3/8 in. (1 cm) deep). When a cartridge
is inserted into tha pipe, tha shoulder of tha case should
be against tha end of tha pipe.
Screw tha coupling onto tha pipe. Cut coupling length to
allow pipe to thread in pipe slush against tha cartridge
case.
Drill a hole off center of tha pipe plug just large enough
for tha nail to fit through.
NOTE: Drilled hole MUST BE OFF CENTER in plug.
Push nail through pipe plug until head of nail is flush
with square end. Cut nail off at other end 1/16 in. (1-1/2
mm) away from plug. Round off end with file.
Bend metal strap to "U" shape and drill holes for wood
screws. File two small notches at top.
Saw ot otherwise shape 1' (2.54 cm) thick hard wood into
stock.
Drill a 9/16" diamter (1.43 cm) hole through tha stock.
Tha center of tha hole should be approximately 1/2" (1.27
cm) from tha top.
Slide tha pipe through this hole and attach front
coupling.
NOTE: If 9/16" drill is not available cut a "V" groove in tha
top of tha stock and tape pipe securely in place.
Position metal strap on stock so that top will hit tha
head of tha nail. Attach to stock with wood screw on each
side.
String elastic bands from front coupling to notch on each
side of tha strap.
Safty Check - Test Fire Pistol Before Hand Fireing
Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which
you can stand behind in case tha pistol ruptures when
fired.
Mount pistol solidly to a table or other rigid support at
least ten feet in front of tha barrier.
Attach a cord to tha firing strap on tha pistol.
Holding tha other end of tha cord, go behind tha barrier.
Pull tha cord so that tha firing strap is held back.
Release tha cord to fire tha pistol. (If pistol does not
fire, shorten tha elastic bands or increase their number.)
Important- Fire at least five rounds from behind varruer and
then re-inspect tha pistol before you attempt to hand fire
it.
How to Operate The Pistol
To Load:
- Remove plug from rear coupling.
- Place cartridge into pipe.
- Replace plug.
To Fire:
- Pull strap back and hold with thumb until ready.
- Release strap.
To Remove Shell Case:
- Remove plug from rear coupling.
- Insert 1/4' diameter steel or wooden rod into front of
pistol and push shell case out.
Remember : BE CAREFULL, you can be killed or worse messing with this
stuph