Hi! In this instructable I will be showing you how to make a rubber band rifle. Pretty much anyone with access to basic tools can make it. Advantages to rubber band guns over foam dart guns are ammunition (rubber bands) costs a fraction of foam darts, even though their mainly single shot they can be reloaded faster, they can be made to look like any gun you want, and you can make one for half of the price of an average foam dart gun. Please be careful when using this as it can take an eye out. Wear proper eye protection if having a war with these. This is my first instructable. Thanks for looking.

This is an entry for the Toy Challenge 2, If you like it please rate it and vote for me :)

Step 1: Materials

Materials needed

4 feet of 1x8 shelving material.

1 dowel between 1/2" and 3/4" diameter about 4 feet long.

1 standard spring action WOOD clothespin, the one piece wood ones or plastic ones do not work.

A few small screws

A long sheet of paper, it should be about 8"x4'. You can also tape a few sheets of printer paper together.

Tools needed

Jig saw, if you don't have one a hand saw can also be used.

Hand saw

Electric sander

Super glue or fast drying wood glue, I used JB Weld Wood Weld.

Drill with drill bits and screw tips

A pencil

Sharpie

Step 2: Draw an Outline

On the piece of large paper draw your outline for a gun. Make sure to leave the top of the gun completely flat so the barrel mounts easier. If your having trouble deciding what kind of gun to base it on, flip through a gun book to get ideas. I am basing mine on a shotgun.

Step 3: Cutting the Wood

Now that your outline is done cut it out and trace it on to the piece of wood. Use a sharpie so the lines are more visible when you start cutting. Now you can begin to cut it out. Using a jig saw (or hand saw) start with cutting the longer lines and then doing the short ones. I've found its easier if you trim all the excess wood around the outline first.

Step 4: Sanding

Now you are ready to sand your gun. Using an electric sander with medium grit sandpaper, sand the two sides of the gun and all the edges to prevent splinters. A sanding block can be used if you don't have an electric sander.

Step 5: Cutting and Attaching the Barrel

Now you are ready to move on to the barrel. Start by cutting the barrel to your desired length. Remember that the longer the barrel, the more powerful the gun is. But don't make it ridiculously long because it will be hard to find giant rubber bands. After the barrel is cut attach it to the gun using a few small screws. I recommend counter sinking them so the rubber band does not get caught. After the barrel is attached to the gun, use a hand saw and cut a horizontal slit at the tip of the barrel for the rubber band to nest in.

Step 6: Attaching the Trigger

Now for the trigger. Glue the clothespin on top of the barrel at the very back. Do not nail or screw it in because it will crack. Be sure to let the glue dry before you use it.

Step 7: FINISHED!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! You are finished building your rubber band gun! The total cost for me to build this was free because I had all the materials laying around, but I'd imagine it would only cost around $10 in materials. Whether your using this for target practice or wars please use it cautiously by wearing safety glasses and making sure that those playing with you also have eye protection. As tempting as it may be, please don't shoot the dog.

This is an entry for the Toy Challenge 2, if you like it please rate it and vote for me :)

Introduction: How to Make a Rubber Band Rifle