Build a Pneumatic Air Rifle

Step 10: Fin

 I haven't gotten a chance to fully range check this as I live in a relatively populated area. I'll try to update if I can get a chance to test it. I shot a few things with it like card board boxes and foam targets. It works ok. One thing to note is that if the .50 caliber rounds didn't pierce the target (too low of a pressure or odd angle), it had a bad ricochet. The arrow on the other hand worked like a charm every time :)


The good thing about this is that it is scalable. I'm sure a larger version would work much batter but you need to lay down some more money for that. Overall I'm pleased with it. Any questions or comments, please let me know. This was my first instructable so I'm hoping to do more in the future.

Comments

[dasadler]

When using the arrows, did you wrap anything around the shaft to fill the barrel? In other words, something for the compressed air to push against as it seems like the arrow just sitting there would not be propelled very far or with much force.

[CaptPikel]

Yes. A single paper towel (the blue shop kind).

[de0509]

actually, i think cellophane tapes are good for wrapping around cylindrical ammo for a good seal. they are so thin that you can make the diameter very finely tuned to what you want. duct tapes are too thick, just an extra round and its too thick, one round less, it leaks pressure. Plus, cellophane and PVC doesnt have much friction just same as the paper towel right. Thus, there will be no need to retrieve the paper towel anymore, just find the ammo back and its ready to be shot again. less messy reload. There are ideas on the net to make rifled bullets because rifling the barrel is a tough work. more accuracy.

[yeolddingdong]

hey I was blown away by this and if this is really your first 'structable its totally awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[collingant]

how would you make it to shoot airsoft bbs?