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Pump-Action Rocket Gun

Pump-Action Rocket Gun
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Step 1

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This is an awesome gun. It is very fun and not that difficult to make. It is also very cheap. The entire thing including a bunch of ammo could easily be made for ~$20, or much less if you already have a lot of the stuff ( you probably do). I spent about $15 but a lot of what I spent it on is extra and can be used on other things. I broke this instructable down into two parts: rockets and launcher, because it involves a lot of steps ( I didn't divide it into two i'bles though, just this one).

Contests:
-This is in the Krylon contest because it's painted with Krylon.
-This is in the "launch it" contest because it launches rockets.
-This is in the Celestron space challenge because it uses rocket propulsion. And it would work in space I think.

Quote from ATF relating to the legality of this project:

"...As defined in 26 USC subsection 5845(f) (2) the term destructive device includes any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellent, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell... The term 'destructive device' shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon ; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic , line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the USC; or any other device which the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes. ..."

This quote is from: http://www.launchpotatoes.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=7

I think that means this is legal as long as it is not used as a weapon.
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23 comments
Jul 22, 2011. 2:08 AMilpug says:
Well, i must say this is extremely awesome. ive made pump action things, and rocket launching things, but never thought of combining the two. here is what i have to say:

-amazing design. simple, cheap, lightweight, and requires no special tools. t
-looks badass and seems to operate well
-the clip fed system is really nice
-ignition system is simple, requiring no knowledge of electronics
-i would make this, but i would make it larger diameter, and modify it to use store-bought model rocket engines. the home-made rockets are nice, but i have never felt entirely safe with them, just my paranoia. unfortunately, store bought rocket motors are prohibitively expensive.

AMAZING JOB. keep it up
Mar 3, 2012. 4:55 PMMadBomber12 says:
I love this! I'm currently working on making one myself, though I may be subbing cardboard for bulsawood (I have a lot just sitting around) to maybe add a little more weight and durability.
Dec 11, 2011. 11:29 AMtom tom go says:
You're damm scary!! lol. I might build it :) by the it's
really cool
Aug 4, 2011. 9:52 AMvov35 says:
I can't help but find your project interesting.
Do you think this could be done with regular hobby rocket engines?

Also, a tried, tested and true method of keeping your rockets flying straight over long distances (100s of meters):
1) take a drillbit about half the diameter of your nozzle
2) make two marks on your engine where the nozzle and propellant material meet
3) drill at 45-75 degree angles at both marked points

This results in the rocket exhaust being used to spin stabilize your rocket, which is usually quite a bit more reliable and predictable than using fins.

A friend and I had, at one point, built something similar to this; but single fire and relying on hobby rocket engines for ammo. We were able to reliably hit our target, a 2' tree, at approximately 35m, with a smoke bomb tip attached.
Aug 4, 2011. 2:02 PMvov35 says:
Of course, I don't mind in the slightest. Feel free to paraphrase or whatever to make it easier to understand... I was never good at writing instructions.

I'd love to see you test it with your rockets as well, it seems like it would be truly impressive putting out multiple spin-stabilized rockets. Especially with a custom "signalling" tip.
Jul 23, 2011. 11:23 AMflamesami says:
hmmm...if you could make less smokey fuel, then have smokebomb stuff at the end (might need a longer rocket), you have a smoke grenade launcher....
I think this is brilliant! (your instructable, not my idea)
Jul 21, 2011. 1:56 PMRevolt Lab says:
I would love a diagram of the gun.
Jul 24, 2011. 8:48 AMRevolt Lab says:
Awesome diagram! Thanks so much!
Jul 20, 2011. 4:28 AMRevolt Lab says:
Have you tested it with mutiple rockets in the magazine? Does the first one ignite all the others?
Jul 21, 2011. 1:50 PMRevolt Lab says:
please do more tests and take more video! I would really love to see how far it can launch and to see it launch multiple rockets!
Jul 21, 2011. 10:39 AMwilgubeast says:
I love the explanation of why this is entered into each contest! As the person who lets projects into contests, it sure helps to not have to dig through your Instructable to find a tiny parenthetical aside indicating how the project uses spray paint. I'm not sure how this would function in space, but I'll give it to you because you made the effort. (And because you didn't try to enter this into the canning or USB contests.)
Jul 20, 2011. 8:13 AMrimar2000 says:
Well done. This is dangerous like a monkey with machine gun, but funny. When I was a boy, I did some pyrotechnics. I was the fear of the neighborhood!
Jul 19, 2011. 10:11 PMmycroftxxx says:
Wow, that is both insanely dangerous and really pretty. Congratulations!

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