.38 cal. DAMAGE SHOTS!!!

[maverik94]

Here is my newest rifle. It is my first all metal gun, and is pretty impressive both power-wise, and looks-wise. As far as power, I have taken it to 200 psi, and using a crude chronograph, I figured out it goes about 500 fps shooting a mardi-gras bead. I just got a shock pump, so I plan to take it to 300-400 psi. The chamber is made of brass, copper, and steel because I couldn't find all the fittings in one type of metal. the barrel is made of 3/8" steel brakeline. That's actually .375 cal., but It's VERY close to .38, so I just go with that. The wooden stock and body is all handmade. I used a circular saw for the long straight cuts, and a jigsaw for the round cuts. I used a router for the groove where the barrel sits in. I want to try this gun out with steel bbs, but i'm not sure they make then in .38 cal. The gun is breechloading with a simple system where you just push the barrel forward and load then pull it back. It requires no seals. Anyway, this is a fun plinker.

Specs:
Chamber: 3/4" x 4" brass pipe & various fittings\
Input: Clamp-in Schrader valve
Valve: Modified Blowgun valve
Barrel: 3/8" steel brakeline
Operating pressure: 120-200 psi (so far)
Velocity: 500 fps(at 200psi)

Here is a full view of the gun


here is a close-up of the back of the gun


Here is the breech closed


Here is the breech open


Here is an alluminum can shot at with mardi-gras beads at 120 psi. I was about 10' away. The beads went all the way thru and kept going.

[Carlman]

Sweet mate nice work, giver er some iron sights maybe?

[maverik94]

I thought about getting a cheap scope for it, but sights might work too, or both!

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Looks good though it's a shame the chamber sticks out like that instead of being incorporated in the stock.

Damage pics would be nice, it would be good to show people that even a simple blowgun married with high enough pressure and a long enough barrel can give very decent performance.

[deathbyDWV]

For the steel bbs, just go to a store with a sporting goods section and look for slingshot ammo. They usually have bbs in 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. Post some damage pics!!!

[far_cry]

hey nice air gun dude . i love full metal air guns

but why you dont build an piston valve ,or buy a qev if you have in your country. this blow gun you have is too small concerning the 9 mm barrel
bad flow and slow open you will get bad performance.

and the stock is amazing

[maverik94]

actually the blowgun is pretty efficient, it is modified, so it has pretty good flow.
And thanks, It was my first wood project that was combined with air rifles, but not my first wood project

[maverik94]

Update: New damage shots, check em out on the topic.

[MountainousDew]

Mardi-Gras beads, really?!
I think you should take Death by DWV's advice, and go to the store right now! Go and get some steel bb's so we can see the true power of this gun!

How does the blowgun perform compared with other valves?
Does it release a big poof of air, or a stream of air?

Hopefully you understand, or maybe someone else can clarify...

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Anything can go through a soda can, try filling it with water

[maverik94]

@jackssmirkingrevenge ok, i will try it with water
@MountainousDew, yes, I will get some steel bbs and try those
Also, the blowgun releases a very quick poof of air, without the barrel it sounds kinda like a 'pop'
By the way, I shot a nail wraped in duct tape thru the side of a steel can
EDIT: ok, I stot a can filled with water. With a mardi gras bead. It shot thru one side and seriously dented the other side at 130 psi

[Phoghat]

For the steel bbs, just go to a store with a sporting goods section and look for slingshot ammo. They usually have bbs in 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. Post some damage pics!!!

<p>you can also go to a store that sells hunting supplies and buy lead balls in many calibers (.50, .45, .44, etc.). This will prevent that annoying habit of steel shot that will cause it to ricochet a hard surface and pop you in the eye.<p> Remember it's all fun untill some loses an eye.

[JEK3]

Maverik94 - You must live in or near Michigan. I haven't had Vernor's in years!

you can also go to a store that sells hunting supplies and buy lead balls in many calibers (.50, .45, .44, etc.). This will prevent that annoying habit of steel shot that will cause it to ricochet a hard surface and pop you in the eye.<p> Remember it's all fun untill some loses an eye.

Then it's a new game - Find the Eyeball!

[daccel]

Nice gun and stock.

I'm assuming when you say 3/8" brakeline you mean outside diameter? I couldn't find any info googling on if there's a standard wall thickness for brake lines, but the number that kept popping up was .028", which would make the caliber 5/16".

A perfect fit for 5/16 field points 8)

[THUNDERLORD]

... was .028", which would make the caliber 5/16".

When I plug in 5/16, I get .3125, Which seems about right.
It's late and can't get to them now, but.... IIRC.

Also, those .25 and .375 steel slingshot shot have two flat sides
(from manufacture technique(?)) which cause pressure leaks, unless wadding or a patch is used.
Copper plated or steel shotgun shot doesn't have flats though.

Oh,THIS is my favorite page for shot and stuff.
Cabela's sells sabot stuff too (if they don't have it at the local walmart).

Also, those field points probably won't go very straight if used plain.
They can be fitted to a red or yellow wire nut using washers and a nut inside, just grind, sand or cut the tip (of the wirenut) until they fit, add some washers and a nut inside.

But a whole arrow with wadding behind it or a larger sabot are still more efficient. 8)

EDIT: forgot, It would be .28 not .028 (if that was right) .028 is about 5 sheets of paper thick!!!