Anyone made one of these pipe pistols?
Posted by Mean-Information-600@reddit | GunnitRust | View on Reddit | 3 comments
These designs come from the old Army Improvised Munitions Manual. Chamberings include .22LR, .38 Special, 9mm, and .45ACP. It consists of a length of pipe (different sizes depending on caliber obviously) drilled to accommodate whichever cartridge the gun is being built to utilize, a coupling, and a cap with a hole drilled where the primer is. Most of them operate by thumbing the "hammer" back and releasing it, which will then slap the "firing pin" forward and detonate the cartridge, but the .45 one actually operates using a rudimentary trigger. Has anyone built one of these? I'd like to try one but idk how safe they are. I'd be concerned about the gases from the cartridge possibly causing the firing nail to shoot out the back of the gun but I can also think of a few ways to remedy that.
Popular_Mushroom_349@reddit
I've made the shotgun before.
The nail and head spacing are the important issues. But the nail usually stays in place. If the primer isn't punctured.
As for head spacing. I used a piece of metal and attached it to the endcap.
-Also, take the time to round off all edges with a Dremel.
BoredCop@reddit
If the firing pin and the hole for it are small enough diameter, the primer can't blow out the back. Same as in all other cartridge firing guns.
If the case is a reasonably close fit in the chamber, the case should expand under pressure (obturate) and provide a good enough gas seal. Again, same as in all other cartridge firing guns.
Think of the brass case as a gasket; preventing gas from blowing out the rear is its job. No need to complicate things, just don't leave too much of the case unsupported anywhere and it will do its job just fine
RandoAtReddit@reddit
But will the brass still be reloadable? Important questions here.