Section III
No. 4
A rifle can be made from water or gas pipe and fittings. Standard cartridges are used for ammunition.
MATERIAL REQUIRED:
- Wood approximately 2 in. x 4 in. x 30 in.
- 1/4 in. nominal size iron water or gas pipe 20 In. long threaded at one end.
- 3/8 In. to 1/4 in. reducer
- 3/8 In. x 1-1/2 in. threaded pipe
- 3/8 in. pipe coupling
- Metal strap approximately 1/2 in. x 1/16 in. x 4 In.
- Twine, heavy (100 yards approx.)
- 3 wood screws and screwdriver
- Flat head nail about 1 in. long
- Hand drill
- Saw or knife
- File
- Pipe wrench
- Shellac or lacquer
- Elastic bands
- Solid 3/8 In. pipe plug
PROCEDURE:
1. Inspect pipe and fittings carefully.
a. Be sure that there are no cracks or flaws.
b. Check Inside diameter of pipe. A 7. 62 mm projectile should fit into 3/8 in. pipe.
2. Cut stock from wood using saw or knife.
3. Cut a 1/4 In. deep “V” groove in top of the stock.
4. Fabricate rifle barrel from pipe,
a.File or drill inside diameter of threaded end of 20 in. pipe for about 1/4 in. so neck of cartridge case will fit in.
b.Screw reducer onto threaded pipe using pipe wrench.
c.Screw short threaded pipe into reducer.
d. Turn 3/8 pipe coupling onto threaded pipe using pipe wrench. All fittings should be as tight as possible. Do not split fittings.
5. Coat pipe and “V” groove of stock with shellac or lacquer. While still wet, place pipe in “V” groove and wrap pipe and stock together using two layers of twine. Coat twine with shellac or lacquer after each layer.
6. Drill a hole through center of pipe plug large enough for nail to pass through.
7. File threaded end of plug flat.
8. Push nail through plug and out off rounded 1/32 In. (2 mm) past the plug.
9. Screw plug Into coupling.
10. Bend 4 In. metal strap into “L” shape and drill hole for wood screw. Notch metal strap on the long side 1/2 in. from bend.
11. Position metal strap on stock so that top will hit the head of the nail. Attach to stock with wood screw.
12. Place screw in each side of stock about 4 in. in front of metal strap. Pass elastic bands through notch in metal strap and attach to screw on each side of the stock.
CHECK - TEST FIRE RIFLE BEFORE HAND FIRING
1. Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which you can stand behind to test fire weapon.
2. Mount rifle solidly to a table or other rigid support at least ten feet in front of the barrier.
3. Attach a long cord to the firing strap on the rifle.
4. Holding the other end of the cord, go behind the barrier.
5. Pull the cord so that the firing strap is held back.
6. Release the cord to fire the rifle. (If the rifle does not fire, shorten the elastic bands or increase their number.)
IMPORTANT: Fire at least five rounds from behind a barrier and then re inspect the rifle before you attempt to shoulder fire it.
HOW TO OPERATE RIFLE:
1. To Load
a. Remove plug from coupling.
b. Put cartridge into pipe.
c. Screw plug hand-tight Into coupling.
2. To Fire
a. Pull strap back and hold with thumb.
b. Release strap.
3. To Unload Gun
a. Take plug out of coupling.
b. Drive out used case using stick or twig.