A .22 caliber pipe pistol can be made from 1/8 in. nominal diameter extra heavy, steel gas or water pipe fittings. Lethal range is approximately 33 yards (30 meters).

Material Required

Steel pipe, extra heavy, 1/8in diameter (3mm) and 6 in. (15 cm) long with threaded ends (nipple)

Solid pipe plug 1/8 (3mm) diameter

2 steel pipe couplings, 1/8 in. (3mm) diameter.

Metal strap, approximately 1/8 in, x 1/4 in, x 5 in, (3mm x 6mm x12 1/2 cm)

Elastic bands

Flat head nail approximately 1/16 in, (1-1/2 mm)

2 wood screws #8

Hard wood, 8 in. x 5 in. x 1 in (20 cm x 12-1/2 cm x 2-1/2 cm)

Drill

Wood or metal rod 1/8 in (3mm) diameter and 8 in (20 cm) long

Saw or knife

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings. Make sure there are no crack or flaws. Check inside diameter of pipe using a .22 cartridge as a guage. The bullet should fit closely into the pipe with out forcing, but the cartidge should not fit into the pipe. Outside diameter must not be less than 1-1/2 times the bullet diameter.

2. Drill a 15/64 in (1/2 cm) diameter hole 9/16 in. (1-1/2 cm) deep in pipe for long cartridge ( If a short cartridge is used, drill a hole 3/8 in. (1cm) deep. When a cartidge is inserted into the pipe the shoulder of the case should butt against the end of the pipe.

3. Screw coupling onto the pipe. Cut coupling length to allow pipe plug thread in pipe flush against the cartridge case.

4. Drill a hole off center of the pipe plug just large enough for the nail to fit through.

Note: Drilled hole must be off center in plug.

5. Put nail through pipe plug until head of nail is flush with square end. Cut nail off at other end 1/16 in. (1-1/2 mm) away from plug. Round off end with file.

How to operate pistol

To load:

Remove plug from rear coupling. Place cartridge into pipe. Replace plug.

To fire:

Pull strap back and hold with thumb until ready. Release strap

To remove shell case

Remove plug from rear coupling. Insert 1/8 in (3mm)diameter steel or wooden rod into front of pistol and push shell case out.