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What is a Spud Gun?

What is better: ABS or PVC?

Are Spud Guns legal?

Are Spud Guns dangerous?

How much will it cost to make one?

What is a Spud Gun?

      Spud guns are a type of homemade cannon that is primarily made to shoot potatoes.  They are usually made of ABS of PVC pipe.  They come in two types: Combustion which ignites flammable gasses in a combustion chamber to force the potato out of the barrel.  The other is pneumatic.  These cannons use high pressure air to propel the potato out of the barrel.

What is better: ABS or PVC?

      It all depends.  They both have there good and bad qualities such as: PVC is pressure rated but most chemicals you would use in a combustion gun will melt it.  On the other hand ABS is made for sewage so chemicals wont harm it, but because of what is made for it is not pressure rated, and therefore a bad material for pneumatic Spud Guns.  Therefore I think that ABS is better for combustion guns, and PVC is better for pneumatic guns, but there is still a lot more materials out there to use like metals.

Are Spud Guns legal?

      This depends on where you live.  If you live in the U.S.A then here is a letter from the BATF.  But if you are like me and live in Canada or another country then the laws are different.  To find out contact your local law enforcement agency and ask them.

Are Spud Guns dangerous?

      They can be.  Spud Guns are dangerous if mishandled,  you should always wait and make sure nothing is wrong with your gun before you try to fire it.  Think about what is happening in a Spud Gun.  A large amount of pressure builds until it forces the potato or other projectile out of the barrel, but if the projectile ever got stuck... boom.  This is why I think it would be a good idea to build a blowout hole in the side of a gun by drilling a hole in the chamber and putting a rubber cork or stopper in it. 

How much will it cost to make one?

From about 20$ and up.  This depends on the plans, material, your country's currency, and other.