How to Build Rubber Band Guns

It's simple to make rubber band guns. They can be of any design, from a handgun shape to a double-barreled rifle. Of course, they need not be shaped like a gun at all to successfully launch rubber bands through the air. Besides being easily crafted it is great fun to shoot a rubber band gun. People have been using them for many years. They are relatively safe to use indoors and ammunition is inexpensive. Although they are used mainly by children, adults can always join in the fun. Many use them in a game that resembles Tag, or for quick-draw 'gunfights'.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Handsaw
• Soft wood -- no more than one inch thick but no less than 1/2 inch thick, varying lengths but short enough for ease in handling
• Wooden clothespins
• Wood glue
• Rubber bands
• Tape measure or ruler
• Pencil

1. Design the type of rubber band gun you want to construct by writing the dimensions you desire on sheet of paper. Mark the design on the wood in the shape you want with the pencil. Using a handsaw cut along the lines you have traced on the wood. Inexpensive soft wood is the best to use. It is easy and safer to cut with a handsaw and lends itself to whatever design you choose.

2. There is no need to apply any aiming sights as the ranges are usually short and accuracy is not the main goal when using rubber band guns. The key thing is to construct a rubber band gun that is reliable and launches a rubber band at least ten feet.

3. Glue a clothespin at the rear of your design. Let the glue dry overnight. The clothespin will be the 'trigger' for the rubber band gun. Saw a small notch at the front of the 'gun'. This will be where rubber bands will be stretched from the clothes pin to 'load' the rubber band gun.

4. The shape of the rubber band gun can be varied. The sky is the limit and it is fun to think up innovative designs. A bazooka-type is extremely fun to shoot. Some rubber band guns can be made quite powerful. Others are harmless toys. Either way an adult should supervise the shooting.

5. A one-inch dowel can be cut to size and glued onto the top of a the rubber band gun to resemble a pistol or rifle barrel. A groove must be cut into the end of this barrel where the rubber band can be anchored while stretched to the clothes pin.

6. Empty aluminum soda cans make great targets for rubber band guns. They are easy to set up and are easy to knock over with your "ammunition." Half-inch dowels can be cut to two or three inches and when set upright make for great shooting too.

Tips & Warnings

• Plywood is a poor choice of wood for rubber band guns. It may be wise to sand sharpened or rough parts of the guns.