How to Make a Powerful Pen Gun

Improvised firearms are generally made by adapting common materials to suit a new purpose. In poverty stricken areas of the world, guns have been made of everything from pipes to wood to scrap metal, using anything from air to springs to launch their ammunition. You can construct your own gun of sorts using an ordinary ink pen and a piece of strong elastic. A strange grouping for a weapon, but the combination makes a surprisingly hard shooter. It is not as powerful as the more popular zip gun, but it is not as dangerous, either. It is also not illegal and with proper technique and decent materials, will shoot more than 20 feet and straight through an apple.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp scissors Thick elastic strap Tape Binder clip Disposable ink pen

Instructions

1. Cut 1 centimeter off the back (non-writing) end of the pen with the scissors. Throw the end away.

2. Look at the pen. Note where it begins to narrow towards the writing end. At this point, cut the tip of the pen off, being careful not to cut through the ink cylinder. This will create a tube that is uniform in width. Once this is done, remove the tip of the pen. It should now slide through the length of the tube.

3. Using the binder clip, attach one end of the elastic band to the tube. The closer the band is clipped to the end of the tube, the more powerful the gun will be. Draw a dot in the center of the elastic band.

4. Pull the elastic band over the tube opening, aligning it with the dot. Remove the binder clip. Using tape, secure the ends of the elastic band on either side of the tube, leaving the ends slightly exposed. Turn the exposed ends of the elastic band over the adhesive and apply a second layer of tape. For additional grip, reattach the binder clip.

5. Insert the tip of the pen, with the ink cylinder, into the tube from the front. Pull back on the elastic band and the ink cylinder, gripping the cylinder tightly. Take aim and let go of the elastic, firing the writing tip at your target.

Tips & Warnings

• The thicker the elastic band, the more powerful the gun. To tape down the elastic, place the tube on a flat surface and hold the elastic to both sides with one hand, tape it down with the other.

• Do not aim this at people or animals. It may seem like a toy, but it can harm them.

Resources

• Plans for Homemade Weapons
• Make Your Own Black Powder