How to Build a Paintball Gatling Gun

Because of paint ball's increasing popularity, the equipment used for this sport has advanced, causing prices to increase as well. Paint ball buffs have found ways to cut costs by building their own equipment while still keeping up with the sophistication of the sport and also creating more flexibility. Building a paintball gun is fairly easy and can be done with simple items.

Things You'll Need

• 2 PVC T's, 1-inch
• 5 feet of 1-inch PVC pipe
• Plumber's saw
• Plumber's tape
• 1 foot of 3/4-inch PVC pipe
• 2 PVC elbows, 1-inch
• Primer
• Cement
• 3/4-inch PVC nipple
• 3/4-inch PVC ball valve
• 1-inch PVC end cap
• Nail drill
• Tire replacement valve
• Glue

Instructions

Preparing the PVC

1. Mark the two PVC T's as "A" and "B." Mark the straight ends as "AX," "AY," "BX," and BY." Label the perpendicular ends "AZ" and "BZ," then set aside.

2. Cut two foot-long pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe using the plumber's saw. Equivalent pieces will be easier to connect in the later steps of the process. Insulate the PVC by covering the ends with plumber's tape.

3. Cut a 9-inch piece of the 1-inch PVC pipe.

4. Decide how long you want the barrel of your paint ball gun to be and cut the 3/4-inch PVC pipe to the desired length. Keep in mind that anything over 12 inches may reduce the accuracy and efficiency of your gun. Eight to 10 inches tend to be adequate.

Assembly of the Frame

1. Attach two 1-inch PVC elbows to both ends of one of the foot-long pieces of PVC pipe by first applying primer, then cement. Ensure that the elbows point in the same direction.

2. Attach the "AX" and "BX" ends of the PVC T's to the other foot-long piece of PVC pipe by applying primer then cement once again. Ensure that the T's face in the same direction.

3. Connect the two PVC fixtures you just created in a boxlike manner using primer and cement.

Outer Details

1. Attach the 3/4-inch PVC nipple to the "BY" end of the PC tee. Screw the 3/4-inch ball valve into the nipple and the barrel into the ball valve.

2. Drill a hole in the 1-inch PVC end cap just big enough to fit the tire replacement valve. Secure the tire replacement valve inside the end cap using glue.

3. Cement one end of the 9-inch-long PVC piece to the "AY" end of the PVC tee. Cement the end cap to the other end of the 9-inch PVC piece.

4. Allow the device to dry for one to two days before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Pressure-test the strength of the PVC pipe before use to avoid rupture damage.

• The device can be dangerously if used improperly, so it is advised if using with other human beings that protective face guards and clothing be worn at all times.

Resources

• Fitness Equipment and Health: How to Build a Paintball Gun