History
Hmm, the history of the Spud Gun is a varied and somewhat
unknown one. As far as I have ever heard the idea
originated during a gathering of guys in their back yard, and
a case of beer most likely. Apparently as the story goes
they got the idea stuck in their heads to make a barrel of
sorts out of empty aluminum beer cans. The tops and
bottoms were cut off, the cans jointed probably with duct
tape, with the bottom left on the very bottom can and a small
hole punched in it. Then as the story goes, a tennis ball
or similar sized object was shoved down the muzzle of the
device, and a small amount of gasoline was poured through the
hole in the bottom. Then either straws were drawn, or
more probable, the bravest (see drunkest) would hold a match
or lighter to the hole and if the gods of things that go boom
were willing, there would be a huge WHOOMP, and the projectile
would be fired out of the gun.
Now lets look at the above story for a minute to make sure
that no one gets the wrong ideas from it. For starters
alcohol and explosives are a bad combination in any
form. One should never operate a spud gun or anything
else dangerous or complicated while under the fuzzy effects of
alcohol, or any other drug or sedative. Second, aluminum
cans joined with duct tape would not withstand the forces
generated by the ignition of GASOLINE! Gas can be use as
a propellant, but its generally not advised as its rather
tricky, and extremely dangerous. Third, the device would
not have functioned very well with a hole in it, because the
pressure would be allowed to escape. The pressure is supposed
to escape, but its intended direction is out the barrel,
forcing the projectile of choice to do the same, and create
the desired effect of flight.
That being covered, so no half wit little kids or adults kill
or injure themselves and blame my site for it, go check out
the General Knowledge section to learn about the many
different types of spud guns and may other very useful things.
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