Materials:
1 ¼†PVC pipe
¾†thread, 1†PVC bushing
1†to ½†PVC bushing
¾†thread to ¾†PVC elbow
¾†of ½†CPVC
½†CPVC tee
7/16†wood dowel, or nylon rod. (preferably nylon)
Super glue (optional, but nice)
Electrical-tape
3/8†thick plastic (I used some from a cutting board)
The catch detailed here: (http://nerfhaven.com...howtopic=22547' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>metal catch)
¾†PVC pipe
AR-15 spring (or [k26])
Tools:
Dremal
Drill
File
A couple screwdrivers.
First, cut a 10†length of 1 ¼†PVC. Wrap some E-tape around the 1†to ½†bushing, until it fits snugly in the plunger tube, and glue it into one side of the pipe:
Next, drill a ½†hole in a ¾â€thread by ¾†elbow. Make sure the hole is opposite the threaded side:
You will now need to make/grab the catch. Screw the elbow and a 1†to ¾†threaded bushing onto the catch. The bushing should be on the side of the catch that has the PVC in it. Don’t forget to wrap some E-tape around this bushing as well.
Put a piece of ¾†pvc into the bottom of the elbow. This will be your handle. You can make it as long, or short, as you like.
It is now time for the plunger rod. I made mine out of wood, a terrible choice, I know. But I didn’t want to have to buy expensive nylon rod for a testing gun. It has actually performed really well, as I have fired the gun close to 50 times. Anyway, cut a 13†length of 7/16†wooden or nylon rod.
Using a file, cut a groove along the circumference, 4 ¼†from one end.
Coat the catch groove area with super glue and let dry. After 3 hours, reapply. This will create a rock hard surface for the catch rod to rest on.
Push the piece of ½†CPVC into the tee, and then push the end of the wooden dowel into the CPVC. Drill a hole through all three layers. Then screw a screw though the hole. NOTE: make sure you use the end of the dowel that is furthest from the catch.
Time for the plunger head. There are hundreds of options here, so go with whatever you like.
I make mine like this (http://nerfhaven.com...howtopic=22375' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Element)
The gun dosn't have a plunger head at the moment because I didn't have any cutting board left. So, I just shoved a paper towel in the end of the plunger tube so that I could safely dry-fire the gun. As long as the gun catches and releases with a spring, who cares if it has a plunger head.
I'll try to make one soon, and post ranges, which should be comprable to that of a traditional snap.I use AR-15 springs for all of my homemades. Does anyone know if the constant is similar to that of a [k26]? I also used a couple of washers to hold the spring on, for testing.
Here it is, complete:
Size comparison with my overhauled Element:
And finally… proof that the catch can hold a strong spring.
Full compression!
The sideways trigger push isn’t awkward at all. The one thing I would do is to put some tape around the trigger pole to make it wider. Other than that, it is just as comfortable to use as any other snap, and you get the benefit of a super-durable catch!
Qustions? flames?
