Grape Rifle Madness

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My wife sent me to the hardware store today to pick up some parts to fix the crapper. While in the plumbing aisle I was overcome with this intense desire to make some design improvements to the old grape rifle. The old one was made from sweat welded copper, perhaps fueled by my desire to get a heavy duty workout while carrying the rifle through the woods. The trigger was more complicated than it needed to be and failed in the worst moments. In other words, whenever I tried to fire it. Quite honestly I wonder if I have any Russian blood in me because the trigger mechanism looked more like something that one would find on the Mir space station (minus the duct tape and baling wire of course).

The old version:

I began mentally piecing the new toy together. It might be due to the toxic vapors given off by all the plastics and solvents, but this is what I came up with:

Definately visually more appealing if you ask me.

BILL OF MATERIALS

HARDWARE STORE:

3" DIAMETER SCHEDULE 40 PVC PIPE
3/4" DIAMETER SCHEDULE 40 PVC PIPE
3" ENDCAP
3" TO 3" ADAPTER
2" TO 3/4" FEMALE THREADED ADAPTER
3/4" THREADED FEMALE TO 3/4" FEMALE ADAPTER
PVC CLEANER
PCV CEMENT
ELECTRIC WATER SPRINKLER VALVE
    (TO BE USED WITH 120 VAC TO 12 VAC TRANSFORMER FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSES ONLY. 150 PSI MAX PRESSURE)
4" HOSE CLAMP
WIRE NUTS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NON-SOLDERING PUKES
CHUNK OF WOOD TO CARVE INTO A HAND GRIP

ALL PLASTIC PARTS SCHEDULE 40 PVC

RADIO SMACK PARTS:

(2) BATTERY SNAPS
MICROSWITCH

AUTO PARTS STORE:

VALVE STEM REPLACEMENT
FOOT PUMP WITH PSI READOUT

Cut PVC pipes to desired length then deburr with sandpaper or a file. Drill a hole in the 3" PVC pipe that will accomodate the valve stem. Push the valve stem into the hole from the inside of the pipe so that it will properly seat and seal. Clean all parts with PVC cleaner. Cement all PVC parts and allow to cure overnight. (Don't come crying to me with a lawsuit when you get whacked in the nuts with a flying endcap because you didn't wait for the cement to dry. You've had plenty of opportunities to read the disclaimers.) Screw on the water sprinkler valve and barrel assembly.
 


Using either wire nuts or solder, construct the wiring according to the diagram above. Be sure to leave enough length to provide strain relief for the battery snaps and batteries. They will be tucked into the recess cut into the handle. You can drill additional channels into the handle to conceal the wires if you wish. Attach the handle to the body with the hose clamp. One note of caution for those who are unaware of the inductive properties of the solenoid coil that drives the valve - when voltage has been applied to the coil and subsequently removed, the collapsing magnetic field induces a flow of electricity that will give you a good jolt. It won't kill you, but it sure will snap you back to reality.

That's it, you're done. Time to play - just read the following:

WARNING - this is not a toy - it is a potentially deadly weapon.

If you are unfamiliar with firearm safety do not attempt to build the grape rifle.

If you are unfamiliar with range safety do not attempt to shoot the grape rifle.

If you are unfamiliar with sweat welding copper or cementing PVC do not attempt to build the grape rifle.

If you are a minor or plan to store the rifle within access of minors do not build the grape rifle.

If you are firearm savvy and realize that the 'Grape Rifle' isn't a rifle and know what technically qualifies a rifle then there might be some hope for you yet.

General safety :

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Do not point the weapon at anything you do not wish to see destroyed.

Load the rifle prior to pumping it. (A good way to avoid a ramrod through your hand)

Always use a pump with a PSI guage. Do not exceed 40 PSI. A maximum load has not been established. Don't be the IDIOT who tears off his/her fingers in the process of pushing the limits.

Start out with low pressures at first. If you notice any hissing - set it down and walk away. Let it cook off, then do your repairs. HINT: Soapy water does wonders for troubleshooting. Quick fixes are not an option. Start rebuilding from the beginning if necessary.

Always wear eye protection.

Fire only at targets with a sufficient backstop to prevent the round from travelling beyond the line of sight.

Use only backstops that will not result in ricocheting of the projectile. Wet newspaper in a box works well as long as there is soft earth behind it. Avoid rocky soil.

Don't drop in a 12 Ga. shot cup followed by a handful of birdseed and marvel at your high efficiency birdfeeder.

And for Christ's sake don't shoot the neighbors cat.

One quirk I've noticed about the water sprinkler valve that I'm currently using is that if you give it a good whack it will fire. See first safety rule.


Ammo:

Meat missile      - frozen hot dog
Meat mist          - thawed hot dog shot at 40 PSI
Harpoon           - 3/4" wooden dowel
Snare                - 2 wooden dowels connected by a 3 foot cord.
Fluid                 - Don't use petroleum products, they will degrade the seal in the sprinkler valve. No gasoline!

I prefer to use a 12 ga shot cup to seal the tube, followed by any of the following -

Grapes
Carrots
Luminescent sticks (Cyalume)
Marbles
Ball bearings
Stack of pennies, either taped to shot wad or loose

Go to any gun store that sells reloading supplies to obtain shot wads.


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