A
potato gun, also called a spud gun, a spud zooka, potato launcher or
spud launcher, is a wonderful device that is enjoying a lot of
popularity these days. More and more people are buying potato guns to
enjoy the fun and adventure that they promise. However, these guns
are quite serious than what may be deciphered from their names.
Improper handling and usage can result in serious injuries or even
death in some unfortunate events.
Here
are some safety tips and precautions that you must follow before
using the potato guns –
Never
point your loaded spud gun at any animal or vehicle or building as it
can prove as dangerous as a conventional firearm.
You
must avoid looking down the barrel or the chamber of the spud gun,
especially when the gun is fully loaded.
Do
not put away loaded spud guns as they can be pressed
accidentally-resulting in a serious mishap.
Shoot spud guns in open spaces where potatoes would hit the ground and not
any person or animal or building.
It
is not safe to use the potato gun in extreme cold weather or hot
weather conditions. In extremely cold
weather, the PVC pipe of the gun becomes fragile and tends to break
down easily. In hot weather, the solvent that binds the spud gun
together softens and causes the gun to fall apart. A mild temperature
is ideal and safe for enjoying potato gun.
Spud
guns that are made using non pressure rated PV pipes are more likely
to explode and hence prove dangerous. Use only pressure rated PVC
pipes for safe potato gun experience.
Whether
you are making your own potato gun or you are buying one,
make sure that the gun is made using good quality solvent, has proper
chamber to barrel size ration, and makes use of hairspray as a
propellant as acetylene, hydrogen and other high powered fuels are
dangerous.
Keep
the safety precautions in mind and have a great potato gun
experience!
