Hybridable golf ball barrels

Potatoes last one shot, so build reusable! Discuss ammo designs and ideas. Tough to find cannon part or questions? Ask here!
Post Reply
User avatar
noname
First Sergeant 4
First Sergeant 4
Posts: 2698
Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:19 pm
Location: Bay Area, CA

Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:03 pm

I think I've found a great, accessible material for golf ball barrels! I took a ball to the hardware store to try to fit it in some pipe, and came across 1.5" IMC (Intermediate Metal Conduit). It's basically the perfect barrel; its only flaw is having a seam running down it, which really shouldn't be much of a problem. The length of pipe I found cost me $25, which isn't bad for a 10 foot barrel, and comes threaded, 1.5" NPT. Golf balls are also a super tight fit, so tight that they can't roll down the length unaided. It's very easy to push a golf ball down the barrel with a ramrod, but the barrel won't require a detent, which is good news for the lazy ones such as myself.
I found my pipe at Ace Hardware, which is pretty widespread around the US as far as I know. The internet also says that Home Depot carries 1.5" IMC, so it really shouldn't be too hard to find.

Mobile Chernobyl suggested Sch 10 aluminum pipe and stainless 1.5" pipe for golf ball barrels so I am including those here as well for anyone searching for good, high pressure capable golf ball barrels.
Attachments
Golf ball just inside of the lip of the pipe. No detent or anything, friction holds it in place just tightly enough to keep it there without applying pressure.
Golf ball just inside of the lip of the pipe. No detent or anything, friction holds it in place just tightly enough to keep it there without applying pressure.
Top
User avatar
PeteS
Specialist
Specialist
Posts: 179
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2013 5:53 pm
Location: Maryland
Contact:
Contact PeteS

Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:15 am

I haven't seen IMC in any of the places I usually shop, but will look for it. It would screw right on to my 1-1/2" EMT barreled hybrid as a replacement for the EMT. It would be heavier, but since that cannon is already almost 20 pounds even with a not too long barrel, I guess the weight battle is already lost on that one :)

It sounds as if you like the fit, but running a hone through it might yield a "drop in" fit if that is desired. I have found that a brake cylinder hone works fine for about that size and can be found cheap ($6 from Harbor Freight).

Alternately, I found that with EMT, ramming a pipe or dowel with a big wad of steel wool on the end through it several times, smooths it out a lot. I expect it would be the same for IMC.
[center]My wife upon seeing my latest hybrid and hearing an explanation of it:
"That really isn't a potato cannon anymore, is it?"[/center]
Top
User avatar
mobile chernobyl
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
United States of America
Posts: 756
Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:53 am
Been thanked: 7 times

Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:41 pm

noname wrote:I think I've found a great, accessible material for golf ball barrels! .......
Nice find! I love being able to source "off the shelf" stuff intended for "real world use" for our hobby whenever possible - it's usually always cheaper.
Top
User avatar
Gun Freak
Lieutenant 5
Lieutenant 5
Posts: 4971
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 4:38 pm
Location: Florida
Been thanked: 7 times

Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:32 pm

I love being able to source "off the shelf" stuff intended for "real world use" for our hobby whenever possible
Likewise! :D

I was gonna ask what your barrel was! Good to know.
OG Anti-Hybrid
One man's trash is a true Spudder's treasure!
Golf Ball Cannon "Superna" ■ M16 BBMG ■ Pengun ■ Hammer Valve Airsoft Sniper ■ High Pressure .22 Coax
Holy Shat!
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Ammo & Parts”