retiring guns

[nibbler125]

i know that if a potato gun gets too old then it will eventually explode. i was wondering when is a good service life for a potato gun

[starman]

You know it will explode??

You are more likely to physically break parts of one through handling and transporting. BBQ sparkers give up after a while and hairspray models get too gunked up to fire on que...improperly glued joints might eventually give way.

If your build you gun properly, you will get tired of it and stand in the corner or throw it away WAY before it "explodes"

[brogdenlaxmiddie]

You know it will explode??

You are more likely to physically break parts of one through handling and transporting. BBQ sparkers give up after a while and hairspray models get too gunked up to fire on que...improperly glued joints might eventually give way.

If your build you gun properly, you will get tired of it and stand in the corner or throw it away WAY before it "explodes"

I agree. However, the service life is dependent on the launcher. If you were using a hairspray gun vs. a 200x Hybrid, type may be a determining factor.

[spuzi14]

I've always been curious about this too. I mean I assume I'll get bored and build a better gun before this one ages. Does PVC sort of...dry out? I should just build a metal gun, it'll last longer than I can live

[starman]

Does PVC sort of...dry out?

No, but keep it out of extended periods in direct sunlight....weeks, months, years...a few hours shooting outside on the weekends is of no consequence.

[AgiTator]

I've wondered about the service life also.

WHen I built my big one, I etched the date of its creation right on the plastic so that I don't forget how old it is. 5 years and no explosion yet. It's been painted and I keep it out of the sun light. I think that definitely helps. I want to switch back to propane because the sprays make a mess of my firing chamber... yuck.