Author Topic: Newbie Questions on a Cola Launcher (Read 1078 times)

guns1977 · « **on:** June 08, 2005, 11:08:38 AM »

Hello I was at a MG shoot and saw a black powder mortar tube. The guy built it out of a mobile home axle, welded a plate on the bottom and 2' trailer ball. Drilled and taped a hole in the side for the fuse. it was about 3' long. He launched several cola cans out of it. Does anyone have any tips, specs, etc for building one? How much powder to use, how far up from the bottom to drill and tap for the fuse etc... I would really like to build one and want to do it safely!!! Thanks for the help :grin:

GGaskill · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2005, 11:49:06 AM »

You can start with http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=60988" target="_blank">this thread but check out any thread that mentions beer cans or Coehorns. Also check the http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=62235" target="_blank">Stokes mortar in 1707? thread.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2005, 12:37:52 PM »

Quote from: guns1977

Hello I was at a MG shoot and saw a black powder mortar tube. The guy built it out of a mobile home axle, welded a plate on the bottom and 2' trailer ball. Drilled and taped a hole in the side for the fuse. it was about 3' long. He launched several cola cans out of it. Does anyone have any tips, specs, etc for building one? How much powder to use, how far up from the bottom to drill and tap for the fuse etc... I would really like to build one and want to do it safely!!! Thanks for the help :grin:

guns1977 -

WELCOME to the board and forum!

You will find extensive information regarding how to make your own mortar or cannon right here. I find that the picture sequences (like ggaskill has posted) very helpful.

There are some concerns, let me address them right up front.

1. Safety - if you're dead nothing else matters. You need to be making the best decisions (YOURSELF) as to strength. I always suggest taking a look at what several others have done successfully over time, increasing strength for your safety factor and copying it.

2. Legality - You know the game of keeping within the law (notable with your class 3 experience). Read the law. You will find links in our sticky's to BATF's site and publications. NOTE that it should be an actual or replica of a design of 1898 or before; unless perhaps you have a ruling in writing from BATF (which I've only heard of - not seen); or register the device as a DD (destructive device). Class 3 items are beyond the scope of this forum, but there are MANY folks here that will respond to your questions of design and manufacture. Also take note of Graybeard's rules for the board.

3. FUN - that's an iron-clad requirement. We'd love to see pictures of what you play with.

4. Polite - that's a given. I'll only edit if forced to, we have a generally very cordial set of folks here.

There is a concern I have about the mortars that look like the 60mm and 81mm mortars - they are a follow-on to Stoke's design of about 1914. Obviously not before 1899. But do look at the 1707 Russian design (see sticky's for link).

Again, welcome!

guns1977 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2005, 11:31:33 AM »

Thanks for all the info, so from what I can tell the launcher I saw at the shoot was modeled after a newer than 1900's launcher and this is a no, no right?

GGaskill · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2005, 11:43:19 AM »

I have seen posts claiming that a long tube/bipod mortar fired with loose powder via touch hole has been approved by the ATF. It appears that they are most concerned with self-contained ammunition (primer, charge and projectile contained in a single piece.)

The only way to have a definitive answer is to write to the ATF describing what you want to build and what you are going to use as projectiles and ask them for an opinion. They will either approve or disapprove in writing and an approval is your permission to proceed (from the federal point of view.) Your state may have a more restrictive interpretation of their laws so a letter to your state attorney general may also be in order.

Write first, build second.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2005, 01:10:51 PM »

Quote from: GGaskill

I have seen posts claiming that a long tube/bipod mortar fired with loose powder via touch hole has been approved by the ATF. It appears that they are most concerned with self-contained ammunition (primer, charge and projectile contained in a single piece.)

The only way to have a definitive answer is to write to the ATF describing what you want to build and what you are going to use as projectiles and ask them for an opinion. They will either approve or disapprove in writing and an approval is your permission to proceed (from the federal point of view.) Your state may have a more restrictive interpretation of their laws so a letter to your state attorney general may also be in order.

Write first, build second.

SPOT ON! We've seen posted the reports, but not yet the official document. I've talked with people that have seen the court documents of conviction for having a blackpowder powered fuse ignighted 60 or 81mm mortar look-a-like. AND the law (read it yourself (see the sticky for the link!) ) says "REPLICA" (or original) of 1898 or prior.

Thanks ggaskill for the reminder about local law.

There are two terms that are inseparable - rights and responsibilities. Here we're talking INDIVIDUAL rights and responsibilities.