File:Homemade BB gun recovered by the San Bernardino Police Department (general view).png

English: Homemade firearms and the ingenious ways used to convert readily available “parts” into such weapons are not uncommon discoveries to law enforcement officials throughout the country. The San Bernardino, Calif., Police Department found another of these “inventions” in the possession of two juveniles.

To operate, the weapon is first loaded with kitchen matchheads, then black powder, and, last, BB’s. A firecracker fuse is then inserted through a small hole in the butt end and ignited. This sets off a chain reaction which fires the gun.

The weapon itself is a 26-inch length of ⁵⁄₈-inch (.625) water pipe with a cap on the butt end. A small hole in the cap accommodates the firecracker fuse. A clamp is attached near the fore-end and can be used to hold the weapon or as a prop during firing. A heavy-duty steel spring slipped over the pipe acts as reinforcement at the butt end or protection from the heat during firing.