Air Cannons,
Spud Guns, Potato Cannons, Potato Launchers, Combustion, Pneumatic... No matter what you call
it, potato guns are great fun when used safely.
It's important to remember that 'spud guns' are not toys and demand the same cautions and
responsibilities as traditional firearms. Adult supervision during operation is the number one
safety requirement in responsibly owning any type of potato cannon. If you are under 18, get an
adult to help you. It is your responsibility to educate yourself before operating any type of
launcher.
About American Air Cannons
I started out building "Polish Cannons" for my nephews back in
2001. Remember those old 3 or 4 soup cans taped together, some lighter fluid and a Tennis
Ball.
We called them Polish Cannons...
After inconsistant launches and lighter fluid everywhere, I knew there had to
be a better and safer way.
I decided to create pneumatic spud gun or potato cannon air cannons wiht the potential for making them launch consistantly, launch
with more power, and safe for anyone wishing to shoot one. See our videos here.
By switching from a flammable fuel source to air, I was able to achieve all the above. These
pneumatic spud gun or potato cannon air cannons launch every time.
They have an endless and inexpensive fuel source by filling them
with air from a compressor or automobile tire inflator.
There are no flammable materials used to ignite the cannon, therefore eliminating chances of fire,
explosions or burns.
These guns are perfect for launching potatos, Tennis Balls, Golf Balls Confetti and Lemons. They
are perfect for launching T-Shirts during a sporting event.
Because they don't need a flammable fuel for ignition,
they are perfect for launching potatos or vegitables in the forest or a field full of weeds
and dry brush.
1. Make sure you know whether or not the gun is loaded. Treat the gun as if it
is loaded at all times. In other words do not point it at people or animals. Always point it in a
safe direction when using or loading. Pay attention to the line traced by the potato gun’s muzzle,
make sure it doesn’t cross anyone or anything you do not wish to shoot.
Potato guns can be dangerous, or even deadly when improperly handled. Never store or transport a
loaded potato gun. Don’t load a potato gun unless you intend to shoot it immediately.
2. Do not put your finger on the firing mechanism unless the gun is pointed at the intended target.
Simple: on target means on trigger, off target means off trigger.
3. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. You must always launch spuds in a safe location.
This means NEVER point or fire at anything that (1) you cannot clearly and easily identify as a
target, and (2) that would pose a danger to anyone were your ammo to stray, or ricochet. This means
always knowing where your ammo has the potential to go. Never point the gun or pull the trigger at
a close-range target without a backstop that will STOP your fire.
4. A very important, but often overlooked rule, never hand a gun to anyone who doesn't understand
and abide by these rules. Once they are holding the gun, it is their, not your, responsibility to
handle it safely, but you will be putting your life and property as well as the life and property
of everyone else on the line if you do so.
Do not use spud guns in extremely cold or extremely hot weather, PVC is a good material, but it
does have it’s limits. PVC may become brittle in extreme temperatures.
I started out building "Polish Cannons" for my nephews back in
2001. Remember those old 3 or 4 soup cans taped together, some lighter fluid and a Tennis
Ball.
They have an endless and inexpensive fuel source by filling them
with air from a compressor or automobile tire inflator.
Because they don't need a flammable fuel for ignition,
they are perfect for launching potatos or vegitables in the forest or a field full of weeds
and dry brush.