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Gas Gun Build Manual

Gas Simulators:

 

            This is known in reenacting circles as a 'gas gun'.  These are also used by the military for training purposes.  For those not familiar with the term it denotes a unit which mixes a fuel such as propane (or other fuel gas) and oxygen into a combustion chamber. A small computer opens and closes the gas solenoids and times an ignition circuit which fires a spark plug inside the chamber. This type of simulator is safer than blanks, as no burning powder is expelled. NOTHING CAN BE LOADED INTO THE CHAMBER OR EXPELLED FROM THIS UNIT. This makes it perfect for reenactments, living history displays, and even movies. 

            I no longer build gas simulators as it is very time intensive and they can be quite temperamental; once I got one working right I hated to sell it!  I am still glad to answer questions about them and assist the guys who already bought them from me (years ago).  Shown here is the small manual that helps with the construction of one for $15.  It is based on the MG42 build, but the principles can be applied to any auto or single shot sim-weapon. 

 

To pay for this: simply click the 'Make a Donation' link above and enter $14.99, that will make it obvious to me that it’s a purchase not a donation and that I need to send this to you.  As soon as I get your payment email I will immediately send it to you.  This may take five minutes, it may take three days.


(These are Steve Smith's gas gun parts, hosted right here on my website!)
   

 

A sample page (half size) on how to modify the trigger assembly.

 

This manual is 11 pages long.  It is printed in relatively small font, so info is really packed onto it.

The manual covers: (by page)

1)           Parts List, (I have worked very hard to make this very complete, at least for the ’42), legality

2-3)        How to do a realistic MG42 impression.  Tons of specific information, from how many people, spare barrels, accessories, etc.  You don’t want to spend all of this time and have a farby impression do you?

4)           Proper use of the simulator.  My pet-peeves.  (An automatic weapon doesn’t give you a force field in a reenactment!)  This includes SAFE use of the unit.

5-6)        Constructing the combustion chamber on the back of the barrel.

7-8)        Modification of receiver, cams, barrel lever.  Covers the assault drum and belt versions of the gun.

9-10)       Modification of the trigger group (page 9 is shown above).

11)          Installation of the ignition coil, grounding, rigging, and methods of carrying (obviously other than a half-track!).

 

THIS MANUAL DOES NOT MAKE UP FOR COMMON SENSE.  It is a guide designed to assist in a complex process.  It is YOUR responsibility to evaluate whether you are capable of all of the steps and to hire out anything you cannot do.  I made this manual to help people build these safely, not to help people build them that are not otherwise capable.  Remember always that you are putting very volatile items in very close proximity.  (All of this is re-iterated in the manual)

 

Test firing, yes, this explosion of parts actually worked.  You can see the pack frame I welded up fairly well here.

 

 

The same ’42 with the external fittings removed:

 

 

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