The sort of tip you ultimately give your dart will have a significant impact on its use as well.
Type #16 and #18 wire nails are recommended for blowgun darts. Choose between the two based on your preference between speed and impact. [2] X Research source Sticky notes are perfect for the flight. [3] X Research source They’re already a good size so you won’t need to cut off too much. They’re also often brightly coloured, which will make it easier to retrieve your darts once you begin firing them. A tip of a dart can be anything, so long as it doesn’t get the way of the dart’s natural aerodynamics. For use in your house, some tape to dull the pointy end can help, although some will use a tip to make a dart more damaging.
In order to find the perfect length for your cone flights to be, try sticking them in the barrel you’ll be using. Cut off at the point where the cone doesn’t fit in. [6] X Research source Try to make your darts consistently. It helps to get really good at one kind of dart. What’s more, you’ll adjust your shooting style to match the weight and impact of that type of ammunition.
For the sake of safety, if you’re just starting out with making darts, it’s recommended you begin with soft-tipped darts. That way, you can perfect your craft before moving trying something that could potentially hurt someone. For this reason, soft-tipped darts are becoming more popular. [7] X Research source You can make projectiles from most anything. Just make sure there is enough mass to the projectiles for them to gather velocity.
Metal head darts can be purchased professionally as well, if you ant something that packs extra punch but don’t want to invest the time in making it. [10] X Research source
Expert blowgun users may go as far as to modify professional darts after they buy them. It requires professional-grade metalworking equipment for customizations to reasonably benefit you however.
You can make a fun game out of using marshmallows . You can try to shoot a marshmallow into someone’s mouth from a distance. This is great for parties. [12] X Research source
Paintball repeaters are available for purchase. They attach to the mouthpiece end of a blowgun and load a new paintball with the press of a button.
It is recommended in the long run that you make a wide variety of darts. Certain types of darts favour certain activities, but you’re bound to have the most fun if you have the widest range of opportunities at your disposal.
On that note, you can buy darts as well. However, purchasing everything from a store would rob you of some of the satisfaction of using one you made yourself.
A precision cutting knife is necessary to cut pieces down to size. If you’re using something other than a PVC pipe for your gun chassis, you’ll need something to burn and smooth out the insides. A ramrod is best if you’re working with solid wood. A red-hot steel tip is good for bamboo or river cane, as it will burn out the excess materials inside. Making a blowgun from a regular, solid piece of wood is not recommended, especially if you haven’t done something like this before. All the same, if you do want to try it, you’ll need to have a length of wood that could be shaped into a straight pole with a half-inch diameter inside of it. As the hollowing process is time-consuming, you can expect to spend several times the amount of time on this than with other types of blowgun.
Make sure your cut is clean and straight. Rough or slanted edges will increase drag in the barrel.
Look up professional designs for blowguns if you need some inspiration on how to cover up your gun.
Tape down the laser pointer with some tape to secure it further. Many laser pointers also come equipped with a flashlight, making your blowgun capable in night situations as well. [19] X Research source Calibrating a scope or laser-assisted aim takes patience. Tape your laser in a place you think you want it to go. Keep shooting in the same place at an optimal range and adjust your scope if the dart doesn’t hit where the aim indicates it will go. Set glue and secure it when you’ve decided on a placement.
