Chemical Forums
Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: Kenichi on July 13, 2006, 10:22:31 AM
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A friend of mine and I are collaborating on making a replica flintlock pistol. He can make the metal workings and stock, but what he needs to me to do is create a flash, smoke, and possibly a bang. We can most certainly do without the bang, as we can add that in over the computer. Safety is most important. I was thinking a small charge that would ignite and push a plug containing chalk or flour at the front would create the flash near the flashpan and the desired smoke effect. Any suggestions?
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Go to your local gun shop and buy some Goex Fg or FFg black powder (NOT SMOKELESS). Use less 'F's: the more Fs, the faster burning the powder, and you don't need it. You won't need to put in any chalk at all--just shoot the empty charge--it looks the same as if you fired a real round--it's pretty cool. Big puff of smoke, etc.
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thanks, I wasnt sure that the charge itself would create the desired effect. I know it would create the smoke, but i wasnt sure about the "boom." figured that something had to be there to increase the pressure, to create a larger sound.
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Well, most BP weapons don't really have the 'gunshot' report that we think of today. It's more of a 'fwump' sound, a true deflagration instead of a detonation or a propellant that undergoes a DTD. I have seen BP rifles loaded with a triple charge of black powder and no round--they look like a flamethrower and are pretty cool. You'll probably get a whooshing or a fwump sound with just BP. If the sound is more what you're after, go with some FFFg or FFFFg powder--these are faster burning and will therefore give you a better deflagration sound.