DIY / home made speargun questions

[KA68]

Hello all,

I'd like to build my own gun. I've never built a speargun so I have many questions that I'm hoping this forum can help answer.

I'm planning on building a simple gun for day-to-day use around my home in Sydney, Australia.

I've mostly completed the design: Length will be 1.2m, which in my view is the best compromise for spearing around Sydney. I'll use a single rubber for fast reload. I'm planning on using Australian timbers. I've bought a Riffe trigger mechanism. It will be a rear handle gun.

My questions for the group are:

1. How do I build a line release into the Riffe trigger mechanism?

2. What is the best way to cut the rail into the top face of the timber barrel?

3. What sealant should I use to waterproof the timber?

4. What are the pros & cons of laminating pieces of timbers vs using one block of timber for the barrel?

5. For the Aussies reading this, what Australian timbers are suitable?

6. I'm planning on carving a handle from timber: what is the best way to attached the handle to the barrel, given it needs to take considerable loads?

Thanks for your help.

R

 

[icarus pacific]

1. Look at a Riffe gun. The line release is a addition to the trigger that fits into a milled slot in the wood and is pinned much like a door hinge.

2. Carefully. A mill is ideal, but some very careful setup and feeding into a router mounted on a table works as well.

3. A good penetrating epoxy. West systems or similar. Then apply tung oil.

4. A laminated barrel is often stronger and almost always less likely to warp.

5. Teak. Aussie or otherwise.

6. Three #10 stainless screws.