Pop gun
Encyclopedia
A pop gun is a toy gun that uses air pressure to fire a small tethered projectile
(often cork
or foam) out of a barrel via piston
action. The mechanism consists of a hollow cylindrical barrel
which is sealed at one end with the projectile and at the other with a long-handled plunger
.
The plunger is rapidly forced down the barrel, building up internal air pressure until the projectile is forced out with the "pop" sound that lends the toy its name. The projectile may be tethered to the toy to prevent loss or for safety.
Another, more primitive pop gun mechanism dispenses with the piston altogether and requires the user simply to squeeze the flexible rubber body of the gun to expel the cork.
As with many types of toy guns, the barrel and other parts may be factory-painted in various bright colors to signify that it is indeed a toy and not a real weapon.
Pop guns are believed to have existed since at least the early twentieth century, and may still enjoy some popularity in the twenty-first. Children have often made use of them while playing games such as war, cowboys and indians and normal make-believe.
Projectile
A projectile is any object projected into space by the exertion of a force. Although a thrown baseball is technically a projectile too, the term more commonly refers to a weapon....
(often cork
Cork (material)
Cork is an impermeable, buoyant material, a prime-subset of bark tissue that is harvested for commercial use primarily from Quercus suber , which is endemic to southwest Europe and northwest Africa...
or foam) out of a barrel via piston
Piston
A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from...
action. The mechanism consists of a hollow cylindrical barrel
Gun barrel
A gun barrel is the tube, usually metal, through which a controlled explosion or rapid expansion of gases are released in order to propel a projectile out of the end at a high velocity....
which is sealed at one end with the projectile and at the other with a long-handled plunger
Plunger
A plunger is a common device that is used to release stoppages in plumbing. The tool consists of a rubber cup with an attached stick "shaft", usually made of wood or bronze. Before use, any objects such as hair in the plug grate should be removed and, if possible the overflow hole should be...
.
The plunger is rapidly forced down the barrel, building up internal air pressure until the projectile is forced out with the "pop" sound that lends the toy its name. The projectile may be tethered to the toy to prevent loss or for safety.
Another, more primitive pop gun mechanism dispenses with the piston altogether and requires the user simply to squeeze the flexible rubber body of the gun to expel the cork.
As with many types of toy guns, the barrel and other parts may be factory-painted in various bright colors to signify that it is indeed a toy and not a real weapon.
Pop guns are believed to have existed since at least the early twentieth century, and may still enjoy some popularity in the twenty-first. Children have often made use of them while playing games such as war, cowboys and indians and normal make-believe.