The better designs use heavier pipes and spring loaded trigger mechanisms. Such weak tubing results in a firearm that can be as dangerous to the shooter as the target the poorly fitting smoothbore barrel provides little accuracy and is liable to burst upon firing. A rubber band powers the firing pin, which the shooter pulls back and releases to fire.
22 caliber rimfire cartridges, even very thin-walled tubing works as a barrel, strapped to a block of wood for a handle. For small, low-pressure cartridges, like the common. Zip guns are generally crude homemade firearms consisting of a barrel, breechblock and a firing mechanism.
