Improvised Munitions Handbook (Improvised Explosive Devices or IEDs)

Section 3
Small Arms Weapons and Ammunition

3.1 Pipe Pistol for 9 mm Ammunition

A 9 mm pistol can be made from 1/4 inch steel gas or water pipe and fittings.

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.

1. Make sure that there are no cracks or other flaws in the pipe or fittings.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe using a 9 mm cartridge as a gauge. The bullet should closely fit into the pipe without forcing but the cartridge case should not fit into pipe.
3. Outside diameter of pipe must not be less than 1-1/2 times bullet diameter (0.536 inches; 1.37 cm)

2. Drill a 9/16 inch (1.43 cm) diameter hole 3/8 inch (approximately 1 cm) into one coupling to remove the thread.

Drilled section should fit tightly over smooth section of pipe.

3. Drill a 25/64 inch (1 cm) diameter hole 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) into pipe. Use cartridge as a gauge; when a cartridge is inserted into the pipe, the base of the case should be even with the end of the pipe. Thread coupling tightly onto pipe, drilled end first.

4. Drill a hole in the center of the pipe plug just large enough for the nail to fit through.

Hole must be centered in plug.

5. Push nail through plug until head of nail is flush with square end. Cut nail off at other end 1/16 inch (0.158 cm) away from plug. Round off end of nail with file.

6. Bend metal strap to “U” shape and drill holes for wood screws. File two small notches at top.

7. Saw or otherwise shape 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick hard wood into stock.

8. Drill a 9/16 inch diameter (1.43 cm) hole through the stock. The center of the hole should be approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) from the top.

9. Slide the pipe through this hole and attach front coupling. Screw drilled plug into rear coupling.

Note: If 9/16 inch drill is not available cut a “V” groove in the top of the stock and tape pipe securely in place.

10. Position metal strap on stock so that top will hit the head of the nail. Attach to stock with wood screw on each side.

11. String elastic bands from front coupling to notch on each side of the strap.

Safety Check – Test Fire Pistol Before Hand Firing

1. Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which you can stand behind in case the pistol ruptures when fired.

2. Mount pistol solidly to a table or other rigid support at least ten feet in front of the barrier.

3. Attach a cord to the firing strap on the pistol.

4. Holding the other end of the cord, go behind the barrier.

5. Pull the cord so that the firing strap is held back.

6. Release the cord to fire the pistol. (If pistol does not fire, shorten the elastic bands or increase their number.)

How to Operate Pistol

1. To Load:

1. Remove plug from rear coupling.
   
2. Place cartridge into pipe.
   
3. Replace plug.

2. To Fire:

1. Pull strap back and hold with thumb until ready.
   
2. Release strap.

3. To Remove Shell Case:

1. Remove plug from rear coupling.
2. Insert 1/4 inch diameter steel or wooden rod into front of pistol and push shell case out.
   

3.2 Shotgun (12 gauge)

A 12-gauge shotgun can be made from 3/4 inch water or gas pipe and fittings.

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.

1. Make sure that there are no cracks or other flaws.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe. A 12-gauge shot shell should fit into the pipe but the brass rim should not fit.
3. Outside diameter of pipe must be at least 1 inch (2.54 cm).

2. Cut stock from wood using a saw or knife.

3. Cut a 3/8 inch deep “V” groove in top of the stock.

4. Turn coupling onto pipe until tight.

5. Coat pipe and “V” groove of stock with shellac or lacquer and, while still wet, place pipe in “V” groove and wrap pipe and stock together using two heavy layers of twine. Coat twine with shellac or lacquer after each layer.

6. Drill a hole through center of pipe plug large enough for nail to pass through.

7. File threaded end of plug flat.

8. Push nail through plug and cut off flat 1/32 inch past the plug.

9. Screw plug into coupling.

10. Bend 4 inch metal strap into “L” shape and drill hole for wood screw. Notch metal strap on the long side 1/2 inch from bend.

11. Position metal strap on stock so that top will hit the head of the nail. Attach to stock with wood screw.

12. Place screw in each side of stock about 4 inch in front of metal strap. Pass elastic bands through notch in metal strap and attach to screw on each side of the stock.

Safety Check – Test Fire Shotgun Before Hand Firing

1. Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which you can stand behind in case the weapon explodes when fired.

2. Mount shotgun solidly to a table or other rigid support at least ten feet in front of the barrier.

3. Attach a long cord to the firing strap on the shotgun.

4. Holding the other end of the cord, go behind the barrier.

5. Pull the cord so that the firing strap is held back.

6. Release the cord to fire the shotgun. (If shotgun does not fire, shorten the elastic bands or increase their number.)

How to Operate Shotgun

1. To Load:

1. Take plug out of coupling.
   
   
2. Put shotgun shell into pipe.
3. Screw plug hand tight into coupling.

2. To Fire:

1. Pull strap back and hold with thumb.
2. Release strap.

3. To Unload Gun:

1. Take plug out of coupling.
2. Shake out used cartridge.

3.3 Shotshell Dispersion Control

When desired, shotshell can be modified to reduce shot dispersion.

Procedure

1. Carefully remove crimp from shotshell using a screwdriver or knife.

Note: If cartridge is of roll-crimp type, remove top wad.

2. Pour shot from shell.

3. Replace one layer of shot in the cartridge. Pour in filler material to fill the spaces between the shot.

4. Repeat step 3 until all shot has been replaced.

5. Replace top wad (if applicable) and refold crimp.

6. Roll shell on flat surface to smooth out crimp and restore roundness.

7. Seal end of case with wax.

How to Use

This round is loaded and fired in the same manner as standard shotshell. The shot spread will be about 2/3 that of a standard round.

3.4 Carbine (7.62 mm Standard Rifle Ammunition)

A rifle can be made from water or gas pipe and fittings. Standard cartridges are used for ammunition.

Procedure

1. Inspect pipe and fittings carefully.

1. Be sure that there are no cracks or flaws.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe. A 7.62 mm projectile should fit into 3/8 inch pipe.

2. Cut stock from wood using saw or knife.

3. Cut a 1/4 inch deep “V” groove in top of the stock.

4. Fabricate rifle barrel from pipe.

1. File or drill inside diameter of threaded end of 20 inch pipe for about 1/4 inch so neck of cartridge case will fit in.
2. Screw reducer onto threaded pipe using pipe wrench.
3. Screw short threaded pipe into reducer.
4. Turn 3/8 pipe coupling onto threaded pipe using pipe wrench. All fittings should be as tight as possible. Do not split fittings.
   

5. Coat pipe and “V” groove of stock with shellac or lacquer. While still wet, place pipe in “V” groove and wrap pipe and stock together using two layers of twine. Coat twine with shellac or lacquer after each layer.

6. Drill a hole through center of pipe plug large enough for nail to pass through.

7. File threaded end of plug flat.

8. Push nail through plug and out off rounded 1/32 inch (2 mm) past the plug.

9. Screw plug into coupling.

10. Bend 4 inch metal strap into “L” shape and drill hole for wood screw. Notch metal strap on the long side 1/2 inch from bend.

11. Position metal strap on stock so that top will hit the head of the nail. Attach to stock with wood screw.

12. Place screw in each side of stock about 4 inches in front of metal strap. Pass elastic bands through notch in metal strap and attach to screw on each side of the stock.

Safety Check – Test Fire Rifle Before Hand Firing

1. Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which you can stand behind to test fire weapon.

2. Mount rifle solidly to a table or other rigid support at least ten feet in front of the barrier.

3. Attach a long cord to the firing strap on the rifle.

4. Holding the other end of the cord, go behind the barrier.

5. Pull the cord so that the firing strap is held back.

6. Release the cord to fire the rifle. (If the rifle does not fire, shorten the elastic bands or increase their number.)

How to Operate Rifle

1. To Load:

1. Remove plug from coupling.
   
2. Put cartridge into pipe.
   
3. Screw plug hand tight into coupling.

2. To Fire:

1. Pull strap back and hold with thumb.
2. Release strap.

3. To Unload Gun:

1. Take plug out of coupling.
2. Drive out used case using stick or twig.

3.5 Reusable Primer

A method of making a previously fired primer reusable.

Procedure

1. File one nail to a needle point so that it is small enough to fit through hole in primer pocket.

2. Place cartridge case and nail between jaws of vise. Force out fired primer with nail as shown:

3. Remove anvil from primer cup.

4. File down point of second nail until tip is flat.

5. Remove indentations from face of primer cup with hammer and flattened nail.

6. Cut off tips of the heads of “strike-anywhere” matches using knife. Carefully crush the match tips on dry surface with wooden match stick until the mixture is the consistency of sugar.

7. Pour mixture into primer cup. Compress mixture with wooden match stick until primer cup is fully packed.

8. Place anvil in primer pocket with legs down.

9. Place cup in pocket with mixture facing downward.

10. Place cartridge case and primer cup between vise jaws, and press slowly until primer is seated into bottom of pocket. The primer is now ready to use.

3.6 Pipe Pistol for .45 Caliber Ammunition

A .45 caliber pistol can be made from 3/8 inch nominal diameter steel gas or water pipe and fittings. Lethal range is about 15 yards (13-1/2 meters).

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.

1. Make sure that there are no cracks or other flaws in the pipe and fittings.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe using a .45 caliber cartridge as a gauge. The cartridge case should fit into the pipe snugly but without forcing.
3. Outside diameter of pipe must not be less than 1-1/2 times the bullet diameter.

2. Follow procedure of section 3.1, steps 4, 5, and 6.

3. Cut stock from wood using saw or knife.

4. Cut a 3/8 inch (9-1/2 mm) deep groove in top of stock.

5. Screw couplings onto pipe. Screw plug into one coupling.

6. Securely attach pipe to stock using string or tape.

7. Follow procedures of section 3.1, steps 10 and 11.

8. (Optional) Bend bolt for trigger. Drill hole in stock and place bolt in hole so strap will be anchored by bolt when pulled back. If bolt is not available, use strap as trigger by pulling back and releasing.

9. Follow Safety Check, section 3.1.

How to Use

1. To Load:

1. Remove plug from rear coupling.
2. Wrap string or elastic band around extractor groove so case will seat into barrel securely.
   
3. Place cartridge in pipe.
   
   
4. Replace plug.

2. To Fire:

1. Pull metal strap back and anchor in trigger.
2. Pull trigger when ready to fire.
   

Note: If bolt is not used, pull strap back and release.

3. To Remove Cartridge Case:

1. Remove plug from rear coupling.
2. Insert rod into front of pistol and push cartridge case out.
   

3.7 Match Gun

An improvised weapon using safety match heads as the propellant and a metal object as the projectile. Lethal range is about 40 yards (36 meters).

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings. Be sure that there are no cracks or other flaws.

2. Drill small hole in center of end cap. If safety fuse is used, be sure it will pass through this hole.

3. Cut stock from wood using saw or knife.

4. Cut 3/8 inch (9-1/2 mm) deep “V” groove in top of stock.

5. Screw end cap onto pipe until finger tight.

6. Attach pipe to stock with string or tape.

7. Bend metal strap into “L” shape and drill holes for wood screw. Notch metal strap on long side 1/2 inch (1 cm) from bend.

8. Position metal strap on stock so that the top will hit the center of hole drilled in end cap.

9. Attach metal disk to strap with nut and bolt. This will deflect blast from hole in end cap when gun is fired. Be sure that head of bolt is centered on hole in end cap.

10. Attach strap to stock with wood screws.

11. Place screw on each side of stock about 4 inches (10 cm) in front of metal strap. Pass elastic bands through notch in metal strap and attach to screw on each side of stock.

How to Use

A. When Toy Caps Are Available:

1. Cut off match heads from 3 books of matches with knife. Pour match heads into pipe.

2. Fold one end of 1 inch x 12 inch rag 3 times so that it becomes a one inch square of 3 thicknesses. Place rag into pipe to cover match heads, folded end first. Tamp firmly with caution.

3. Place metal object into pipe. Place 1 inch x 3 inch rag into pipe to cover projectile. Tamp firmly with caution.

4. Place 2 toy caps over small hole in end cap. Be sure metal strap will hit caps when it is released.

Note: It may be necessary to tape toy caps to end cap.

5. When ready to fire, pull metal strap back and release.

B. When “Strike-Anywhere” Matches Are Available:

1. Follow steps 1 through 3 in A.

2. Carefully cut off tips of heads of 2 “strike-anywhere” matches with knife.

3. Place one tip in hole in end cap. Push in with wooden end of match stick.

4. Place second match tip on a piece of tape. Place tape so match tip is directly over hole in end cap.

5. When ready to fire, pull metal strap back and release.

C. When Safety Fuse Is Available: (Recommended for Booby Traps)

1. Remove end cap from pipe. Knot one end of safety fuse. Thread safety fuse through hole in end cap so that knot is on inside of end cap.

2. Follow steps 1 through 3 in A.

3. Tie several matches to safety fuse near outside of end cap.

Note: Bare end of safety fuse should be inside match head cluster.

4. Wrap match covers around matches and tie. Striker should be in contact with match bands.

5. Replace end cap on pipe.

6. When ready to fire, pull match cover off with strong, firm, quick motion.

Safety Check – Test Fire Gun Before Hand Firing

1. Locate a barrier such as a stone wall or large tree which you can stand behind in case the weapon explodes when fired.

2. Mount gun solidly to a table or other rigid support at least ten feet in front of the barrier.

3. Attach a long cord to the firing strap on the gun.

4. Holding the other end of the cord, go behind the barrier.

5. Pull the cord so that the firing strap is held back.

6. Release the cord to fire the gun. (If gun does not fire, shorten the elastic bands or increase their number.)

3.8 Rifle Cartridge

Note: See section 3.5 for reusable primer.

A method of making a previously fired rifle cartridge reusable.

Note: Number of matches and size of rag wad depend on particular cartridge used.

Procedure

1. Remove coating on heads of matches by scraping match sticks with sharp edge.

2. Fill previously primed cartridge case with match head coatings up to its neck. Pack evenly and tightly with match stick.

3. Place rag wad in neck of case. Pack with match stick from which head was removed.

4. Saw off head end of bolt so remainder is approximately the length of the standard bullet.

5. Place bolt in cartridge case so that it sticks out about the same length as the original bullet.

Note: If bolt does not fit snugly, force paper or match sticks between bolt and case, or wrap tape around bolt before inserting in case.

3.9 Pipe Pistol for .38 Caliber Ammunition

A .38 caliber pistol can be made from 1/4 inch nominal diameter steel gas or water pipe and fittings. Lethal range is approximately 33 yards (30 meters).

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.

1. Make sure that there are no cracks or other flaws in the pipe or fittings.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe using a .38 caliber cartridge as a gauge. The bullet should fit closely into the pipe without forcing, but the cartridge case should not fit into the pipe.
3. Outside diameter of pipe must not be less than 1-1/2 times the bullet diameter.

2. Drill a 35/64 inch (14 mm) diameter hole 3/4 inch (2 cm) into one coupling to remove the thread. Drilled section should fit tightly over smooth section of pipe.

3. Drill a 25/64 inch (1 cm) diameter hole 1-1/8 inch (2.86 cm) into pipe. Use cartridge as a gauge; when a cartridge is inserted into the pipe, the shoulder of the case should butt against the end of the pipe. Thread coupling tightly onto pipe, drilled end first.

4. Follow procedures of section 3.1, steps 4 through 11.

5. Follow Safety Check, section 3.1.

How to Operate Pistol

Follow procedures of How to Operate Pistol, section 3.1, steps 1, 2, and 3.

3.10 Pipe Pistol for .22 Caliber Ammunition — Long or Short Cartridge

A .22 caliber pistol can be made from 1/8 inch nominal diameter extra heavy, steel gas or water pipe and fittings. Lethal range is approximately 33 yards (30 meters).

Procedure

1. Carefully inspect pipe and fittings.

1. Make sure that there are no cracks or other flaws in the pipe or fittings.
2. Check inside diameter of pipe using a .22 caliber cartridge, long or short, as a gauge. The bullet should fit closely into the pipe without forcing, but the cartridge case should not fit into the pipe.
3. Outside diameter of pipe must not be less than 1-1/2 times the bullet diameter.

2. Drill a 15/64 inch (1/2 cm) diameter hole 9/16 inch (1-1/2 cm) deep in pipe for long cartridge. (If a short cartridge is used, drill hole 3/8 inch (1 cm) deep.) When a cartridge is inserted into the pipe, the shoulder of the case should butt against the end of the pipe.

3. Screw the coupling onto the pipe. Cut coupling length to allow pipe plug to thread in pipe flush against the cartridge case.

4. Drill a hole off center of the pipe plug just large enough for the nail to fit through.

Note: Drilled hole must be off center in plug.

5. Push nail through pipe plug until head of nail is flush with square end. Cut nail off at other end 1/16 inch (1-1/2 mm) away from plug. Round off end with file.

6. Follow procedures of section 3.1, steps 6 through 11.

7. Follow Safety Check, section 3.1.

How to Operate

Follow procedures of How to Operate Pistol, section 3.1, steps 1, 2, and 3.

3.11 Low Signature System

Low signature systems (silencers) for improvised small arms weapons (section 3) can be made from steel gas or water pipe and fittings.

Procedure

1. Drill hole in grenade container at both ends to fit outside diameter of pipe nipple. (See Table I.)

2. Drill four (4) rows of holes in pipe nipple. Use Table I for diameter and location of holes.

3. Thread one of the pipe couplings on the drilled pipe nipple.

4. Cut coupling length to allow barrel of weapon to thread fully into low signature system. Barrel should butt against end of the drilled pipe nipple.

5. Separate the top half of the grenade container from the bottom half.

6. Insert the pipe nipple in the drilled hole at the base of the bottom half of container. Pack the absorbent cotton inside the container and around the pipe nipple.

7. Pack the absorbent cotton in top half of grenade container leaving hole in center. Assemble container to the bottom half.

8. Thread the other coupling onto the pipe nipple.

Note: A longer container and pipe nipple, with same “A” and “B” dimensions as those given, will further reduce the signature of the system.

How to Use

1. Thread the low signature system on the selected weapon securely.

2. Place the proper cotton wad size into the muzzle end of the system.

3. Load weapon.

4. Weapon is now ready for use.