Description
This turned out to be a really fun project. It was very inexpesive, easy to build, and very simple. Its a ported barrel plug made from a 5/8" dowel rod and some o-rings.
Materials
5/8 inch dowel rod
2 #35 o-rings
16 guage wire (small amount but not necessary) or an o-ring significantly thicker than a #35
Screw-eye
Tools
Dremel
Drill
1/4 inch drill bit (as well as some smaller ones)
Sandpaper
Instructions
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Start with a 3 inch section of the dowel rod. Drill a small pilot hole and screw in the screw-eye |
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Using a 1/4 inch drill bit, Drill two perpendicular holes thru the sides of the dowel 1 inch from the end where the screw-eye is attached. Then drill up from the opposite side of the dowel to form a channel to the ports. |
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This is the touchy part of the project. Using a knife, chisel, dremel, saw, or some other cutting tool, etch three grooves in the dowel 1/4", 1 1/4", and 1 3/4" from the end opposite the screw eye. Don't etch them too deep, but make sure there deep enough to hold the o-rings in place. |
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Make a ring with the wire and wrap it tightly around the slit next to the ports or use an o-ring the same diameter as a #35 but much thicker. Slide the o-rings in place. |
Now all that is left is to do a little touch up with some sandpaper. Make sure there are no burrs or splinters.
Notes
Have a bunch of drill bits handy. When you are drilling take your time and start with a small bit and work your way up making the whole larger.
Take your time etching the slots for the retaining wire and o-rings. You can cut away too much wood and ruin it. But if you are cautious, you can always cut away more wood.
The retaining wire keeps the plug from sliding down into the barrel.
The #35 o-rings in my project don't hold the barrel plug tight in the barrel. Using a thicker o-ring will accomplish that.
The screw-eye is for tying on a string to hang the plug around your neck or attach to your gun so that you don't lose it.
Good Luck!!!
