This 12-gauge ‘slap fire ‘ shotgun was constructed of steel tubing by a teenager and is quite mechanically sound. (Courtesy ofBmnswick. Ohio, Police Department) open bores (i.e., no choke). This makes them pattern wider, a major benefit in a single-shot weapon. Plumbing pipe endcaps become breechfaces, T-joints are grip assemblies, and threaded joints become receivers and stocks. There is little worry about safety factors because the strength of galvanized plumbing parts is considerable. The pipes are thick and will withstand the pressures of the 12gauge shotshell easily. But there are other problems. Extraction of fired casings, a problem common to most homemade weapons, is always a hassle. The expansion of the cartridge case on firing causes it to swell and sometimes crack in the breech. Extraction is normally accomplished by ramrodding the empty casing out of the weapon or having