Stuck CO2 cartridge puller

[mklotz]

A recent thread on reusing spent CO2 cartridges inspired me to use one to solve an annoying problem I sometimes encounter.

My "tack driver" pellet rifles each use two cartridges installed in a close-fitting tube under the barrel. When they are both spent and the end plug is removed the last cartridge inserted slides out easily under the influence of gravity: but, sometimes, the remaining cartridge hangs up somehow and doesn't want to slide out on its own. (I have theories of why this occurs, but that would make this too long.)

If I try to use a magnetic pickup tool (imagine a magnet on the end of a pull-out radio antenna) the magnet sticks to the steel tube before it reaches the cartridge and, even if it did, it would be off center which would mean the pulling force would be off center.

What's needed is a device that would hold the magnet centered in the tube as it's slid down to latch on to the stuck cartridge.

I took a spent cartridge and turned a flat on the hemispherical end. A short length of wooden dowel was epoxied to this flat and a neodymium button magnet epoxied to the dowel. Since the spent cartridge fits nicely in the tube, the magnet will be held on the tube centerline and can't latch onto the walls - hence the use of the spent cartridge. The wooden standoff dowel prevents the magnet from magnetizing the cartridge.

There was just enough meat left in the hole in the other end to tap it 5-44, the thread on the Hoppe's airgun cleaning rods. The rod gives me plenty of reach to the stuck cartridge.

I haven't used it in anger yet but I'm fairly sure it will work. The stuck cartridges aren't badly stuck; once the magnet locks on a gentle pull on the cleaning rod will break it free.

[Retro Steam Tech]

Brilliant idea

At the moment I only have pistols so stuck cartridges are not a problem but I will remember this for the future.

[DIYer]

Thanks mklotz! We've added your CO2 Cartridge Puller to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: mklotz's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

CO2 Cartridge Puller by mklotz

tags: puller, magnet, disassembly

[mklotz]

Brilliant idea

At the moment I only have pistols so stuck cartridges are not a problem but I will remember this for the future.

Thanks for the kind words.

Most pistols the cartridge is in the gun butt and fully accesible. However, there are pistols with a cartridge tube under the barrel. The venerable Crosman 2240...

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/c...iber?m=221#609

is just one example. (I have one and it's my second most accurate pistol.)

However, I've never had a problem with cartridges sticking in it.

[RexB]

I would like opinions on "most accurate pistol" as I'm setting up to start basement shooting, in hopes of controlling a shaky hand that has been with me for years. I know in the past, repetitive controlled use of my hand has helped, but I don't want to drive hundreds of nails to achieve steadiness - much more fun to plink...

[Scotsman Hosie]

Love the humor, Marv. And hope you never have to use that tool in anger. ��

[mklotz]

I would like opinions on "most accurate pistol" as I'm setting up to start basement shooting, in hopes of controlling a shaky hand that has been with me for years. I know in the past, repetitive controlled use of my hand has helped, but I don't want to drive hundreds of nails to achieve steadiness - much more fun to plink...

I'm really a rifle guy but I do own a few pistols, though certainly not an expert on the subject. With that in mind, here are a few thoughts on the subject.

Pistol prices can range from <$100 to thousands of dollars. I suggest you start at low price and work your way up as your steadiness improves.

My most accurate pistol is the Daisy 717...

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/d...h-match?m=1241

Side-lever single stroke cocking, 0.177 caliber, it's extremely accurate and has enough punch to kill gophers (verified by experiment). It's an excellent introduction to the sport. It has an excellent thumb rest grip which should help with your shakiness.

If hand strength is an issue, perhaps you would prefer my second choice, the Crosman 2240...

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/c...iber?m=221#609

CO2 powered, single shot 0.22 caliber, the gun is well balanced and accurate for both target and pest control.

As I said, there are many more options. I've dealt with both these suppliers...

https://www.pyramydair.com/

https://www.airgundepot.com/

Both have excellent web presences; browse their sites and you can learn lots more about air pistols.

[mklotz]

I would like opinions on "most accurate pistol" as I'm setting up to start basement shooting, in hopes of controlling a shaky hand that has been with me for years. I know in the past, repetitive controlled use of my hand has helped, but I don't want to drive hundreds of nails to achieve steadiness - much more fun to plink...

If you're shooting indoors you will need a good pellet trap. You might get some ideas from my design...

Pellet trap

[Frank S]

Marve is correct a good pellet trap is a must for indoor practice also nice for outdoors. No matter if you practice indoors or outdoors taking the time to set up a safe target area with Richotte control is as important for air guns as it is for firearms. All of the energy is not absorbed every time a pellet strikes a target. if a pellet happens to strike right on the edge kinetic energy will be deflected at angles even though the pellet partially deforms, I like light weight suspended targets that are allowed to swing upwards or knock over, providing I have top trap as well as bottom trap, never sideways.

[RexB]

Thanks Marv! I'm back and hoping I get started on this soon. I have a cheap CO2 pistol left from my son's teenage target practice that I'll start with, and hopefully I'll be motivated to move up to a better pistol in a few months. I appreciate your recommendations and the urls of good dealers.
I set up a range in our unfinished attic for my son and his close friend. The rules were pretty simple; if you get hurt, I must be told. If your pellet ends up anywhere but downrange, explain why. Never brag or boast to anyone else about the range, or it goes away. They still won't talk about it 20 years later, except to each other and me! They're great adults (I was tempted to say kids, but they have families now). Neither got hurt after hundreds of afternoons plinking, although there were some pellets scattered all over the subfloor.
That attic is where I'm typing from, completely finished, so I'll set up a range in the basement.