3D Printing Used to Make First Real Handheld Railgun, which Fires Plasma Projectiles at 560 mph

BGR News ^ | October 19, 2015 | Zach Epstein

[JimRed]

What’s 560 MPH in FPS, for us mathematically challenged individuals?

[PapaBear3625]

Does he need a concealed carry permit for that?

The Gun Control Act defines "firearm" as:

A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.

It doesn't use an explosive propellant -- it is not a firearm, and the ATF has no authority to regulate it.

[Charles Martel]

He just went on somebody’s watch list.

Given his Imgur username, I'm sure he already was.

[LambSlave]

~ 820 fps. Faster than a .22, much slower than most anything else. When it gets over 3000 fps, color me interested. Would like to know approximate weight of projectile also; if they are heavy enough then it might be interesting sooner.

[Campion]

821 fps

[no-s]

What’s 560 MPH in FPS, for us mathematically challenged individuals?

about 800 fps, but what difference does it make for a mathematically challenged person ;)

[LambSlave]

Actually, slower than a .22, even subsonic (1025 fps).

[DannyTN]

So does this violate any laws? Gun manufacturing laws/permits? Does it meet the definition of a gun?

[Lion Den Dan]

What’s 560 MPH in FPS, 821.3 FPS, same as .45 ACP.

[ClearCase_guy]

Needs more calibrations.

[AFreeBird]

I think it might qualify as D) a destructive device.

What I want to know, is how does non ferrous projectiles, such as aluminum, work.

[telstar12.5]

in Kalifornia, all of the above are probably true

[Rebelbase]

Ah'nold has plasma envy.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

I like the one video I saw a few weeks ago where this guy made a homemade flamethrower that could shoot ignited fuel 50 feet which to me at least, looked like it could burn 100 people alive in a few seconds which I can guess would greatly please liberals as obviously they would prefer a psycho use that instead of a gun.

[TexasCajun]

Looks like something outta Ghostbusters.

[zeugma]

A more useful measurement for a weapon is ft/second. In this case, that would be 821 ft/sec. Not really very fast. Good pellet rifles regularly exceed 1000 ft/sec. Of course, this is a first iteration. Subsequent ones should be able to improve on this.

[Smokin' Joe]

821 fps

[Smokin' Joe]

At least someone could yell “Fire!” if they used that in a theater...

[Smokin' Joe]

How heavy was the projectile? An arrow traveling at 800 fps is a formidable projectile, for instance. Mass matters.

[MrB]

Aside - google has a little known feature that you can put such questions in the search bar.

560 mph = ? ft/s