Blowgun Hunting Ballistics

[@nicksweeney5176]

This channel is an absolute trove of technical data and practical know-how.

[@greekveteran2715]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this notification!!! I bet many people will feel the same!!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

I have definitely been away too long due to other projects! I'm glad to be swinging back to blowguns and getting more information out there. Blowgun Ballistics is definitely the biggest project I had on my list, and took over a year to research and put together which was part of the delay. Hoping it was worth the wait!

[@heatheryllanes6925]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 thank you very interesting what are your thoughts on people hunting bears with blowguns

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

@@heatheryllanes6925 Hello Heather, thank you. Big game hunting with a blowgun is a difficult topic, that I am planning to discuss in a future video. Thanks for your patience until then.

[@greekveteran2715]

This is the best video on Blowguns, ever created sir. Well done! Thank you for all your efforts and time you spent, to put this up, I really appriciate it!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you! I had done a lot of research but was coming up empty in this area, and knew I would need to do some testing of my own. The project grew as I started and I am glad (and relieved) to finally be posting the completed video.

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Increase in velocity with a longer blow gun will depend on explosive lung capacity of the person using it. My grandson got a pretty good velocity increase up to 10 feet while my greatest velocity came with 7 foot long blow gun.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

It will vary from person to person, that's for sure. Different blowing techniques and their effect on velocity is still something that needs serious study. I will say that the "Tuh" technique that I prefer is simple and I have had VERY consistent velocities with it, more consistent than some airguns I've used.

[@stenchtrench9554]

Wow, I'm thankful to have found this channel just today, but even more thankful that you decided to put out another video four years later. Please keep making videos. Your straightforward style takes me back to a better time on KZbin, and you have a talent for teaching.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you! The videos will be coming a LITTLE more quickly now that I've finished some other projects, I promise!

[@johnswoodgadgets9819]

Great video! Thanks for the hard work. I always went with the rule of thumb that the maximum effective range of a blowgun is ten times its length. This shows beyond doubt that my thumb is only so long. I think the Cherokee blowguns made of cane may benefit from lengths over six feet, but not aluminum tubes. The guys who shoot them generally say that benefit is accuracy, not speed anyway.

[@danhaywood5696]

Amazingly comprehensive. This video is so necessary for effective and ethical use of blowguns for hunting. Watching this also can save money, by informing the customer as to what they need to use. I learned so much, and haven't even seen his video on sights yet. I found tubing online, but it's specs are rounded to .62 ID. I just purchased the CS 4' standard, but it's difficult to find other models and any accessories now. May have to make our own everything now to stay in the big bore power.

[@shadowhenge7118]

This is one of the easiest effective weapons to make. I used to make them with copper tube, modeling glue, thread, coat hanger, and clear plastic bottle or overhead projector sheets.

[@TheDarkSkorpion]

John, thank you for this! I can tell you put some effort into the video. I'm getting back into blowguns after a hiatus due to busy work schedule, and my accuracy isn't what it once was. I was a member of the old "blowguns lefora" before it went to a different format and everyone left. I still have my 5ft one-piece Pro, 4ft 2-piece, and a .50 and .40 4ft. Just bought a Tim Wells CS model. I was looking at some of the new darts available, and saw some carbon fiber darts that go for $30 each! That's just too much. I did buy some broadheads from FSFF that dwarf the CS broadheads. Definitely a close-quarters dart, but devastating. Disappointed to see that the stun dart is unavailable, but I still have like 30 of them. Yeah, those multi-darts are horrible. Haven't found one good use for them. Anyway, off to watch your accuracy video. Thanks again.

[@azbluefox]

WOW !! Everything I wanted to know about Blowguns. I bought a Blowgun in approximately 1986 and had tons of fun with it. I don't remember whatever happened to it, but I have a new one now. And WOW have things changed,

[@remb1500]

I just came across your videos because I’m a new blow gunner so I’m doing a bit of research. Your videos were the first to come up when I was looking for ballistics on different darts. I know this is 2 years old but I hope your doing well and still blow gunning. Thanks for sharing this info!

[@3Y3ECE]

Hey there! Thank you for this video! I am a long time blowgunner, and, I'm very interested in where you purchased your aluminum tubing to make your own! I would love a 6" blowgun, but, due to shipping prices, I'd rather talk to someone who's done it! I prefer the 3mm thick walls of the professional cold steel big bore blowguns, but, having a helluva time finding something more than 1.5mm thick! Thanks again so much for this video, I subbed!!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check your local hardware or metal specialty shops. Online is also an option, but you may pay more for the shipping than you do for the product! Even though I really like the Pro blowguns with the 3mm wall, I find a 5-foot Pro too heavy for extended practice and I think a 6-footer would be too heavy to aim for long. I also think a 3mm wall tube in that length would be hard to find, and expensive. I would recommend sticking with standard tubing for your 6-footer.

[@scribebat]

Very cool vid! Been making my own blowguns for years. Had great fun breaking the laws back in California. Blowguns are not legal there. They also have some pretty stringent hunting laws. i had a 12" little piece of 1/4" brass pipe and made darts out of these Q-tips with hollow plastic stems, cut in half with half a round wooden toothpick for the point, that fit the brass tube perfectly. i went hunting flies with them. Got pretty good, easy to get within about 10" of the game, could hardly miss. That was breaking two CA laws - being in possession of a blowgun and hunting without a license (if you take their requirements at their word, there is literally one thing and one thing *only* which does *not* require a license to hunt there - rattlesnakes.) But you need to be fair to the smaller bore tubes. In South America, where these things put meat on the table regularly, they use a smaller diameter but much longer blowgun, typically around 13'. Anything under about 8' is a kids toy. They use these to pick monkeys out of the tops of 120' tall trees (like off the top of a 12 story building) using darts resembling bamboo skewers with plant fibers like raw cotton wrapped around the trailing end to size it to the bore (they don't have to run the monkey through with these, just get the poison-tipped dart to stick). With your .625 diameter blowgun, you're running out of air at about 7'. Doing a little math, π(.625ˆ2)X84"=~103 cubic inches. 103/π(.5ˆ2)=~130", so, for the same volume in a .5 diameter tube, you'd need something nearly 11' long. Build one and i think you'd be surprised with the performance. Your projectile is accelerating for a longer time... Be fair. ;-) But your 7' blowgun makes sense to me, impressive and a nice build. 😎 (liked, subscribed...) Still, got nothing on the Amazon belt-fed full auto versions - i.imgur.com/bweGKcD.jpg See? 🤔

[@conradspamer2077]

"you'd need something nearly 11' long" - i have about 9 foot in a 1/2 inch aluminium curtain rail and think there is still some acceleration left - on hard blows the darts still seem to tail walk as they leave barrel.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

I hate to hide comments so will just say that everyone please keep in mind that blowgunning is still a unique sport with a small community, and that EACH of us represents ALL blowgunners when we shoot a blowgun (within the bounds, or not). "Blow responsibly!" for yourself, and the sport! 👍

[@dalroache]

Awesome.....I made my own blowguns after I saw stuff about them on KZbin and when I tried it and witnessed the accuracy the power the ability I couldn't believe what I have made I used some sharp carpet taks and lottery ticket forms for the cone shape rear of dart also I found barbecue wooden scewers that where much longer than carpet taks so I had two separate types of ammo both worked amazingly accurate I must say my carpet tak ammo went deep deep deep into my bedroom wall straight through plaster lodged into the breeze block the other side of my wall into the next door neighbours breeze block I had trouble looserining my dart also I short my carpet tak dart ammo into a hard leather slingshot target spinner with surprising result my ammo pierce right through the hard leather spinner target and it took my ages to work dart loose trying not to damage my spinner any more the wooden scewers ammo I experimented with different lengths of dart shaft i must conclude the natural long length of the barbecue scewers were perfect size ammo it flew straight towards target penetrating really deep I was so shocked I use my 4 ft PVC pipe most often but I sometimes use a longer pipe sometimes shorter I have many different pipes I make darts for and use I stopped using the metal pipes because it would cause rust always do I knew to maybe use stainless steel for blowdart pipe but I love the PVC pipe because it's light and doesn't cause rust etc my longest blowdart pipe someone who was a friend of mine an elderly gentleman who is an inventor saw my original pipe as I demonstrated to him and a group once they were all intrigued and couldn't believe the accuracy and power so my inventer friend the next week at the group meeting he came in with a pipe for me it was a useable diameter that was close tothe calibre if my other pipes and it was longer than any pipe I owed it is made out of awierd material but hey it works awesomely it is clear Perspex I tell you now the penetration from the darts I made specifically for this goes deeper than all my other darts and the distance I can shoot with it is further than I imagined I could shoot it only down side is it's not practical to walk around with 5 ft plus length pipe although super light as it's clear Perspex etc . ...stay blessed people peace

[@conradspamer2077]

That's the problem with these darts - they destroy everything and then destroy themselves. I'm still looking for a sustainable target setup.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Interesting experiences! I have also seen clear Plexiglas tubing used as a blowgun.

[@enzomann9100]

Amazing video. From Italy , you are top👍

[@LivOLure]

Hi John glad to see your back and sharing another great video on blowguns. I have been shooting blowguns way back when I was about 13. Making them first out of electrical conduit and aluminum. Then buying a few different versions of the Cold Steel blowguns. What I have found after doing a lot of shooting with the different Cold Steel darts, they all have one shortcoming in common. The dart cones. I know in one of your videos you addressed how to deal with dart cones that became deformed from packaging. That was a big help. But I still found them not to be very consistent. I had 3D printed some cones to experiment with and from my limited testing with them they seem better. Not having a chronograph I don't have any numbers to share. If you ever wanted to try some of the cones out I have printed let me know I would be glade to send you some to run some tests on them. Can't wait for the next video. Vinny L.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Hi Vinny, in the US there are not many third-party cone options but I'm aware of 3D-printed .625 cones being available in some European countries. At some point I'll probably look into those, though for right now I'm concentrating on product that is readily available to the general public to report on in the videos. Thank you for the offer, which I'll keep in mind for the future.

[@pirtekguy]

I make my own darts and have found if I place the cone further down the dart with 6mm of the darts shaft sticking out the back they will shoot very tight groups and travel further. I believe but may be wrong that the air behind the cone is low pressure and turbulent causing drag and having the shaft as the last point reduces this affect to the point its noticeable.

[@conradspamer2077]

have noticed the same thing by accident - been leaving a piece of bamboo skewer behind the cone for the purpose of putting it into a drill chuck for a finishing sand-off of the tail end. i thought those were working better in some mysterious way :)

[@danhaywood5696]

I've had similar experience with some where the metal mini shaft got forced back through the cone about a 1/4" or >6mm, and I felt immediately those flew true and powerful. I've been thinking about it, so I'm glad to see this. I'm gonna try more that way now, which I been considering. Have to find where to buy more cones.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

That's pretty interesting and bears additional testing!

[@stumphopper]

I just came across your site. OMG! Thank you for the time consuming data collection and interpretations. Your passionate research has definitely elevated the sport to the next level and offered me many explanations about my 4 foot Cold Steel performance/limitations!!! Blowgun manufacturers and their R & D department should review your resarch to enhance their accessories like the broadhead darts. Again, awesome work!!!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thanks for your positive comments! Despite how old the sport of blowgunning is, there are some gaps in our understanding of them and I trust that I'm helping to fill some of those. Good luck and good shooting!

[@jameswilson9879]

Outstanding and a must see for serious shooters

[@steventaylor3884]

Fantastic your back,

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Many thanks! I got sidetracked by some other projects, and this video alone was over a year in research and production. I hope to get my next couple videos out a lot sooner! Thanks for your patience.

[@douglasjohnson4959]

John, always excellent detailed work and analysis on your part! Thank you, all your videos are outstanding!

[@westyshark]

Exellent video I can't find anyway to get a slock master or similar in stock or even ship to the UK its so frustrating

[@kriseckhardt5148]

Excellent work and information! I don’t care for the names of the blow guns. The performance speaks for them.

[@ShadowBRab]

I'm so happy that this video exists, thanks!

[@robertmclean9737]

Here's a Tip for DIY Tig Welding Rod for Darts. Variety of Dia, And Various Metals Alum Stainless Mild Steel Titanium .Etc. Forge your own Points. Cheers!!

[@outdoorsman8498]

Could u recommend a 5 to 6 ft one piece blowgun for hunting brand name and where to purchase

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Any of the Cold Steel or Slock Master .625 blowguns are a good choice. Go 5' unless you are a smaller framed person (youth or female).

[@a234633]

Any one know a place to get drawn tubing.625 inner?

[@acscotttthefirst]

Very good video Thanks for doing the work

[@jackrabbit1379]

Thank you sir, I used this video in making my decision on buying a blowgun👍👍

[@cesurkarakus209]

How can I calculate my nail dart's Ballistic Coefficient?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

You need a chronograph, and will need to measure the dart's velocity at the muzzle and then the velocity loss downrange (I used 10 yards, which I consider to be the blowgun's maximum effective range). You can find the ballistic coefficient equations online; I used G1. Also, my chronograph instructions state for airguns (and, I assumed, blowguns) to place the chronograph 3 feet from the muzzle. For the most precise calculation, especially considering that the downrange velocity was only 10 yards, I back-calculated the velocity the 3 feet to the muzzle. In order to get a good "curve" for doing so, I also measured velocity at 5 yards for each dart tested. Yes, it was a LOT of work getting those BCs!

[@cristianalejandrobotozis5351]

excellent video, as always_ Thanks

[@rickwhitson2804]

Looking forward to more...

[@steventaylor3884]

Just watched your video,good well made and extremely informative ,looking forward to next one. All the best from the UK .

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you!

[@TheHeat55]

Hi. Good job on videos. Did you use EMT tubing for your custom guns?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

No, though others have with good results. Personally I prefer the lighter weight and corrosion resistance (no rusting) of aluminum.

[@Ouachita.Mule.School]

Great video

[@gregparrott3750]

Thank you! Excellent information. Liked and Subscribed :)

[@wondabub]

Excellent, excellent,excellent, EXCELLENT!! So glad I've subscribed!

[@MrPatrick7777]

Thanks, John. Your videos are the best. As a slinger I really hope you try some modern latex on that slingshot.

[@DeezyP]

This is some awesome information to have. Thank you for this!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

You are more than welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@Coulterculture]

Have you ever determined the volume of air being used to launch a blowdart from human lungs? I’ve been tinkering with co2 powered blowguns, since you can achieve as high as 700fps with pressurized gas in a blowgun ( nearly 5X what a king will produce) however I’m having trouble finding proof of concept with big bore darts.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

No, though the volume calculations are pretty easy. I will address this in the video on "Blowgun Blowing Techniques."

[@Himalyan_trekker]

Great video.....loved it....just some information on fishing with blow gun darts size of fishes we can try.size of dart weight of dart.practical distance for using dart for fishing...thanks a lot

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Hi! As far as I have found, blowgun fishing is not legal anywhere in the U.S. even though I'm aware that people do it. There might be exceptions for exotic fish species but they are not spelled out.

[@HowardJokela]

This is the second time watching your video. I like the ballistic data you have made and collected. You have lot of information and hope you will have another video soon. Thank you for your time effort to making this video.

[@StephenSeto]

Excellent video and information. Would love to see more of this with the newer darts on the market. Thanks for sharing.

[@treefork100]

Excellent video . I shared on a couple of forums . A video that positively promotes the sport . Keep up the good work .

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Treefork, sorry for not following up sooner! Thank you for sharing, and for the accolades. You truly amaze me with your shooting--definitely some of the best on the planet.

[@Jthfishing]

Nice you finally came back

[@devonodell9447]

Where were you able to get your hands on the .625 cal aluminum tubing?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check your local hardware or metal specialty shops. Online is also an option, but you may pay more for the shipping than you do for the product!

[@yellowsquare5998]

I’d love to learn more!!!! Liked and subscribed

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you, and please check out "Blowgun Basics" if you haven't already. It covers what I consider to be a very good cross section of blowgun knowledge that was collected over the years.

[@navagatingthroughthebeasts2908]

I have been cutting the razor tip darts in half , they seem to fly faster truer.... I figure the cone pops off anyways so dart is still going to pass through yes

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Try gluing the cones on with super glue. Tim Wells used the same basic idea for his short "Speed Demon" broadhead darts (slockmaster.com/products/speed-demon-darts).

[@CuMulusDancerZ]

Well done! The best video I have ever seen about blow guns. Kind regards from Germany.

[@andyblack5687]

I’m glad to see this channel put up more videos. Thanks!

[@GunGuyGallagher]

Dude, thank you! I love scientific method applied to rad hobbies. I'm subscribing, you are concise and I appreciate the effort you put into your video.

[@rfnrgj]

Have you looked into darts with spin vanes and also pulling the barrel through with CRC/PTFE dry lube? It decreases the friction on my air rifle so much it exceeds the UK legal power limit by over 4 foot pounds so from 12 ft-lb to 16 ft-lb when both the barrel and pellets have been treated.. that's a huge gain.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Great idea for a future project! I've stuck with stock darts for my ballistics research because once you begin modifying, it will be very difficult for someone else to exactly duplicate your results. However, the PTFE idea sounds like a good one.

[@rfnrgj]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 would really be interested in your findings...I've no access to a chrono these days and depending on what differences you may or may not find will determine the size pipe I go for.. Forgot to say great videos and glad I've found your channel👍

[@stephendamon04P71]

I believe much of your gain is not from reduced friction but from surface tention of the fluids creating a more effective seal between the bore and ammo.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

@@stephendamon04P71 Neondog, have you tried or do you suggest any particular PTFE? This may require another video, LOL!

[@rfnrgj]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 I've found the best and purist form of drylube available is manufactured by " MUCKOFF" it's used for high performance off road bicycles. Hope this helps👍

[@ThaReaper82805]

Excellent video. Very informative and well made. Thank you.

[@vikramkalikot7571]

Very good explanation.

[@aventura365.]

Excellent video just starting in the theme and your videos are the best in the web, congrats from Uruguay 👍

[@maggiechildofgod974]

Great graphing.

[@Scout887]

would be the coldsteel 4' model also enough for hunting squirrelsized animals?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Definitely, though 5' a bit more powerful.

[@ReedLukens]

I'm sure glad that you've made it home :) Great job! Great Video!

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you!

[@mediashorts__1]

3 years wow. Great vid

[@draydongodfrey4824]

Love this content can't wait to use this in the field while I'm hunting for squirrels and rabbits

[@uncleho313]

congrats for publishing the data. when is the blowing technique due for ?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

The blowing techniques is a bit further down my list. For right now, check the "Blowgun Basics" video for the "Tuh" blowing method which is the easiest I've found and very consistent.

[@brothermanly316]

I really wish some one would make a hunting dart around 75 grains, but that had better F.O.C. for improved accuracy with a replacement cone. I can’t seem to find replacement cones any where for the CS big bore darts.

[@supertarc3993]

Smkw.com has replacement darts

[@brothermanly316]

Super Tarc, thanks but I am looking for replacement cones.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Again, nope on the replacement cones unfortunately, at least in the US. If you want to experiment some with F.O.C. you might check out the Big Bore Fish Dart (also called Fish Hawk darts) at Slockmaster.com. Tim Wells also apparently has a couple other new darts coming out soon as well.

[@scribebat]

You can make your own cones pretty easy. Hardest part is making a form to get the same shape each time. For the form, cut a triangle out of something like a plastic bottle or like tubs of cottage cheese or yogurt comes in, something fairly stiff but that you can still roll into a cone shape. Once you've got the shape you want, secure with a wrap of duct tape. Presto - you've got your form. The cones themselves can be made out of duct tape, 1st layer, sticky side out, a 2nd layer, sticky side in. Trim with a razor blade to fit your tube. Note that duct tape does work for this but is slightly tacky. The clear vinyl packing tape is a lot slicker, works better, but everybody's got duct tape laying around. Once set up, you can crank these cones out in large quantities in a casual evening while watching reruns of your favorite show on TV. Push whatever you're using for the point through the cone leaving a little bit sticking up inside the cone. Pour 1/8 tsp baking powder into the cone followed by a couple of drops of super glue. Sets instantly and is very hard (USAF uses the baking powder/superglue combo to patch fighter jets, gives you an idea...) and helps hold the cone's shape. You can use hot glue or gorilla glue just as well to attach the point to the cone. Thing about this is that you can custom fit your darts to anything you want to use for a tube. Or to anything you want to use for a point for that matter, like street sweeper bristles or 'Torpedo' explode-on-impact firecrackers (they're much like the little 'snap-n-pop' caps, you throw against something hard and they go pop, only on steroids - i use 'em out of a blowgun to chase stray cats in my back yard). Hope this helps.

[@hope4ourfallen]

Where did you end up finding .62 tubing? Anything I find that is close is never smooth on the inside 😟

[@williammoncrief2780]

Just a fellow enthusiasts. I got a six ft. 0.625 x 0.741 standard carbon fiber tube from Clearwater Composites LLC, It set me back about $100. Smooth, straight, strong and light. Took the hardware off my coldsteel 2 piece magnum and it fit the carbon fiber tube perfectly. Highly recommend.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check local hardware stores or metal specialty shops, as well as online vendors. However, when ordering online shipping can get expensive fast for the longer lengths.

[@pvtsnowball82]

Great video! Looking forward to the next ones!

[@mbhaus6349]

Wish u would have tested the 2 piece cold steel and the slock master too. To see if it really matters vs the one piece ones.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

That's an EXCELLENT suggestion. I'll do some specific chronograph testing for the "Big Bore Blowguns Total Review" and include it there. One big tip, if you are experiencing an issue, is to try rotating the mouthpiece a little at a time to see if that reduces any darts "catching" in the barrel.

[@mbhaus6349]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 I got a slockmaster now. To be honest... I dont even can see that its 2 pieces when screwed together when I look down the barrel. They did a good job on this one. I am pretty happy so far. But seeing them on ur test would be interesting anyway 🙃.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Done, and they had EXACTLY the same velocity rounded to the nearest fps! A number of people have reported accuracy and velocity issues with two-piece blowguns and if that is the case, try rotating the mouthpiece in 90-degree increments to see if the issue is minimized.

[@brothermanly316]

This was such an awesome video! Great job! Where do you recommend getting the one piece tube for a custom gun from?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check local or online metal supply shops. Depending on wall thickness a 0.75" tube should come close to 0.625" ID.

[@brothermanly316]

The Blowgun Channel , thanks! One more question. Are you aware of how to find replacement cone for the CS big bore darts? This seems to be a weak spot in the CS system. They break so easy, and it is a shame that you have to buy a new dart in order to get a new cone. That makes these cones very expensive!

[@stephendamon04P71]

Many hardware stores sell four and six foot aluminum tubes for use in custom bathroom towel racks and such. The tubes marked 3/4" have an inside diameter of about 0.64" which is similar to the big bores but not close enough to effectively fire the same darts. Prices are normally under $20.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

@@brothermanly316 No, there is not a source of just the .625 cones, at least not in the US. I've seen them on some European websites but not domestically. I will say that just buying more Cold Steel darts is not very expensive (except recently, as the manufacturer is changing and supplies are becoming limited for the moment).

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

@@stephendamon04P71 Hey Neondog, it has been too long! Thanks for commenting. I'm back to blowguns after being sidetracked by some big airgun projects. More videos, and possibly other promotional efforts, coming soon.

[@Marc43666]

hes back

[@Guardian4080]

Thank you for the awesome video. You should come to the blowgun section on the slingshot forum sometime. I hope more videos are on the way.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thanks! I saw that Treefork, who absolutely amazes me, was kind enough to post it there.

[@yeetyeet3015]

Yooo this dudes back

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you! More to come, soon.

[@sanchoberto]

Excelente documental,

[@clintwestwood1895]

Very cool man, great job all around thanks.

[@johnb5512]

John I appreciate you sharing your knowledge… I am looking for a new hobby and Learning how to purchase a blow gun and darts and blowing technique Thank you…

[@tysonnucifora353]

I'd be interested to see the velocity of a 8ft .50!

[@junichiroyamashita]

If i am not wrong the blowgun was popular in France between Loire coal miners because it helped clean their lungs. They used rifle barrels as blowtubes

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

I have heard something very similar. An authoritative Japanese booklet on blowgunning is called "The Sport Blowgun Health Method" and one of the author's main points is that blowgunning is healthy for the lungs.

[@robertowen2021]

Where did you source your .625 tubing and how much did it cost? I am wanting to build a blowgun because what I want isn't commercially available, but I can't fund the right tubing. Everything I can find is .625 (5/8) OD, I'm pretty sure I need .625 ID

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check local hardware stores or metal specialty shops, as well as online vendors. However, when ordering online shipping can get expensive fast for the longer lengths.

[@Danial3w]

Very informative video. Would love to see a comparison for shorter and lower caliber blowguns. As I'm still not sure which sidearm I should go with, a 36in 40cal or a 24in 50cal (those are the only ones I can get where i live).

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

I have some VERY limited .50 caliber information I was able to find online, but do plan to do some limited testing of .40 and .50 caliber blowguns for a video just on those calibers and their darts. Ballistics information matters most for hunting, and the .625 blowguns are king there so that's why I focused on that caliber.

[@nztelecounselling4837]

This is an awesome video , thank you sir!

[@bigviper64]

I’m a beginner with the blowgun, I have a difficult time gettin the dart to hit my target and when it does, it bounces off.

[@phantomcruizer]

How do you aim ?

[@tonyhedgewolf]

Both eyes on the target, trust your instincts.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check the "Blowgun Basics" video for a pretty good explanation. Many blowgunners are good "instinct" shooters but I have found I do better with a sight of some kind. I especially have had good success with laser sights.

[@maggiechildofgod974]

Great info!

[@conradspamer2077]

Hi - Firstly thank you so much for setting out some systematic info on blowgun. I know there has been very little because I've looked for it. Think I have worked some good speed into my system so been trying to get a more accurate idea: Yesterday did some video but in the first test could not see the dart at all. In the video editor saw two distinct sound blips which I believe were the fire and strike sounds 0.04 sec apart. Shooting at a 5 meter distance. If that's moderately accurate it means somewhere around 300 fps. The dart is about six inches of bamboo skewer with a copper ferrule /nose on the front. Driving cone is wrapped from a specially shaped piece of Ozalid trace and superglued. Weighs around 8-10 grams I guess. Having shot my mouth off before having produced good evidence seems not too smart; but I'm pretty confident that I've got some real thwack into this thing. Will try and do a better video test in next day or so.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

That velocity seems very high compared to anything I've seen documented, though I'm aware of using the sound method. Let us know if you are able to put a chronograph on it.

[@conradspamer2077]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 Hi - it was an overestimate, been meaning to come back and give you the slightly embarrassing update: Used a different camera and editing software which seems to deliver more realistic results - 0.12 sec to go 5.8 metres = 48 mps = 157.48 fps was my best shot in several tries. That falls right in with the numbers you are reporting.

[@conradspamer2077]

Hi there - Been trying to get to 200 fps to save some face. Made a lighter dart and put a wd40 soaked cloth down the tube (bad tasting). Using the camera sound blip method recorded 0,11625 sec to go 6.350m = 54,62 mps = 179 fps. Still some ways to 200 fps but have the impression I'm getting more thwack out of the dart than most of what I've seen on YT. Quite keen to do something competitive, eg: try for some sort of muzzle energy record. If you can think of a good test I'll try it on video. It's not very scientific but for an idea I've shot thin steel shafted darts (cycle spoke) through 8 layer 22mm (0,86 inch) hardwood marine plywood quite a few times. About 1 inch sticks out the other side.

[@conradspamer2077]

found the reason first velocity estimates were over - the clip was filmed by a friend in slow motion mode which was not factored into the calculations.

[@stephendamon04P71]

@@conradspamer2077 An honest mistake. Blowgun companies used to exaggerate as much or more in their ads and I'm pretty sure they knew better.

[@Dalkson]

Where can I find the tubing to make my own?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check local hardware stores or metal specialty shops, as well as online vendors. However, when ordering online shipping can get expensive fast for the longer lengths.

[@marcelrenehallare8619]

Which caliber will shoot faster(with the same length of tube)? .40 or a .60 caliber blowgun?

[@Triple_J.1]

A lighter dart.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Probably the lighter dart (which suggests .40 caliber), BUT such a small caliber also restricts airflow. I have seen very limited data from one sample that suggested .50 would actually be fastest (more airflow, but a lighter dart than .625). I hope to test this for one of my upcoming videos. It's a great question!

[@cbvinyard8778]

Neanderthal 1: Have you ever thought about the ballistic data that makes these blowguns so effective? Neanderthal 2: *Takes another hit of Opium* *grunts* *Fires a perfect shot bullseye on some bird that no longer exists midair* *Grunts and pounds chest* Neanderthal 1: BUT THE SCIENCE GREG. WHAT ABOUT THE SCIENCE?! Neanderthal 2: *eating raw bird with confused look on his face*

[@cameronchicken8439]

3:37 i think it can get much faster. some people just have a natural ability to send a dart and the blowguns tribal people use are often nine ft long whereas 5ft is more than most people can handle but it does get faster in a longer barrel. i think if you gave the right person the right tool then it would get to 400fps

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Definitely it will vary from person to person and I have certainly seen higher velocity claims elsewhere. I would like to see those documented, and hope my videos encourage others to take a scientific approach to blowguns. I will say that, with a lot of further testing, my velocity testing has proven to at least be VERY consistent across a broad range of darts.

[@johncoaleii1423]

​@@theblowgunchannel3250I ordered the equipment to work on darts i have designed in 500. I was at a gun shop and recorded a 293 fps. That was my best and a more primitive design. I'm pretty confident I'm shooting at speeds of a compound. You cannot visually track anything I'm shooting. Once I get some data and decide the route I wish to go on my designs I'll get you some data and a set to try.

[@ETERNALTEXAN]

Great video. I'm just getting into blowguns and found your video really informative. I recently purchased a CS 5'. It shoots well. I had wanted to build a custom gun but haven't been able to locate any .625 caliber tubing. Any ideas on a source?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Check your local hardware store or metal specialty shop. Online is also an option but you may pay more for shipping than you do for the product!

[@kenerickson8836]

For what it’s worth… In the ‘80s I learned to use a blowgun by practicing in my basement during the winter; got so I could hit a one-inch circle at about 12 yards nine times out of ten. The darts were made with thin, spring-steel wire and had a plastic bead on the back end. No broadhead. When the spring season arrived I went red-squirrel hunting. I remember once putting seven darts into one squirrel (all I had) and then following him as he ran through the trees and recovering darts as they were knocked loose from his body. The squirrel eventually escaped but I did get most of the darts back. This type of dart, as you have said, does not kill quickly. I subsequently changed my tactics and would wait for a shot where I could pin the squirrel to the tree. Unfortunately, his thrashing around bent the dart making it useless. My final solution was to take an air pistol with me. Once I ‘stuck’ a squirrel with a dart I’d call it a kill and then finish it off with the air pistol.

[@stephendamon04P71]

That is the first time I've heard (that I can remember) a grouping report on the old "hot wire through a bead" darts like came with the Jivaro blowguns. I always thought that a solid bead at the rear would cause the dart to waggle something fierce. I've never shot one but I have a jar full of 0.55" or so plastic beads with chopstick sized holes in the middle. Gonna give then a try. Thanks for the recollection!

[@lukef2987]

Will you please do a video on the Slim Reaper dart and the whisper razor dart?

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Good suggestions. I've got the Whisper darts for testing, but the Slim Reaper is VERY expensive for just one dart and not many blowgunners are using it as a result. We'll see!

[@johnq.public2621]

Thanks! More please.

[@MarcoS-xe7wd]

Where can I get those one piece 5 to 6 feet blowgun? I have checked the web including Tim Wells web site and they only sell those 4 ft and those detachable one.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Unfortunately the 5-foot is no longer commercially available, but with a brand change right now from "Cold Steel" to "Never Unarmed" I'm hoping the original owner will bring them back. The 6-foot blowgun is a custom job from stock .625 aluminum tube. If you can find some 0.75" outside diameter aluminum, the inside diameter should be close to .625.

[@MarcoS-xe7wd]

@@theblowgunchannel3250 Thanks for reply

[@5Komma5]

Very interesting. Thank you, Too bad you don't make videos about the subject anymore.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

More videos are in progress! They are a lot of work (I hope it shows), and I've got multiple other projects ongoing at the same time.

[@samuelhuang7952]

very informing!

[@roysmith7087]

So, how does the extra length change accuracy? I love this blowgun. I have a 6 ft two piece. This hits hard. It however needs to be practiced with for good hits for consistent kills. Bad hits equal many more shots needed to get the job done. Shot placement is everything, and you have to practice practice practice your shooting and placement.

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

That's a great question, and almost certainly a longer blowgun is more accurate because it guides the dart a bit further on a straight trajectory than a shorter blowgun does, in addition to being closer to the target (though I have yet to see anyone test that). However, length is specifically restricted for competition (to 4' in the US), which definitely tells you something!

[@Danilo-xl9cb]

Me who saw his vid a month ago when he said nxt vid realized he didn’t post two yrs then he posts it man what a surprise

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Thank you, and I'm glad your wait time was not as long as those of some of my oldest (and also appreciated) followers! These do take some time, but I have several I'm hoping to start posting within the next few months. Thanks for everyone's patience . . . and stay tuned!

[@chuckaddison5134]

Is the .625 the id or od of the tube? If od then what is the wall thickness?

[@mikha007]

I.d and the barrel thickness is 3 mm

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

ID. If you are looking for stock tubing, .75" OD tubing will come close.

[@camgyvertv]

Where can I get some stock .625 cal aluminum tubing to make a 5 or 6 foot blowgun…? I’d like a single peace blowgun as well, but can’t find that demand from a commercial blowgun ☺️😌

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

I just subscribed!

[@nickferrari413]

I’d think the stun dart would lose more velocity than the razor tip. Because of size and design the stun dart definitely has more drag

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

The difference is pretty slight, but I think that (despite the "notches") the rounded "ogive" head of the Stun Dart gives it a more aerodynamic shape than the Razor Tip Broadhead.

[@getprobed838]

whats the best blowgun and dart to eliminate nuisance turkeys on my own property in virginia

[@theblowgunchannel3250]

Turkeys are bigger game with tough feather "armor." Look to a high power airgun or firearm for those.

[@johncoaleii1423]

Im developing a 500 series and many darts. I am launching spears out of 500. Im hitting 50 yard shots out of a 42 inch gun right now. Im deciding what i want to do with the designs i have. So i cant go deep but once that hurdle is overcomed id like to send you some to try.