How to Make Cardboard Guns

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Things You'll Need

  • Paper

  • Cardboard box

  • Marker

  • Ruler or measuring tape

  • Scissors or box cutting knife

  • Glue

  • Heavy books

  • Photo of a gun (optional)

Use a cardboard box to make a toy gun.

Some children enjoy playing games in which guns play a pivotal role, such as cops and robbers. Cheap plastic guns are widely available, but they also can be made at home using cardboard and few basic supplies. This project can be completed in an afternoon and is a great, environmentally friendly way to reuse your cardboard boxes.

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Step 1

Use a marker to trace a picture of a gun on a piece of paper. Using scissors or a box cutter, cut out the gun. This will serve as your template.

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Step 2

Place the gun template on a piece of cardboard and trace around the template. Cut around the marker lines on the cardboard.

Step 3

Repeat Step 2 with another piece of cardboard so you have two sides of the gun.

Step 4

Record measurements around the perimeter of the gun. Measure the barrel of the gun to where it meets the butt using a ruler or measuring tape (this measurement will create Piece A). Next measure from where the barrel meets the butt to the bottom of the butt (this measurement will create Piece B). Measure the base of the butt from one corner to the next (this measurement will create Piece C). Take another measurement from the bottom of the butt to the top of the gun (this measurement will create Piece D). Finally measure the entire length of the barrel. Record all of your measurements (this measurement will create Piece E).

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Step 5

Using these measurement figures, you will make the pieces that will attach the sides of the gun. You should have five measurement figures, these will be the lengths of five pieces of cardboard, all with a width of two inches. Cut out the new pieces of cardboard.

Step 6

Glue the sides of Piece A to the bottom of the both barrels. Piece B can be glued to the front of both butts. Piece C will become the bottom of the butt. Piece D will create the back of the gun and will be glued to both butts in the back. Piece E will comprise the top of the gun and will be glued in between both barrels at the top of the gun.

Step 7

Allow the glue to dry.

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