Chamber

The chamber or reservoir is the power source of a spudgun. It is, along with the barrel, the only component found in all launchers.

In combustion cannons, the chamber contains the flammable fuel/air mixture. When this mixture is ignited, its temperature increases, raising the pressure in the chamber.

In a pneumatic cannon the chamber contains compressed gas. The chamber is connected to the barrel through a valve; when the valve opens the pressure expels the projectile.

The chamber is often the part of the launcher that is subjected to the highest stress, and it's important that it is well constructed and offers a high enough pressure rating. It is also the part where the most accessories are connected, especially in combustion launchers; they can have multiple holes to accommodate spark gaps, chamber fans, fuel meters and for venting.