Safety

Spudguns can be very dangerous if built or used improperly. However, if they are respected, they can be great fun.

A typically-sized spudgun is capable of launching a potato weighing 50-150 grams a couple hundred yards with the muzzle energy of a powerfull handgun. Even longer distances are easily acheived with rocks,PVC darts,golf balls, and other aerodynamic projectiles. Even the humble tuber is easily capable of killing someone, and at least breaking bones at extended ranges. As to property damage, a thrown potato is capable of destroying windows, smashing decorations, and the like; think of what it would do if it had 25 times the energy. Even small bore and/or short cannons pack quite a bit of power and could seriously maim someone. The bottom line is: don't aim a spudgun at anyone, at any time, even if you think it's not loaded. Also, make sure you are firing in a safe direction that is free of people, pets, livestock, and property.