Fast Action Recoil Pistol Fidget

 

I "fired" it so much I broke the rubber band. Seriously. It's that much fun. 

 

This is my Fast Action Recoil Pistol fidget. I designed a simple cam that makes the slide travel about 20mm for about 10mm of trigger pull. You end up with a satisfying “slap” when you pull the trigger back hard. It's just enough recoil / tactile feedback to make you want to do it again, every time! The same cam/reset mechanism is spring-loaded and shaped to keep the slide timed correctly no matter how fast you pull the trigger. It makes it fun to “shoot” as fast as you can! 

 

Designers tip - print two of these and rapid fire both at the same time. Thank me later. 

 

You'll need one skinny medium sized rubber band. Maybe one strategically placed drop of super glue depending on your material choice (but I really have tightened up the tolerances). It's important to follow the assembly steps in order, and yes, you can replace that rubber band, in fact plan on it! 

 

Update - Moving up my handy assembly video to right here in case you don't want to read through my wordy instructions.

 

Update - Including a link to my brand new Pokemon themed Glock-at-you version too! Same fun design with a funny variation. 

 

Step 1: Frame connectors. Yes they're tight, you may want to start them by hand and then push them down against a table or desk. They need to be tight to avoid glue, to keep the a-forementioned rubber band replaceable.  

 

 

Step 2: Trigger. Insert both halves of the trigger and snap them together. I have labeled both parts with “UP” to indicate which side is the top. 

 

 

Step 3: Rubber band. Select your skinny rubber band and hook it into the slide. I tested several types, 2.5" (60mm) seemed to be optimal. Lighter rubber bands actually let you pull faster. Thicker/heavier rubber bands can interrupt the cycle when you pull the trigger all the way down. Try a couple out, this thing is pretty easy to field strip to swap them. 

 

 

 Step 4: Main Mechanism. I've prepared this handy video on how to do this. Since the band has two functions, and attaches at multiple points, this is really just one very involved step, I'll do my best to describe it if you can't see the video.  

 

Install description - loop the rubber band through the channel on the top side of the frame as pictured. Push the rubber band down behind the trigger with the installation tool. Capture the installation tool with the rubber band so it and the slide are holding the band in place. 

 

 

 

Turn it over, install the slide. Work it over the rails a few times to make sure there are no print imperfections in the way and ensure it moves smoothly. Then drop in the barrel piece. Just get it started, then rack the slide, that will send it home. FYI - You can print the barrel piece in orange if you want to make sure this is extra-clearly identified as a toy from a distance.  

 

 

 

 

Once the slide and barrel are installed, replace the captured installation tool with the cam/trigger piece. The little arm that captures the rubber band must face the front of the pistol. It will drop right into a channel in the slide that is cut for it. You'll feel it sink into the cutout, and you will be able to wiggle the slide and see this part move when it is installed correctly. 

 

 

 

 

From here, press fit the grip to the frame. It should fit snug. If it is loose because your filaments are different textures, a drop of glue on the flat spots will help, but don't go crazy with it. You might have to break it open down the road… Remember, you might be changing that rubber band again in a few thousand pulls. Which could be 20 minutes from now it you give it to the right kid. At heart. Ok fine, it's me, I'm that kid!

 

 

 

That's the build - Enjoy! This was a fun design, I spent a lot of time working on how parts interacted in tinkerCAD before ever printing anything. It was neat to see what seemed right in software vs what physically felt good in the hand. Please let me know what you think of this print and how yours comes out. If you like my work I always appreciate a profile rating or a boost. And please post pictures of your version! The two-tone pistol look means there are a lot of cool color combo possibilities out there, I hope to see some great ones. 

 

 

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