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FAQ

Ordering, Payment & Billing

Can I pay with a money order or cashiers check instead of a credit card?

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Yes, we accept Money orders and cashier's checks.
Please make them payable to:
Pacifica Marketing Group
1220 Rosecrans St #454
San Diego, CA 92106

What is the name that appears on my statement for my order?

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Pacifica Marketing Group is the name that will appear on your Credit Card billing statement.

Do you offer any discounts for multiple orders?

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YES... Order three or more and save 10%. You can mix and match cannons.
All cannons are shipped separately unless you are purchasing kits.

How long does it take to get my cannon?

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Each cannon is built by hand and tested on the per order basis.
The usual turnaround time including shipping is approx 7-10 days.
It may take 2-3 weeks or longer during the Holidays unless you specify expedited shipping.

Shipping & Returns

How do you ship and do you ship nationwide?

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Items are shipped within the continental U.S.; details and options are provided at checkout or by contacting support.

Do you offer pickup/delivery or on-site services?

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(If relevant) Options such as pickup, delivery, or event packages are described on the product pages. Contact us to confirm availability.

Cancelation Policy:

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We will gladly cancel any order as long as it is done so within the first 24 hours of purchase.
Any orders canceled after shipping or the initial 24 hour time period will be subject to a 20%
restocking fee.

Return Policy

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To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it.
It must also be in the original packaging.

Please be aware that the refund is granted only for the purchased item.
The shipping and handling cost is non refundable.

Digital Downloaded Plans Are Non Refundable!

We will gladly replace any damaged or missing components.
We will only replace merchandise if the product has a defect.

A 20% restocking fee will apply to any and all returns.
Shipping and Handling fees are non refundable.

You must obtain a return authorization number within 10 days of receipt of the order.
You Must Return Merchandise At Your Own Expense.

An unauthorized return is subject to a non refund or refusal to restock.

All Cannon kits are non-refundable since we cannot quality control your assembly process.
If you have a kit that is not operating correctly, please contact
Support@AmericanAirCannons.com
for assistance.

All Parts kits are non-refundable since we cannot quality control your assembly process.
If you have a part that is not operating correctly, please contact
Support@AmericanAirCannons.com
for assistance.

Please email us to request a return Authorization number for all returns.
Support@AmericanAirCannons.com

Product Types, Kits & Prebuilts

What is the difference between your "kits" and your "prebuilt" cannons other than price? The description on your site is nearly the same for both cannons.

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The kits says "It comes unassembled with a pneumatic trigger", whereas the Pre Built cannons say "It comes pre built with a pneumatic trigger". The kits come with everything you need to assemble the cannon yourself, whereas the pre built cannons come pre built for you. All you have to do is connect the valve and it's ready to go.

I have been looking at your kits and doing research online, what type of PVC are you using?

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We use schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC rated at 300 PSI.

I've seen lots of other Golf Ball cannons that are lined with a thinner walled PVC that pretty much fits a golf ball perfectly. Are you doing that with your kits?

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YES... We sleeve the Golf Ball Cannons with an inner liner that fits the ball perfectly.

Do you sell plans?

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Yes — downloadable plans/designs are offered separately in the DIY section.

Legal & Safety

Is combustion or pneumatic type better for me?

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Definitely a pneumatic cannon. We prefer the pneumatic type as it is safer, cleaner and more reliable.
It is easy to build and operate and costs less in the long run than a combustion cannon.

Are these Devices Legal?

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That depends on where you live. The Fed's say they are OK as the letter below outlines.
I have heard of several instances where they were 'not legal' but that has usually been due to the operator using a launcher in an unacceptable manner (shooting a hole in the neighbors house or launching fireworks).

Many cities and municipalities have local ordnances pertaining to the use of spud guns inside city limits. Ask someone that would know on the local level.

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ATF -- Yes, they are legal.

Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226

Firearm definition: A firearm is generally defined as a barreled weapon that uses the explosive force of a propellant to launch projectiles.

As defined in section 921(a) (3) of Title 18, United States Code (USC) the term "firearm" means --

(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
(D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.

As defined in 26 USC subsection 5845(f) (2) the term destructive device includes any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary or his delegate finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and (3) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. The term 'destructive device' shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the USC; or any other device which the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.

It is unlawful for anyone to make or possess a destructive device which is not registered in accordance with the provisions of the National Firearms Act.

We have previously examined that certain muzzle loading devices known as "Golf Ball Cannons" - "Golf Ball Launchers" - "Potato Cannons" - Tennisball Cannons" - "T-Shirt Launchers" are constructed from PVC plastic tubing. They use compressed air or hair spray or a similar aerosol substance for a propellant, and have some type of spark igniter. We have determined that these devices, as described, are not firearms provided that they are used solely for launching golf balls, tennis balls t-shirts and potatoes for recreational purposes. However, any such devices which are used as weapons or used to launch other forms of projectiles may be firearms and destructive devices as defined.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Firearms Technology Branch, Room 6450
650 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20226

Sincerely yours,

(signature)
Curtis H. A. Bartlett Acting Chief, Firearms Technology Branch

The feds say they are O.K.....But please check with your local authorities.
Some cities say NO to using them in the city limits.

Safety / painting / UV concerns

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Painting PVC can help reduce UV degradation; follow manufacturer recommendations for finishing and safe storage.

Operation & Usage
(Non-Technical)

How much does it cost to build one of these cannons from your plans?

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Approximately $45 in pipe and fittings, $16 for the valve, $5 for the trigger, $3 for the air fill valve,
$1 Brass nipple, $5 Air pressure gauge, and remember, you will need PVC Cement, a drill with drill bits, and a coouple of different sized wrenches.

You're looking at approximately $100 before tools depending on where you get your supplies from. That's why it's better to just purchase an air cannon kit and save yourself the time, gas, stress, and headache of trying to locate all the items needed to build a quality cannon that will last for years.

How many shots do I get from one fill or charge?

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You get one shot per fill. You can also have it connected to an air compressor, so you can fire as fast as you can load. It's still one shot per fill, but you can fill and load within 5-10 seconds and keep firing at that pace.

How do I fill the cannon with air?

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You can use a small cordless air compressor or air tank. Some people use CO2 or a scuba tank. Remember, the air source units are not included with purchase of any of the cannons, unless you purchase a complete Golf Ball Cannon Event Package which includes everything you need including 24 balls.

How far will these cannons shoot?

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The Potato cannons shoot anywhere from 100 yards to 350 yards depending which model you choose. The Golf ball cannon will shoot upwards of 350 yards depending on which cannon you choose and the T-Shirt cannon will shoot into the bleachers or 60-80 yards depending on how the shirts are wrapped and prepared. Distance also depends on weather and wind conditions.

What kind of Golf & Tennis Balls do you recommend?

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Golf

We recommend the Polara "Extra Distance" XD Golf Balls. They fly further and straighter than any other balls we have tested. You can find them here: www.polaragolf.com

Tennis
We recommend the "Green Dot" Tennis Balls. They dont fit as tight as regular Tennis Balls and fly further than any other balls we have tested.

Technical Questions & Troubleshooting

Are they easy to build if I don't know anything about building things?

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The plans take you step by step through building the cannon. They come complete with pictures, part numbers and a simple step by step tutorial that shows you the length of each piece and where to glue them together. If you can glue two pieces of pipe together, you can build one of these cannons. Click here for a free video sample.

I am having a problem with a valve. I watched the video and put the sealer in, let it dry. Put the valve back together and when I had the cannon all together, tested the air chamber it will not hold pressure. The air seems like it is bypassing through the valve somehow. I made sure that my valve was in the correct direction with the arrows pointing away from pressure cylinder toward barrel. What am I doing wrong?

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You simply have the trigger screwed in too far. Back out the trigger one full turn, then as you pressurize the valve, squeeze the trigger back and forth until it starts to hold air.

You should only have to do this once to seat the diaphragm.

I just assembled my Air Cannon, but I'm getting air leaking through the valve, not holding pressure.

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If the cannon is leaking from the 1/4" nipple where the trigger joins the valve, try screwing the trigger in further into the green valve until leaking stops. There is a fine adjustment to get this correct, and takes a moment to fine tune.

If the air cannon isn't filling, try rapidly squeezing the trigger until the diaphragm seats in the valve.

These valves are brand new and they are sticky at first.

What glue/primer do you recommend?

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I use P-68 Primer and "Christys Red Hot" glue from Home Depot or Lowes. I always primer the parts I am gluing together first and then use the Christy's Red Hot glue on both joints before connecting. Be sure to use an ample amount and twist the parts together to make sure they are air tight.

Can you hook these cannons up to a continuous air source, like a paint ball system?

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Yes, Lowes carries a small portable CO2 unit that hooks directly to these cannons. See this page for more info.

How much pressure to do I use in my cannon?

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We suggest a PSI of no more than 80-100 PSI.
There is no difference in speed or distance with a higher PSI.
Higher PSI also voids warranty and could result in damage to the unit.

Parts & Sourcing

Where can I find parts like valves, fittings, gauges?

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Common hardware stores carry some components; other specialty parts (gauges, fill valves) may be purchased from industrial suppliers. The plans/product pages include references to where parts have been sourced.

I can’t find a particular part — what then?

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The product/support team can usually advise alternate suppliers or compatible replacements.

Other

Can I resell products built from your plans?

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No — the digital plans are copyrighted and redistribution or commercial resale of derivative units requires explicit permission from American Air Cannons / Pacifica Marketing Group.

Painting — does it matter?

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Painting PVC helps mitigate UV degradation and maintain material toughness — many customers paint their units for longevity.