Ordering, Payment & Billing
Can I pay with a money order or cashiers check instead of a credit card?
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?
Do you offer any discounts for multiple orders?
All cannons are shipped separately unless you are purchasing kits.
How long does it take to get my cannon?
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?
Do you offer pickup/delivery or on-site services?
Cancelation Policy:
Any orders canceled after shipping or the initial 24 hour time period will be subject to a 20%
restocking fee.
Return Policy
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.
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?
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?
Do you sell plans?
Legal & Safety
Is combustion or pneumatic type better for me?
It is easy to build and operate and costs less in the long run than a combustion cannon.
Are these Devices Legal?
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------
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
Operation & Usage
(Non-Technical)
How much does it cost to build one of these cannons from your plans?
$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?
How do I fill the cannon with air?
How far will these cannons shoot?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
Can you hook these cannons up to a continuous air source, like a paint ball system?
How much pressure to do I use in my cannon?
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.
