The Soda Can Cannon: When Anything Can Be a Projectile

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The Soda Can Weaponized

Anders, what exactly are you on about you may ask. 

Ok, hear me out, weaponized soda cans. 

Yes, that’s a real thing and I think it’s hilarious.

It might sound ridiculous—okay, it absolutely is—but launching soda cans hundreds of feet is now a reality thanks to the can cannon. This AR-15 accessory transforms an ordinary rifle into a bona fide soda-flinging contraption that sends beverage containers or tennis balls sailing through the air. Because why settle for drinking a cold soda when you can fire it 105 yards away?

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China Lake at Home

That’s right, the can cannon is not only a real product, it’s actually blessed by the seemingly humorless folks at the BATFE. With a proprietary gas tube and a blocking bar that keeps live ammo at bay, you can rest easy knowing your new “weaponized soda can” launcher won’t land you in legal hot water.

How This Crazy Thing Works

When you slip a blank round into your AR-15 and pull the trigger, high-pressure gas escapes into a larger tube. This is key: the gas expands just enough to propel your can without destroying it. You’ll want to tilt your can cannon to about 45 degrees for maximum range—imagine lobbing a soda can 105 yards. If you’re feeling really creative, accessories like grappling hooks and golf-ball adapters are also up for grabs. Hey, it’s your range day—go wild.

Believe it or not, this comedic contraption is built with legit, high-quality metalforming processes. The aluminum tube is formed with impact extrusion, meaning it’s extra sturdy and free from pores or cracks. That translates into minimal gas leaks, consistent soda-flinging accuracy, and a higher chance you’ll get your can to land exactly where you intended—like your buddy’s brand-new truck tailgate. Don’t worry, you can always blame your “poor ballistic calculations.”

Why Bother? Because You Can!

No, launching a soda can doesn’t feed a family of five, or solve your weekly chores. But the can cannon is about one thing: pure fun. The possibilities are endless—if local laws allow, you can even 3D print custom projectiles for more mischief. The best part? It doesn’t turn your AR-15 into a destructive device; it remains perfectly legal and unassuming in the eyes of our beloved acronym-loving government agency.

can cannon rocket

Before You Pull the Trigger

  • Check Local Laws: Because you never know who might frown upon a bright-orange tennis ball landing in their backyard.
  • Use Approved Blanks: Blank M200 rounds are recommended to keep your prized beverages intact.
  • Don’t Lose Your Bolt Carrier Group: Remember, the kit is sold as an upper. You’ll need your own BCG and charging handle.

Flinging a six-pack across the range might seem silly—and let’s be honest, it is. But sometimes silly is exactly the kind of fun we’re all missing. With the abundance of 556 blanks and soda cans in the US, this particular “caliber” is unlikely to die anytime soon. 

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