How to make a paper pistol?

Origami is a Japanese word that means folding "ori" and paper "gami." The practice of origami actually began in the first or second century in China, and then came to Japan in the sixth century. Origami was used as a way to wrap gifts as paper was available to all. However, it was used to make other things as well. By making a paper gun, you will be combining something old and new. The directions that follow will teach you how to make a paper gun.

The handle

- Place a piece of 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper on the table before you. Align it, so that it is lying with the side which is pointing towards you and not the bottom (landscape instead of portrait). - Fold the paper in half lengthwise. - Fold the paper in half again, and a third time as well. - Fold the paper in half widthwise, then unfold it. - Fold the left hand side of the paper down, creating a 90 degree angle. You should start the fold about an inch to the left of the centre fold. Do the same with the other side. - Fold the paper in half, bringing the left hand end over the right, so that both 90 degree angle folds lie one on top of the other, with the long ends lining up perfectly.

The barrel

- Place a piece of 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch on the table lengthwise before you. - Fold the paper in half lenghtwise. - Fold the paper in half again lengthwise and then fold it again.

The pistol

- Slip the barrel of the paper pistol through the loop that is located behind the centre fold. - Adjust the barrel of the pistol until it is in the position that you like. - Decorate the paper pistol to add details like a drawn cylinder, gun grips, trigger guard, front sight and more. - If you prefer the look of modern automatics, transform your paper pistol into a Glock with its characteristically blunt slide. - Try to make other paper pistols from other pieces of paper: try square ones, large or small, larger rectangular pieces of paper as well as smaller ones as well. Note that the paper does not have to be plain, but could be made from coloured paper also.