TECH Tip: Empty Chamber Indicator for Rimfire Rifles
Larry Medler has come up with a smart little invention — a simple, inexpensive Empty Chamber Indicator for rimfire rifles. It is made from a section of plastic “weed-wacker” line and a wooden ball from a hobby shop. Larry says he was inspired by Juniors who used something similar for their 17-Caliber Air Rifles.
At a Rimfire Sporter match like this, all shooters must have an Empty Chamber Indicator.
Construction Method: First, drill a 7/64″ diameter hole all the way through the 1″-diameter wooden ball. Then enlarge half of that 1″-long hole using a 13/64” diameter drill. Next insert an 8″ piece of heavy duty (0.095″ diameter) weed wacker line through the ball, leaving about 2″ on the side with the bigger-diameter hole. Then, with the short end of the line, fold over the last half-inch so the line is doubled-over on itself. Then slide the line into the ball, stuffing the doubled-over section through the 13/64″ (large) hole. Finally, pull the longer end of the line until the doubled-over section is flush with the outside of the ball. This gives you a sturdy line attachment without messy adhesives. When the assembly’s complete, hold the ECI by the tail and dip the ball in yellow paint. If you’re making more than one ECI, you can drill horizontal holes in a spare block of wood and use that as a drying rack.
The Empty Chamber Indicator for Smallbore Rifles
Larry explains: “At all Highpower rifle matches, silhouette matches, and other shooting events I have attended, Open Bore Indicators (OBI), or what are now called Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) have been mandatory. The NRA’s yellow ECI for Highpower rifles is easy to use and has been well-received by the shooters. However, I had not seen a truly workable ECI for 22 rimfire rifles — until I visited Michigan’s Washtenaw Sportsman’s Club where I saw juniors using ECIs for their 17 Caliber Air Rifles. Someone at the club made the empty chamber indicators by attaching an 8″ piece of weed wacker line to a 1″-diameter wooden ball, painted bright yellow. I now make similar ECIs for the 22 rimfire silhouette matches I run.”
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Tags: ECI, Empty Chamber Indicator, Rimfire, Weed Wacker
Even easier, at the CMP for air rifle we just use orange weed wacker line long enough to stick out the action and the end of the barrel…we call it a CBI(clear barrel indicator) and I use the same thing for my smallbore rifles.
I use a large zip tie I slide into the barrel with a red cloth cinched in the end.
For air rifle shooting with scouts we use the long weed wacker with an orange duck tape flag. Ti works for 22 rifles as well.
I’ve been using weed eater line for years. Just cut off a lenth and tie a knot in it. Fits .177 airguns as well as 22 rimfires. Get the bright orange color.
Homemade Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) Semi-Auto Pistol/Rifle
Slide trimmer line through hole in bead. Fold over small piece then pull back through until line is flush with bead.
Beads from Michael’s….Art Minds
….3/16” Hole….27 Pieces….
UPC: 886946823121
Trimmer Line….Universal….095” x 100’….Premium 5-Sided….UPC: 705788512355
Paint….Creatology….Scarlet Acrylic Paint….Non-Toxic
Hope this helps.