Abstract: A perforating gun having an elongated mounting strip and a selected wave or non-linear, zig-zag form as seen in a plan view, with an outer surface diameter sized for convenient insertion and removal from a well. The mounting strip has a series of openings spaced in intervals for mounting capsule explosive charges in a phased relationship between 0 and 360 degrees. The cross-sectional area of the mounting strip around each opening is selected to prevent fragmentation of the carrier upon detonation of the charges. The mounting strip is preferably metallic with a selected amplitude and wave length. In each opening is an explosive capsule with a hollow cap with a nose for attachment to one of the openings. The cap has an annular, interior thread with a thread run-out of selected width.

Abstract: A perforating gun having an elongated, spiral strip with an outer surface, cylindrical about a longitudinal axis, and a diameter sized for convenient entry and removal from a well. The strip has a series of threaded openings spaced in intervals for mounting capsule explosive charges in a phased relationship between 0 and 360 degrees. The cross-sectional area of the strip around each opening is selected to prevent fragmentation of the carrier upon detonation of the charges. The spiral strip is preferably metallic and forms a helical band with a pitch in a range of 12 to 24 inches. In each threaded opening is an explosive capsule with a hollow cap having at one end a threaded nose for attachment to one of the threaded openings. The cap has an annular, interior thread with a thread run-out of selected width at the other end.