electromagnetic catapult?

hello
I want to do something similar to a catapult, but I could only think about projects using a motor + gear reduction, or something like that (which can get very expensive)... until I find what I consider a very good idea
works similar to a coilgun, but I think will be more effective to use two magnets for what I want:

something like that: [electromagnet] [magnet] [lock]
inside an inclined tube/rail

the magnet will be touching the electromagnet (turned off) when the lock is on
then I turn the electromagnet on, it will repel the magnet and I unlock it, what will make it hit my target

when it reaches the end of the trail (or the target), the magnet will come back to the original position (after I turn off the electromagnet) by gravity

does it make sense?

sure, this will work. especially easy if you get a ring magnet and use a non-magnetic tube (clear hosing from home depot, or ABS plastic, or copper plumbing tubes) to guide the magnet to the target.

then you can control the current in your electromagnet to keep the ring magnet floating in the air.

Mr.Cool