24 replies to this topic

[OfAllTheNerf]

This write-up will show you how to make a breech with the main barrel being 12" of 17/32" brass. You could make the barrel bigger, but you could probably make a barrel of a different dimension with some work.

PLEASE DO NOT POST UNTIL IT IS FINISHED. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL IF IT IS OR NOT.

Here are all the materials you will need



10" of 1/2" PVC
12" of 17/32" brass
4" of 9/16" brass
2 1/2" stubs of 19/32" brass
E-tape

Before we can start making anything we have to prepare all the tubes.

First take your 17/32" tube and grind out the inside of one end with a stone grinding bit.



Now take your 4 inches of 9/16" and flare out one end with a pair of needle-nosed pliers.



Then take your PVC and sand down one end as shown. This end will be the base of your barrel, or the end which goes into the coupler.



Now that that's finished we can start contructing the breech. Start by marking 1" from the base of the PVC.



Now make a half-pipe outline on the PVC. You can make the cut however long you want, but it shouldn't be much longer than your darts. I make a cut about 2 3/4" long, because I know I'm not going to be using stock darts.



Cut it out and then pop it out with a screwdriver.



Now take your 9/16" brass and line it up with the PVC and mark where the end of the opening is.



Then make another outline on the brass.











Now cut out the outline. I used this wafer-like disc, and it worked well:



Once you cut it out, and line it up against the PVC and make sure the cuts are similar in length. Also make sure that the 17/32" barrel slides in and out of it with relative ease. If it doesn't try sanding out the cuts or try to locate the point of friction. I personally had no problems with this.



Now wrap e-tape around the top most rim of the 9/16" and the bottom, and make sure that they have a nice snug fit in the PVC.



But before you glue it into the PVC, put the 17/32" barrel down and mark where it ends.



Wrap e-tape above that line to make a snug fit, but not so tight that it makes it hard to move it around in the PVC.

Now super-glue the 9/16" piece into the PVC. I put some e-tape on the bottom so that the glue had something more to stick to.



Make sure that the cuts on the brass and the PVC line up (this is completely necessary, but for aesthetics).



Now put your 17/32" barrel down the PVC and into the 9/16" brass. Pull the barrel out until the end of it meets the end of the hole in the 9/16" brass. Now mark on the barrel (17/32" brass) the point where the PVC ends at the top of the breech.





Now go grab your 19/32" stubs. Line them up on the 17/32" barrel, toward the base of it and mark where the last one meets. It's hard to explain this in words so here's a picture.



Now put some etape on the brass where the 19/32" stub will be, and then superglue it on.

[MoonMaster]

Really Sorry, I thought It was done, I kinda skipped the last few pictures.
Sorry.

Edited by MoonMaster, 26 February 2008 - 08:41 PM.

[OfAllTheNerf]

You're almost done! The last step is to glue the other stub onto the end of the PVC so that you can't pull the barrel completely out. This isn't completely necessary either, but definitely adds to the functionality of the accessory.

Put the finished barrel down the PVC, and through the 9/16" brass. Then take the 19/32" stub and superglue it onto the end. Make sure that the barrel is where you want it to be (lining up with the end of the breech's opening) when it is drying.



And that's it. Your finished breech. I chose to do some further additions after the fact to make it more durable and accurate.

First I hot-glued around the top of the PVC.



And then I flared out the end of the 17/32" barrel.



Finished pictures









And finally what my at5k (at2k with an sm5000 valve in it):



Did to my cardboard dummy.



Feel free to post now.

Questions? Comments? Flames?

Hope you enjoy it!

-OfAll'

PS I realize I am probably not the first one to make a breech like this, but I formulated the idea on my own and am making a write-up for everyone. I just don't want people posting "I've already done this 125238975198347 years ago," feel free to say that you've made something like this just don't go around saying you're the smartest person ever because you were "the first." Thanks.

EDIT:

@MoonMaster:

Thanks. And it's okay that you posted before it was done. I don't think anybody will die.

But if a mod/admin would please move MoonMaster's post to after my last one, it would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by OfAllTheNerf, 26 February 2008 - 09:06 PM.

[Blasphemy]

Very nice, I'm in the process of designing a breech for my BBB like this that uses the Longshot magazines. Two questions though: What stops the darts from just being pushed back by the 17/32" brass? And where does everybody get these magical brass sizes? I've checked my Home Depot and Lowes many times over yet can only find 1/2" brass which has a terribly loose fit on my darts, stefans or not, is nowhere close to fitting in 1/2" CPVC or PVC, thinwall or not, and definitely doesn't fit with other brass sizes I've found there.

Edited by Blasphemy, 26 February 2008 - 08:59 PM.

[OfAllTheNerf]

Blasphemy, on Feb 26 2008, 08:58 PM, said:

Very nice, I'm in the process of designing a breech for my BBB like this that uses the Longshot magazines. Two questions though: What stops the darts from just being pushed back by the 17/32" brass? And where does everybody get these magical brass sizes? I've checked my Home Depot and Lowes many times over yet can only find 1/2" brass which has a terribly loose fit on my darts, stefans or not, is nowhere close to fitting in 1/2" CPVC or PVC, thinwall or not, and definitely doesn't fit with other brass sizes I've found there.

Thank you.

My next project is to make a breech which accepts LS clips, also. A race? .

I was actually going to put a paper clip at the back, but decided against it. Normally in my guns I have the coupler onto a flat surface so the dart is pushed against the top of the tank and into the barrel. But if you have it directly onto a Big Blast for example you would have to devise a stoppage system, (the dart would be pushed into the thing that seals the air in the tank; excuse my phrasing).

I get my brass at my local hardware store, which is the only place I have ever seen it. I know that places online sell it, but if you really want some I could probably pick some up for you.

-OfAll'

[themilkman]

Blasphemy, on Feb 26 2008, 07:58 PM, said:

Very nice, I'm in the process of designing a breech for my BBB like this that uses the Longshot magazines. Two questions though: What stops the darts from just being pushed back by the 17/32" brass? And where does everybody get these magical brass sizes? I've checked my Home Depot and Lowes many times over yet can only find 1/2" brass which has a terribly loose fit on my darts, stefans or not, is nowhere close to fitting in 1/2" CPVC or PVC, thinwall or not, and definitely doesn't fit with other brass sizes I've found there.

Ace Hardware my friend should have all of the sizes that you are looking for.

[Carbon]

Blasphemy, I'm pretty sure the 1/2" "brass" you're finding at Lowe's is actually copper. 1/2" brass is actually too small for darts. You can find it in 12" lengths at Ace and True Value, among other places.

Nice write-up, and a clean look on the finished product. As far as the dart getting pushed back..I'm guessing it's not a problem because it's being used on an air gun?

[OfAllTheNerf]

Carbon, on Feb 26 2008, 09:06 PM, said:

Blasphemy, I'm pretty sure the 1/2" "brass" you're finding at Lowe's is actually copper. 1/2" brass is actually too small for darts. You can find it in 12" lengths at Ace and True Value, among other places.

Nice write-up, and a clean look on the finished product. As far as the dart getting pushed back..I'm guessing it's not a problem because it's being used on an air gun?

THank you.

And yes, it will be used on an air gun. I don't really know of any springers that could properly take advantage of a 12" barrel (except a Crossbow, but mine is in the process of being crazied), anyways.

Edited by OfAllTheNerf, 26 February 2008 - 09:09 PM.

[themilkman]

Blasphemy, on Feb 26 2008, 07:58 PM, said:

Very nice, I'm in the process of designing a breech for my BBB like this that uses the Longshot magazines. Two questions though: What stops the darts from just being pushed back by the 17/32" brass? And where does everybody get these magical brass sizes? I've checked my Home Depot and Lowes many times over yet can only find 1/2" brass which has a terribly loose fit on my darts, stefans or not, is nowhere close to fitting in 1/2" CPVC or PVC, thinwall or not, and definitely doesn't fit with other brass sizes I've found there.

Ace Hardware my friend should have all of the sizes that you are looking for. And that isn't brass at Home Depot, it's copper.

[Blasphemy]

Carbon, on Feb 26 2008, 09:06 PM, said:

Blasphemy, I'm pretty sure the 1/2" "brass" you're finding at Lowe's is actually copper. 1/2" brass is actually too small for darts. You can find it in 12" lengths at Ace and True Value, among other places.

Nice write-up, and a clean look on the finished product. As far as the dart getting pushed back..I'm guessing it's not a problem because it's being used on an air gun?

Oh no, I assure you IT IS BRASS, and it is 1/2", It comes in 2 1/2' or 5' lengths. Unfortunately there are no Aces or True Values near me that I know of, maybe brass that is the right size just hates me and doesn't want to find its way into my hands.

EDIT: Wait, I just noticed that there are Yu-Gi-Oh cards in some of your pictures, I couldn't help but remembering what a dork I was when I collected and dueled with those several years ago. For anyone who still does collect the them though, no offense intended.

Edited by Blasphemy, 26 February 2008 - 09:16 PM.

[CaptainSlug]

Just in case you hadn't already guessed, Mcmaster sells a whole assortment of brass tubing sizes. They also sell a nifty aluminum barrel option (part# 1658T49) that I keep recommending but nobody tries.

Did I also mention that I have an addiction to Mcmaster-Carr?

Edited by CaptainSlug, 26 February 2008 - 09:26 PM.

[Blasphemy]

CaptainSlug, on Feb 26 2008, 09:26 PM, said:

Just in case you hadn't already guessed, Mcmaster sells a whole assortment of brass tubing sizes. They also sell a nifty aluminum barrel option (part# 1658T49) that I keep recommending but nobody tries.

Did I also mention that I have an addiction to Mcmaster-Carr?

Eh.. it doesn't really matter, I don't like brass that much anyways, too heavy and expensive. Yes, I had guessed Mcmaster-Carr sells many types of brass tubing. I probably will try the aluminum barrel soon, what other types of tubing fit well in it/over it? And yes, I believe you have mentioned you fiendish addiction to Mcmaster-Carr elsewhere in the 'haven Sluggy.

I know a support group for addictions to web-based industrial suppliers that meets bi-weekly, you should go sometime, they are really understanding. Remember, the first step is admitting that you have a problem.

Edited by Blasphemy, 01 July 2008 - 07:19 PM.

[Carbon]

OfAllTheNerf, on Feb 26 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

And yes, it will be used on an air gun. I don't really know of any springers that could properly take advantage of a 12" barrel (except a Crossbow, but mine is in the process of being crazied), anyways.

Heh...actually, the SNAP can. Your approach is similar to my style of breech (at least in parts), but we diverge in a few ways. I may have to give this style a try sometime.

[Thom]

CaptainSlug, on Feb 26 2008, 09:26 PM, said:

Just in case you hadn't already guessed, Mcmaster sells a whole assortment of brass tubing sizes. They also sell a nifty aluminum barrel option (part# 1658T49) that I keep recommending but nobody tries.

Did I also mention that I have an addiction to Mcmaster-Carr?

Put me down for the CS Aluminium fan club; I ordered 8 feet of it last year; I'm using it for four AT2K barrels, a Titan barrel, and hopefully three SMDTG barrels for a LS integration. Great stuff.

[jwasko]

Blasphemy, on Feb 26 2008, 08:58 PM, said:

And where does everybody get these magical brass sizes?

*clears throat*

Hobby shops!!! [/yell]

If you don't know where your local hobby shop is, find out! They started making these things called phone books a few years ago...they can be quite useful, you know.

And, yeah, Ace and True Value seem to have it as well.

Actually, my brother just said he saw "1/2 inch" brass that had a thick wall at a local Busy Beaver (small chain hardware store), in lengths over 1 foot, and with threading on the ends. I figured it was copper, but he says brass...I'll have to check it out more thoroughly over spring break.

[CaptainSlug]

jwasko, on Feb 26 2008, 11:03 PM, said:

Actually, my brother just said he saw "1/2 inch" brass that had a thick wall at a local Busy Beaver (small chain hardware store), in lengths over 1 foot, and with threading on the ends. I figured it was copper, but he says brass...I'll have to check it out more thoroughly over spring break.

Yes, you can buy brass pipe in different schedules just like plastic pipe because it's made for boiler systems. It's crazy expensive though. The SCH80 stuff is $34 per foot.

[Thom]

On the topic of brass source, you can get it here as well if no one near you carries it.

[Kabuki]

jwasko, on Feb 26 2008, 08:03 PM, said:

Actually, my brother just said he saw "1/2 inch" brass that had a thick wall at a local Busy Beaver (small chain hardware store), in lengths over 1 foot, and with threading on the ends. I figured it was copper, but he says brass...I'll have to check it out more thoroughly over spring break.

Home Depot and Lowes also carry the threaded brass pipe. Everything I've tried, though, is too narrow or vastly too large. Certainly could be bored out, but if one has that capability, then brass is not the best origination point anyway. It's expensive too.

[OfAllTheNerf]

Carbon, on Feb 26 2008, 09:44 PM, said:

OfAllTheNerf, on Feb 26 2008, 08:08 PM, said:

And yes, it will be used on an air gun. I don't really know of any springers that could properly take advantage of a 12" barrel (except a Crossbow, but mine is in the process of being crazied), anyways.

Heh...actually, the SNAP can. Your approach is similar to my style of breech (at least in parts), but we diverge in a few ways. I may have to give this style a try sometime.

Wow, I totally forgot about that.

I really should get around to making a SNAP sometime...

If you ever make one of these, tell me how it goes!

Also, will this be added to The Directory?

-OfAll'

PS I'm pretty sure everyone knows how to get brass now

[no offence/]

Edited by OfAllTheNerf, 27 February 2008 - 04:47 PM.

[Spyder Snyper]

A little off topic to the last post but, would it be no good to just cut out where you load the dart and not put anything there? Basically, just getting 1/2 inch pvc or cpvc and just cutting that hole. Or would to much air escape?

[vaan]

Yeah all the air would go right out that hole. The only other thing you could do, its try and put a peice of 9/16 brass over a cut like that peice of 17/32, and it might be air tight, so you'd push the 9/16 foward load a dart into the 17/32 move the 9/16 back. Frost did that in his 5k mod, but he also had a pvc cover over the 9/16, so it might not be a airtight seal.

[bobafan]

I made one similar to this out of PVC and had the base of the barrel seal with a ring of foam sheeting.

Edited by bobafan, 27 February 2008 - 09:05 PM.

[OfAllTheNerf]

bobafan, on Feb 27 2008, 09:05 PM, said:

I made one similar to this out of PVC and had the base of the barrel seal with a ring of foam sheeting.

I was going to do something like that too, but couldn't figure out a way to make sure the dart made it into the barrel each time.

Maybe I'm just missing something.

[analogkid]

Wow, I made aa breech using the exact same sizes and dimensions a while ago. However, mine is actuated by moving the 9/16" sleeve instead of the barrel.

[Blasphemy]

OfAllTheNerf, on Feb 27 2008, 04:47 PM, said:

PS I'm pretty sure everyone knows how to get brass now

[no offence/]

I'm so offended that I'm never going on this topic again, or this site, or the entire internet, you brassist.

No, just kidding, then I'd have nothing to waste a significant portion of my life on. And you're on for the LS magazine acceptable breech challenge.