8 replies to this topic

[rork]

I use cpvc barrels, which work really well with the SNAPbow. However, after making the switch to Slug darts, I found that twisting darts into my cpvc was no longer really an option; the wide, rigid dart tip likes to bind too much, making loading difficult. The solution? Devise a system using a full 12” barrel that has no dead space, and a recessed chamber into which darts can be loaded tail-first. Props to Falcon for inspiring me with his gnarly X-bow barrel setup. Note: this is intended to fit into the ¾” slip bushing I have in the end of my SNAPbow, but it could be adapted for use with other blasters.

Start with these parts: a ¾” pvc/cpvc adapter, a short (1-1 ½”) length of ¾” pvc, 2” of ½” cpvc, and a ¾”x1/2” cpvc reducing bushing, plus a cpvc barrel of your chosen length (mine’s 12”). First, the chamber.

Wrap one end of the short bit of cpvc in two turns of e-tape, and drill two 1/8” holes in the opposite end. With a dremel or knife, bevel the inside surface of the taped end, so it has a nice, smooth taper. Do the same to one end of your barrel. Now, glue the taped end into the bushing, thusly.

Squirt a bit of hot glue into the 1/8” holes in the chamber piece, and wrap the end in enough e-tape so that it fits snugly into the ¾” stub.

The glue will prevent darts from being pushed into the plunger tube. Shove the assembly through the adapter, seat the bushing in the end of the adapter, then force the ¾” stub over the end of the cpvc and up into the adapter.



Glue this unit into the bushing at the end of the blaster. Now, just remove the barrel, push your dart into the recessed chamber until it seats fully, then plug your barrel in. Fire, and repeat. I put a sleeve of ¾” pvc on mine, for the sake of comfort.


Enjoy. ~Rork

Edited by rork, 24 September 2008 - 09:30 PM.

[Magic]

Great idea yet again rork, how airtight is it? Is this so the dart doesn't fall in to the plunger?

[rork]

It's as airtight as any other coupler-based system. The dart can't get sucked into the plunger tube, there's no dead space, and it's MUCH easier to load. I rather like it.

Edited by rork, 24 September 2008 - 09:31 PM.

[MercenaryXero]

Shit, I just had this problem. Thanks for the solution, I think I'll build one.

[Rogue Warrior]

Could you make a video of yourself loading and firing a dart with this set-up? It would greatly help me understand this.

[sub280]

I second that vid request.

[rork]

No vid, sorry. However: I can take a few pictures of the loading process.

[Rogue Warrior]

That will work perfectly. Please do.

[rork]

It's really not complex at all; you just take off the barrel, shove a dart down into the cpvc chamber, plug the barrel back in, and fire. I'll get more pics up probably tonight.