4 replies to this topic

[Kars923]

Hello,

 

I have several feet of 1/2 inch piping from a company called "sharkbite".  I am unsure what kind of pipe it is, but it is white, flexible, and has a tight fit on elites.  I was wondering if this is a viable barreling material.  Thanks!

[C-A 99]

This is PEX. It works as a barrel material if it has the right fit, and the section you have is straight. A lot of curved or bent PEX goes around: avoid them.

[The2ndBluesBro]

Yes it is PEX and does work as a barrel but it is mostly useless because cpvc is more rigid and PETG is cheaper. Also it is only good in small lengths because it will bend. Ok for pistols especially if you use PVC to stabilize it.

[Ksimo13]

I think the best use for this pipe is to replace cycloneshock barrels with it. The turret on mine has cutouts on the sides and the red tubing looks nice in there. The turret also keeps the lengths of pipe straight. 

[Jimu RetroGuru]

Sharkbite brand PEX is available from Home Depot in 2-foot lengths, which cuts down on the bend factor. Additionally:
-comes in the same sizes as copper pipe and CPVC, and therefore compatible with their couplers
-slightly cheaper than CPVC
-lighter and easier to cut & carve than CPVC
-comes in bright white, bright blue, and BRIGHT RED. The color codes are intended to distingush hot and cold water lines, but bright red barrels have a fairly high "don't get shot by trigger-happy cops" factor.

I've found red PEX makes great Nitefinder and Firestrike barrels, and just finished rebarreling my Maverick and DTG.

Also, the printing along the tubing (<SHARKBITE>, size info, bar codes) comes off with some acetone nail polish remover.