229 replies to this topic

[J cobbers]

This topic is to point out what barrel materials usually used for modding nerf guns.

If you are new to the art of barrel replacements read this article by Cxwq. It should answer most of your questions and is a good starting place.

If you have further comments on or links to barrel modifications this is the place to post them. The idea is to have one place to answer questions on the subject without making new and redundant topics we've read more times than we care to.

[Starsnuffer]

How does adding a PVC coupler to the end of an air chamber make it breech loading? is there a slit in the side of it or something?

[Nerferc]

Well, the coupler allows you to pull the barrel off, put the dart in, and put the barrel back one. This allows you to reload without having to ramrod the dart in. That's how it works.

[Mattf]

If anyone would post what sizes of PVC and brass they recommend for micro stock and micro stefans, I'd be eternally grateful of them / willing to donate blood to them / appreciative.

[Mattf]

If anyone would post what sizes of PVC and brass they recommend for micro stock and micro stefans, I'd be eternally grateful of them / willing to donate blood to them / appreciative.

I thought it'd be 1/2" for the CPVC and a bit more for the brass, but nothing fit my darts.

*insert extremely sad face*

[Maverick Master]

I know this is an old topic but i didn't want to start a hole nother topic for just one question, any way.

I was just wondering why copper dosn't work good for a barrel. I've all ready heard the story about copper is the stuff that comes from inbettween your grandpas legs but other than that i really don't know.

[cxwq]

I'm going to just pretend that I didn't read the last sentence...

Use the barrel material that fits your darts. Period.

If you're using stock micros, 1/2" SCH40 PVC fits the tips nicely and 9/16" OD K&S brass or crayola markers or .55" ID PETG will do for the body.

If you're using stefans, nothing I say will help you because your foam isn't the same size as mine. Take a piece of FBR to the hardware store and start hunting. Then take it to the hobby store and do the same. Chances are you'll find something that works.

[yourmomsanerfer]

whats the main difference between the use of petg and cpvc? I know that the petg is thinner but how and why does it affetc the stefans?

[Hotness]

I would recomend the use of hollowed out crayola markers inside a length of 1/2" SCH40 PVC for guns that use stock micros.

[J cobbers]

whats the main difference between the use of petg and cpvc? I know that the petg is thinner but how and why does it affetc the stefans?

It's clear, lighter, easier to cut and can be ordered in sizes that more exactly fit your foam backer rod. Generally however finding it requires you to custom order it or get some from someone who has, were as PVC and CPVC can be had at most any hardware store.
Because you can match it to your FBR that you use for stephans allows superior performance in valve based guns where you want a perfect fit rather than the tight one you want for a spring gun.

[z80]

I would recomend the use of hollowed out crayola markers inside a length of 1/2" SCH40 PVC for guns that use stock micros.

Ive used that on my AT2k, LBB and NF. Works great with matchsticks too.

[Shadow 92]

I've got a question. If you replaced a spring in, say a Big Bad Bow, would you need a longer barrel than normal to compensate for the plunger's accelerated speed? Would the same concept apply to pump guns as well, swichting from a ballvalve to a sprinker valve because the air is also moving faster? And shouldn't nested brass barrels always be used in spring guns as opposed CPVC?

[Shadow 92]

I've got another question. I just ordered some 0.5" ID PETG from McMaster and realized that its ID is too small for my darts. My question is; Can I use a 9/16 drill bit to widen the ID on the PETG even though it will leave 1/16” of space with it’s 5/8 ID? If not is there any other way to evenly widen it?

(Sorry for the double post)

[nerfer34]

That's what I'm thinking.....

If you can find a 9/16 drill bit, LET ME KNOW!

But yes, I believe you can.

[Shadow 92]

Thanks nerfer34. I found several 9/16 drill bits at Lowes and Home Depot and combined with the bit extensions, I should be able to drill all the way through the barrel.

[Sinewav]

What are the advantages/disadvantages I should know when choosing between brass and aluminum?

It seems that most people here like to use brass, but I'd like to know why. I'm placing a large order on McMaster and aluminum is a heck of a lot cheaper. I'm not opposed to ordering the brass if it's significantly better in terms of performance, but I can think of a lot of things that I'd like to do with the money I'd save on the aluminum.

[Retiate]

The reason brass is much favored for a barrel replacement is because it comes in such small increments. You can find a good fit for your darts, since they come in increments of 1/32. Aluminum comes in very little sizes and I think it's a bit heavier due to thicker walls. I've never used aluminum before, but I know several people have. Go to the store and see how well your darts fit in aluminum. If it's a nice fit, then great, aluminum will work for you.

[CaptainSlug]

I might as well share this discovery. I found some aluminum structural tubing in the mcmaster catalog that has the same ID as 9/16" brass, 1/2" CPVC, and PETG. It's also fairly cheap (compared to brass).
1658T49 - Alloy 6063 Aluminum Round Tube .625" OD, .527" ID, 8' Length = $7.41 Each

It's pretty thick so it's durability should be excellent. Just as smooth as brass, but should prove easier to work with and won't tarnish. The outer diameter is 5/8".
I plan to use it in some in some upcoming projects.

[RaZeR ShArP]

Sorry for the retarded post, but could you link us to that tubing? I searched mcmaster and I didn't see it...

[SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA]

I found some aluminum structural tubing in the mcmaster catalog that has the same ID as 9/16" brass, 1/2" CPVC, and PETG.

I assume that we could substitute this aluminum in mods like FA24's Longshot. I don't see why the performance would be any different.

[Retiate]

Forsaken Angel's Lonshot mod had to use brass. Unless the aluminum Has increment sizes that small, it won't work because they won't slide over eachother for that perfect seal.

[CaptainSlug]

The aluminum wouldn't be useful for FA24's method since that relies upon the bolt face sliding over the receiver. You would have to find an alternative arraignment (which would probably require lathe work) in order to use aluminum.

Sorry for the retarded post, but could you link us to that tubing? I searched mcmaster and I didn't see it...

I can't directly link to anything in the Mcmaster catalog. Search for part# 1658T49

Edited by CaptainSlug, 29 March 2007 - 07:26 PM.

[SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA]

The aluminum wouldn't be useful for FA24's method since that relies upon the bolt face sliding over the receiver. You would have to find an alternative arraignment (which would probably require lathe work) in order to use aluminum.

Right. Didn't think about that...

However, the aluminum would be useful for the barrel of, say, a Crossfinder?

[CaptainSlug]

It would be useful for anything where you want a very durable long barrel. I mean, if you compare it cost wise to CPVC you get

5 feet of 1/2" SCH80 CPVC = $ 6.51
8 feet of aluminum tube (.527 ID .625" OD) = $7.41

So for an extra dollar you get three more feet, plus it will look much cooler and be easier to drill mounting holes for since it's 5/8" OD.

[Prometheus]

Yeah, aluminum is hard to find up my way. Brass is pretty easy to find in the larger towns/small cities, but PETG is really hard to find, it seems that most pet suppliers won't carry it. One store showing promise is primarily into aquatic pets, so for anybody out there looking for some local PETG, check pet stores with alot of aquatic life.

Edited by Prometheus, 30 March 2007 - 02:00 PM.