derbaron

A section of an AR-15 buffer spring would work without reinforcement. They can be bought here.

Brass is also available in a lot more sizes than copper. What you probably found was 1/2" copper, which has a really loose fit on micro darts(they'll slide around easily in it). Some people use it for air guns, but for spring guns its basically useless.

Derbaron-(Part 1) Since foam is soft, there are often size inconsistancies between batches, perhaps your foam is a different brand than mine. As for PVC, as far as I can tell, there are small inconsistancies in diameter varying by location. Since you are in Texas, and I am in Maryland, we probably are discussing a different processing site. My CPVC's od is .538" (digital caliper)

(Part 2) Again, there must be inconsistancies. My 1/2" CPVC fits exactly into my 1/2" PVC, without any sealant needed. As for nesting brass, I can't compare, as I can't find any near me.

If there really are regional variances in PVC sizing, I can't understand why. It could cause plumbers that move from state to state to mess up plumbing projects. Has anyone else come across 1/2" CPVC that fits in 1/2" PVC?

I'm well aware of the batch inconsistencies with fbr, but I don't think I was objecting to any claims about fbr sizes. If you were referring to how I said CPVC works best for me, I know that is because of differences in my foam versus others foam, which is why I would suggest that everyone do as much experimenting with barrel materials as they can instead of just accepting what others say.

PVC is measured by inner diameter, while CPVC is measured by outer diameter.

I don't think this is right, because if it were 1/2" PVC would fit micro stefans where in reality it fits mega stefans(made from 5/8" fbr). Also, 1/2" CPVC is about 5/8" in outer diameter, not 1/2". I don't know what their measurements are based on, but its not as you explained.

Also, 1/2" CPVC nests perfectly inside 1/2" PVC. This is often helpful for homemades.

This is definitely wrong. 1/2" CPVC is just slightly too big to fit inside 1/2" PVC. If you sand the outside of the CPVC or the inside of the PVC then the CPVC will fit in the PVC, but it won't be perfect nesting like how 17/32" brass nests inside 9/16" brass, unless you can sand very precisely.


Raw Shrimp, I would definitely recommend going to some other hardware stores to at least get some 1/2" CPVC. You can also order brass online and PETG from people here at Nerf Haven. It will depend on your darts as to what barrel material works best for your guns. I hear a lot of people say that brass is better than CPVC, but I've tried both and CPVC works slightly better for me. Experimenting with them all is best to figure out what's best for you, but the most cost effective thing is to use CPVC because its the cheapest(about $2 for 5 feet).

For my Nitefinders I add a second O-ring, which gives them a good enough seal to pull a dart back into the air chamber without a wire or something similar to stop the dart(using a 4" CPVC barrel). They're located in Home Depot in the plumbing section with the faucet repair stuff. Its the #14 O-Ring by Danco, if they don't have those or you go to a different hardware store the dimensions are 15/16" OD x 3/4" ID x 3/32". They come in a pack of 10 for under $2, so its cheap but if you only ever plan on getting one nitefinder it might not be the best solution for you.