Barrel cutting

Mr X15

Hi all, recently got a dboys m4 cqb which has a 270mm barrel. So i want to put a madbull ultimate hop paired with a black python barrel into it but as it is a 270mm barrel my only options are a 300mm barrel and cut it or get a short 247mm barrel .Which one is the better option and what is the best way of cutting a barrel, specifically how do i clean it up after destroying it with a hacksaw.

NakedDex

You've got a third option here too, but I'll deal with what you've said first.

A 247mm barrel would do fine. Yes, it would be an inch short, but it'll make little difference.

Taking a 300mm and cutting it is possible, but not with a hacksaw. Even a hacksaw with a large TPI won't cut it quite as smooth as you'd need.
Ideally, if cutting, you'll need a Dremel/rotary tool, or some similar machine tool. A lathe is the best possible option but it'd be rare anyone would have one just for airsoft. Once the barrel is cleanly cut, the end needs to be re-finished too. Cutting a tightbore means precision and no heavy compression in a clamp. Any deformation will be detrimental to it's use. This is why a hacksaw just won't work.

The third option is simple; change your flash hider.
A longer flash hider, or even a suppressor, will allow you to use the 300mm barrel without it being exposed. It's a common enough thing to do. Small barrel extensions are also available, but are usually a good bit longer than the inch and a half you want.

Mr X15

Cheers Dex, well just after doing a bit of measuring the flash hider is long enough to protect the barrel, it will still be visible but as it is a black barrel it wont bother me too much i have a dremel and possibly a lathe if the slightly long barrel drives me mad. But i think i will be fine. whats your opinion on the madbull ultimate hop up .

NakedDex

Haven't used one, but the reports are good. Operationally, it's similar to the G36 hop unit, which I've always found to be the best design by far.

sci-ops

4th option?? - doesn't the dboys CQB come with an outer barrel extension, or is that just the one from Cybergun?

Mr X15

it does indeed but I want try and keep the length down as I want it for cqb the flash hider is long enough to protect the barrel so should do me fine. Thanks anyway

Inari

Vanaras do a tightbore barrel at 285mm - I've put one in my GF's DBoys CQB; no cutting needed, and keeps the size down

Mr X15

Yeah seen that Inari I'm going to stick with the madbull as it should be more consistent in diameter. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Inari

Mr X15 wrote: »

Yeah seen that Inari I'm going to stick with the madbull as it should be more consistent in diameter. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Honestly, the Vanaras is more than comparable with Madbull. It's also packed better. They use a triangular shaped plastic container, which stops the barrel from being damaged in transit.

Upon testing a variety of barrels I found the Madbull and Vanaras to be pretty identical in performance

Mr X15

Don't be saying that unfortunately so I'v already ordered the barrel and hop up.

Inari

Mr X15 wrote: »

Don't be saying that unfortunately so I'v already ordered the barrel and hop up.

Ha, don't worry about it. The Madbull barrels are excellent as well. They're also packed in a hard plastic casing to protect against damage, and are anodized with teflon I believe.

Airsofter's are notoriously anal about all manner of upgrades, so you'll probably try every barrel under the sun for yourself anyway

Mr X15

Ah this will be my second already have a promy if its anything like that i'll be happy.

goblin59

My mate cuts his barrels as a means of being able to adjust his rifle for CQB and outdoors, i can ask him how he does it as they all seem to turn out well.