Tightbores, what width is best?

War Machine 539

Looking at installing a tightbore into an AEG, I have found a 6.01 that I like and is reasonably priced, but after a bit of research it seems a lot of people say a drop off in FPS occurs. Can anyone shed some light on their experiences with barrels of this diameter?

thermo

i dont usually use tbb's with a bore of less than 6.03 as under that i found that the gun is too prone to jams due to dirt/lesser quality bb's.

tudenham10

A 6.01 should be good, in theory at least. As Thermo pointed out, you'll need to watch what bb you use as well as clean it after each game day.

The other thing is that if it's at a really reasonable price, the barrel itself might be quite thin. This can worsen the airseal in and around the hop unit and lead to extra movement due to vibration each time you fire leading to an inconsistancy in your grouping and a drop in fps! Both can be dealt with relatively easily but it's worth bearing in mind.

MerryDespot

6.03 - as Thermo mentions above, going to a 6.01 really means being very very selective about bbs (basically, excel bbs - which can be hard to get your hands on).

thermo

MerryDespot wrote: »

6.03 - as Thermo mentions above, going to a 6.01 really means being very very selective about bbs (basically, excel bbs - which can be hard to get your hands on).

and expensive!

Puding

as other have said 6.03 best blend of price and performance for me, have a 6.01 in my vsr but that is all i would put one in

thermo

just to add i prefere the madbull black python ver2's................

T4RGET

thermo wrote: »

just to add i prefere the madbull black python ver2's................

I'd agree on that, use one in two of my AEG's

Inari

With AEG upgrades it is all down to trial, error and perception. Less is most certainly more. Start with the basics, and work from there. I know you're just asking strictly about tightbores, but this is still applicable. You first ask yourself what you're looking for out of your gun, and then start with the utmost basics.

Accuracy upgrades are often done while forgetting the number one factor of accuracy; ammunition - your BB's. What BB's are you using? Find a brand that give you the best results, and stick with them. I've been using one brand exclusively for years, and never switch 'em. It means I have my baseline for accuracy, and know that I'm working from there.

As for what bore to use, it is all entirely contingent on your set up. If you are hunting for maximum effective range, then up to 455mm long your best bet is 6.01mm bore, with a high quality finish. If you are after maximum range (period.) then your best bet is a larger diameter barrel such as the TK twist measuring in at 6.1mm (however this has an air cushion design to stabalise the BB). When using anything over 455mm then out to 6.04mm or 6.03mm will yield superior results due to reduced vibrations from the shots. This has been well documented over on ArniesAirsoft, although admittedly I have only ever encountered it once

Another important thing to remember is the overall quality of the part - you want a nice even finish on the barrel, and the best way to achieve this is by the barrel's reputation. Vanaras barrels are universally regarded as the 'cheaper' barrel, and they work fantastic...for general purpose. But when you're looking for more out of your gun, you tend to go for the higher priced brands such as Lonex, A2A, and Prometheus. This is where perception comes in - after spending many monies on a barrel, you can be drawn in by the placebo effect. It is difficult to remain impartial when money has been potentially flushed down the proverbial toilet. This is why it is essential (in my opinion) to only upgrade when you find something lacking.

Lastly, every gun likes a different combination - this is where trial and error comes into play. I've had rifles love Guarder clears and Madbull barrels, and I've had rifles that hate them. Deep Fire 6.02mm barrel works wonderously in my P90 with G&G Green Hop up rubber, and woefully in my CYMA M4 (same hop up bucking). JBU 6.01mm works terrifically in my CYMA M4 (G&G Green), but terribly in my ICS 551 DMR (custom) (SHS White). Madbull 6.03mm works excellently in my G&G LR300 (once again, G&G Green), but only so-so in my G&P MRP (SHS white). It's all about trying different things.

Course of action in accuracy upgrades is, in my opinion:
1.) Try different brands of BB's until satisfied - use these BB's from now on.
2.) If (only if) range is unsatisfactory, replace standard hop up rubber with softer after market rubber and re-examine.
3.) If unsatisfied with groupings, replace stock barrel with suitably sized barrel in a diameter suiting the length (i.e. if below 455mm long, and using a high quality BB, then go to 6.01mm diameter).
4.) If unsatisfied overall, try different barrel & hop combinations until satisfactory result is obtained.

SIDESTEP:
When looking at accuracy upgrades, consistency is the name of the game; best way to achieve good shot to shot consistency is to improve your air seal and pull as weak a spring as possible - M85 or lower.

Stercus Accidit

Do 6.01mm's actually get jammed or is that just kind of a rumour?

T4RGET

Stercus Accidit wrote: »

Do 6.01mm's actually get jammed or is that just kind of a rumour?

50:50 realy, BB's, we're told are 6mm, read the packet and it will say something like 5.95 +/- .05mm or something allong the line, so if one of the BB's does reach 6mm, that leaves very little for dirt etc, also you do get the odd BB which may be more than 6mm and this will defintely get jammed so it all depends

thermo

yep, if your using poor quality bb's or you dont clean the barrel regularly.

Inari

thermo wrote: »

yep, if your using poor quality bb's or you dont clean the barrel regularly.

This. In a nutshell. In all of the aftermarket barrels I use, from 6.04 to 6.01 I have never had a jam. Not once. However I use the same BB's all of the time, which helps as I am familiar with their quality and am confident enough in them to not worry
about using them in a 6.01 barrel which helps :P

Zomg Okay

Inari wrote: »

This. In a nutshell. In all of the aftermarket barrels I use, from 6.04 to 6.01 I have never had a jam. Not once. However I use the same BB's all of the time, which helps as I am familiar with their quality and am confident enough in them to not worry
about using them in a 6.01 barrel which helps :P

Out of curiosity, what BBs do you use?

War Machine 539

Thanks a bunch lads, especially Inari for the more than comprehensive response! Your input is very much appreciated!