Impact of configuration changes on longevity and accuracy
Assuming the parts are correctly installed (and that is a big assumption, I know), to what degree does changing barrels and/or tanks impact accuracy and overall life of an airforce rifle?
For example, I now have 3 barrels (24″ .22, and 12″ in both .177 and .22), 1 Hi-Flo valve tank, 1 micrometer tank, and a 12 oz CO2 tank with the Airforce adapter.
I realize I need to sight in the rifle with each modification, but after the rifle is sighted in, will the accuracy be fairly consistent in various configurations (assuming proper pellets, weather conditions, and range of 30 yards)? I have done this quite a bit with my rifle now that I have had it a few months and haven’t had problems. I’m a beginner though, and am doing all my shooting off hand, so I have never tested for precise accuracy.
Does changing the barrels regularly significantly shorten the life of the rifle (assuming no abuse)?
If I were to have the rifle tuned in one configuration and then changed barrels, if I went back to the original barrel and tank, would the benefits of the tune have been lost?
I know there are a lot of variables to these questions. Just seeking some general ball park estimates. As I put more money into the rifle, I wounder if I would be better off to just focus on one caliber and configuration vs. being able to swap stuff out.
Thanks for the info.
–Dave
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Viewing 11 replies - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
I have a wokbutt on my micrometer tank and it works fine. I don’t know the exact specs, but to me, the tanks seem pretty close, except for the valve.
I am sure if you know what you are doing, you could achieve a similar result by adjusting top hat settings and fill pressures. I haven’t had to make any adjustments with the micrometer tank — just switch out the tanks and instantly quiet enough and low power enough for back yard shooting.
I also have CO2. I like the consistency and non-temp dependent nature of the micrometer tank better.
I am considering moving to just my 24″ barrel (.22 caliber), hi-flo tank, and micrometer tank. It is nice to also have .177 and CO2 capability, but I’m starting to think I should focus on getting my Condor accurate in one configuration and practicing on that to shoot well and then maybe getting another gun or two with the other features I’m looking for.
Thanks for the info Dave
I still have some work to do for my .22 zeroing at 100 yards and as soon as I get that done I’ll install my other Valve Stem/TopHat and see how low I can go and get decent 25 to 50 yard shots with lighter pellets. Currently making adjustments for Baracuda Match .22 at 21.14 gr. Once I have the other valve working with light pellets I’ll switch barrels to my 12″ .177 and see if I can keep the same TopHat adjustment and just fine tune with the PW. If not, I’ll gladly buy the Micrometer tank for the 12″ .177.
Oh, I wonder if a Wokbutt would work with a Micrometer tank?
Edmund
@Lurker#1 — I think the micrometer tank is worth the money. I have been very happy with mine.
I got the Micrometer tank so I could shoot quietly. I really like it. I have used it with my 24″ and 12″ barrels. The shots remain accurate and consistent. I have never experimented with it to see how many total shots create POI change, but I easily shoot 60 or more shots with it.
I am sure if you know what you are doing, you could achieve a similar result by adjusting top hat settings and fill pressures. I haven’t had to make any adjustments with the micrometer tank — just switch out the tanks and instantly quiet enough and low power enough for back yard shooting.
I also have CO2. I like the consistency and non-temp dependent nature of the micrometer tank better.
I am considering moving to just my 24″ barrel (.22 caliber), hi-flo tank, and micrometer tank. It is nice to also have .177 and CO2 capability, but I’m starting to think I should focus on getting my Condor accurate in one configuration and practicing on that to shoot well and then maybe getting another gun or two with the other features I’m looking for.
DAVE,
I have opted for versatility and economy with a Condor 24″ .22 on Hi-flo air and added a 12″ .177 and CO2 in hopes for a close range quiet rifle. I’ve only changed barrels twice and other than recalibrating and re-siting I don’t foresee any problem caused by careful attention to setscrew snugness and use of blue Locktite. Some don’t like the Locktite but with it you don’t have to chance over tightening the screws in an aluminum frame.
I recently purchased and polished a second Hi-Flo Valve Stem/TopHat and was thinking of setting it up for the 12″ .177 barrel since I couldn’t get more info about the Micrometer tank.
Also, I need to tune the 12″ .177 configuration for quietness but was not satisfied with the CO2 tank. The .177 worked better for me on air but my AF pump went out 3 times for repair. I would greatly appreciate hearing your experience with the Micrometer tank.
Won’t harm anything swapping bits in and out. But it does become tiresome. Thats why I’ve ended up with two… 🙄
When you switch things around and then go back to an old setup some other thing might have changed. You might get a slightly slower or higher velocity, more or less shots per fill, or the fill pressure it likes might go up or down slightly. It’s hard to notice a change in velocity or shot count unless you are shooting at long range. It has never happened to me but I guess it’s possible nothing will change…..that has never been the case for me though.
I appreciate your advice on that. I know that the rifle would need to be sighted in every time. I’ve changed configurations a lot over the past few months and haven’t had a big problem with that. It just takes some extra time.
I am trying to figure out how to best spend money in the hobby and it seems like buying several guns would probably be better in the long run than trying to outfit one than can be reconfigured in different ways.
I don’t see any long term disadvantages unless the user causes them.(like stripped screws) If you set up a rifle one way, then change the barrel, valve, PW setting, etc. don’t expect it do all be exactly the same if go back to your old setup. Like rj said and like you mentioned, just set the rifle up so it best fits your needs and leave it alone. Having one set up will allow you to learn and shoot your rifle better.
everything will change to some degree.just get 3 different guns set them up how u want and leave them alone.or just pick one and be happy thats what i did
Viewing 11 replies - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
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Dumb me! I don’t know why I was thinking it would be a much smaller tank.
Actually, while I was ordering a couple valve stems from AF I asked about the Micrometer tank and they indicated that I wouldn’t need it.
Maybe I’ll just order a third Valve stem setup but it wouldn’t hurt to have a second tank either.
Thanks again Dave