Tech: Barrel Changes

Tech: Barrel Changes

Not too long ago, we talked about the bucking which is a component found in all airsoft guns. Now let's talk about the next component that it interacts with: the barrel.

Airsoft guns have two barrels. Yes, two, technically. There is the outer barrel, which is the exterior part you see. This serves no function in firing the gun per se, but it is integral to mimicking the look of the firearm that the airsoft gun is trying to replicate. It houses a second barrel, the inner barrel. The inner barrel is what the actual BB travels through when it is fired, and with the exception of some oddball designs out there, it will be for a 6mm plastic BB. The barrel system will consist of the barrel itself. The rubber hops up bucking, a hop-up nub, and the hop-up chamber.

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The barrel has a direct effect on accuracy, range, and velocity, but it must work in synergy with the bucking and other components inside the gun. If your gearbox is not performing properly, you will not have the air pressure to achieve range and velocity. If your bucking is worn out or torn, the same results will occur, and you might have feeding issues.

The barrel is a pretty straightforward component. The inner diameter will measure 6.05mm or more and typically be made of brass, steel, or aluminum. Brass is what you will find the majority of the time. The barrel will have a window cut into it one end, and this is the end where the hopup chamber presses the nub into the bucking, which protrudes into that window. This produces that bump from the rubber that will make contact with the BB as it is fired, thus providing a backspin and giving you the hopup effect. Read more about buckings here.

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So, what makes a barrel more accurate and a worthy upgrade? You'll hear the term "tight bore barrel" in airsoft. This is where the barrel has a smaller inner diameter, typically 6.03mm, 6.01mm, or even 6.00mm. Typically, a BB is measured at 5.95mm +/- 0.1mm. A tighter barrel means the BB won't move around as much and should deliver a more consistent grouping. The tighter constriction also means the air pressure is increased ever so slightly, and you will likely get a boost in velocity out of the same ammo. This can be verified by a chronograph, a device that we use in airsoft to measure an airsoft gun's performance, more specifically, the velocity and energy a gun is capable of.

Some other concepts and barrels exist besides the tight bore, but this is the most prevalent and proven concept for airsoft barrel types. So, what diameter is right for you? The tighter you go, the more FPS you will almost always get, but it comes at the cost of reliability. Sometimes, the barrels are so tight that the slightest dust and debris or a less-than-perfect BB can jam your gun up badly. If you play indoors primarily, your environment is probably more sterile, and you can get away with a 6.01mm or 6.00mm barrel. If you play outdoors, I would recommend a 6.03mm. A 6.01mm will work, too, but be careful about getting dirt in the barrel, and with any of the barrels you upgrade to, clean your gun regularly.

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The next thing to consider in a barrel is the material it is made of or, more specifically, how smooth it is. Brass is the most popular for a factory barrel and works just as well for an upgrade. The barrel will be equipped with a brass or aluminum barrel on cheaper guns. These barrels work fine, but they have a very rough finish inside, and though this is not ideal, it does not impede the gun's function. Nicer barrels will have a nice finish that could reduce friction from the BB traveling down the barrel and improve velocity. It is hard to say by how much without actually polishing the barrel, so let's just say that a nice smooth inner barrel adds value and makes us warm and fuzzy inside. If you are upgrading, the material is a personal preference, and I have used all kinds of brass, steel, and aluminum have all worked fine for me I don't exclusively run anything based strictly on material, only based on the smoothness.

The ones we stock at Fox are from a few brands, but our accuracy package is based on Madbull products. Madbull offers aluminum 6.03mm barrels called the Black Python, which are our favorite and work best for everyone's needs. We also have their aluminum 6.01mm and Steel Bull series 6.03mm barrels, which also work well.

Many people ask us what the best first upgrade to do is. Is it to upgrade the velocity by changing the spring or the barrel? If your gun has a quick-change style gearbox, upgrading the spring is great for achieving that raw power. The tight bore barrel route is the way to go if you're trying to tune for accuracy and efficiency. You will get a small bump in FPS, which, for some people, is all you need since you have field rules to follow. A big jump in FPS might put you in a different category in your local field. Also, upgrading the barrel does not strain the gearbox or draw more juice from the battery the way a harder spring or different motor might. Barrel upgrades do not require disassembly of the gearbox, so you can get this upgrade installed with relative ease for many types of guns. Some guns require disassembly of the body, which can be more work.

If you have more questions about upgrades, reach out to us!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do machine guns change barrels?

Machine guns change barrels primarily to manage heat generated during sustained firing. Continuous rapid firing causes barrels to heat up quickly, which can lead to barrel warping, decreased accuracy, and potential failure. By changing barrels, gunners can ensure the weapon remains operational and accurate during prolonged engagements. This practice is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of the machine gun, especially in high-intensity combat situations where the weapon's reliability is critical.

Will a longer barrel increase accuracy?

A longer barrel can increase accuracy by providing a longer sight radius and allowing the projectile more time to stabilize as it travels down the barrel. This can result in a more consistent trajectory and better accuracy over longer distances. However, the benefit of increased accuracy must be balanced with the potential downsides, such as added weight and reduced maneuverability of the firearm. Additionally, the type of ammunition and the overall design of the firearm also play significant roles in determining accuracy.

What does the tech barrel do in Starfield?

In the game Starfield, the tech barrel is a weapon modification that enhances the performance of ballistic weapons. This modification typically improves the accuracy and range of the weapon, making it more effective in combat scenarios. By equipping a tech barrel, players can achieve better shot precision and extend their effective engagement distance, giving them a tactical advantage in various combat situations within the game.

What does the SMAW spotting rifle do?

The SMAW (Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon) spotting rifle is an integral part of the SMAW system, used to increase the accuracy of the main rocket launcher. The spotting rifle fires tracers that mimic the trajectory of the SMAW's rockets, allowing the operator to adjust their aim based on the spotting round's impact point before firing the actual rocket. This feature enhances the accuracy of the weapon system, making it more effective for engaging targets, especially in anti-armor and bunker-busting roles.

What is the Ballistic weapon in Starfield?

In Starfield, a ballistic weapon refers to firearms that use traditional projectile-based ammunition, as opposed to energy or plasma-based weapons. Ballistic weapons in the game include various guns such as rifles, pistols, and machine guns that rely on physical bullets to inflict damage on targets. These weapons are typically characterized by their kinetic impact and realistic handling, providing players with a familiar and traditional combat experience within the sci-fi setting of Starfield.

Why do machine guns have rotating barrels?

Machine guns, like the Minigun or Gatling gun, have rotating barrels to manage heat and sustain a high rate of fire without overheating. The rotation allows each barrel to cool down between shots, distributing the heat generated from firing across multiple barrels. This design enables the machine gun to maintain a continuous and rapid rate of fire without the risk of barrel overheating, which is crucial for providing suppressive fire and maintaining battlefield effectiveness over extended periods of use.