Why brass for barrels?

Ronin · 06-02-2008, 08:10 PM

OK guys, I've got a question for you.

I've been playing since 1989, and in that time I've seen a lot of changes. One thing that has stayed the same is the opinion held by some that brass barrels are the best launching tube for gelatin paintballs. With almost every other material under the sun being offered by various barrel makers, I'd like to know the real story.

Can anyone provide me with anything other than anecdotal evidence to support the "brass is best" argument? Please understand that I'm keeping a very open mind about this, and I am NOT considering weight as a factor for the purposes of this discussion.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Tohri · 06-02-2008, 08:20 PM

Brass polishes the smoothest due to it's ductile nature, and has the lowest coefficient of friction against gelatin.
I think the main reason people think it's so good however is that very few manufacturers make them, and the leader is palmer's.
I've shot good, bad, and average brass. Alot has to do with how well it's polished, and therein lies brass's appeal:

A shotgun swab and a bunch of brasso will yeild the average player a Better barrel than 90% of stock barrels out there. Palmer's takes it a step further, And hones their barrels specially.

Brass is also one of those 'Witchcraft' alloys that has weird properties, depending on the metal added to the alloy at time of melting. Zildjan cymbals are better than Sabian and other cymbals, and they claim it's due to their 'Special' brass alloy. I've heard the Ingots when they tap them with a hammer, And they have a special musicaal quality other brass doesn't. Perhaps Palmer's gets their tubing from offcast cymbals that have been melted down?

Heebs · 06-02-2008, 08:23 PM

Sorcery and Witchcraft...

Harbinger[TG] · 06-02-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heebs

Sorcery and Witchcraft...

brycelarson · 06-02-2008, 08:29 PM

People with extreme and long lived brass fetishes.

kutulu · 06-02-2008, 08:44 PM

Funny how people are so apt to cannonize this fact and not the closed/open bolt issue. A ball launched from any tube should travel the same unless its brass of course

RealtorTommy · 06-02-2008, 08:48 PM

Slick!

Tohri · 06-02-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heebs

Sorcery and Witchcraft...

I said witchcraft first, I get patent.

RealtorTommy · 06-02-2008, 09:00 PM

I think Heebs gets the patent...He improved on it and wrote it on a paper napkin first.

Heebs · 06-02-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealtorTommy

I think Heebs gets the patent...He improved on it and wrote it on a paper napkin first.

I don't know if it will stand up in court but I definitely had the doodle on a spaghetti stained napkin which I may or may not of kept, but my brother was there to collaborate my story.

06-02-2008, 08:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ronin Fully gruntled Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Japan	Why brass for barrels? OK guys, I've got a question for you. I've been playing since 1989, and in that time I've seen a lot of changes. One thing that has stayed the same is the opinion held by some that brass barrels are the best launching tube for gelatin paintballs. With almost every other material under the sun being offered by various barrel makers, I'd like to know the real story. Can anyone provide me with anything other than anecdotal evidence to support the "brass is best" argument? Please understand that I'm keeping a very open mind about this, and I am NOT considering weight as a factor for the purposes of this discussion. Thanks in advance for your input. __________________ My oh my. Strategy game, anyone? My feedback May I ask you to donate to help my brother Adam?

06-02-2008, 08:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Heebs Go Cardinals! Join Date: Feb 2007	Sorcery and Witchcraft... __________________ Heebs Feedback WTB: ATS Mags - PM me. Mac Dev LE Droid ON SALE

06-02-2008, 08:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
brycelarson MCB Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Minnesota	People with extreme and long lived brass fetishes. __________________ -Bryce Larson bryce@101010.org Feedback

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06-02-2008, 08:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tohri Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006	Brass polishes the smoothest due to it's ductile nature, and has the lowest coefficient of friction against gelatin. I think the main reason people think it's so good however is that very few manufacturers make them, and the leader is palmer's. I've shot good, bad, and average brass. Alot has to do with how well it's polished, and therein lies brass's appeal: A shotgun swab and a bunch of brasso will yeild the average player a Better barrel than 90% of stock barrels out there. Palmer's takes it a step further, And hones their barrels specially. Brass is also one of those 'Witchcraft' alloys that has weird properties, depending on the metal added to the alloy at time of melting. Zildjan cymbals are better than Sabian and other cymbals, and they claim it's due to their 'Special' brass alloy. I've heard the Ingots when they tap them with a hammer, And they have a special musicaal quality other brass doesn't. Perhaps Palmer's gets their tubing from offcast cymbals that have been melted down?

06-02-2008, 08:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
kutulu Active Member Join Date: Apr 2006	Funny how people are so apt to cannonize this fact and not the closed/open bolt issue. A ball launched from any tube should travel the same unless its brass of course