Paintball

[Swahny]

Here is my situation:

I have a full freak set from back when I played tourney ball. Finding the glories of pump play, I picked up a Phantom and never set it down. I purchased another in a different set up months after. I could now lend one to a friend to help introduce them into pump play (along with having a nice backup and a different setup to try out)

However, as m0ngo stated "The key to pump play is paint to bore match". At the fields I play at, the paint selection is rather limited. Essentially, I get what they give me.

On this note, the paint doesnt always match the Phantom's stock barrel bore that well. Roll-outs do occur as one can imagine along with a wider shot grouping (compared to a good paint to bore match). The roll-out problem was easily fixed w/ a set of detent rings. The accuracy problem still remained though.

To remedy this, the obvious solutions were tp:
1.) Buy a Frantom I or II
2.) Buy a Phantom threaded barrel back
3.) Get the stock barrel bored for freak inserts

I'm not a fan of number 1 as I like the stock barrel.

Number 2 makes sense, but carries a high price tag considering a new pump handle is needed to accompany it.
Also, considering that the freak back would be dust black anodized, I have a feeling it wouldn't be as smooth as the stock barrel's gloss ano. Also, I have concerns of how smooth the modded pump handle would be considering its shape.

Then comes number 3. Makes sense at first. Only concern is that I would want both barrels bored (would still be cheaper than the 60.00 freak back + new pump handle).

I was set on getting my stock barrels bored until I ran into multiple posts written by Cunha. He noted the inserts OD tolerance issues - the freak back would take care of this becasue of its oring; something a bored barrel wouldn't have. This could leave inserts getting stuck or fitting loosely. Another major point he noted was alignment issues. There is also the possibilty that the barrel wouldn't be bored perfectly; when one looks down the inside of the barrel, it may not line up perfectly with the bored section.
(other points were brought up that I cant think of off of the top of my head).

What do you think I should do MCB?

If I go with number 3, what airsmith(s) on this forum will be the most reliable in doing this task?

(I wrote an essay - sorry for the long read; I just want to make the right choice >_<)

[EDDAKA]

I have been wondering if i should bore mine as well.

[Ir0nExpress]

The chances of something being machined always comes with human error. Mistakes do happen, but it seems like it was very trial and error ish when the idea was first conceived , with a lot of people jumping on the bored out barrel bandwagon with their shop machines and some of these people who did the bored out barrels ended up mucking up people's barrels. That's what I saw.

All my barrels, 6 inch, 11 inch and 18 inch CCI barrels came out fine, they are able to take all the freak inserts I own, even the bigger sized ones.

I used Twinky over at Phog and m0ngo for my 6 inch and 18 inch. I'd recommend m0ngo, he does it every thursday and turnaround is 2 weeks. Twinky does them in batches, mine got held back and took a month.

[Chachi]

Why not get a set of Phantom detent rings? I think they're like $6 from wevo. They prevent rollouts very well.

much cheaper solution. try it. If it works, great! If not, get a bored out barrel.

[Swahny]

Originally Posted by Chachi

Why not get a set of Phantom detent rings? I think they're like $6 from wevo. They prevent rollouts very well.

much cheaper solution. try it. If it works, great! If not, get a bored out barrel.

On this note, the paint doesnt always match the Phantom's stock barrel bore that well. Roll-outs do occur as one can imagine along with a wider shot grouping (compared to a good paint to bore match). The roll-out problem was easily fixed w/ a set of detent rings. The accuracy problem still remained though.

[Chefdave]

I've used bored barrels from several folks (Punisher, WWA, Mongo) and have never had a problem with the inserts.

One thing to remember though is that you don't really want to use any inserts larger than .691 in a bored stock barrel unless the front is overbored out as well.

[Chachi]

Originally Posted by Swahny

On this note, the paint doesnt always match the Phantom's stock barrel bore that well. Roll-outs do occur as one can imagine along with a wider shot grouping (compared to a good paint to bore match). The roll-out problem was easily fixed w/ a set of detent rings. The accuracy problem still remained though.

My fault. I missed that line.

[jhyan]

Originally Posted by Chefdave

I've used bored barrels from several folks (Punisher, WWA, Mongo) and have never had a problem with the inserts.

One thing to remember though is that you don't really want to use any inserts larger than .691 in a bored stock barrel unless the front is overbored out as well.

Not sure if Pun, WWA or Mongo will overbore the front of your barrel. I don't think twinky does,. but you'd have to ask. I got some barrels done by twinky and they work just fine.

I know there is a guy on AO that does the barrel boring, and it's only like $25 per barrel. He will also bore out the rest of the barrel to .7 if you wish (I think most two piece barrels have a front around that size... my UL fronts are .698ish). I will soon be having a UL back done, and a 6inch phantom barrel. Debating whether to go back to twinky or use the guy on AO. I think either one would be a solid choice.


Oh, and to the original post, option 1 is a great option... I love my frantomI's. The look almost exactly like a dye barrel, but are freak ready. In fact, I may get rid of my phantom dye aluminum barrel that is freak bored (by twinky) and keep one of the frantom I's.

[Cunha]

Id get the phantom freak back from wevo with the pump handle to go with it.

It will fit the inserts best and center them well and they can never get stuck.

The price is worth it and you can change out tips as you please.

The cost isnt much more than the value of your stock barrel plus the cost of boring..and you get a much better piece in the end.

[swampy]

I had two barrels bored by Twinky and am very pleased with the results. The insersts fit well with just enough play to reomve them without hassles. THe cost was $25 per barrel + $7 shipping and turn around from MI to PA and back was six days. I feel it was money well spent.