This post smells like noob

[Maxxa]

So I broke a rule already by purchasing a gun stateside and shipping it into Canada...(did this after doing reaserch to see how legal it is). Was totally worth it because I got what I wanted after I felt like the Dboys and Javelin offerings that someone was pointing me towards were substandard. I picked up a CA Armalite m15 A4 full length rifle.

Now I find out that it is probably going to be a hot gun unless I mod it. I never inteded it to be a indoor combat rifle (almost 45" long with supressor) and it is my understanding that outdoor fields avg. fps is 350-400 fps. I have also heard people say (lol read what people write) that 30fps is nothing when you are up to 400 fps. Would a 430fps gun be too hot for most outdoor fields and how much can I expect my spring to settle after running a few mags through it?

I also have a mock supressor and intend to use a tracer extension later on would it be a good idea to also extend the inner barrel, how interchangeable are the inner barrels on these CA m15s? Is it something you can do in20 min or is it something that people would avoid infear of damaging other parts?

Also location of purchase aside how did I do with my gun choice? I personally love it but I'm basing that off looks and about 30 rounds.

[DustMagnet]

I'm not sure what rule you think was broken, unless someone on these forums pointed you to the site of purchase. In any event, that would not be you breaking any rule. Importing an airsoft gun into Canada doesn't break any rules either.

430 is probably too hot for most fields (415-420), but you should put 500-1000 rounds through the gun and chrony it then. When the spring settles in it will be lower than initial rating.

If you extend your inner barrel (and match your cylinder if needed) you will push your muzzle velocity up, so watch out for that.

I can't comment on your choice of gun because I don't own that brand, but it's well known and been around for a long time, so it seems like a solid choice.

Originally Posted by Maxxa

So I broke a rule already by purchasing a gun stateside and shipping it into Canada...(did this after doing reaserch to see how legal it is). Was totally worth it because I got what I wanted after I felt like the Dboys and Javelin offerings that someone was pointing me towards were substandard. I picked up a CA Armalite m15 A4 full length rifle.

Now I find out that it is probably going to be a hot gun unless I mod it. I never inteded it to be a indoor combat rifle (almost 45" long with supressor) and it is my understanding that outdoor fields avg. fps is 350-400 fps. I have also heard people say (lol read what people write) that 30fps is nothing when you are up to 400 fps. Would a 430fps gun be too hot for most outdoor fields and how much can I expect my spring to settle after running a few mags through it?

I also have a mock supressor and intend to use a tracer extension later on would it be a good idea to also extend the inner barrel, how interchangeable are the inner barrels on these CA m15s? Is it something you can do in20 min or is it something that people would avoid infear of damaging other parts?

Also location of purchase aside how did I do with my gun choice? I personally love it but I'm basing that off looks and about 30 rounds.

[Ricochet]

Importing isn't inherently illegal in itself. If all laws and regulations are followed, then nothing is wrong. If you did it as you said "researched", and everything is properly observed, then there is no issues. If you didn't, then you took a great risk and got very lucky; not to mention set a horrible example to others who may try and fail at what you did. That and possibly give airsoft more bad press at the same time. So here's to hoping you did follow the rules and didn't take a risk for a gun that's available in Canada.

On to your questions. It's unlikely that your gun will settle that much in a short time ...if ever. Find out what your local hard cap is, and aim to come in 20 FPS or so under it. Find a legitimate gun doctor to swap springs for you. For example, if the hard cap is 420 FPS, grab a spring that should land you around 400ish or so. A few FPS won't make a large function difference, but hard caps are absolute. 421 FPS will get you sent home in this case. Remember that FPS changes due to temperature, upgrades, etc; so don't think your smart by trying to be one or FPS under the hard cap. You may be good one day, and not the next.

If you want to run a tracer unit, don't get an extended inner barrel. If your inner barrel runs into your tracer unit, the your BBs won't glow, as they won't be subjected to the light inside of it.

[Maxxa]

Yes I reaserched importing the rifle before doing it, not to get into details but what I was importing was a "low muzzle velocity unrestricted firearm" and most airsoft guns don't meet the requirements or have documentation to be considerd as such.

Originally Posted by Ricochet

Importing isn't inherently illegal in itself. If all laws and regulations are followed, then nothing is wrong. If you did it as you said "researched", and everything is properly observed, then there is no issues. If you didn't, then you took a great risk and got very lucky; not to mention set a horrible example to others who may try and fail at what you did. That and possibly give airsoft more bad press at the same time. So here's to hoping you did follow the rules and didn't take a risk for a gun that's available in Canada.

On to your questions. It's unlikely that your gun will settle that much in a short time ...if ever. Find out what your local hard cap is, and aim to come in 20 FPS or so under it. Find a legitimate gun doctor to swap springs for you. For example, if the hard cap is 420 FPS, grab a spring that should land you around 400ish or so. A few FPS won't make a large function difference, but hard caps are absolute. 421 FPS will get you sent home in this case. Remember that FPS changes due to temperature, upgrades, etc; so don't think your smart by trying to be one or FPS under the hard cap. You may be good one day, and not the next.

If you want to run a tracer unit, don't get an extended inner barrel. If your inner barrel runs into your tracer unit, the your BBs won't glow, as they won't be subjected to the light inside of it.

I suppose I should borrow or invest in a cronograph, I know it's not reccomended but I intend on doing all the work myself, I'll have to learn more about springs.
Thanks for the heads up on the tracer unit, I know how they work but the thought of covering the sensors didn't even cross my mind.

Originally Posted by DustMagnet

I'm not sure what rule you think was broken, unless someone on these forums pointed you to the site of purchase. In any event, that would not be you breaking any rule. Importing an airsoft gun into Canada doesn't break any rules either.

430 is probably too hot for most fields (415-420), but you should put 500-1000 rounds through the gun and chrony it then. When the spring settles in it will be lower than initial rating.

If you extend your inner barrel (and match your cylinder if needed) you will push your muzzle velocity up, so watch out for that.

I can't comment on your choice of gun because I don't own that brand, but it's well known and been around for a long time, so it seems like a solid choice.

I'll have to rethink my whole inner barrel extension idea because more FPS isn't what I'll be wanting I think.

Thanks

[lurkingknight]

my springs have only settled maybe 10 fps over the course of 10k rounds... you probably won't get it to settle under 400.

In which case you'll need a 110 spring to get it under 400. The spring you have is either a 120 or a 130 and you have a little bit of a leak somewhere.

[Maxxa]

Alright so I've got some updates, I think I'm getting some of the noob smell off though I still have yet to actually play a game. Perhaps my experiences so far can help others that are also thinking of or have recently enetered into the sport.

I purchased a few items and I always look for the "free shipping" option it really can make or break the cost of the item.

Xcortech Chronograph - Probably not something every starting player needs but I plan on doing all my own work and there is work to be done.

Bearings - not to be confused with bearing (navigation) I'm perpetually lost. I was surprised to learn that most guns come with bushings and well for what they are worth bearings are a fine upgrade... then of course I have to go one further and buy Kanzen ceramic bearings... found them for $30 the steel variety are usually under $10.

Spring(s) - Yes I found a set of 3 JG M110, M120, M130 for the price of one with free shipping$

Shims - 30x 0.1mm and a set of assorted shims 0.2mm- 0.5mm.

Oil - I picked up a tube of crossman oil (have yet to see if I'll use it). Team Losi shock oil used for RC cars drip bottle. Omega silicon spray oil. Most people are fine with 1 type of oil but I like to have different application options.

Eye protection - Revision Bullet Ant 2 lense sealed goggles. Don't cheap out here it's not worth the trouble, get something people know and that isn't known to fog all the time.

Face protection - Most people don't require it but I smile alot, especially when holding a replica military weapon. Besides I'm already missing teeth and have scars on my face so... not looking to add any new features.

So right now my gun IS hot. It's a consistant 418-420fps @ 400rpm, I should be able to get my gun just below 400fps with that JG 110 spring.
I predict (as a total noob) 390fps @ 415rpm when I install the new spring and bearings.

Please let me know if I am missing something or just plain doin it wrong. Feel free to make your own predictions and this weekend I'll attempt the install.

also aslo inb40fps@0rpmbecauseyoufuckitup.

[MultipleParadox]

Just a heads up about your oils

1st, I'm not sure what is that crosman oil you got, but make sure it's safe for plastic and orings; any solvent will likely mess things up more than anythinh

Same thing for your silicon spray; even if it states 100% pure silicon,it's often not the case when in spay as most contains petrol distilates (typo?) or similar; if it's the case, just toss it in the garage for other uses

Having some white lithium grease or similar handy is also a good idea for your gears and stuff

Good luck

[L473ncy]

Originally Posted by Maxxa

Bearings - not to be confused with bearing (navigation) I'm perpetually lost. I was surprised to learn that most guns come with bushings and well for what they are worth bearings are a fine upgrade... then of course I have to go one further and buy Kanzen ceramic bearings... found them for $30 the steel variety are usually under $10.

Spring(s) - Yes I found a set of 3 JG M110, M120, M130 for the price of one with free shipping$

Shims - 30x 0.1mm and a set of assorted shims 0.2mm- 0.5mm.

Oil - I picked up a tube of crossman oil (have yet to see if I'll use it). Team Losi shock oil used for RC cars drip bottle. Omega silicon spray oil. Most people are fine with 1 type of oil but I like to have different application options.

Eye protection - Revision Bullet Ant 2 lense sealed goggles. Don't cheap out here it's not worth the trouble, get something people know and that isn't known to fog all the time.

Face protection - Most people don't require it but I smile alot, especially when holding a replica military weapon. Besides I'm already missing teeth and have scars on my face so... not looking to add any new features.

So right now my gun IS hot. It's a consistant 418-420fps @ 400rpm, I should be able to get my gun just below 400fps with that JG 110 spring.
I predict (as a total noob) 390fps @ 415rpm when I install the new spring and bearings.

Honestly between bearings and bushings at this scale and usage mode unless you're doing something crazy (eg. 450FPS at 25+ RPS) it's not going to matter a whole bunch. I personally like bushings, they're simple, low maintenance, and pretty hard to fuck up, bearings on the other hand because of the balls inside are more complicated and may require a bit more maintenance. There's also different failure modes for bearings that bushings don't have because a bushing is basically a piece of sintered material that has a hole in it to provide low friction vs a bearing which is more complicated http://www.reliabilitydirect.com/appnotes/jbfail.html

Springs are simple, people have their opinions. I try to get springs made by well known companies though, better consistency and better settling. JG isn't a bad brand by any means but why not get 1 high quality one (and why get 3? I suggest not taking apart the gun and swapping springs too often because bad things can happen).

DO NOT use crosman oil. Those are for pellet guns, NOT airsoft. The RC shock oil and spray are fine though.

@ MultipleParadox: The Omega spray is an "airsoft" silicone spray, lots of companies have them now like PForce, the old standard TM, UTG (which I believe is the OEM for the Omega stuff since the bottles look almost identical), even King Arms has a silicone spray these days etc.

Keep in mind that although the revisions are ballistic rated they are not ASTM rated and you will not be able to use them at paintball fields unless their insurance allows for ballistics (doesn't matter for private fields or private venues that have different insurance policies).

[Maxxa]

I was suspect of the crossman oil from the start it is pure silicone oil though. It's something I bought a while ago so not a big loss there. I bought the 3 springs because I couldn't get any hard numbers on JG M### and the price was still lower shipping in than a single spring.
Oil spray seems to be in short supply, most retailers have sold out... I decided to take a chance and ship it in by sea http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/omega-silicon-oil-spray.html if it gets turned away I guess I'll get it somewhere else. I'm pretty sure this Omega oil spray is fine for AEG.
Thanks for the heads up about the grease Paradox, I was thinking about it and will probably get some tomorrow.

[Maxxa]

The M110 spring seems to be a bit of a bust. Getting 270 fps@ 600rpm now. I will try the M130 and if it comes in around 350 I'll probably keep it.
I'll also have to recheck the airseals and make sure I'm not losing soemthing there.
I broke my bolt catch, the metal is very brittle and thin on the inside where it connects to the catch rod with a screw. The stock adapter plate was cracked in 3 spots, so I'll be replacing it with a KA one I found that should fit with my full stock.
My magazine catch is a PITA because it screws off and you can't really do it without removing the bolt catch, so I ordered an after market one with a screw holding the assembly together.

To be continued...