Scout Rifle Build Advice

[OneSpeed]

I'm currently building a scout rifle off a Modify MOD24 base, I know the M24 isn't exactly the best base for a scout rifle, however it's what I have and I will make it work.

Whats done so far:

-Mounted a rail forward of the receiver
-Mounted a real steel pistol scope on it
-Replaced the original cylinder head (Original nozzle is very sharp and likes to scratch and deform bbs)
-Replaced the inner barrel with a tight bore
-Replaced the bucking

What is planned(what I need help on):

-Mounting a pair of iron sights
-Cutting down the barrel
-Quieting the rifle

a) I've been looking for a good pair of iron sights that I could mount directly onto the rifle for some time now, and I was interested in some shotgun type ghost ring sights or some Remington style sights, however are there any cheaper alternatives than real steel ones that cost less than 80 bucks?

b)

i) I'm planning to cut down the outer barrel to a shorter length so the rifle is under a metre. So that would mean I would have to remove around 10cm worth of outer barrel. So what would be the best way going around cutting it down and then creating some sort of plug or barrel cap so that it is not just a huge hole?

ii) Approximately what would be the best course of action for replacing the inner barrel?

c) I'm sure I could find this elsewhere on some other forum posts, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

Before someone tells me that AEGs can outperform a spring sniper, I understand that stock yes that is true, and I do understand that using a spring sniper requires a very dedicated player, however I own a couple of other AEGs and GBBRs and I'm not planning on making this spring rifle my primary anytime soon. All I'm trying to do with it is create a rifle that doesn't require batteries or gas that I can use effectively as a backup weapon in case my others break. Also because I've been quite interested in a scout rifle for quite some time now and I've been waiting almost a year to save up the funds to build one. I've seen a lot of people flamed because they want a spring sniper and I understand why, but I'm not going to lie its honestly made me scared to post this. But I'm here to learn so please be gentle.

[ThunderCactus]

WHO said aegs outperform a spring rifle?? Thats just silly.
To quiet it you just need a piston with an air brake, like laylax makes.

[grantmac]

BUIS really aren't worth the snag-factor on a bolt gun IMHO.

I'd be thinking about a 1-4 optic in the original position. That is what I run on my VSR and it really is the best of both worlds. Only thing I'd like better is one of the very expensive 1-6 optics.

An air-break piston will help get the noise down, a sorbo pad for the cylinder head would also be a great idea. No need for a new cylinder head, just do some work to smooth the existing nozzle.

-Grant

[ShelledPants]

You might say that I'm a fan of the idea.

[OneSpeed]

@grant I've had a RIS mounted forward of receiver and a long eye relief scope already mounted on that. I'm building it off the scout rifle principle hence the scope being mounted forward.

UPDATE: A friend has promised to help me lathe out a barrel cap for my cut down barrel once I get him the dimensions of the barrel.

Now I'm also considering the idea of using a AEG barrel slightly modified to fit in my hop up chamber since there is a larger variety of AEG barrel lengths. Also my barrel's hop up window isn't really a window at all, the side closer to the nozzle doesn't have a bar across it like a typical AEG barrel. If I were to get a AEG barrel would I need to cut/file that bar off? Also would it be better to cut down a VSR barrel and crown it or just modify a AEG barrel?

Also I'm still on the hunt for some rifle type irons sights that mount directly onto the barrel. Eg. Ramp Front Iron Sights as well as some type of rear ghost ring. Any idea on where I could get my hands on some without burning a hole in my pocket?

[grantmac]

If you are looking to run a shorter barrel then you need to find some way of adjusting the volume of the cylinder, otherwise you will be hugely over volume and quite loud. Even a stock VSR is quite over volume.

Two methods would be a cylinder head (or extension) which is taller to reduce volume, this would also reduce bolt throw as a side benefit but you would have to cut the spring back a little.
Option two would be to port the cylinder. The advantage to this would be very little speed loss with the shorter barrel, but it's a one-way street.

As for the forward mounted scope. I've used actual RS scout set-ups and they just don't work well compared with the low power variable optics no available mounted in the usual spot.

-Grant

[OneSpeed]

I'm planning on sticking some sorbo or silicon padding on the cylinder head to help dampen the impact of the piston hitting it. I probably won't port the cylinder as I'm afraid dirt and what not may get into the system. I'm still at a loss over the AEG barrel however, is the bar over the hop up window a concern? or should I file it down.

Also thanks for the advice so far, I'll keep you updated.