The inner barrel of your airsoft gun plays a crucial role in accuracy and range. By choosing the right barrel, you can improve the stability and trajectory of the bullet, giving you a competitive advantage. Here's what you need to know when choosing a barrel:
Types of races
- Precision run:
- Diameter: Narrow barrels (e.g. 6.01 mm or 6.03 mm) reduce air loss around the bullet, which can improve accuracy.
- Advantages: Higher precision and consistency.
- Cons: May require more frequent cleaning to avoid blockages.
- Standard run:
- Diameter: Typically 6.08 mm or wider, which allows a little more air around the ball.
- Advantages: Less sensitive to dirt and requires less maintenance.
- Disadvantages: Lower accuracy compared to precision rifles.
- Flute barrel:
- Designed to reduce weight and provide a unique look.
- Primarily an aesthetic upgrade with no significant effect on performance.
Length of run
- Short barrel (e.g. 200 mm): Best for pistols and SMGs where fast movement and close combat are a priority.
- Medium barrel (e.g. 300-400 mm): Ideal for rifles and all-round weapons, as it provides a good balance between precision and mobility.
- Long barrel (e.g. 450+ mm): Perfect for sniper rifles and DMRs where range and accuracy are crucial.
Myth: Longer barrel lengths don't always mean better accuracy. The hop-up system plays an equally important role, and too long barrel lengths can actually reduce accuracy if the air pressure is not properly adjusted.
Material selection
- Brass: Common and inexpensive, but requires frequent cleaning to maintain performance.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, but can be less precise than steel.
- Stainless steel: Very durable and precise, but also more expensive.
Advantages and disadvantages of race upgrades
- Advantages:
- Increased precision and range.
- Better consistency in the shots.
- Disadvantages:
- Requires regular cleaning, especially for narrow runs.
- Can be expensive, especially for high-quality materials.
How-to: Replacing the barrel
- Remove the hop-up unit from the old barrel.
- Clean the new barrel thoroughly before installation.
- Install the new barrel into the hop-up unit and make sure it is seated correctly.
- Test the weapon to ensure optimal accuracy.
When should you upgrade?
If you are experiencing inaccurate shots, want to improve range, or if you want to specialize your weapon as a sniper or DMR, a new barrel is a good investment.
