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Improved Accuracy on a Budget

Printed From: Tippmann Paintball
Category: Tippmann Paintball
Forum Name: New Player Forum
Forum Description: New to the sport? Get Professional Advice Here!
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=171452
Printed Date: 27 April 2026 at 8:15pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Improved Accuracy on a Budget

Posted By: GodlessRose
Subject: Improved Accuracy on a Budget
Date Posted: 13 November 2007 at 6:35am

I have a 98 Custom with ACT and a 20 oz CO2 tank that I use for woodsball. I would like to make it more accurate, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades. I have read through the upgrade FAQ and searched the forums a bit, but I am a bit of a noob, so I want to make sure I'm understanding this.

1) I know to match the paint to the bore of the barrel, so no need to suggest that.

2) I've read that accuracy declines if the speed is over 280 fps. Is this correct?

3) I need a better barrel. I've already ordered a used 14" J&J Ceramic on eBay, but it hasn't arrived yet. ($15.50, shipping included - I couldn't pass that up.) Supposedly that barrel gives a good compromise between accuracy and sound suppression, with little loss in gas efficiency. I sneak around and try to make every shot count, so it sounds like that would suit my style. Sound about right?

3) I've read about coating a barrel with Rain-X to improve performance. Is there any point in doing that with a J&J Ceramic?

4) I need an expansion chamber. I think this is particularly important since I plan to play in cold weather. I'm thinking of ordering an ACI Sub-Zero 6-stage, based on the glowing reviews it has received. Good choice?

5) I've read that a drop forward is required to use an expansion chamber, but I don't see why. Is this true? I'd rather not use a drop forward, actually.

6) I understand a low pressure kit or Palmer Stabilizer would help. However, the ones I've seen so far have been out of my price range. Similarly, I don't plan to switch to HPA. I like using the tank as a stock and I don't mind the weight, so I don't plan on using a remote line either.

7) I've read about polishing the internals, but I'm not entirely clear on the practical benefits. It reduces wear on the internals and improves accuracy, right?

Thanks a bunch,
Charles

Replies:

Posted By: Snake6
Date Posted: 13 November 2007 at 7:56am

1. Ok
2. there is very little difference between 280 and 300fps, its when you start getting up in the 315 range that shots go everywhere.
3. J&J is a good choice, however I prefer the Lapco Bigshot.
3.1. No point on coating a J&J with Rain-X, it already has a shoot through coating.
4, I would go with a regulator over a x-chamber, I prefer the Palmers Stab or the AKA Sidewinder.
5. You don't need a drop forward, you need a vertical adapter kit.
6. Ok
7. It helps with gas efficiency because it reduces drag from the roughed up paint in the internals.

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Posted By: Styro Folme
Date Posted: 13 November 2007 at 6:00pm

Snake6 wrote:

1. Ok
2. there is very little difference between 280 and 300fps, its when you start getting up in the 315 range that shots go everywhere.
3. J&J is a good choice, however I prefer the Lapco Bigshot.
3.1. No point on coating a J&J with Rain-X, it already has a shoot through coating. I agree. The barrel companies know what's best for their barrels, and i highly discourage putting anything in the barrel that could change the coefficient of friction.
4, I would go with a regulator over a x-chamber, I prefer the Palmers Stab or the AKA Sidewinder. He said those where out of his price range.
5. You don't need a drop forward, you need a vertical adapter kit.
6. Ok
7. It helps with gas efficiency because it reduces drag from the roughed up paint in the internals. Also has been reported to reduce sound and make air pressure more consistent, although those aren't that noticeable.

welcome to the forums. Thank you for researching on your own.

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Posted By: GodlessRose
Date Posted: 15 November 2007 at 4:45am

Thanks again for the feedback, and the welcome. I went ahead and ordered a used ACI Sub-Zero 6-Stage on eBay ($20.45, shipping included.) I may upgrade to a Palmer one of these days, but for now I'm going cheap.

All the best,

Charles

Posted By: Snake6
Date Posted: 15 November 2007 at 7:48am

I hope you ordered a Vertical Adapter, otherwise you will just have an extra useless piece of metal sitting around the house.

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Posted By: SSOK
Date Posted: 17 November 2007 at 2:44pm

GodlessRose wrote:

I have a 98 Custom with ACT and a 20 oz CO2 tank that I use for woodsball. I would like to make it more accurate, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on upgrades. I have read through the upgrade FAQ and searched the forums a bit, but I am a bit of a noob, so I want to make sure I'm understanding this.

1) I know to match the paint to the bore of the barrel, so no need to suggest that.

2) I've read that accuracy declines if the speed is over 280 fps. Is this correct?

Snake covered it pretty much. Just dont jack up your velocity sky high.

3) I need a better barrel. I've already ordered a used 14" J&J Ceramic on eBay, but it hasn't arrived yet. ($15.50, shipping included - I couldn't pass that up.) Supposedly that barrel gives a good compromise between accuracy and sound suppression, with little loss in gas efficiency. I sneak around and try to make every shot count, so it sounds like that would suit my style. Sound about right?

Sounds right. I have a J&J myself and didn't like it too much (and I was using the right bore paint, unless my field owner lied about the bore). However, most people love them. If you're looking for a cheap kit go with a Empire kit.

3) I've read about coating a barrel with Rain-X to improve performance. Is there any point in doing that with a J&J Ceramic?

I've heard that it only helps with chops. I have yet to try it, however it probably cant hurt your barrel. J&J's dont clean themselves as well as advertised. If you're apprehensive, get a buddy to try it or try it on your stock barrel.

4) I need an expansion chamber. I think this is particularly important since I plan to play in cold weather. I'm thinking of ordering an ACI Sub-Zero 6-stage, based on the glowing reviews it has received. Good choice?

You already got one, so I cant help.

5) I've read that a drop forward is required to use an expansion chamber, but I don't see why. Is this true? I'd rather not use a drop forward, actually.

No, but you NEED a vertical adapter unless you have a remote.

6) I understand a low pressure kit or Palmer Stabilizer would help. However, the ones I've seen so far have been out of my price range. Similarly, I don't plan to switch to HPA. I like using the tank as a stock and I don't mind the weight, so I don't plan on using a remote line either.

Okay.

7) I've read about polishing the internals, but I'm not entirely clear on the practical benefits. It reduces wear on the internals and improves accuracy, right?

Not accuracy, but adds a little bit of speed. It cant hurt unless you use sandpaper or something. You sound like a intellegent person (nice to see a new person coming in with a brain) who wouldn't do that.

Thanks a bunch,
Charles

You're welcome, Charles.

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