Alternative to the tappet plate mod + Bonus tips.

[ArcticFox1984]

I've seen many discussions on how to increase FPS and consistency over the years of my involvement in airsoft, and an equal number of hairbrained methods to improve those qualities in peoples AEG's. Most of which work just fine initially, but prove to reduce the reliability of their system.

Of all the guns I've worked on the issue which seems to come up time and again is proper air seal in the compression of the action. Specifically the interaction between the air seal nozzle and the hop-up rubber. The most popular method to address this issue is to remove 0.5mm of material from the tappet plate on its forward face; increasing its ability to engage the hop-up rubber seated on the inner barrel.

My method is a little different but the results have so far been so promising a friend of mine has pressured me to share them here.

Note: There are 3 styles of nozzle commonly available.
1.) Systema style: identified by a perfectly smooth and circular inner opening.
2.)TM/Prom Style: Identified by 3 or 4 ( or more ) small grooves cut into the inner opening.
3.)Enlarged Type: lacks the sloped edge.

I have tested this method with option 1 and 2 only.

So here it is...

Silicon sealant method:

-Remove your airseal nozzle and place it into a power drill at it's base, wrap it in a bit of tape to protect it from scratching. Be cautious not to over tighten as cracking it would be super counterproductive.

-While the drill spins your nozzle at a slow speed, use a medium/fine grit sand paper to scuff the sloped edge at the front of the nozzle. Go slowly and scuff the edge as evenly as possible while trying to remove as little material as possible.

-Once finished, clean with 99% isopropanol making sure to remove all particles of dust and oil.

-Apply a small amount of 3M Marine grade silicon sealant to a disposable surface and spread thinly.

-place the sloped edge of the nozzle onto the silicon covered surface and slowly rotate it a few times clockwise, then do the same counter clockwise to ensure it binds to the rough surface perfectly.

-Allow 24 hours to cure then carefully clean the forward edge of the nozzle using a sharp/fresh razor blade, go slowly and be gentle.

-Once finished, apply a thin layer of silicon dry lube to the silicon sealant.

Congrats your finished!

Now for the Bonus tips!

-Classic Army blue airseal nozzles contain a slightly oversized O-Ring that provides a superior airseal when combined with a Systema or Prometheus nozzle after being swapped.

And last but not least...

-Placing a small O-Ring over your inner barrel and sandwiched between your outer barrel and flash hider can help to stabilizer your barrel inside the bore of your outer barrel to provide a tighter more consistent grouping.

I post this only info because I've never seen it posted in a public forum before.. If I missed it somewhere, sorry for the repost.

[Jimski]

cool.I will try that.

[Renegade)]

Interesting. Do you have the ability to A, take before and after FPS readings to check if you are gaining airseal and increasing velocity, if so, mind doing some?
B. Pictures of the finish project, and perhaps a couple during the mod, pictures are always worth 1000 words.

Im intrigued Ill admit.

[ArcticFox1984]

Thanks for expressing interest

I will do my best to create a photo journal to guide anyone interested through the process with cumulative data to support my methods theory by ways of before and after chrono readings and benchrest accuracy testing.

Patience will be appreciated, as would any assistance by the community members who have access to a wealth of raw materials and feel like a challenge.

Unfortunately my chrono is on the fritz, that will delay my ability to test.

[Spawn28]

Will definatly give this a try but will wait for pics as i'm not 100% sure exactly how it was done. Thanks!

[HKGhost]

Sounds interesting. I do see there's problems for some guns. Some guns have two piece hop up and the nozzle almost rides on the lower half of the hop up. If the silicon is not perfectly on the tip of the nozzle, the lower hop up could scrap the silicon off or cause the nozzle to not function properly. Good idea though.