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hkssr20det

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Blog Entries posted by hkssr20det

  1. hkssr20det
    The really good news for me is that my WA M4 finally showed up and I must say it is amazing. I love the sheit out of it. I know there has been a lot of talk about the weakness's with the internals, and I know it isn't a skirmish ready gun out of the box, but I never expected it to be so I am happy. The recoil action and sound are more than I imagined and put a smile on my face time and time again. Mine probably has less than 1K rounds through it, but other than the ejection port latch falling off (baffling me, but ah well I will buy a RS one) mine has been rock solid. I do baby it, hand lower the bolt once it locks (often I just disable it altogether) and my hop up looks just fine.
     
    Just a few upgrades so far, but plenty in the mail and planned. For now it has a RS MIAD Grip, KM Troy style flash hider, and a modified G&P Knights M4QD Suppressor. Looks pretty good, but there is plenty more to go.
     
    1 - 378.7
    2 - 373.0
    3 - 376.6
    4 - 377.9
    5 - 375.6
    6 - 376.8
    7 - 376.2
    8 - 373.4
    9 - 375.8
    10 - 373.4
     
    Avg: 375.74
     
    RPM: 833 RPM or 14 RPS
     





     
    Arriving tomorrow should be:
     
    KM SR16 Flash Hider (so the idiot suppressor will stop rotating)
    Airsoft Surgeon Buffer and 140% Spring
    PDI 6.01mm Tight Bore (368mm)
     
    Still waiting to hear back from RA Tech, but I should have a CNC hop up unit soon so I won't be worried about the hop breaking, and if I can get paid for my AK74M, some nice RS furniture will be going on. In all it is going to break $1K far faster than I would like, but hey I am buying what I want so be it.
  2. hkssr20det
    So I finalized three more client projects. Should be a good bit of business. One is just light tuning and a trigger job for a friend from Pinnacle. The Race Gun trainer is all ordered, now I am just waiting for everything to show up so I can get started. Shipping from Asia has been slow as molasses lately. I have four or five orders still in the about to be shipped phase. Not good, but at least I have secured all the parts I need.
     
    I also got clued in to the fact that Shooters Design has released CNC frames for the TM Detonics. I worked it out through some quick dealing, and my black Classic trademarked frame is out for quote now. Should be amazing. I will have another full metal TM 1911. Very nice. You can check out the links here. I chose to go black even though I am rocking a silver SD slide. I like the color contrast, reminds me of the Kimber CDPs. Plus all the controls (including the plastic MSH) are all black, so I think it would look a bit off.
     
    I think I am getting rid of the SP 2009. If someone wants a KSC Sig SP2009, with a Shooters Design slide and barrel, plus all the assorted FireFly internals plus other goodies for a super cheap price, let me know. The only problem is that the loading nozzle catches on the mag lips and stops the slide. It blowsback, and fires, slide action is smooth, but I need to find a good recoil spring to cure the stoppage. I am just sick of it, and only really like the look of it. I should have saved the cash since I want to build up my spare Hi Capa 5.1 into a real race gun. That is my new trip. I have been frequenting the AAPS forums. It has really gotten me interested in shooting more competitively. If you live in Northern CA, and want to get into the IPSC side of things, let me know. They have a monthly shoot, called a Postal, where you email your results in. I need a timer, so I need to have another body join. PM me if you are interested (I live in Berkeley, CA).
     
    New Tokyo Marui Glock 26. Test fit the steel slide today and it is a beast in the hand. Needs a much stronger recoil spring (still using the stock set) but that is coming soon. Until then enjoy (just fit the FireFly recoil guide rod):
     




     
    Also got a few clearer shots of the SVI. Once I figure out what hop up to use, and get the KM strut in she will be done.
     



     
    I have fit the KM Hop UP busking to see what's what. Hopefully it will increase accuracy without dropping the fps too much. Only time will tell. I also have the FireFly "Hard" bucking to swap in as well.
  3. hkssr20det
    So many moons ago I sold my last Glock and swore off of them forever. Well I swore off Tokyo Marui Glock 17s, but ended up selling all of my Glocks in the end. While I still prefer the 1911, and if I need something more "current" I can go for the Sig (well not the SP2009, lump o trash), but I thought (truthfully) that I needed to show that I do have experience building Glocks since I was only being asked to build 1911s. Now I rather build a 1911, but I didn't want to just be losing out on possible clients. But not just any Glock would do, it had to be something new and exciting. So after trolling Hong Kong for awhile, I knew what had to build, a straight frame Glock 17. KSC has released a few guns with the straight frame, but never the Glock 17 (just Glock 34C, Glock 18C, Glock 19C).
     
    I started with a KSC Glock 34C, so the frame would be the right size, the controls would be extended, and I could have the right frame. The 19C would have been nice, since it did come with a heavy weight frame, but in the end it would still be a Glock 19. For the slide I knew I was going to buy another BoomArms Custom slide, easily the nicest slides available for the KSC Glocks. If you are looking to swap, don't cheap out, go right for BoomArms. In the past I had built a KWA Glock 19 using the Caspian/Schuey Custom slide, so I needed something new. Luckily for me BoomArms also makes a less showy Schuey Custom slide. Just different enough to look upgraded, without the obvious cutouts on the Caspian/Schuey, it is the perfect choice.
     
    Recoil springs turned out to be a bit of a drag. Originally I was running a KM Stainless Guide rod and recoil spring, but it wasn't strong enough. The BoomArms slide fits very tightly, no rattle, so the recoil spring has to be stiff enough to cover. Luckily for me the KM Recoil Guide rod can be taken apart. Now I am running a Hidakaya/BeMax recoil spring with the KM Guide Rod. I also have a Guarder recoil spring to test. Whichever one keeps the snap, without killing the efficiency will be staying.
     
    The real amazing part is the Vickers Tactical mag release. Larry Vickers is an ex Delta Force operator, gunsmith of no small renown, part of the HK416 and HK45 development team, and an all around gun guy. When I was just reading up on what he has been doing I saw that he now has a new Vickers Tactical series of products out, such as 2 point slings, custom 1911s by Nighthawk, and a new mag catch for the Glock series by TangoDown. Produced by TangoDown in their all but indestructible plastic, it is the perfect replacement unit. Just slightly extended, won't scratch your mag like a metal replacement, and it has rounded edges (a problem with the ridiculously extended G34 mag catch is that all the edges are very sharp and catch on everything).
     

     
    So here I have a perfect example of how I would build a Glock. Hammer spring and valve knocker are the final pieces, which should allow me to run red gas reliably. Then we will see how a Glock should perform.
     
     
    KSC Glock 34C Straight Frame
    BoomArms Schuey Custom Slide (G17)
    PDI 6.01mm Tight Bore
    Proud Mag Base
    Proud Floating Valve Spring
    Shooters Design Floating Valve
    Shooters Design Stainless Valve Knocker
    Shooters Design POM Part #10
    Guarder Hammer Spring (150%)
    PGC Hi Flow Valve
    KM Stainless Recoil Guide Rod
    Hidakaya/BeMax Recoil Spring (150%)
    Vickers Tactical Mag Release (by TangoDown)
     




     
    I also received my next project gun in, a Tokyo Marui Glock 26. Again an attempt to expand my expertise, I really liked the shooting experience of the KWA G26C. Loved the tiny size, and snappy kick. The TM has that in spades, plus a wealth of upgrades for fun. First comes the review, followed by a Guarder Steel slide and assorted gubbins. Until then:
     



  4. hkssr20det
    So I got down to my buddies shop Pinnacle Airsoft today and it was movin. They managed to sell a few aegs and a P226, which is a pretty good sale for one day. I hope this keeps up since they have asked me to help them with their custom GBB builds. I guess I will be doing to the full builds and possibly some staged power builds like the Q-Project used to do. Could be interesting, and man was it nice to actually get to hang out with some people and talk airsoft. Forums do mean a lot to me, but to actually get to sit and talk airsoft with someone in the same room, priceless.
     
    Along the way I managed to pick up 2-5 custom builds. Three are going to be out of Pinnacle as contract work, and two for some of the people I know there. One is just some internal work and trigger tuning on a guys 1911. I wish I could swap his body for a Nova (just to check em out) but he already has a Guarder body installed (correctly) so there is no real reason to spend more. I am going to swap in some PDI goodness and then do a little trigger tuning for him. The other job is more of a long term project since the guy is getting married in a few months, but he will be letting me build him a Nova. I wish I had more discretionary money so I could just buy one to check out. Oh well.
     
    The three builds for Pinnacle will probably be three built P226s, with PGC bodies and my internal builds. Should be amazing just to have the three in my hands at one time. I wish my chrono did printouts, then I could include a test target and chrono sheet for each build, but I can still do it by hand or excel. Speaking of which I have been getting more professional in my build quotes. Now I am including a spreadsheet with costs etc. Should help me keep track (instead of having to depend upon PMs) and should cut down on any future problems. I think I am also going to have new clients approve these build sheets in advance, which means I am going to have to do more communication via email rather than the PM systems. It does mean I can keep track more easily of the jobs I am doing.
     
    I have a great new client in Florida who has asked me to build him an IPSC practice gun. Should be a fun build, with a lot of good parts, etc. On top of that he got his wife excited about it as well, so now she wants a stock Hi Capa to practice with as well. Too funny. I hope I can button down this build this week since I am going out of town for a few days this coming up week, and it looks like I am going to be spending at least one day down at Pinnacle (Saturday probably if you want to meet up). I wonder if Pinnacle takes off, as well as my client work, if I can actually carve out a little bit of the Airsoft industry for myself. I would love to quit my job and go full bore into airsoft, but I just can't allow myself to gamble that way yet.
     
    Also a new email address for any questions about project builds: chairsoftcustomworks @ yahoo . com (no spaces)
     
  5. hkssr20det
    I have to showboat a little bit. When I first got into airsoft I used Justpistols to research every possible gun I could come up with. It remains on my most read list, and when I began reviewing myself I chose to base my structure on what Snowman has done (not a copy, but a guide). A few weeks ago I asked him to take a look at my own reviews and give me his honest opinion. I must say I am humbled to say that he actually liked them, and went so far as to want to use one of them on Justpistols. I must say this might be as exciting as the first time someone asked me to build them a gun. I was over the moon when he quoted some results of mine, but this is truly a dream come true.
     
    Speaking of reviews, I finally got around to finishing off my KSC G34C review. Read up on it here. I was going to review my KSC Sig SP2009, but man it really was such a stinker that I just jumped into upgrading it. Unfortunately it has not gone as well as one would hope. Right now it all fits, and looks tip top, too bad it doesn't want to fully cycle (and it is not due to the slide fitment, the slide moves smoothly). I hope the FireFly parts I have coming in will cure this, otherwise I am not sure what I am going to do. If you have extensive experience with Sig Pros, drop me a PM.
     
    TM Detonics is done (well until they release a metal outer barrel and frame)!
     
    So I finally got the last few parts in for my TM Detonics. I have been feverishly adding every new part that has been released for this gun and it has now finally arrived at a finished state. I was so excited when the gun was released, actually managed to get mine for cheaper than list price as well as having it in my hands a few days after release, this has been one whirlwind build from the word go.
     
    The slide required more work than usual for a Shooters Design piece. I had to remove a lot of material from the bottom of the blowback unit. I also had to clearance the slide to allow it to sit higher. Strange, but to fit SD slides on Hi Capas does require the rear sight to be pretty heavily modified underneath). Once fit, the gun has REAL kick now (especially on red gas). Unfortunately efficiency has been killed. Average of 11 shots per fill (but a full load on red as).
     
    Unfortunately the proto-type DB Customs tight bore was cut too short. Dwayne is cutting me a new one to test, and I will post up full results compared to stock and the PDI 6.01mm I am running right now. I don't know what I will end up using. PDI has been the real leader in terms of developing parts. I am using the full suite of parts, and on the whole they are amazing. The only bummer is the sear. Without modification (which I haven't done yet) the trigger pull is amazingly heavy. I might remove it until I am sure about the modification to lighten it up.
     
    There are a few custom parts on this project. I did do some modification to the disconnector to cure some trigger reset problems. I also cut down a stock Hi Capa recoil spring to supplement the Shooters Design recoil spring. The SD unit only replaces the inner spring, but the stock outer spring just isn't strong enough to fully cycle the slide always. With the Hi Capa spring, it has a stiff pull and incredible cycle rate.
     
    TM Detonics Combat Master
    Shooters Design Detonics MK VI Slide
    Shooters Design Steel Valve Knocker
    Shooters Design 150% Recoil Spring
    PDI 6.01mm Tight Bore
    PDI Stainless Flat Front Recoil Guide Rod
    PDI Stainless Bushing
    PDI Stainless Sear
    PDI Hammer
    Nine Ball Air Seal
    Tanio Koba Three Hole Trigger
    Altamont Detonics USA Grips
     




     
    Some Red Gas results:
     
    So I thought I would post up some actual chrono results for Red Gas use. The test gun was my fully built Delta Elite Comp , but your results will mimic mine since the fps difference is entirely down to the extra pressure. Results are from Toytec .20 bbs through a XCortech 3200 chrono. Inside with a full, room temperature mag.
     
    Green Gas:
     
    405.1
    401.8
    398.6
    390.1
    391.9
    390.9
    391.3
    374.9
    381.9
    381.9
     
    Avg: 390.84
     
    Red Gas
    429.9
    422.6
    424.1
    415.8
    412.6
    413.3
    404.8
    402.5
    397.5
    396.7
     
    Avg: 411.98
     
    So on average we have a gain of 21.14 fps. Not bad for just changing gas. Obviously temperature will increase fps.
  6. hkssr20det
    So my buddy has been in town, I have had a client gun sitting and waiting for parts, it is the last week before Christmas and we need to finish up our projects at work before the week is out, and I only managed to get three hours of sleep last night. How come once you grow up, the Holiday season usually consists of stress and more work?
     
    I have been working on a friend of mines PGC Delta Elite and I have been waiting for the final parts to arrive. Originally sent for a quick tune up, and a hammer swap, the project turned out to be a true build. After figuring out that the standard grip safety wouldn't work the hammer he had chosen, he decided to take the plunge and just upgrade the gun to the fullest. I then fit the flat MSH and modified a Wilson Combat beavertail to fit. I did it on my gun, and it wasn't all that difficult, but man did his gun require an amazing amount of work. I way undercharge for this sheit, and if you do want me to fit a beavertail be prepared to be quoted 4-5 hours of continuous work to fit the beavertail. The flat MSH went on like a dream. I should mod another one for my other TM. Let me know what you think of this gun:
     



     
    I also got a new project Glock in. The start is going to be a full review of the KSC Glock 34C HW Straight Frame. Interesting gun, happily surprised to find out that the stock slide is HW rather than ABS. Not so happy to see how weak and shallow the trademarks are. That is going to be hard to photograph inside. I might need to do all the shooting outside.
     



     
    I also got the second to last part for my Maruzen VZ61, the hard to find Guarder loading nozzle. I hate Guarder nozzles in TM hand guns, but man they seem to work wonders in Maruzens. It brought up the fps on my PPK/S and this new nozzle did just as good a job on my VZ61.
     
    Nine Ball Tight Bore:
    1 - 323
    2 - 318.2
    3 - 323.0
    4 - 312.1
    5 - 308.4
    6 - 317.8
    7 - 310.6
    8 - 316.1
    9 - 316.9
    10 - 316.7
     
    Avg: 316.28
     
    Nine Ball Tight Bore + Guarder Nozzle
     
    1 - 316.5
    2 - 320.7
    3 - 321.9
    4 - 325.8
    5 - 321.2
    6 - 322.5
    7 - 321.0
    8 - 320.1
    9 - 321.0
    10 - 321.5
     
    Avg: 321.22
     
    Not the greatest jump, but a solid 5fps at 69 degrees, with a cold mag is good. The gap will widen with heat and that puts me over 30fps up from the stock gun.
  7. hkssr20det

    WE Tech Project

    By hkssr20det,

    So the WE tech project is well under way. Thanks to my buddy Allizard, I am now the proud owner of two WE 1911s. While I wish I was doing a Western Arms Magna Project and happened to come up on two of them, I am grateful for the help with the WEs.
     
    Speaking of WE, half of phase 1 is done. WE 1911 3.8 Compact review is now done and available here.
     
    I began writing it using a new flow of writing and formating and it went much more smoothly. Before I was working from a pre-built format, and was dropping the pictures in first, and then adding in my comments. It was more than tedious that way. Tonight I had the pictures ready to go, and just started writing, dropping in pictures, and formatting all at the same time. As if I was writing an essay. It worked out well, the actual writing only took about 2 and half hours, which is not bad.
     
    I also got my scale in. Crazy what I feel is necessary, but it has brought some interesting bits of info to light. It is going to really come in handy when I get into the internal workings and comparisons between the WE and the TM. From what I have gleaned so far, the WE 1911 is really a Hi Capa, but in single stack form. I understand the economic logic behind the move, but WE is budget for a reason.
     
    I keep referencing the WE Project, if you want to check out the general flow of info, it can be found here. I do think I am bringing to light some good facts and I hope to be drafting a good single entry thread that will break it all down. We shall see.
     
    I have half of the pictures taken for the Tactical review I want to bang out tomorrow night. Hopefully general malaise will not consume me and I can get it done. Hopefully my WGC order shows up as well. Time to get excited since it includes not only a new Chrono, but also some good fun parts including a KM TN barrel for my Marushin P210-6. Since I still have all my review results, it should be good to do a little follow up entry on the barrel.
     
    I am also part of this little new Gas Gun forum, start up. If you are all about gas guns (rifles as well) then you should check out Airsoft Gas Gun Forum. Not much membership, but a good little place that could be a decent size with some more traffic. I feel bad since all of my current work is exclusively available on ASB, but I think I am going to start moving some reviews and topics over there after a time listed only on ASB. I do feel the need to concentrate on one place for now. Plus ASB has more traffic right now and is a much larger forum in terms of scope. Hopefully soon we can elect the new Mods (we are holding elections for Mods, which I think is pretty generous of the powers that be), then I can spend some more time on content for the boards and less time working on other projects.
  8. hkssr20det
    So late last night I finished up the review that almost killed me. Stupid KWA M1911A1 review is up here.
     
    I have been given another great chance, a larger manufacturer has agreed to loan me guns for review and publication. I am excited to get my hands on more weapons, without having to purchase them up front. It will be like building a project gun for a client, all the fun of a new gun, and I don't lose any money in the deal.
     
    I also managed to work out a few hammer issues with a client's gun. I ordered a set of PDI hammers for installation in a pair of TM Delta Elites. I bought a limited edition "Race" hammer for myself, while my client/buddy purchased the new PDI NeXT hammer. Interestingly enough I swapped them both in, and it turns out that the Race hammer looked too small on my gun (completely overshadowed by the beavertail) while the NeXT did not function on his gun (due to the A1 grip safety). So I swapped em around. Cleared it with the client, and now we both have the correct size hammer for our guns.
     

     
    I figured out a fix for fitting Hi Capa hammers into 1911s. I dropped a line to my buddy davedawg, and used his idea to get me started, but the real answer was available to me all along. I once bought a KM hammer that was manufactured poorly, and never shot right. I eventually got it to reliably fire, but it never shot perfectly. Combining that knowledge with what davedawg told me, have made both of these Delta's fire like cannons. Amazing.
     
    More to come. I think later this evening I am going to write up a quick history of every gun that has passed through my hands this year. I have no idea how many it is, so I will be learning something new.
  9. hkssr20det

    Rebirth?

    By hkssr20det,

    It has been an interesting week to say the least. Happily I ended the night as a new member of a forum peopled by my old old cohorts who had been displaced by the great big nothing. Even more surprisingly I woke up to be offered a chance to really take part in the establishment of this new forum. It really came as a very big surprise to me since I wasn't really close with any of the new Admins over there. But I have been blessed with my own little corner of the web, which focuses on my pet obsession with gas pistols. Pretty excited about it.
     
    But it is strange how I look at posting and generally being part of in such a different light. I know I am new to it all, and so there is always going to be a period of adjustment, but none the less it has a very different feel. In the past, just as a member, the feeling of responsibility was pretty much non-existent if I didn't feel like it. Now that I am not only part of forum but also part of the staff (well a little part) I really feel like I need to take part, and do a good job. I am probably taking this a little too seriously (it is still a hobby site) but while I am not feeling the "power" going to my head, I am feeling like my responsibility to the site is pretty huge. It's a new site. It needs to get off the ground in a good, positive way, and since I have been given this opportunity I don't want to let it down.
     
    In actual airsoft news, my new project is going to be a full review and upgrade of a WE. Man I have hated on them my entire time in airsoft, but am only now going to actually experience one (other than squeezing off a few shots) for the first time. I see it as a good step towards being well rounded, and will allow me to help more people than I can right now.
     
    I don't know if I want the thing to suck, or actually be good (I am actually buying one, as well as borrowing one). Should be interesting.
     
    If you are looking for another place to enjoy and obsess over this hobby of ours, PM me. And to those who might think I am trying to "poach" members, I don't see why you can only be a member in good standing on one forum. I have been active on three forums for awhile now. I am just providing another place to learn and build community.
  10. hkssr20det

    Ah well, moving on.

    By hkssr20det,

    Goodbye ASF. Sorry to see you go, but without rancor, I hope it feels the loss of the members it drove away. Someone needs to learn a lesson.
     
    In airsoft news I spent all night swapping parts around between a Hi Capa and a 1911. Fun exercise. I now have a new 2011 masquarading as a classic 1911. Actually pretty excited about it, and will be buying new bits and pieces to complete the look in the near future. The thumb safety, grip safety, hammer, trigger, outer barrel and stock slide from a TM 1911 will fit and function on a Hi Capa with zero problems. Looks pretty slick if you ask me. Pictures tomorrow when the sun comes out.
     
    I also tried to swap a Hi Capa trigger into my Delta Comp and managed to screw something up. The disconnecter is causing me considerable grief. For some reason it won't jump back into position so the gun won't fire. I know it is an issue with the trigger and disconnecter tolerances, but man I am worried it has to do with how I fit the beavertail. Live and learn I guess, hopefully this doesn't mean I need to buy another PGC Delta kit. I guess I could swap it to a SFA, but I am growing to like the grip safety.
     
    Still hemming and hawing over what I am going to build next. Don't know if I am willing to spend $450 on the hard to find metal body, I found, to build a gun I am unsure about wanting. The other option is for a gun I know I dig, and would love to build. Decisions, decisions.
  11. hkssr20det
    So my Sister gave birth to beautiful baby girl this morning at 5:40am. It has been a long time coming, but I am overjoyed that my Sister's family is growing. Now I just need to figure out how to make her a shooter....it is my purpose as her uncle.
  12. hkssr20det

    I build Glocks too...

    By hkssr20det,

    Finished up the Evike gun, all buttoned down and ready to go. Looking forward to future work with this client, he wants me to build him a TM DE, one of my favorite gun. Speaking of which, man I want another one. Really need to hold out for the Leon, makes more sense. Speaking of DEs, I found Hogue wood grips for them, which has only made me want one more and more.
     
    I also buttoned down a build for another client. He really badly wants a Hitman Gun, so I am going to take a stab at it. Thanks to the latest PGC bodies, and Junior's skill in the bead blasting cabinet, I might get decently close. Should be good, but man are these guns not cheap. One of my old client guns is up for sale now for $450 and people are whining about the price. Even without my charges, that gun is cheap, believe me. In another turn of events, I am actually going to build a gun using my least favorite grips, the Pachmyer American Legend grips. I think they are ugly, and ruin the clean lines of a 1911, but since this is for a client, what are you going to do.
     
    With this gun I will have built three PGC 1911s and fixed a Guarder. I personally like the 1911 best, but I do sort of wish someone would ask me to build another style of gun. I mean I do have experience building other styles of guns. I mean I generally dislike Glocks, but I wouldn't mind building one for someone. That would be fun. I guess I need to wade back in and build one for myself (again) and show it off.
     
    Just ordered some new parts for one of my TM 1911s, should be a pretty cool new look and the performance should be amazing. I also picked up some bits for the Detonics. Man I want that barrel back. I need to contact Dwayne badly.
  14. hkssr20det
    So the short term future for new GBB projects is looking awfully bleak. I would be excited about the new Marushin Bren Ten GBB, but since it will have the hated LD2 hop up, the thing is guaranteed to not shoot straight. I whipped out my P210 to give it a try with .34s and the stupid thing still shoots like a shotgun. I need to tear it down and remove the second hop up nub. See how that works out.
     
    Funny enough, the black hawk shoots rather straight and nice. Maybe it is the fps that thing puts out (monstrous) or maybe it is the length of the barrel, but I still cannot figure out what Marushin is thinking. I wish TM would put out something brand new, like an updated CZ or a new Walther. I'm not holding my breath for anything soon.
     
    Because of this I am having a hard time planning what my next build will be. Maybe I should just focus on the final details for some of my current projects, but I miss the excitement of a new gun. Somehow it is just not as interesting to get a new hammer and trigger. Since I am so caught up in finding something new I branched out and decided that my next purchase (if I ever complete the sale of my Constrictor) is going to be a Maruzen SMG. I keep swinging back and forth between the VZ61 and the MP5K. Currently I am leaning towards the VZ since it is stronger internally, but I just really love the look of the MP5K. If the VZ works out, I just might have to pick the MP5K as well.
     
    I also need to come up with more available cash. For the past few months I have been buying with proceeds from sales of guns I didn't want any longer. Right now, I want all of my guns. They all satisfy some certain itch of mine. There are a number of grips and RS parts I would like to buy and work on fitting right now, but I don't have the available capital. Maybe I just need a better job.
     
    I also need to figure out what to do with my lame SCW3 Expert. I currently hate the gun right now, but since the damn thing has cost me over $500, I need to find a way to get the frame re-polished and firing solidly again. Then I can sell the thing and move on.
     
    New projects for other people keep coming in, well the research and design portion, but the payment and building is still pending. If you have a dream gun, let me know, maybe we can work something out.
  15. hkssr20det

    Tanaka Super Red Hawk

    By hkssr20det,

    Finished up a clients gun tonight. Den order showed up, a little for me and the last few parts to finish up the Evike 1911. I personally have never had a problem ordering from Evike, but man their technical services are bottom of the barrel right now. I can't imagine that they have looked at this gun three time now, and it still shot like sheit when it came to me. Be careful who you have work on your gun. If it had been my gun I would have raised hell. Now it shoots pretty good. Not as good as a well built PGC bodied gun, but the Guarder bodies are not as terrible as I always think they are.
     
    I also got one of my new Tanakas. Order a Ruger Super Red Hawk .454 Casul, but received a .44 Magnum. Actually worked out well for me since the .454 has gotten fairly terrible reviews, but the .44 Magnum has gotten better reviews.
     

     
    On top of that it shot this:
     

     
    Since I can't leave anything alone, I also sourced a set of RS grips. Since the stock ones were the rosewood I opted for the Ebony insert panels. They fit much tighter than the stock ones, but I did have to remove the safety. The grips (both stock and rs) are surprisingly thin and comfortable. Nice gun, decently accurate, but shoots below the point of aim. With a ridiculous amount of hop and the rear sight raised almost off the frame, almost right on point.
     

     
    Last Den order is schedule to arrive tomorrow. Pretty excited, since it includes two guns for me and the final bits for another client's build. I like the building, but the waiting for parts gets a little tedious.
     
     
  16. hkssr20det

    Formula 1 & Guns?

    By hkssr20det,

    First off what a great day to be a Tifosi. Much congratulations to Kimi Raikonnen and the Scuderia. Hopefully the Williams and BMWs won't be excluded there by handing the title to McLaren. We shall see how it all shakes out in the end, but next year should be amazing. I wonder where Alonso is going to land. If he asks to be released I wonder if McLaren will actually let him race for another team next year. There should be some good off-season news this year.
     
    In airsoft news, I must say that there are few new GBBs that are actually exciting. The Detonics is nice, but not everything I would have wished. Once the aftermarket catches on, it should be a bit more exciting. The other "new" guns are merely re-hashes of other already built guns. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to build up that Leon DE, but new and exciting it is not.
     
    News of a Marushin Bren Ten in GBB form is great news, other than the fact that the LD-2 system is terrible. I love the fact that they actually build guns that others won't touch, but can't they come up with an actual hop up mechanism that can shoot straight for even 15 feet. I need to do some work and see if it improves accuracy by removing it. I wish I could read japanese and find out what the hell they are thinking, why they think it will improve accuracy. I have a new KM barrel on order for my P210, hopefully that will achieve some better groupings because man is it pathetic stock.
     
    The new obsession is revolvers, with three coming in this week. I bought the notoriously inaccurate Tanaka Red Hawk .454 Casul, because it was the longest barreled HW gun available at Dentrinity. I hope it isn't as terrible as I have heard, but I really bought it to see if it will break 500 on my chrono. I also chose the M500 3+1. I always wanted a M13/M65 FBI, but since they are completely unavailable right now, I figured I could get the power from the gigantic cylinder on the M500, and since it can take K Frame grips I can make a FBI pistol on steroids. We shall see if it turns out.
     
    I also bought another gigantic Marushin Black Hawk. I don't really care about how it shoots, messing with the shells is good enough. There are a few more things I would like to change on it, but really what I need to find is someone willing to cut me custom length tight bores. KM seems to be the only ones, and they are few and far between. I wish there where the same level of upgrades for revolvers that there are for certain GBBs. I would love to really build a custom revolver.
  17. hkssr20det

    Ruminations on fees

    By hkssr20det,

    So I have been trying to pick up some side work, building GBBs for people I have met on the forums. It has been really exciting to be recognized for the work I have done on my own guns, as well as the way I comport myself on the forums, but now I am running into the problem of how and what to charge for work.
     
    I keep getting asked to do work on budgets that don't allow the client to actually receive a gun I would be proud to deliver to them, and which allows me very little room for any profit. I don't want to be a capitalist pig, but I am not doing this entirely out of just general good will, I would like to make some money for the work I put in.
     
    Right now I am charging a labor fee (ranges from $10 for basic install work, or general tuning to $60 for installation of a metal body), but that is it, everything else is full disclosure to the client. Now I think this works well, since everything is in the clear, fully transparent. But I am unsure if I am charging enough, or too little. From what I have seen, my costs are in line with what some other people are doing, but yet I keep having to turn down work because they can't afford my fees. Maybe I need to just be willing to not make as much money to get more of my work out there. Either way it is great that I can actually make a few bucks and get to indulge my hobby. Nice to get the chance to build a new custom gun, and then not only not lose any money on it, but make something.
  18. hkssr20det
    More parts came in for various projects. First up is the Vickers Tactical mag catch for KSC Glocks. Made by TangoDown the things i pretty much indestructible. Easy drop in fitment (unlike some airsoft pieces) and it has a nice beveled pad which just feels better, as well as a slight extension to aid in actuation. Pretty cheap too ($15).
     
    Stock:
     

     
    Vickers Tactical:
     

     
    I still have a two-tone BoomArms Schuey slide for this sucker but I am far too lazy to actually get around to fitting it. The stupid legs on the outer barrel are way out of spec, and the slide to barrel fit is so tight you need to remove the BBU to fit the barrel in. Too much work, but I will get around to it sometime, sooner or later that it.
     
    Lots of new Western Arms pieces are showing up as well.
     
    First up is the RS Larue Tactical / Troy rear folding sight. Set to A2 specs, it is a great rear sight, often the one that all others are compared to.
     

     
    Easy installation, it drop right onto the rear rail of the WA. In truth it fits a bit tightly when folded down, but nothing worry about, and I will be swapping to a metal receiver when they become available. Very, very nice piece (especially with the free gift) and with a lifetime warranty, it is worth the rather significant price.
     
    Up:
     

     
    Folded:
     

     
    The other piece that arrived today was the VLTOR Low Profile Gas Block. With the new rail system I have coming in, I couldn't keep the stock front sight / gas block. This is a very nice piece which should fit comfortably underneath the rail.
     

     
    Hopefully the remaining pin pass through in the barrel won't be too noticable since this piece is about half as long. I don't think it looks too bad, but unfortunately the fake gas tube doesn't fit into the real steel piece. Ah well I will either buy a new one in RS or figure something out.
     

     
    I am probably going to go RS so I can use a mid-length gas tube and push the gas block out some. Right now it is still set up for a carbine length. I will probably buy two so I can also use a mid-length position on my other gun. Speaking of the other gun, man I am at a loss as to what to do. I keep seeing Daniel Defense rails popping up now, and I am loathe to do what other people are doing unless I really need to. I might go 9" Omega, but that is still close to what everyone else is using. I might just go Larue and be done with it, but I have time yet.
     
    I still need to buy the stock for for this gun and at least a new pistol grip for the new gun. Man these WAs are a pile of money if you choose to go real steel. The next gun is going to rock a Larue Iron Dot with a Burris Fastfire. I think that is going to be amazing.
     
    Too many options out there, far too many.
  19. hkssr20det
    Just wanted to let everyone know that Pinnacle Airsoft's website is now open for business.
     
    Pinnacle Airsoft
     
    Check it out, they went all out to try and provide a high quality website to match their walk in store.
     
    Currently they are closed for the week:
     
    Monday June 30 - Sunday July 6th
     
    Any orders placed on those days will be filled when they return on Monday July 7th on a first come, first serve basis.
     
    Since many of you haven't been able to head down and check it out I snapped a few pictures for you:
     

     
    Inside:
     


     
    Gear Wall
     

     
    Gun Wall
     

     
    Tunnel
     

     
    Cases
     


     
    Stop by and check it out. Paul, Chris and Ernie are always happy to answer questions and talk about what is available. I am there on weekends (Saturday 11 - 7; Sunday 12 - 5) for all of your pistol needs.
     
    Pinnacle Airsoft Inc.™
    1207 Arroyo Way
    Walnut Creek, CA 94596
    (925) 465-2118
    (925) 465-2126 fax
  20. hkssr20det
    So I have continued to stipple pretty regularly. Tried my hand at a Glock grip, looks OK, but could be better.
     
    KWA G26C Grip:
     


     
    I also have a new client build in the process of arriving. Built from a Dual Tone Hi Capa 4.3, I am excited to see how it turns out. He is going to run an Airsoft Surgeon slide (which is very nice, high quality, and build) and full internals. Actually a very nice build in the end even though it was pitched as a "light" build. Lucky for him he could pick up an upgraded hammer mech from me at dirt cheap. Binning the stock bits, so the gun should shoot rather nicely. Only thing really missing would be a few detail pieces and an upgraded trigger.
     
    Since he hates the OPS trademarks, I stippled a grip up for him. I like the way it came out, but we shall see what he says.
     



     
    I used the big tip for the front strap and the MSH, and then used the smaller one for the sides. I think it came out nicely and does look a bit different than the last set.
     
    I also fit the PDI tight bore to my WA M4 and man is it a cannon now. On a Madbull Chrono (with my leaking mag, idiot WA mags) it was shooting 370+ all afternoon. I think it will do a steady 375 when I fix the magazine. Accuracy is still good, and out to over 120 feet it was still packing a punch. Finally swapped out the Troy flash hider for the correct SR-16 one, but since the suppressor is G&P, but the flash hider is KM, there is still a little bit of play. Nothing too bad, and certainly nothing to worry about. I wish the PDI was just a bit longer, it stops half way through the flash hider. If they had run it out to 400mm I bet it would clear 500 fps.
  21. hkssr20det
    Man it has been a very long time since I have written anything in this thing. While it seems like not much has happened I have been steadily toiling away at this thing we call airsoft and I have made some steps forward I do believe.
     
    First up has to be the fact that I finally broke out of my laziness and broke out the Dremel Soddering Iron and actually tried my hand at some stippling. First try was a little shaky, but in the end I think it came out decently. It actually looks much better on the gun than in the open. The chisel shaped tool is pretty hard to be consistent with. Once I swapped over to the rounded tip, and tried my hand at the golf ball style I think I got better results.
     
    P226 Grips:
     

     
    Fit:
     


     
    I'm not so sure about the golf ball style on the P226 grips, though on the gun I think they actually look pretty decent. Actually both sets are much more professional looking once installed.
     
    The best set I think are the random sized golf ball style grips I made for my Hi Capa. I am very happy with both the look and feel of them.
     

     
    Fit:
     


     
    In other news some more client work has started rolling in. I have two Hi Cap projects coming down the pike. First up is a pretty light build for a customer in Santa Cruz (I think) which is just a quick slide install and tune. Should be pretty good, but since he is running a Guarder slide I am so hopeful it is going to be as amazing as I would like.
     
    The second project is a Dual Tone 4.3 that I am very excited about. First up I get to try my hand at an Airsoft Surgeon / MMC slide, my first. I have meant to find out the quality of these for awhile now, and I am actually getting paid for testing this one out. Very nice. Good solid build, full internals, full hammer mechanism upgrade and on top of that I am going to golf ball stipple the grip. Might be my signature little move from now on, but we shall see. The time investment in it is so much, once I have it down to a science it is going to be expensive.
  22. hkssr20det
    I finally secured my latest project, actually I just had parts lying around that needed a gun to add to.
     
    KSC Glock 19 Deep Blue
    PDI 6.01mm Tight Bore
    PGC Hi Flow Valve
    KM Stainless Recoil Guide Rod & Recoil Spring
     
    Very light tune. I actually have a BoomArms slide for it, but the thing is bothering me since the outer barrel legs don't fit the slide....incredibly annoying. I haven't the patience to work on it right now, so I am rocking the ABS slide for now. The Deep Blue coating is some limited edition from Japan, but really just makes the gun look more like plastic than regular KSC HW material. I didn't want this gun initially, but the last TW KSC that Den had was busted and I didn't want to wait to see when a new one came in. A few bucks more and I have another limited edition. Fun little gun, I forgot how well these things actually fit my hand.
     


     
    I also have a TM Desert Eagle "Leon" living with me for awhile. Man this is a big gun. Not surprisingly they have chosen to fit it with a 6" inner barrel. Power is still amazing at 330 fps with green at 70 degrees, almost 370 fps with green at almost 80 degrees (hot here in California right now). Bought it for Peter, but he seems to have fallen off the planet. He also wanted me to fit a 10" KM inner barrel, so being the obliging type, I did. This 10" has an extension to the inner frame that encloses the barrel, and the TM folk actually blocked the area in front of the stock barrel so you can't just drop in a longer tight bore. So lame. But I broke out the files and power is to be had by one and all:
     
    Stock. Toytec .20s. Green Gas. 80 degrees.
     
    1 - 369.2
    2 - 367.7
    3 - 366.1
    4 - 364.8
    5 - 365.9
    6 - 362.6
    7 - 362.2
    8 - 359.6
    9 - 357.9
    10 - 358.2
    Avg: 363.42
     
    W/ KM 10" 6.04mm Tight Bore
     
    1 - 429.4
    2 - 423.6
    3 - 417.2
    4 - 417.5
    5 - 413.3
    6 - 415.6
    7 - 414
    8 - 418.9
    9 - 418.4
    10 - 417.2
    Avg: 418.51
     
    So we are seeing a gain of 55fps! 55! Go buy one now.
     




     
    And a parting shot of the powerhouses (400+fps each)
     

     
    In client news, I have been inundated with WE guns to fix. Not too terrible, but I feel badly because they are getting a piece of ###### back from me (a working one at least). Don't like it one bit. Not too much in the short term horizon. I get to fit one of the new PGC Non-Railed bodies soon. Should be pretty amazing since I think he managed to get a two tone kit (yes, just like mine). Otherwise I am waiting for my WA M4.
     
    I also ordered the PDI 6.01mm tight bore the other day, but now it is no longer listed on their website. Very strange, not out of stock, but completely removed! PDI did finally release a Glock 34 6.01mm so all of you with race Glocks have something to rock now.
     
    Otherwise most of whats going on is still under wraps. Lets just say I finally have a few irons in the fire, hopefully some of them will turn into something great.
     
    Still do custom work, still reasonably priced and easy to deal with. Let me know if you need something.
  23. hkssr20det

    What's next?

    By hkssr20det,

    Some friends are in for a visit:
     
    WA SVI Std (Magna) - Rebuild and tuning
    WE Para - Tuning
    KWA M1911A1 Full Metal - Review and let me tell you this is one good gun. Never say WE again
     

     
    SD Floating Valve
    SD POM Loading Nozzle
     

     
    The SD loading nozzle was purchased from UNCompany, but the loading nozzle has a Dentrinity part number on it....leads me to believe that I am partly correct and Dentrinity and Shooters Design are very close.
     
    So I am going to rebuild the older Magna gun for a friend. Shouldn't be much of a challenge, but we shall see how things go along. I also need to order some parts for it. Seems like the newer magna guns and the older ones do have some differences.
     
    I also got a first hand look at the WE Para. It is actually an amazing little gun. If all WE's were as good as the Para TM should be worried. Great accuracy, good power, good build. Really a great clone gun. Swapped out the WE valve for a TM standard valve and fps jumped 30 fps. I kid you not. Accuracy is still amazing. Check this target, 15 shots at 5 meters. .20 bbs and true rapid fire:
     

     
    The KWA is the full metal version that has been released for awhile now is a truly amazing gun. I need to do a review of it to post up, but until then let me just say that the gun shot 340 fps average over 10 shots at 67 degrees. Power out the wazoo.
     
    I also have been remiss in not following up on my WA Beretta M92FS build. Finally got everything back together with the Prime slide and actually fit some grips to it. I had it set up last with the black frame, but when i tried to fit the real steel black grips, the grip screw bushing pulled out. Sucked. Got fed up and put the thing away in pieces.
     
    Eventually I got over the ###### and then swapped everything back to the silver frame. Once I did that I chose to take the easy route and fit the stock WA panels. Easier on me, and easier on the fitting. Unfortunately the grips are fairly beat up, but I don't mind (for now). It does let me shoot green and be happy with the kick and accuracy. Right now the gun is amazing, but it continues to make me wonder how it would be with a full Prime body. I might need to bite the bullet soon and stump up for one. We shall see. Until then here is where it stands:
     
    WA Beretta M92FS Inox (SCW3)
    Prime Slide
    PDI 6.01mm Tight Bore
    PGC Loading Nozzle
    Guarder Gas Routing
    Sheriff Extended Slide Stop
    Hidakaya/BeMax Recoil Spring
     



  24. hkssr20det
    I know I mentioned a huge (in terms of parts, and quality of the parts) build for a client, another PGC TM 1911. It came out perfectly. I was impressed with both the KM and most especially the Nova parts that he chose to use. Just a quality standard A1 1911. Really my favorite type, and with good parts choices, my favorite to shoot as well. It really turned out amazingly well:
     
    TM 1911
    TM mags 5x
    PGC colt version
    PGC rear sight
    PDI tightbore 6.01mm
    PDI MIL-SPEC Hammer
    PDI Palsonite Sear
    KM Steel Trigger
    KM Valve Knocker
    KM spring guide
    KM recoil plug
    KM hammer strut
    KM hopup
    Prime steel slide stop
    Prime barrel bushing
    Prime magazine catch
    Prime main spring housing
    SD recoil spring
    SD hammer spring
    Nine Ball Dyna Piston
    Guarder Hi Flows (x5 mags)
    Tanio Koba Outer Barrel
    Charles Daly grips
     



     
    Other than the flat mainspring housing, that to me is the classic 1911.
     
    I also have had the chance to do some work on my friends Limcat Custom. Really was excited to get my hands on another one, and while it was put together well, it did need some care and finish tuning. I swapped the tired old frame out for a much newer one I had in the parts bin. Did the usual filing and fitting on the blowback unit to clear the disconnector and other stuff. This gun had an interesting bit of fitting for the rear sight. I usually remove a ton of material off the bottom of them (giving out secrets again) but my client chose to leave that all, and take material off the bottom of the BBU to clear. I do prefer my method, while it is a bit more extreme, I think it lines up a bit better.
     
    The really big change was swapping in an Airsoft Surgeon hammer set. He chose the rare SHPD style hammer, and while I don't like the look (though it is a first) the functionality and trigger feel is amazing. If you are looking to swap the hammer and sear out of your Hi Capa, I can't stress enough that you should check out the AS unit. I know it is $66, but that is cheaper than most other sets, way cheaper than a full PDI set up with KM strut. The trigger is butter smooth, and it must be lighter than 4 lbs now. It truly has a hair trigger.
     



     
    I am working on a few reviews right now. Tuning back up an old Western Arms Magna gun. I have another Magna gun to look at for my boys down at Pinnacle. I have a KSC Glock 19 to build (when it arrives) but just light tuning on it. I have a Leon 10" DE coming in for a buddy. I get to run some tests and fit a new tight bore to it (let's hear it for 350 on 134A! well that is the goal). I have the rebuild of my old Hi Capa that was a SVI 6.0. I have to fit that old upper to a new gun for a client. Then I need to finish tuning and upgrading my SpeedMaster so I can run green gas and just kill with it.
     
    Man, I am actually pretty busy for the next week or so.
     
  25. hkssr20det
    So I had this vision of my TM SVI, with silver controls, and a red grip. So I went out and bought a "red" WE grip and was all set to pull my dual tone controls for the race gun and see what was up. BUT then I got caught up in a selling spree, and well the SVI just seemed to naturally hit the chopping block.
     
    But before I let it go (anyone?) or I at least rebuild it as something brand new, I thought I would mock up exactly how it would have looked (minus the custom stippling work), and here was to be my final look for it:
     

     
    I also started messing around with my race gun, decided to see if I could get it to work with a 1911 slide (and thus be able to run my 7" Comp set-up from my Delta, which I turned back into a straight 1911) but it didn't work. For some reason, that I can't understand. I think it might be the PDI Hi Capa outer barrel, or the fact that I am running a Hi Capa hop up rather than a 1911. I am going to give it another go at some point.
     
    The Delta does look good as just a single stack 1911 rather than the Comp. I can't seem to go without having a plain single stack 1911 to shoot. I sent my M1911A1 back east to Junior to check out and play with. I am excited to see what he thinks.
     



     
    Have to finish up another customer gun tomorrow, make sure the Airsoft Surgeon hammer system works smoothly and no longer binds on the bottom of the BBU. Looks good, but the design needs a bit more work from the factory....
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