Mine was very loud stock, very hold sensitive, and was almost 17 ft lbs. First I tried tar on the spring, it quieted the gun but did not effect the hold sensitivity. I put a Tinbum guide, tophat and shortstroke piston in it along with switching to Krytox grease and it is much improved. The shot cycle is quicker, less hold sensitive, and I can see the pellets hitting the targets now, power is at 13.5 ft lbs. Still have the original spring in it.Mine liked 10 gr JSBs at full power, now it likes 8.4 AA fields.