GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Big Bore AirGun Gate => Topic started by: YEMX on March 21, 2025, 07:06:50 PM

Title: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 21, 2025, 07:06:50 PM
I'm surprised I didn't start my own thread...  Or maybe I did??  *SHRUG*

Anyhoo, I know Dyotat100 started a thread waaaaayy back in 2020.  I've had the barrel for about 5 years now.  Funny how time seems to just get away from you!  Anyhoo, here's a link to Doug's barrel work: https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=171097.0 (https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=171097.0)

I've JUST purchased a Texan LSS in .308.  The barrel will be going to a friend for his project, and I'm installing the 7mm in it's place.  The ONLY modification will be to the Texan muzzle brake.  I'm just going to have the muzzle brake copied, with the only change being to how it connects to the barrel.  AF decided to have external threads, and my barrel has threads at the muzzle.  So I'm just going to have the brake re-made w/internal threads to match the 7mm barrel.  Then I'll use a Saber Tactical Texan LDC adapter and get a LDC that'll work w/7mm.  Easy peasy. 

I'll update as things get done.  NO this won't take another 5 years!! I hope!!  LOL
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: Huntair on March 21, 2025, 11:39:29 PM
Sounds like a fun build!  So what bullets are you are you planning on using? Are you casting your own? Or purchasing ready made bullets?
Thanks,
Duke
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 22, 2025, 02:05:47 AM
Sounds like a fun build!  So what bullets are you are you planning on using? Are you casting your own? Or purchasing ready made bullets?
Thanks,
Duke

Casting my own.  I've had the mold for as long as I've had the barrel LOL  I may get a second mold and send it off to Erik to have it HP'd.
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: Huntair on March 22, 2025, 08:01:00 AM
That's what I thought.  I have had some odd calibers over the years. It's always challenging finding ammo / molds that will work.
Keep us posted on your progress !
-Duke
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 22, 2025, 12:40:15 PM
I believe the barrel was designed for the mold(s)...  I can't remember. 

Also, I just checked (it's been a while!  LOL), and I have a NOE mold, and it's already HP'd, so that's good.  It's the 106 gr. HP.  I'll pick up a 89 gr. HP mold as well.  There's also a 96 gr mold from Arsenal that I'll also probably pick up...
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 24, 2025, 09:48:03 PM
No real updates.  I ordered a UTG over-bore bipod a few years ago, when they first came out.  I always wished they sold the bipod mount separate.  Well, after talking to MonkeyDad1969, and looking on the web, low and behold THEY DO!!!  The perfect addition to both the 6mm Condor, and this 7mm Texan.  So now I can use the bipod across 3 AF rifles: Noble .172, 6mm and 7mm.  NICE!! 

Also, I'm not going to run the SS shroud on the 7mm, I'll just use a normal LDC.  Not sure of any other LDC's that can handle big bore power though, other than DonnyFL.  I guess I'll order a .30 LDC.  Probably a Sumo.  Dunno. 

Anyhoo, that's it for now!
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 27, 2025, 10:21:54 AM
New Texan is IN!!!  I'll have to set aside some time to get the 7mm barrel installed...  I'm floating the idea of getting a 500cc CF bottle for the rifle now. 

Anyhoo!  I'll update when something is done!
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 27, 2025, 06:19:54 PM
After doing some digging, and thanks to Miksatx, I've gone ahead and bought a 1.1L bottle. 

WHY AM I LIKE THIS?!

I'll also be getting a Maddog stock, once I confirm that he can/will modify his stocks for these larger bottles.  If not, I guess I'll just be building a stock for this too LOL

Anyhoo, I'll update when I get more done.  Thanks again for following along!
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on March 29, 2025, 06:25:46 PM
Not much has been done.  I'm debating on how I should proceed with the project (As always  ::)  )...

Here she is so far:
(https://i.imgur.com/kEQeWHn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tFbGY4W.jpeg)

Okay let me tell you, DO NOT try to remove the auto-safety like you would w/a Condor.  You're just asking for trouble.  Ask me how I know.  Secondly, the Texan is WAY easier to disassemble than a Condor.  LOL  Again, ask me how I know.  I got everything sorted.

-  I installed a roller trigger while I was in there.

-  I had a massive brain fart, and was really embarrassed I didn't work out the issue before.  Anyhoo, long story short, I modified the silver tube in the 2nd picture above to work with the 7mm barrel.  The muzzle threads on the barrel are not used- I'm using the Texan shroud parts as designed.  The through bore is .35", so it's plenty of room for the 7mm (.275"), and I see no obstructions when looking from the breech through the barrel. 

-  New issue: The 1.1L that I have (Tuxing) will NOT be able to be used as-is.  If I want to use it, I'll have to make an extender piece.  So I'm debating.  I'd really like to use it the 1.1L bottle.  I would make the adapter in such a way so that the bottle will just clear the frame.  I REALLY need to get my machine shop up and running!!  LOL

-  Like the bottle, I'm debating whether or not to get a Maddog stock.  But I'm leaning towards getting one.  An RJ-9A.  I'll need to sort the bottle out first though. 

Anyhoo, that's where this rifle sits for now.  I'll update again when some more progress has been made.  Thanks for following along!
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on April 01, 2025, 08:35:58 AM
Well, I'm going to get a Maddog stock- FINALLY!!  Life is getting in the way again, so I'm not ordering it just yet.  I'm also going to modify the frame a bit to fit the bottle.  That'll give me the shortest possible LOP.  Nothing crazy.  I'll take pics of course- before and after.  So others will know one way to get these 1.1L bottles to work with the AF frames. 

Oh- I forgot to mention, a 580cc bottle is the same length (or there abouts) as a 1.1L bottle...  So if you want a touch more air w/o having to modify the frame at all, there you go.  Little Fun Fact for today!  LOL 

Oh- and I'm glad I don't have to make an adapter.  It would definitely add too much to the LOP.  Can't simply make it as short as possible, as you have to clear the valve body AND have enough clearance/material for the threaded bit that will go into the tank to have a strong connection between the two.  Nope, the easier and safer way to do this would be to modify the AF frame to fit the bottle. 

Anyhoo, that's all for now.  Thanks for following along!
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: cosmic on April 01, 2025, 03:26:32 PM
Huben regulator will give you a few inches...
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on April 01, 2025, 11:33:45 PM
Huben regulator will give you a few inches...

That's exactly what I DON'T want.  Plus, I'm not regulating a big bore LOL  If this was a tube gun with a plenum, that would be a different story. 
Title: Re: MY 7mm Texan Build
Post by: YEMX on April 09, 2025, 10:13:14 PM
I've received my new endmills, and I'll be modifying the frame soon.  Not much of an update, sorry y'all.  Thanks for following along!