Katana Gets A Crown

[ezman604]

I needed to sneak out to the shop this weekend for some therapy. The kind of therapy that comes from making metal chips.
Looking around the armory, I glanced at the factory fresh Katana. I had shot it ONCE, and found it too loud for an afternoon shooting session. So, I decided that was my next project. I didn't want to do any modifying to the airgun, just something simple that could be reversed in a few seconds. Here is what I came up with.
First I looked at the factory muzzle cover and the fill probe cover. Adding something to the end will require some tapering action as well as a little extension. And also will HAVE to incorporate a channel cut to allow it to slide over the reservoir.
I made my measurements twice, wrote them down and measured again. Then set out to the shop to slice and dice. Here is the factory piece below the adapter I machined and the CF tube I am using.



Next was back down to the shop and strap it into the mini-mill. I milled the channel so it could slide over the reservoir without putting tension on the barrel.



After a bit of hand sanding to get the EXACT fit, I dry fit everything together. Drilled and tapped the setscrew hole.



After getting everything to look and fit the way I wanted, I applied several coats of Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black to the adapter end. I left the crown end cap natural machined aluminum. Almost used brass but noting else on the airgun was brass.



Then I added the stuffing and epoxied it all together. This evening I get to test fire.



Hope it works...LOL
Was good therapy anyway, whether it works or not. And can be removed and factory crown cover replaced in a matter of seconds.
Now to look around the arsenal and see what will be my next victim.....er...project.
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[jonnnyboy]

Looking good, bro.  I'm interested in the filler and how well it sounds.  As Mr. Gene said, "You are going to need more tools!"  LOL!

joe

[TheBullsEye]

Nice work! I hope to be doing this kinda fun therapy when i accuire the tools some day !

[popedandy]

Fine looking piece of work!

[Sfttailrdr46]

  Nicely done Dave and I want the skill and tools also soon to be gainfully unemployed "Retired" woo hoo

[Motorhead]

Dave,
Fun stuff making LDC's .... if subject was more PC, many of us could further educate / share some inner workings that really catch that lead dust 

Anywho, looks GREAT !!!
Do hope it works good as it looks.

[QVTom]

Bravo Dave!  What do you think of the Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black?

Tom

[ezman604]

I like it. But you need to seal it afterwards. Otherwise it isn't very durable and will scratch off. Will try some satin clear or any other suggestions.

[QVTom]

No idea how to protect it.  I was just curious if the product actually worked.  I've had zero success with gun blues or blacks in a bottle no matter how meticulous the preparation and application.

Tom

[ezman604]

Well, for me it worked amazingly well. I used a soaked cotton swab and mopped over it a few times. If it wasn't dark enough or had spotty areas, I just re-dipped the swab and hit it again. Took about 3 applications. Then let it dry and wash the piece.