What is a top hat?

[ChickenSlayer671]

....no, not the one you wear on your head.

I will be tuning my Diana M34 sometime soon after I order a Vortek kit for it. I've been reading alot of threads in regards to tuning and I always come across this top hat thingy. What the *(&^ is it? Is it part of the piston/spring assembly? Is it an aftermarket part?

I have never seen a picture of it or maybe I have but it is not referenced. What does it do or what is the purpose for it? Could someone please send me a pic or link?

Thanks,

[LAalex]

The "tophat" is the forward spring guide.  If you go to ARH website the last item under tune kits is a tophat for RWS rifles.  I'm interested in one of these for my 34.  BTW, this afternoon I shimmed the breech seal on my 34 with dental floss-Avg. velocity went from 703 fps to 731 fps with CPHP.  Good luck with the tune and monitor this thread as I'm sure much more experienced members will chime in with good info.

Scotty

[LAalex]

I think there might be a tophat in the Vortek kit.  Hopefully someone will clarify this.
Scotty

[shadow]

The tophat is used for a front guide for the spring and also for weight . There is a point in the weight factor when to much can result in harsh recoil and seal problems. Ed

[ChickenSlayer671]

Thanks guys. Just trying to absorb as much as I can.

[MichaelM]

as reference here in this thread is pictures of a top hat thats been reworked as part of a tune... its the shorter of the two guides   but that should help with your visual

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,5922.0.html

[ChickenSlayer671]

Thanks for the link. Now I have to get a move on ordering the Vortek kit.