Most Compact Marauader!

[Xraycer]

All I need to do is solve my hand guard issue. After this last attention to detail, I will be able to test the rifle in its new form! Very excited. If it weren't for my plenum extension that feeds off the pressure gauge this job would be much easier! I may just have to live without the extension for awhile if I want to really test this thing.

Why don't you just cut a section of cheap foam pipe insulation on there for now and see how that works.

[ackuric]

All I need to do is solve my hand guard issue. After this last attention to detail, I will be able to test the rifle in its new form! Very excited. If it weren't for my plenum extension that feeds off the pressure gauge this job would be much easier! I may just have to live without the extension for awhile if I want to really test this thing.

Why don't you just cut a section of cheap foam pipe insulation on there for now and see how that works.

it wouldn't be the ultimate solution I am looking for but if push comes to shove I may try it.

-Matt

[screwwork]

Maybe you could get some PCV tube that would slide over the tube, cut it to like 3" to 5" long in a C shape with a hole for the pressure gauge to be protected and secured using the front screw of Trigger assembly housing like a Prod forearm?  Paint it black and it would look cool, protect the pressure gauge too.

[ackuric]

Maybe you could get some PCV tube that would slide over the tube, cut it to like 3" to 5" long in a C shape with a hole for the pressure gauge to be protected and secured using the front screw of Trigger assembly housing like a Prod forearm?  Paint it black and it would look cool, protect the pressure gauge too.

Wouldn't work for the plumbing I am trying to cover. I am trying to mold some kydex into a shape that'll work.

Here is a pic of the plumbing I want to cover. it's not fully installed so it sticks out a bit more than usual but it still sticks out further than the stock pressure gauge so therefore I am trying to remedy that in a cosmetic functional way.



and a pic of the kydex taking shape. Still lots of work needed to be done on it and not sure it'll even work out the way I want!

[Buldawg76]

Maybe you could get some PCV tube that would slide over the tube, cut it to like 3" to 5" long in a C shape with a hole for the pressure gauge to be protected and secured using the front screw of Trigger assembly housing like a Prod forearm?  Paint it black and it would look cool, protect the pressure gauge too.

Wouldn't work for the plumbing I am trying to cover. I am trying to mold some kydex into a shape that'll work.

Here is a pic of the plumbing I want to cover. it's not fully installed so it sticks out a bit more than usual but it still sticks out further than the stock pressure gauge so therefore I am trying to remedy that in a cosmetic functional way.



and a pic of the kydex taking shape. Still lots of work needed to be done on it and not sure it'll even work out the way I want!

What is the thing that looks like a CO2 cylinder coming off the middle of the gauge extension. What is it for.

Also what about a Prod forearm as it might work if you clearance it for that plumbing and sand the curve of it to fit the bigger tuber like you did with the trigger housing. It can be attached to the trigger frame with the front screw and the mounting tab that the prod uses and then just need a band around the tube to secure the front of the forearm.

Mike

[ackuric]

It is an auxiliary plenum. It adds about 25 cc's of extra available air at the regulated pressure of my choosing.

-Matt

[Buldawg76]

It is an auxiliary plenum. It adds about 25 cc's of extra available air at the regulated pressure of my choosing.

-Matt

Kind of thought it weas something like that and should help with the regged plenum volume. Kind if reminds me if the booster bottles that some newer cars use in the air intake plenums and the same idea was used on the mid 80s and up YZ series of Yamaha dirt bikes that used a added bottle off the side of the intake to give a boost of power when going from steady throttle to WOT quickly.

[shultz]

Coming along nicely Matt!

The Prod fore end wouldn't work as issued. The Prod gauge screws directly into the gauge block, and sits almost flush to the bottom of the fore end. looking at that plumbing, you have to cut a hole clear thru the fore end for it and the gauge would stick well below the bottom of the fore end. Now, it might be a good start with an added Kydex bubble to enclose the plumbing, the gauge would still stick out quite a bit though...

[screwwork]

Sorry guys, I totally forgot about the gauge block adaptor for the pressure gauge on the Mrod, my idea wouldn't work in this case.

[Buldawg76]

I knew the gauge would stick out of the forearm but thought it may be a good start or something to use as a pattern of sorts. They are not very much from crosman.

Mike

[triggertreat]

Why don't you try cutting off that section or a section of the OEM stock and filling in the cut end(s) if needed.

[ackuric]

Why don't you try cutting off that section or a section of the OEM stock and filling in the cut end(s) if needed.

Thought about that but don't want to ruin the OEM stock as I can swap back and forth if I like. The gauge stuck out of that stock with my plenum extension anyhow so I am just going to attempt to make my own...we'll see how it comes out!

[ackuric]

Its not the prettiest thing in the world but it provides the function I was looking for, a hand guard that covers the stock gauge work. I am not sold on this yet and may mold a few more designs but I am trying!

I might just have to toss the auxiliary plenum if I don't want such a bulky looking hand guard but it feels MUCH better than it looks so it's hard to say just yet...





-Matt

[Xraycer]

Nice job, Matt!

[ackuric]

Hey thanks! So far this thing feels AMAZING to hold off hand especially with that hand guard. The way it sits in your hand actually puts the rifle in a perfect comfortable location for off hand shooting. Most hand guards are low profile for cosmetic reasons but for functionality having them run lower like mine does to cover the gauge work actually is beneficial. Atleast IMO. Most 'target' rifles for pros I notice have an extra hand guard that extends beyond the stock, this current hand guard basically provides that function.

The guard is 100% slip on at the moment and kind of snaps into place, I do plan on retaining it with a screw into where the prod stock would go by the trigger assembly but for now I am happy just to have it come along this far, even if the hand guard isn't complete!. I will try to tidy it up some but I am no professional at this so results will be uncertain!

Fully assembled it is weighing in at 5 lbs on the dot, but that is using my body weight + the rifle on the scale then subtracting my body weight from that number which isn't full proof, will get true weight once aired up. The only thing missing atm is air, and that is because my plenum connection requires loc-tite and I am letting that cure before test filling. The valve I have installed is new and questionable in regards to sealing as extensive work was done to it, so that'll be another issue I have to possibly confront, worse case I toss in a known good valve or wait for Travis to release his and Lloyd's new valve! I am just so anxious to shoot this thing though so hopefully in 24-48 hrs I can test fill and everything is leak free!

This build has been a long one, but in the end I am getting a rifle that fits well into a shooters hands and is completely unique and custom!

The only thing I'd change on the hand guard is a bit of shaping and transitioning between lines on the rifle but I am not a kydex artist nor do I currently have the patience as I just want to test this thing and cannot do it without a proper hand guard! As I stated I will likely mess around with different molds in the future and try to blend a perfect hand guard seamlessly with the rifle but that imo is a tall task!

-Matt

[ackuric]

Here is the hand guard taking more shape. Added a slight contour to it and smoothed all edges. Not sure what the next move on it is but I am thinking of calling it good, and either leaving it unwrapped or wrapping it again.



This stuff is easy to mold/imprint so I am thinking of maybe adding some type of pattern to the sides so its not so bare and plain.

-Matt

[Xraycer]

I liked it wrap

[ackuric]

WOW I am so impressed with what I just did. So I made a 5/8 hole and then pushed a 1 inch pipe through it to create a channel/wall that the gauge sits in perfectly. This snap on guard is now SOLID AS A ROCK! Zero wobble or movement and literally attached with 0 fasteners. Couldn't be prouder or happier.



Here I am holding the whole gun up just by the snap-on hand guard that I made! Literally 100% solid!!!



Last steps will be to create end caps for each end of the guards and then wrap it in vinyl or paint it deeper black. Not sure which yet.

[ackuric]

I liked it wrap

Me too. I will likely either wrap it or paint it deeper black.

[triggertreat]

I agree with your comments about it.  I think if you had a wider piece it would allow you to do more rounding/contouring and you may like it more.  Idk, you may be able to add a couple of elbows and extend the assembly more forward and then you could really do more contoured shapes and reduce the sharp angle more.  Just trying to throw in my crazy thoughts on it as usual.