What is involved in a "tuning"?

[lizzie]

Sorry to be such a newb, but that's what I am.

What is meant by the term "tuning" when talking air rifles? I hope you guys will bear with me while I try to learn, but asking is the best way I know of.

[ezman604]

Hey lizzie, not a problem asking. I looked in the Library at the list of airgun terms but tuning was not included on the list.
Tuning does several things and the generally focus is on smoothing out the shooting cycle. In most mass manufacturing, the process is not very detailed. They stamp or cut parts and slap them together. Compare it to balancing and blueprinting a car engine. Once balanced and all parts detailed, you will have a much better running and longer lasting engine. Same with airguns and just about anything.
So, tuning an airgun can or will involve disassembly, checking component clearances, adjusting or making newer closer tolerance parts, debur/hone/crosshatching cylinder, checking and possibly replacing seals (piston and breech), applying proper lubricant and possibly trigger modifications. In the trigger group it may mean swapping for a better after market trigger if available but will most definitely include polishing all contacting surfaces and adding the proper lubricant. It may also require replacing trigger and sear springs to adjust the amount of pull. But mainly a tune is attempting to get all parts in harmony and reduce vibrations. There are Youtube videos showing the vibrations and reactions an airgun has when fired. The "tune" is an attempt to reduce the vibrations and reactions which in turn will generally improve the accuracy and the pleasure in shooting. I'm not a professional tuner so Ed, Gene or Bob may want to add to or correct my thoughts on tuning. LOL
I hope this helps explain some.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[lizzie]

Yes- very helpful- thanks!

[Onebaddj]

Thats pretty much the gist of it. Very well explained with out going crazy deep into it.

If you google charly da tuna he has alot ofgood info on there as well as air rifle headquarters and vortek products. All 3 of hose sights will have a about as far into it as you want to go.

Its fun fun fun! Makes you feel good to tune one and have it oh so smooth when your done. If you put in foamy ear plugs and shoot your rifle you can realy hear the buzz of the spring and the vibrations. Then shoot a tuned one and its night and day different.

[lizzie]

Thats pretty much the gist of it. Very well explained with out going crazy deep into it.

If you google charly da tuna he has alot ofgood info on there as well as air rifle headquarters and vortek products. All 3 of hose sights will have a about as far into it as you want to go.

Its fun fun fun! Makes you feel good to tune one and have it oh so smooth when your done. If you put in foamy ear plugs and shoot your rifle you can realy hear the buzz of the spring and the vibrations. Then shoot a tuned one and its night and day different.

I'm not sure I can tune one- I just wasn't clear on what tuning entails. If the internals were wood, I could do it.

[ezman604]

LOL
I understand the wood comment too. And I forgot that it would probably also include checking and reworking the barrel crown if needed.

[Onebaddj]

I first started and was scared to cange my trigger on my hunter to he grt. Now with my last springer i had the parts on order.for.the tune before i got the gun. I opened the box on the 470 shot it twice to check function the tuned it with the pg 2 kit and seal. Deburred lubed and back together. It gets fun.

[Jay]

I got faith in ya Lizzie, hang around with this crowd for a couple of months, keep asking questions,all of us did at one time,LOL me more than most(Thanks Guys!!!) and in no time we will be sending you guns to tune for us, can see it now "Lizzies Laser Tunes".

[lizzie]

I got faith in ya Lizzie, hang around with this crowd for a couple of months, keep asking questions,all of us did at one time,LOL me more than most(Thanks Guys!!!) and in no time we will be sending you guns to tune for us, can see it now "Lizzies Laser Tunes".

Hey man- that's tempting. I could give up my regular job and work by myself. You may have just inspired me, lol.