Couple of Optimus tune questions

[1216bandit]

My wife's gun is the low power 495 fps .177 that I would like to tune a bit.  I read where the E3650 spring and the Apex small seal, both from ARH are the way to go.  I also have a CDT trigger on its way.  Is there anything else I should consider?  Read something about washers at the breach but don't know if its applicable to the Optimus?  She was also shooting a friends .22 495 fps Phantom and got a big chuckle out of the very audible "SMACK" when hitting the targets, so with that in mind I would also consider a .22 barrel.  Would that barrel have to come from Crosman or are there other sources?  Thanx for any tips and I am really open to any suggestions!

[Nate the airgunner]

Those breech washers are workable and IMO a necessary for any Crosman break barrel.

Crosman makes sme very nice springer barrels, and they are fairly cheap, I imagine any of the barrels listed on their .22 B-19 springer's parts diagrams would work fine.

[thekid]

This might look a little different but here is a .22 bull barrel you can get in Canada.

http://scopesandammo.com/storefront/product_info.php/crosman-22-shrouded-barrel-break-barrel-models-p-469

The E3650 spring is a drop in replacement, I used the new gamo tesla seal in my stoeger (B19) variant...same as yours.

This is the seal I used for the stoeger, check it out, if you like.

http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/catalog/item/251485/2325552.htm

[1216bandit]

Thanx for the tips fella's and nice of ya to post the links Rob!  About those washers Nathan, those are the ones that can be had through Gene? 

[Nate the airgunner]

Yes that is correct.

[1216bandit]

Thanx...I'm going to do er with the exception of the barrel.  By the time I add the tax and shipping I will be over $100 and I may just as well get something refurbed from Pyramid and start this crazy process all over!  On second thought a .22 B/xs25 from Mike would probably be the way too go , and keep the crosman a .177

[Paul68]

I have a Crosman Storm, same gun, with the E3650 spring, a stock Crosman seal and standard lube tune. Does 16 FPE with 8.6 gr pellets and is very accurate. Sounds like you have the right plans. The barrel washers are a must. I would add that when cleaning it up, be sure to polish the tophat and spring ends well, and go light on the spring tar. On my particular gun, slightly chamfering the loading port helped accuracy a great deal since most pellets were getting clipped at the skirt. If it seems like the skirts are not sitting flush when loading, that will help. I also switched out the philips head stock screws for allen head bolts as the original screws were soft metal and deformed easily.

[1216bandit]

 I use a pellet setter because as you mentioned the skirts don't sit flush, but I like the chamfering suggestion.  Is there a specialty tool for this or will a cone shaped stone work?

[Paul68]

I use a dremel and rounded tip stone, then switch to a polishing pad with polishing compound to smooth it up.

[dukemeister]

Hey bandit... check out this diagram from the Cardews, and try to radiusthe breach accordingly, use hand tools, work slowly.

[1216bandit]

I guess I should have asked this also....is there a difference in the pistons on the 500fps model vs the faster shooting gun?