[ILLusion]

CHARACTERITICS

The concepts discussed here are transferrable to ANY gas blowback gun, whether it's a pistol or a rifle, a 1911, a P226, an M4A1 or a SCAR. I'll refer to concepts more than to specific brand names of parts so that the contents here can be carried forward in time as the technology evolves and as product availability changes.




Accuracy:
The ability to consistently hit the same point of impact when fired at the same point of aim. The tighter the grouping, the better. Being able to consistently call your shot is what makes a gun "accurate" (shooter ability aside.)


Shot to Shot Gas Output Consistency:
This refers to the ability to maintain the same amount of gas output on every shot. The more consistent the volume output, the more predictable the shot becomes. This is a trait that works hand in hand with the above trait of "Accuracy".


Velocity / Power:
The power of the pistol directly translates to how fast the projectile will shoot. The faster a target shoots, the faster the shooter is able to register the hit. Moving targets will also require less lead distance, the faster your projectile moves. There are several ways to increase power at the muzzle, and generally involves increasing the volume of gas expelled as well as improving seals to prevent wasted gas for efficient usage. Increasing projectile weight will also increase projectile power at range (particularly with compressed gas powered guns.)


Blowback Power:
How hard the slide recoils on each shot. Hard blowback power can be a positive trait in recreating the feeling of firing a real gun and is generally done by increasing gas flow, as well as moving mass. Hard blowback power can also be a negative trait, as it increases muzzle flip, difficulty in following up shots, wasted gas, and slower slide cycling speed. In some instances (race guns, for example), lowering blowback power is required, as it allows for faster slide cycling speed and a more controllable muzzle for faster follow up shots.


Cycling Speed:
This refers to how fast the slide will cycle. It is desirable to achieve a fast cycling speed. The faster a slide/bolt cycles, the sooner the shooter is able to follow up with another shot. Cycle speed is affected in two phases: Rearward movement, and Forward movement.

Rearward movement refers to the cycle when the shot has left the barrel, and the slide begins its process of blowing backwards to recock the hammer, disconnect the trigger (in select fire semi auto mode), and chamber the next round. There are three minor characteristics in affecting the speed of rearward movement: Accelerating force, moving mass, and travel distance.

Accelerating Force refers to the driving force required to push the slide backwards. In gas guns, this is affected by the amount of gas pushing the slide back, as well as the gas pressure. The higher the gas pressure (and the volume), the faster the slide or bolt will blow backwards.

Moving mass refers to the weight of the slide or bolt. The lighter the mass, the faster it can accelerate. Acceleration is also affected by the gas, but the weight of the moving mass plays a greater role. The heavier the mass, the more power is required to accelerate it, and thus, the slower it will accelerate. This is why many race guns are lightened by milling out ports and holes in the slide, as well as the installation of super light weight componentry in the slide.

Travel distance refers to the overall distance required for the slide or bolt to travel before it ends the rearward cycle and begins the forward cycle. The shorter the movement distance, the less time is required to complete the cycle. High end performance race guns are typically "short stroked" to reduce the travel time of the slide or bolt. The downside to this, is that it can result in disabled mechanical features (slide/bolt lock is typically the trade off).


Forward movement refers to the cycle when the slide or bolt begins to re-enter battery. Similar to the rearward movement, this is affected by the same three minor characteristics, but the components that affect each trait is different. However, there is a fourth characteristic added, which is rebound rate.

Rebound rate is an additional sub-trait in this regard, and refers to the split second when the moving mass collides with its stop and how the two parts interact with each other under Newton's third law of motion: For each and every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The faster the mass is able to bounce back forward, the greater the assistance in accelerating the mass forward in to battery. In high performance race pistols, some shooters install high density urethane bumpers (also called "shock buffers") to literally bounce the slide forward. Some users even go as far as to place a spring in place, which increases the rebound rate even more, as urethane has a tendency to absorb power (can be desirable for reducing muzzle flip.)

Accelerating force, refers to the major driving force in pulling or pushing the slide or bolt forward back in to battery. In most guns (real or airsoft), this driving force is a recoil spring (also called a buffer spring.) Some springs PULL the mass forward, but in most cases, the springs PUSH the mass forward (as in an AR-15 or a 1911).

Moving mass refers to the weight of the slide or bolt. Again, the lighter the moving mass, the less energy is required to bring it up to maximum speed, and the faster it will reach its maximum speed. This is another reason why high performance race guns have lightened slides and componentry - for quick returns to battery.

Finally, travel distance plays the same role - the less distance required to travel before returning to battery, the faster the cycle completes.


Muzzle Control:
Lightweight: provides faster/easier control & pointability. Muzzle flips higher/faster.
Heavyweight: More stable pointability, but may be slower to get on target and requires more force to counter over-movement. Heavier muzzle reduces muzzle flipping for faster follow-up shots (double-taps.)


Durability:
This refers to how "tough" components are. The longer a component lasts, the more reliable the overall gun becomes.


(Effective) Range:
This refers to the effective range of the projectile - how far the gun is able to shoot with a predictable flight trajectory. This particular trait is a characteristic trait built up on a few other traits, such as velocity, trajectory, and the projectile weight. Increasing the projectile weight increases effective range. However, lighter projectiles will yield a higher velocity and can potentially have a LONGER range, although it may not be an effective range due to the scattering effect of lighter weight projectiles at long ranges - especially in windy conditions.


Trajectory:
Trajectory refers to the predictable flight pattern of the projectile, and is mainly controlled by the inner barrel and the hop up rubber/system. Smooth bore barrels tend to cause a projectile to drop with distance, forcing the shooter to "lob" shots in at long ranges. Hop up is an airsoft technology designed to counteract this effect by causing the BB to backspin, and thus, lift upwards to increase range. In fact, a properly adjusted hop up will rise just ever so slightly, before dropping. On the other hand, the Tanio Koba "Twist" barrel will give a perception of a laser straight flat shot all the way through to the end of its effective range, after which, the shot will drop.


Trigger Pull Length:
This can be broken down in to three minor characteristics that combine together to affect trigger pull length, and each of these minor characteristics need to be looked at in order to understand how to speed up trigger response time:

1) Pre-Pull Take Up: This refers to the distance you need to pull the trigger before you get to the release stage that will cause the sear to disconnect from the hammer hooks. This is not adjusted via the leaf spring, but rather, by pulling back the distance of the trigger stirrup either by adding material to the front of it, or by adding material to the back of it where the sear disconnect lever contacts. In essence, you want to remove as much of the initial take up as you can from the trigger pull. Some shooters prefer to have it there, I do not. To me, it's wasted pull distance, but that's me. Individual shooters have individual preferences. Many shooters like to keep the take up there as a safety feature to prevent accidental discharge, as the second stage of pulling the trigger means you are releasing the sear from the hammer hooks. There is a balance on how much to take up. Too much, and the sear may not safely engage the hammer (resulting in unintentional full auto fire), OR, the sear disconnect lever won't have enough room to do its job.

2) Trigger Pull Backslop: This refers to the distance the trigger is allowed to continue pulling after the hammer hooks break from the sear. This is generally done via adjustable triggers that have a set screw in them. By lengthening this screw in to the pistol grip, it restricts how far back the trigger can be pulled. Too little, and there will be a lot of travel after the hammer breaks. Too much, and you won't be able to break the hammer. Again, the point is to remove unnecessary trigger travel distance.

3) Stage-2 Pull: This refers to the second stage of the pull on pistols like this. This is the definitive action that causes the sear to move and allow the hammer to break free. Only highly experienced 'smiths should be altering the stage of this pull, as an incorrectly angled hook can cause a very dangerous pistol that may result in accidental discharges from something as simple as bumping the pistol, dropping it, or it can even result in unintentional full auto fire. A hook that has been shortened too much can also do this if the angles are not correct. I won't go in to detail on how this is done, as I don't want people to start messing around with guns and making them unsafe. But if you understand what I'm saying thus far, then you should have the knowledge to change this characteristic.

Combined together, the above three minor characteristics will affect the length of the overall trigger pull. Experienced 'smiths can create a trigger pull that is less than 1mm in length. That'd be like tapping on an electronic switch.

Whenever doing any hammer work, PLEASE test fire many times WITHOUT ammunition loaded to ensure safety. The last thing I need is people accidentally discharging in safe zones because I put up information on how to make their gun "race ready." If anything, it could get you disqualified from a match quickly, if you do this type of work haphazardly.


Trigger Weight:
This can be broken down in to three minor characteristics that combine together to affect trigger weight, and each of these minor characteristics need to be looked at in order to understand how to speed up trigger response time:

1) Contact Friction: This refers to the amount of friction between all moving parts responsible for the release of the hammer when a trigger is pulled. Experienced smiths can go further and polish all contact surfaces, such as the sear, hook, disconnect lever, trigger stirrup, trigger, and even grip area where the trigger/stirrup contacts. The smoother the surfaces that move against each other, the less effort, energy, and thus; weight will be required to pull the trigger.

2) Trigger Reset Time: This refers to how fast the trigger springs back forward when you release weight on it. This is affected by the RIGHT most prong of the leaf spring. The further forward you have this prong, the faster the trigger will reset to the original condition. However, pushing it forward with greater weight will also mean an increased trigger pull weight. It is up to the tuner/'smith/shooter to decide where your balance is with this. If all movement points are extremely smooth and parts move effortlessly, not much weight will be needed to push the trigger back to reset.

3) Sear Reset Time: This refers to how fast the sear is able to safely and reliably catch the hammer when the slide blows back to cycle the next round. The shorter the hammer hooks are made, the faster and stiffer a sear must engage the hammer to avoid any accidental discharge. This is adjusted via the MIDDLE prong of the leaf spring. Bending it forward will increase the speed and tension the sear will engage the hammer hooks. However, pushing it forward with greater weight will also mean an increased trigger pull weight, as more effort will be required to break the sear clean. It is up to the tuner/'smith/shooter to decide where your balance is with this. If all movement points are extremely smooth and parts move effortlessly, not much weight will be needed to push the sear to engage the hammer hooks.

Combined together, the above three minor characteristics will affect the weight of the overall trigger pull. Experienced 'smiths can create a trigger pull that requires less than half a pound to break the hammer. Many 'smiths prefer not to make triggers this light, and you will almost NEVER find a duty/carry pistol with a trigger pull this light for safety reasons. This is dangerous, and should only be done by experienced 'smiths. Most duty pistols have a factory setting that is 4 pounds or heavier. Airsoft is significantly lighter than that.

Whenever doing any hammer work, PLEASE test fire many times WITHOUT ammunition loaded to ensure safety. The last thing I need is people accidentally discharging in safe zones because I put up information on how to make their gun "race ready." If anything, it could get you disqualified from a match quickly, if you do this type of work haphazardly.


Lock Up Times:
The speed at which the hammer goes from "cocked", to "hammer down" position. The faster this time, the less trigger lag is present.


Hammer Break & Predictability:
This is the ability to feel the hammer break. Stiff components aid in being able to feel the movement of the sear against the hammer hooks. High performance race guns will have rigid aluminum triggers, hardened trigger bows and trigger disconnect levers - all of which are connected to the sear and hammer. As the trigger is pulled, the feeling is translated through the entire system in to the pad of the shooter's trigger finger. The shape of the trigger's contact point can also affect this feeling, and can come down to user preference. Being able to predict the break of the hammer will aid in reducing shooting problems such as anticipation, pulling, and jerking.


Reload Speed:
This refers to how fast the shooter can complete a reload cycle. The reload cycle of the magazine consists of two phases: Ejecting the spent mag, and inserting a fresh mag.

Ejecting a spent mag can be broken down in to three sub traits: the ability to access the mechanism required to release the magazine, the strength required to engage the mechanism, and the speed that the magazines takes to clear the well.

The ability to access the mechanism required to release the magazine is why competition shooters have enlarged or extended mag catch buttons. These also help because the shooter does not have to change their shooting grip to engage the mechanism, so readjustment is less required once they're ready to get back up on target. The bigger the mechanism, the harder it is to miss.

Almost all magazine catch mechanisms are self powered by a spring of some sort. Heavier springs require more effort to extract the magazine. Lighter springs require less effort and time to disengage, but run the risk of having the magazine accidentally release under recoil force. A balance must be played to determine spring strength.

The speed that the magazine takes to clear the well is the final trait. Most magazines should be able to fall clear of the well under the power of gravity. Some extreme shooters may even go so far as to insert a spring mechanism inside the gun to forcefully eject the spent magazine out, but chances are, the shooter isn't able to produce a fresh magazine fast enough to require such extreme methods. Polished magazines and wells aid in reducing friction.

Inserting a fresh magazine can also be broken down in to three sub traits: the ability to reach the magazine in to the mouth of the magwell, the speed & strength required to insert the magazine, and finally, chambering the next round.

The ability to access and produce a fresh magazine is actually the first stage of inserting a fresh magazine, however, this is dependent on the shooter's gear and their training technique. It actually has very little to do with their pistol, so I won't discuss it too much here.

The ability to reach the magazine to the mouth of the magwell refers to the ability to find the mouth and prepare the magazine for the next stage of insertion. High performance race guns feature flared/enlarged magwells to make it easier to guide the magazine in to the magwell. The larger the magwell, the less effort is required to find the mouth.

The speed and strength required to insert the magazine can be affected by any friction along the path of insertion. Again, this is why high performance race guns have polished magazines and flared magwells. Edges should be removed from the mouth to reduce any catch points, and to aid in guiding the magazine along the proper path.

Chambering a fresh round refers to the step following the magazine change, and assumes the reload was made on empty. Ideally, tactical reloads are made, which maintains a round in the chamber, and in this case, chambering a new round is unnecessary. However, in the case of an emergency reload where the gun has run empty, a fresh round is required. At this stage, the slide or bolt is typically locked back (unless the lock is disabled.) There are various devices available to allow the shooter to release the slide or bolt with ease, and it comes down to shooter preference. Some shooters prefer to hit the slide/bolt lock. Enlarged paddles/levers will make this easier and faster. Some shooters prefer to fully rack the slide or bolt - this tends to reduce wear between the slide/bolt and the lock.


Pointability:
Lightweight: provides faster/easier control & pointability. Muzzle flips higher/faster.
Heavyweight: More stable pointability, but may be slower to get on target and requires more force to counter over-movement. Heavier muzzle reduces muzzle flipping for faster follow-up shots (double-taps.)


Correction/Recovery:
The ability to follow up shots quickly after a shot.


Sight Picture (Clarity):
Refers to the brightness of the sight. Electronic optics, fibre optics, glow dots or fluorescent paint all help with this.


Target Acquisition (Speed):
The ability to swivel to another target. The heavier the muzzle of a gun, the more the shooter is likely to overswivel and require correction (swaying).


Grip Registration:
Placement of hand on the grip to allow controlability of the weapon.