After my recent horrible experience with FX Dreamline POI shift issues I decided to build a receiver which I could clamp in a bench vise, then insert the FX barrel assembly so that I could see what's up with these liner/shroud set up's (ie. why the annoying POI shifts) independent of the rest of the FX rifle & the shooter. Anyhoo, in the meantime I figured out what the issue at the heart of the FX Dreamline accuracy is: it has no barrel. To make this gun shoot, the .177 version anyway, is as simple as throwing the stock straw/noodle/liner or whatever you call it in the trash, along with the flimsy little wagon wheels spacers & the shroud. Then, buy a real barrel & have someone machine it for you so it fits the FX receiver, problem solved!!!
I had already started machining my homemade receiver though so I thought I'd finish it up & post some progress. Caution: I am not a machinist by any standards! I am a tinkerer, go ahead & criticize my methods & machining standards all you want, I am always willing to learn!
I grabbed a piece of 6061 billet & drilled two holes all the way through with a long 1/4" drill bit from the hardware store:
Enlarged & reamed top hole for an 18" Crossman barrel that I have lying around:
Removed some material ahead of the lower hole so the valve could fit in there;
Used a boring bar to enlarge bottom hole to .788" to accept valve:
Test fit el-cheapo Amazon valve. Right after I bought this I saw one in Fleabay that comes with a regulator. I may upgrade to that if this receiver turn out ok, the front parts are the same:
Plunging the transfer port, I used an end mill since I was drilling through the barrel channel, drill bit likely would've walked:
Drilled & tapped some holes for a pic rail, you know, in case we wanna scope this sucker. Machinists may scorn me for tapping with the mill: I'm lazy ok, if it's faster I'm doin' it:
Scope rail holes & transfer port plug tapped:
I always consult my meticulous technical drawings before I cut:
Time to cut the loading port:
Little more room:
Test fit barrel, valve & tank:
Sorry for the lengthy thread, when I have more time I'll do more work on the thing& see where it goes (cue your words of encouragement here).
I had already started machining my homemade receiver though so I thought I'd finish it up & post some progress. Caution: I am not a machinist by any standards! I am a tinkerer, go ahead & criticize my methods & machining standards all you want, I am always willing to learn!
I grabbed a piece of 6061 billet & drilled two holes all the way through with a long 1/4" drill bit from the hardware store:
Enlarged & reamed top hole for an 18" Crossman barrel that I have lying around:
Removed some material ahead of the lower hole so the valve could fit in there;
Used a boring bar to enlarge bottom hole to .788" to accept valve:
Test fit el-cheapo Amazon valve. Right after I bought this I saw one in Fleabay that comes with a regulator. I may upgrade to that if this receiver turn out ok, the front parts are the same:
Plunging the transfer port, I used an end mill since I was drilling through the barrel channel, drill bit likely would've walked:
Drilled & tapped some holes for a pic rail, you know, in case we wanna scope this sucker. Machinists may scorn me for tapping with the mill: I'm lazy ok, if it's faster I'm doin' it:
Scope rail holes & transfer port plug tapped:
I always consult my meticulous technical drawings before I cut:
Time to cut the loading port:
Little more room:
Test fit barrel, valve & tank:
Sorry for the lengthy thread, when I have more time I'll do more work on the thing& see where it goes (cue your words of encouragement here).