The fwb 124 are all old guns now, the seals crumbled and need replacing. When in this process new piston seals, new breech seal , spring and spring guide etc.. Not unhappy with stock performance but while going through the installation would like to improve for best results. Reading here many have been down this road, looking for advice.
FWB Fwb 124, which kit ,maccari or vortek? Want it smooth action and accurate power.
- Thread starter Beagler
- Start date
I had David Slade install a Maccari kit in my FWB 124D. I understand it is a shorter spring than the original factory spring, so it has a faster shot cycle. Smooth cocking and solid thunk on shooting. Think the velocity is the same or a little more. Not seeing any change in accuracy. I do have a Vortek in my HW 35E and is smooth cocking with the solid thunk. Can't help you much with the decision, but my limited opinion is that both are good.
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Personally i would go for the smooth shooter ! Really what is the difference between 15 and 18 FPE to the intended target ?
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I don't think Vortek makes kits or seals for the 124/127/121 series, just springs.
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Maccari kit for plinkers. Easier to cock than an R7 and puts out 700 plus fps. Perfect for paper punching.
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The ARH "Smooth Kit" brings the 124 into the realm of the surreal.... Here's a video from my channel that may be of use to you.
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Kevin
Great video!! Definitely informative to a point where even i would be comfortable changing a piston seal. Keep up the good work.
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This was the video that taught me how to go through my original 124. It looks easier on video ,but I did go through gun and learn the process. Thank you for helping alot of people keep their airguns operating. The 124 I just got is like new except of course the seal is blowing dust. Someone took care of this one and I plan to use the kit recommended to keep it like new.
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Do note that the Macari seals are generally oversized, and sizing them is a real trick. I ruined the first seal, but the second was just ok. I eventually found a genuine Feinwerkbau seal (not the old material that crumbles), from a Canadian source and it worked much better and did not require sizing. I also tried both the Macari softer spring and the full power spring, but both seemed harsher than the original long FWB spring.
You really have to watch it when you put back the stock bolt lug that holds the piston in. The screw threads the lug screws into strips very easily! Make sure you can screw it in by hand before you snug it up with a wrench.
You really have to watch it when you put back the stock bolt lug that holds the piston in. The screw threads the lug screws into strips very easily! Make sure you can screw it in by hand before you snug it up with a wrench.
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Did find the first maccaroni seal tight. Had to size it down. Patience with the lug is needed I found out. I think if I had known about the forum I would have had more insight into going through my first 124. Trial and error was part of learning and doing everything 2 or 3 times to get it right gave me experience 
. Now with this one I will take time. Originally this new hobby was for winter basement projects. It's warming up a little and itching to work on 1969 firebird. Needs maintenance and cleaning and driving .
. Now with this one I will take time. Originally this new hobby was for winter basement projects. It's warming up a little and itching to work on 1969 firebird. Needs maintenance and cleaning and driving .Upvote 0
GDC 999...talking about the screw on the 124. Go buy A M8 metric bolt, cost $1.50 I use this bolt to line up and make sure screw hole is dead on. Once i screw it in and out...THEN the original goes in !
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I understand what you are saying. What I was trying to convey was that the female threads the lug screws into is the weak point and easily stripped. Then you have to drill the hole out larger and make a custom lug, or drill out and parentally install an insert that can then be drilled and tapped to 8mm. Both of which can be real pain to implement
I came real close to ruining mine before I figured out that just because the lug goes in and turns doesn't mean it is properly lined up.
I came real close to ruining mine before I figured out that just because the lug goes in and turns doesn't mean it is properly lined up.Upvote 0
As everyone stated above, ARH high power is great. I put one in mine and love it. It is very smooth and powerful. However, the seal does need to be shaved down quite a bit. My dad and I put the piston in a drill chuck and sanded it with a piece of sand paper flat on table with a little bit of water, worked great.
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Go with ARH. Springs hold up very well. Seals need sizing you can do it with a drill and sandpaper. I use a plastic water bottle cut to size to surround the spring to dampen shock. I used the heavy spring and am getting about 820 fps. Smooth just a thunk.
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