FX Impact Bottle Damage

[7ender]

Hello AGN!

Finally picked up my dream gun, an FX Impact. I bought it secondhand through the classifieds as that was what I could afford. Though I haven't shot it yet, I love it already and absolutely can't wait!

However, I did notice that there is a mark on the bottle that looks a little concerning. I have no idea what the damage tolerance to these however as this is my first bottle gun, so looking for some input on whether I should be concerned. Maybe you'll all tell me you all have similar or worse on your bottles and this is nothing

I just want to make sure i'm going about this in a safe manner, seeing that i'm effectively holding on to a 3500psi "bomb".

Pictures below. Note that it looks like you can see the aluminum below if you zoom in. 

I showed the seller and they informed me it's been there for awhile and I 100% believe them, so that brings me some confidence. Is there such thing as getting these small bottles hydro'd, or some similar test so I can feel comfortable with it? 

Thank you!

 

[Rj]

Looks like a little bipod carnage. I'll let the more experienced chime in. But i believe that's not acceptable to run that way.

 

[JamesD.]

First they have burst discs. Second they’ve filled SCBA cylinders to 18Kpsi and it literally pushes the hardened resin out of the carbon fiber. 
I think there’s little need to worry but I myself am scared to death of HPA and I am an Alkin Dealer. I respect it.

HPA starts at 150psi. A tractor tire blew while driver was filling from compressor on tractor. I don’t know if his gauge was bad but the tire certainly was. When it let go the belted radial flap pushed his face in 2” killing him instantly. They normally take 80-90psi. 
If it bothers you get a new one. I myself would be highly upset if that wasn’t disclosed before sale; but again I use Luxfer 3600SWP bottles at 3K from 2011 with no worries at all. 

 

[Rodeo]

Are the carbon fiber threads damaged or just the overlying resin coating?

 

[Yo]

Better safe than sorry and I sure as hell hope that the seller disclosed that damage to the bottle during your transaction. I'd replace that bottle to be safe. Yo!

 

[DanCarey]

I would call FX repair, they know the answer to your question.

 

[qball]

Call FX but it appears to be rather minor cosmetic scuff. Unless the carbon fiber started to unravel it shouldn’t be an issue. Carbon fiber isn’t as fragile as people think and from the picture only the resin has a little scuff. 

 

[airgun14]

I wouldn't use that one, even if the chances are 99 of 100 that it will be no harm, I would have exchanged it. I cant live with damage on bottles and tubes.

On a steel or aluminum surface you can see if it is just a scratch and live with that, but with a layer of carbon fiber that is suppose to help holding pressure inside the aluminum bottle, to me a scratch that goes beyond the the fibers and expose the aluminum under is a big NO. Think of it as a nylon rope that is under tension, and you start cutting it from side with a razor or other sharp tool, would you be safe using that rope to climb with? 

 

[lenweber2]

If you want an eye opener go to the local fire depardtment and look at a well used bottle. You won't worry anymore, unless the scarf goes into the fiber wrap I wouldn't and don't.

 

[Eaglebeak]

If you want an eye opener go to the local fire depardtment and look at a well used bottle. You won't worry anymore, unless the scarf goes into the fiber wrap I wouldn't and don't.

I agree. It just looks like a chip in the clear-cote to me. If you want to be sure, you won't get any answers over the phone. Any place that does hydro testing will be able to give you an answer. If they deem it to be unserviceable, they won't do the hydro test, and they will give it back to you with a hole drilled in it or cut in half.

 

[Redick]

I have done the same to one of my bottles removing a bipod. That is just a scratch in the coating and is nothing to worry about! It seems as if your worried so you should replace it.

 

[GQ]

Dont use it. Get a new bottle.