Gauntlet Barrel Band Question

[duerksenlu]

I bought a gauntlet .22 when they first came out several years ago and have fought the POI shift ever since, if the barrel ever gets even slightly bumped that is (and it’s difficult not to when maneuvering through thick brush after squirrels with a rather large/unwieldily gun). As a result I try to be extremely careful but have also looked into possible solutions. I know there are some aftermarket barrel band mods that generally attach to the tank which is not the most stable part of the gun, and have concerns about that type of band really locking in perfectly.



I talked with Umarex staff this morning and they have the band assembly that they will put on (which attaches in front of the bottle) but they will not sell the part for Joe public to install themselves. Which means I would have to spend 20 or 30 bucks to ship the gun to them, and then for 30 bucks they will install the band and send it back.



However, before I spend $50-$60 for a small/inexpensive component, I wanted to know if anyone else has had this done and what your thoughts are on the improvement it provides. Or does anyone have a first generation gauntlet that came out after they started putting the barrel band on from the factory… Specifically interested in input from folks with a .22 cal gauntlet.

 

[heavy-impact]

I printed this one for my sons gauntlet. Holds the barrel solid and I haven't noticed any poi shift but I haven't shot it much either.

 

[Springrrrr]

I have heard it improves the situation but doesn't always completely solve it. The bottle can and does move and that takes the barrel with it, but it is better on its worst day than before the band.

I tensioned my barrel by putting a very strong spring in the shroud and screwed steel stock from the receiver to the shroud at the other end. Even then, I have to be careful not to hit the barrel. This problem is far and away the biggest one the Gauntlet has.

 

[WorriedMan]

The factory barrel band on the Gauntlet .25 is one reason I chose it over the .22. I was not aware a first generation Gauntlet .22 ever had a barrel band installed from factory, but it would make sense since they saw the need for one on the later .25. Check out Hajimoto's website and his videos. I know he addressed this and has several solutions for sale. I even saw a barrel band on Ebay, but don't know if Hajimoto connected. Best of luck with your search.

WM

 

[Raden1942]

Hajimoto sells a barrel band or at least he did last time I checked. It works great. You can make one out of plywood or 3d print one but I'd just buy a Hajimoto. Good luck to you. 

 

[heavy-impact]

There is a 3d file on thingiverse if anyone wants to print one for the original factory bottle. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3500926

Or buy it from Haji https://hajimotoproductions.com/index.php/product/hp-barrel-band/

If anyone has done my bottle mod or purchased it from Haji I can provide a file to print a band for the 55mm cf bottle. Just drop me a PM.

 

[duerksenlu]

Thanks a bunch for all the feedback provided so far! From the limited comparisons I could find online I guess my concerns with something like a Moto design are: 1) the few folks I’ve heard of that had both (ie - original gauntlet with moto aftermarket band and also a new gauntlet with factory band) tended to conclude the Umarex band that attaches before the bottle is more solid and 2) doesn’t the moto require trimming some of the shroud to install?

I guess in my mind I would maybe equate it to something like, the moto design probably has like a 90 to 95% effectiveness in maintaining POI whereas the resources a large company like Umarex was able to invest in their design and production probably hits more of a 98-99% mark. But that may be just an erroneous opinion on my part…I have no first-hand experience with either one… Just coming to those conclusions from seeing blogs/forums on what others have said.

That said, does anyone know if there is an aftermarket knockoff of the Umarex band?

What about those who have the moto design? Raden1942 do you go bushwhacking with yours? I do, and have also been known to climb on brush piles to try to scare up a rabbit or two, which invariably results in a small bump or two or at minimum some jostling of the gun in the field? Do you ever have poi shifts at 30 or 40 yards?

Really trying to avoid more target practice sessions during a hunt to zero it back in.

And again, all your firsthand feedback is much appreciated…thanks a bunch!!

 

[Jungle_George]

I had the same exact issue and it drove me nuts. After trying several different things my solution cost me nothing and took less than 60 seconds. I simply screwed off the end cap and removed the moderator tube and the spring. Put the end cap back on and problem solved. I compared the sound level with and without the moderator and I couldn't really hear a difference. I'm sure there is a measurable difference but not one that I could hear. It is amazing how much sound reduction the end cap alone provides. 

 

[MMCM13]

I bought a refurbished Gauntlet 1 and it came with the band. It attaches at the bottle block. It seems to work well, at least for the time I have shot it. I know if you put it on wrong or backwards, it drastically affects poi. It seems like I have seen a printed barrel brace that attached to the bottle block, ought to look for that. I would say the brace from Umarex is worth it.

 

[duerksenlu]

Thanks a bunch everyone! A lot of good info…I’ll repost results of whatever outcome I eventually choose….right now leaning toward sending it in to Umarex for an OEM band but may try to just wait and drop it by in person the next time I’m in Arkansas (we’re only about 4-5 hours away so if I can save myself $50 it’d be worth it). Thanks again everyone!