Questions on drop in kits, ease of maintenance and bling

[JamesD.]

https://www.airrifletuning.com/store/tx200-hc-prosport-maxi-pro-tuning-kit-2/

Do these springs need to be set? Kit states a FAC spring. I guess it would need the washers to get it to 14 or full 16. I'm hoping 14 is smoother than the 12 with factory guides which are heavy.
The 12ftlb JM spring in my FAC .22 TX200HC and piston seal are still good, bearings ride smooth and true. It's a 2006 but the JM 12ftlb is much newer. 

Any need to get TP size down for an ideal shot cycle at 12? Is there any difference in TP diameter of sub 12 & FAC?

Gotta get some BS1008 breach seals though. Don't seem to be included in Tinbum kit.



Are any other springers as easy as the TX to work on? Or pretty much anything but the side & under lever would be easy enough without a spring compressor if at 12?

I went through mine easily with no spring compressor but I can get one or make easily. Just don't want to bite off more than I can chew with sidelevers, or splines that might not match up with older R1, HW77K or 30.



Is anyone like Tim Einck in US making bling anymore like Rowan Engineering still does? Need to dress my HW77K up.

 

[wildcj5]

I have basically the same kit in my MK1 TX so it didn’t need the short stroke parts. It did come with breech seal. It was at my door in California in about a week.

At some point I plan on getting the one you are showing for my MK3.

 

[DualMagMike]

Virtually no spring 'needs" to be set although it might make things easier on installation. If you are in the US have a look at Macarri or Vortek they make wind up to be cheaper and a less wait time. Also I personally would NEVER think about touching the transfer port on any AG, ask most tuners.

 

[JamesD.]

Thanks guys. I am in NE PA. I'm in no hurry. Just figured the Tinbum kit was the only complete drop in soft kit I'm aware of. JM and Vortek are great and in USA, Just don't know if they offer kits like Tinbum for smoothest shot cycle and extended piston. Only other option is finding MKI guts. I don't think that would happen. 

As far as the TP, I don't want to mess with it, was just wondering if sub 12 & FAC models have just a different spring or if TP played a part as mine is a verified 2006 FAC.

I'm not going to be trying to tune anything, It's just nice to know if I need to switch a spring or change a breach seal, I could. I'd have to research fitting a piston seal properly but there's plenty of good videos on it.

I'll leave the buttoning of Diana's & such up to my closest tuner, John Thomas. 

 

[DualMagMike]

Either of the Vortek or Macarri kits have sub and should easily rival a TBT for less money and wait time. The TBT has separate spring, guide... the Vortek and JM kits are virtually one piece. The extended piston will further reduce power and is yet again a separate part. The TP should be the same.

 

[JamesD.]

How would you set one up?

I'm honestly fine with sub 12 to 16 if the Delrin guides provide a much better shot cycle at 16 then 16 is okay by me. I'm no stranger to Magnum springers that are much lighter weight. 

I don't know if the shorter stroke via the piston extension is a help or hindrance. Even if it were a smooth 16 the only thing I would use it for is groups or pest birds out to 50-60 max and maybe groups for fun at 100 on a windless morning. Never wanted to do FT or compete.

I'm not focused on the power. I've sent many 6-7ftlb .177's from my HW30 80 yards for groups so I don't mind holding over.


So how would you set her up?

 

[DualMagMike]

I personally have no need or want for a sub 12 rifle unless it was set up that way from the factory and was the only option for that rifle. No need for a short stroke kit if the gun is already sub 12. Short stroke is a quick way to reduce power and lock time on a full powered gun that you want lowered. A short stroke kit on a sub 12 may reduce the power to unwanted levels. A sub 12 kit OR spring is all that is needed as long as the spring is a good fit on the guide(s). 

 

[Michigander]

Here is a link to the short stroke piston I installed in my TX200HC. I went this route to preserve as much spring space as possible for greater flexibility in spring selection. I am using it with a Vortek PG3-12 kit with a custom length spring. I have no idea whether this is the best set of components for a "soft" tune or not. I would be happy to share the specifics if you are interested.

Air Arms TX200 Mk2 Piston Body Part No. TX320S (airgunspares.com)

For accuracy tuning of springers there are a couple members of this forum who seem to have uncovered the mysteries of what is involved. Both talk about refining the shot cycle to eliminate as much as possible the "surge" that accompanies piston bounce. As I understand it, the idea is to allow the piston to come to a stop at the end of stroke without bounce-back or slamming. If there is a formula that can be followed, I have not seen one mentioned, just that many factors are involved. The members I am referring to are Johnnypiston and Nitrocrushr. You might contact them and see if they can point you in the right direction. And if you do get any hints, please pass them along!