Moderators and Accuracy

Jump to latest Follow Reply
K

kcchayes

Member
Nov 21, 2021
9
0
GA, United States
Greetings All,

I would like to pose a question to all avid air-gunner's:

Do the type, shape and contours of a moderator have an impact on the accuracy of a PCP or its output power?

I own a few PCP's with the most recent being an FX Impact M3. I've noticed a great deal of Impact owners use Donny FL moderators that have a crown while my moderator has a smooth/ flat exit port. The moderator that I have was crafted by the shop where I ordered my Impact and made strictly of carbon fiber surrounding an aluminum center while it appears that Donny FL moderators are made differently. I'm certain that Donny FL owners have no negatives to speak of when it comes to their purchase but does this small piece of the puzzle have an affect on accuracy? Does it have an affect on harmonics?



Thanks!
 
I don't think a "crown", as the term is generally used, is applicable to moderators, as the projectile is well removed from contact with it. The shape of the exit end of the moderator would, I think, have no affect on performance. As to harmonics, yes for sure. Anything touching the barrel will have an effect on its harmonics. Whether it enhances or diminishes accuracy is a matter of the specific barrel/moderator combination. Other than POI, my guess, the effect is largely neutral. Material, weight, shape, etc. are all matters of preference. The most effective will be the longer ones with the best designed baffle system or sound deadening material. I think the most effective one I own is a Hogan, an English brand not commonly seen here. Mine came from Krale. 
 
Upvote 0
Thanks everyone! I can attest that with a normal firearm, the POI is indeed affected by a moderator/ silencer (choose your term). The crown on a firearm also has a relationship with the accuracy...But since we're not talking about firearms I wasn't sureif the concepts applied here as well. As it relates to harmonics, is it safe to assume that since harmonics play a critical role in precision, both the material and size of the moderator have an indirect relation to precision as well?-- after all a tuning fork my vibrate differently if composed of different material -- This may be too much into that rabbit hole but curiosity none the less--

As for trying various moderators and applying the science, I would love to but it will have to wait until I hit that lotto.I love this new found hobby but there is a direct impact on the wallet.

@Michael had a great post with evidence pointing to most of my needed answers (thank you) but it still leaves some room for questions or maybe I'm looking at the picture and attempting to cross reference with the post wrong.

1- You tried the Sumo and Tatsu in 22 cal

2- You also used the Sumo in 25 cal or maybe just changed the exit port to a size larger than 22? (the Sumo has interchangeable end caps)

Hard to tell which is which in the pic but the groups no doubt are recognizably different - giving evidence that size and shape does matter for precision. Do you think re-tuning the gun would change the outcome or are the difference too minute to care? If you had the chance to purchase a different moderator, would you? or stick to the same and why?



Cheers!
 
Upvote 0
For best moderator performance in sound and accuracy would be a caliber specific moderator that is as tight as possible because the air stripping effect which reduces turbulence. This is very important with slugs and higher power or if the tune isn’t as efficient, however due to the tolerance you might get clipping. Clipping is why Donny always recommend go one size up but you want the tightest possible fit. 


POI shift is given just from extra weight on the end of the barrel then there is harmonics. Fortunately for most of us harmonics is tuning could be as simple as a slight twist of a knob as supposed to come back another day with a different load(s). 
 
Upvote 0
i havent noticed anything negative using a donnyfl .. i resite any gun ive used one on and its usually a click or 2 adjustment ... that said its important the whole assembly, internally, and the hole centers on the projectile path and likely the internals need to be designed with high tolerances so air is stripped and dispersed evenly ... yeah, doubtful an aced off 'oil filter' moderator is going to be conducive to accuracy ...
 
Upvote 0
I have a 22 cal Gen 1 Gauntlet, it was pretty loud and long. I got the short shroud kit and mod adapter. I wanted a short mod so I ordered a 110 0dB mod, and since I have a .25 cal Marauder as well, I got the .3o cal model. The lowest price was on the cerakote one, so I got that one. Later on I decided to get the black one in .22 caliber, mounted it and promptly started chasing the zero. The gun suddenly didn’t like its favorite pellets. I decided to go back to where I started, with the cerakote mod, and suddenly the gun was shooting as expected. Both mods were the 110 model, difference was the caliber and color. I also have an Air Arms .22 cal S510, it has had 4 different mods on it, never changed the zero, go figure?
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu