Tuning What is a "tune"?

Tuning, tweaking, screwing, polishing, cleaning, shooting, testing etc etc.... Is attempting to change any possible option your weapon has to make it shoot to your liking. Be it increasing or decreasing the weapons velocity , picking or choosing a particular type or weight of ammo, getting the most powerful shot ( or the most shots per fill on a pcp type weapon). The list goes on. It’s another rabbit hole in this sport!

There is no rigid definition.

Tuning is a blanket term that covers pretty much any and every effort that affects power, shot count, or some other performance aspect. It can even mean making changes that affect nothing besides the character of its shot cycle, e.g. sleeving the compression chamber of a springer, flattening and smoothing spring ends, lubricating parts better, etc.

How long is a (rope) string?

A tune is any singular combination of parameters that affect gun performance (as was stated above.)

Clean, polish tweak, measure and repeat until your expectations are met. Know where you started and know where you want to end.

Most good well engineered guns don't need to be tuned since they shoot perfect when purchased new especially after proper break in things tend to really smoothen out all by themselves.

No tinkering necessary. No warranty voided either. MOST OF ALL NO HELP ME PLEASE!!!

How long is a string?

A tune is any singular combination of parameters that affect gun performance (as was stated above.)

Clean, polish tweak, measure and repeat until your expectations are met. Know where you started and know where you want to end.

Click to expand...

How long is a string?

Guess that depends on how high your kite flies! Ok, that was bad.

I guess a string can be any number of shots more then one. Maybe only 1 if that is all the gun can shoot in a row. I get 2, maybe 3 on my bigbores. To me, that is a string. I always figure a string is 5 shots, 10 shots, 1 mag, 2 mags, 3 mags or how ever many shotsI get on 1 full fill from my pcp guns. Maybe there is no real set number of shots. Too late to be trying to figure this. Goodnight

Tuning often involves changing the hammer spring rate or the spring all together. 

It can also include adding or loosing weight from the hammer.

Increasing or decreasing the size of the ports on the valve and barrel as well at the pellet probe if it is involved.

Regulator adjustments adding or reducing the pressure the projectile sees. On non regulated guns just changing the fill pressure.

All of the above can make minor or major differences to projectile velocity and affect the harmonics of a gun.

Tuning may also include smoothing the trigger out or making it have a lighter pull.

Securing the barrel with a shroud or barrel band to make it more stable.

And so many more things can be included. The end result being whatever the user wants in the way performance and accuracy.

Typically for me, it involves balancing the power output with the other components in the gun. On one I may have to get the barrel to agree with the pressure and duration of charge. On another I may be trying to find a balance between hammer inertia, and tension on the trigger.

Shootability is paramount. If the gun has a harsh shot cycle, it will likely not be all that accurate. If the trigger is mushy and stiff... That should be remedied. One way or another. Sometimes the barrel may need re- working or polishing. It honestly about endless as to what you might end up adjusting. 

Most people that do, know there is some room for improvement. If they know there is little or no room, they would not modify or enhance it.

Or it could be that they are simply unhappy with the gun's current state. If you own a number you start to get a feel for how a gun should feel, shoot, ect... If you receive a new gun, and it is falling short of those expectations and standards.... will you keep it, try to improve it, or return it? I'd rather fix something than not.

I would say all pcp`s are tuned. Most are tuned at the factory, and in some cases from the dealer. 

Regarding why people work on even the finer, more expensive models. I think egd nailed it…there’s always room for improvement. It’s easy to burn several hours deburring, smoothing, and polishing parts. And that’s just one element of what all a tune may involve but the skilled labor cost on that part alone would drive the product cost up substantially. For whatever market segment the manufacturer is trying to attract, it’s just not feasible. In effect what they would be doing is moving their product into a higher price bracket where there is both different competition and an ever smaller number of potential buyers.

Like those who overlock their PC or make performance upgrades to their car (engine, suspension, drivetrain…whatever), it’s a rewarding thing that is well within the capabilities of most people. 

I would rather take a gun to the next level(s) than pay more to have it already done. I am almost disappointed when it is close to perfect right out of the box.

My other hobby, R/C planes has the same let down when a brand new plane is perfect from the first flight. Yes, I set it up right in the shop, but when it is stellar on the maiden flight I have no reason to improve it.

An agreement of balance and harmony between you the gun and projectile with the goal of accuracy, referring to air guns. Depending on what Airgun there are many ways to achieve this goal.

Compare tuning to developing a load in the powder burner world. You know, pick a caliber, bullet and then vary the powder load by a couple grains. Load 5 bullets at each combination, go to the range and see what shoots best.

If your airgun allows it, as many don't, you can adjust the valve, regulator, and springs in various ways to see what shoots best.

or you can use it to increase power for slugs and decrease power for pellets.

Unless you you have lots of time at the range, don't really recommend much tuning as it can be incredibly frustrating. It's not an instant fix for anything. Once started, it never really ends.

Great comparison for those who have experience with reloading powder burners.