Material Choices Need Help

[AlphaOmega]

I am finally going to build my first airsoft gun. I have a few questions concerning its construction. I was planning on using A513 type 5 DOM steel for the chamber is this a wise choice? I am open to suggestions on the chamber material if anything compares to the strength/cost ratio of the A513. I am stuck on whether to use copper,brass,steel, or aluminum for the barrel so any info or thoughts there are welcome. I was thinking 6061-t6 square bar for the breech and a few other odds and ends. I am not 100% on the final design yet but if I do need to construct a bolt I was thinking acetal(delrin) rod. So does anyone have any input on any of this?

I mostly lurk and admire everyone elses creations but I'm ready to join in on the fun.

P.S. All this material will be ordered from www.onlinemetals.com so if anyone knows any U.S. distributors of these materials for cheaper lemme know.

I am looking forward to your comments,info and suggestions

[skishoot]

I recommend using brass as a barrel but I don't know about the chamber

[ramses]

any seamless tube will work as a barrel, but the stiffer, the more accurate (after you get a good fit with the projectile). I would recommend acquiring a cheap spring airsoft rifle and salvaging the barrel, and perhaps the hopup, magazine, body, and, well everything you can.

You could use any material you can find for the chamber. Since this is a small bore launcher, the chamber shouldn't bee very big, so DOM steel is gross overkill unless you're using scuba tank pressures. Even PVC pipe is rated to a few hundred PSI in the smaller sizes.

For materials, you could use onlinemetalsupply, they are a surplus dealer and have lower prices, but limited selection.

Delrin should work for a bolt, AFAIK, the "upgrade" bolts for paintball guns are delrin.

I assume you have access to a machine shop. If it isn't your own, you could see if they have scraps, or check a scrap yard for suitable material.