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XS-B26/B26-2 Review
Got to tear into it last night. Since it has the 26mm OD receiver, as the R-9,and is supposed to be faster, I was surprised to find it's just a B-20 inside! Maybe I was the only one to think it would have larger engine room. The metal is just thicker, same I.D.B-20 piston seals work. The spring had 45 coils, and was of .119-120 wire, approximately .5 in. I.D. To be honest, I also saw no evidence of improved internal quality, the piston liner was poorly fitted, and piston cocking slot was machined quite rough. This gun was making around 870 with Superdomes when new, with quite a mist of smoke. After I cleaned the oil out (lot of) and just used moly on piston, velocity slowed to 800,without the petro boost. I then made a rear guide from an old R-9 guide (had to thin it, and the rear washer has to be made smaller), that was a perfect fit. Also put washer in piston 1st. This gun came with a very loose fitting steel spring guide, looks kind of like what comes on a B-2 rifle. It was the reason this gun had the strange vibration buzz. New guide made it very smooth shooting. also installed JM old school buttons on piston. To get some of the initial velocity back, I re-used the original slightly shaved piston seal, and lubed piston with some moly, and 5 drops of Weblube (oil that comes with Webley guns). Velocity is back at high level, very smooth shooting & silky smooth cocking. I did get the light smoke back, but is not making any bang. I wonder how long the petro boost will last? Will try some groups later. I also tried JM red B-20 seal, with same velocity. This gun does have much improved bluing, and wood, over the B-20`s, IMHO. I also bent the little tab in front of trigger to shorten the pull. Just cock trigger group in your hand ,and watch sears&bend. Good news is that I think JM B-20 tune kits will fit. Just my 2 cents, Kind Regards Reviewed by Dana Dean |
