Smooth bore, for most common paintguns	$55.00
With Spiral Venting (quiet & consistent)	$87.00
Nickel Plated; add	$25.00
(this is only to the exterior of the barrel, no internal plating)
Match honed to specific gun; add	$20.00
(this option requires sending in the 'gun to Palmer's Pursuit Shop)

1)	IMHO, brass provides the least friction against gelatin and the best opportunity to get it shaped and finished properly.
2)	There seems to be a general "GADGETUDE" that wants to try to match a barrel to the paint being used. (of course this is promoted by those that want to sell barrels) It is far more important to match the barrel to the gun's valving, and the way the expanding gas is used/released. The only other factor that I feel needs to be addressed in barrel selection is that of length. The variable that effects the decision of what length to use is temperature averages. As temperature raises, the gas is under higher pressure and is able to expand and accelerate faster, making a short barrel useable, but anything under approximately eight inches becomes counter-productive in all but extremely warm conditions. On the other hand, colder weather slows down the expansion process and requires a little longer tube to allow things to get up to speed without wasting much of what is released by the valve. A barrel that is too long will also yield unfavorable results due to the extra gas needed to keep the ball moving past the point where desired velocity is reached. Too much gas generates a muzzle blast that effects the ball after it has left the barrel. Who knows what direction a ball will take when the gas blows past it outside of the guidance of the barrel. In most cases, 12" should be considered as the maximum effective length for a paintball barrel. The pressure options from a regulated high-pressure system (i.e. nitrogen systems) will also affect the choices for "optimum" barrel length in much the same manner.
Are they picky when it comes to matching paints? NOT AT ALL.
3)	The texture and shape of the bore are both important to consistency and effectiveness. (FYI: Colin Thompson and I generated some huge phone bills with discussions over valving and launch tube shapes, while trying to come up with ways to achieve the right balance, many years ago.)
4)	The way that we set up barrels here depends on the gun and its use. However, the basic concept is based on a shape that is slightly elliptical. A little tighter at the breech and muzzle than in the center section of the tube. The specific dimensioning will vary with the type and setup of the gun. We have had good results with shaping to meet the basic need of guns by brand but we will usually achieve better results when we have THE specific gun to work with.

(*KotL's note: All Palmer's custom barrels can be had with the Wedgit mod, like that on Typhoons and Hurricanes, to prevent small paint roll-out in closed-bolt paintguns.)

GLENN PALMER a.k.a. PALADIN
POG # 1
Palmer's Pursuit Shop
3951 Development Dr.
Suite #3
Sacramento, CA. 95838
Ph. (916) 923-9676
fax (916) 923-9674
Glenn@palmer-pursuit.com

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