Outer Barrels / Gas Blocks Shooter

What's an external barrel?

As we wrote in the chapter on inner barrels, the outer barrel is actually a kind of shelter for the inner one. The rumor that the airsoft ball itself is guided only by the outer barrel is really just a myth. The lengths of these barrels vary depending on the type of replica and its gameplay. The measure (length) of the barrel is either marked in centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm) or inches (in).

Hmmm 10.5" how long is it then?

Barrels are also commonly used for inches (in) using a contraction of quotes, i.e.: 10" barrel, 10.5" barrel, 11.5" barrel, and so on. One inch works out to 2. 54cm/25.4mm. Thus, an outer barrel with a 10.5" figure is about 27cm / 270mm long. (We write around deliberately, as manufacturers often round off the real length).

For quick reference, the table below shows the most commonly used barrel lengths vs intended style of play.

On virtually every external barrel we find a thread at the end of the barrel for installing all sorts of accessories such as silencers, compensators and the like. This thread is in the vast majority of cases "M14 x 1mm with left-hand pitch" (left-hand twist), but we can also find right-hand threads. The M14 left-hand thread fits most of the mentioned barrel attachments or extensions. In the compensators category we have covered the threads themselves more.

If your existing inner barrel does not seem long enough, you can purchase an outer barrel extension.

This allows us to use longer inner barrels without having to replace the entire outer barrel. Again, it is important to check the thread type to ensure everything fits to your liking.

Technician's Tip - By combining the outer barrel extension and different types of suppressors, you can comfortably adjust your desired replica length, whether for a new longer inner barrel or just for aesthetics

What is a gas block?

The gas block together with the gas tube is only an aesthetic addition to airsoft guns. So if you want to get as close to reality as possible, the gas block should definitely not be missing on your airsoft rifle! They are attached to the barrel with 1-2 special worms that firmly secure the gas block in the correct position. To prevent loosening, worming and subsequent loss, we recommend taping with threaded adhesive.

But what is the purpose of the Gas Block on a firearms?

On real weapons, it is used to vent gases after firing and to allow the weapon to be reloaded. Each gas block has a marking on it indicating what barrel it is for, most commonly 750", 625", 875"¨ and 936". For firearms, there are also shieldable variants. These have the advantage of regulating the amount of gas, making them very useful for silencer owners (without them, excess gas would then escape through the ejection window directly into the shooter's face. If we were to compare it to something, it's like someone spraying a small amount of pepper spray in your face.