Barrels for Alpha Black

[Cola-Bear]

Hey there guys, I realize there is already an "Alpha Black Upgrades" thread, but this is a bit more specific. Which is dealing with barrel upgrades. Now I know the alpha black uses a 98C threading, so I believe that any barrel that will fit a 98C would fit an alpha, EXCEPT that I would need to know if the barrel would fit within the included M16 shroud.

From reviews I've read, my first choice was the 150$ or so, Tippmann 16" Rifled StraightLine barrel. Unfortunately, I cannot find a dealer within Canada (where I live) that sells the one they're making with a 98 thread, and to my dismay to order it up from the US, via customs and so it would end up being almost double what it is worth.

My second choice, also from reviews I've read, is a SmartParts 16" Tactical Barrel. Nicely it is about 1/3 of the price, and is readily available with a 98 thread. But again the big problem is being able to find out if it will fit within the M16 shrould the Alpha uses.

So, if anyone knows anything about barrel dimensions, or has an idea if it would fit or not, I would be very appreciative. Or if you guys have personal experience with a barrel upgrade for the Alpha or even your 98 and can recommend something I'm more than open to listening.

[Cola-Bear]

First off, sorry to double post, but I've done a bit more research and for the price/performance ratio I've decided to go for a LAPCO 14" Big Shot for a 98C. But, that being said, I was wondering if you guys knew the barrel's diameter, or if you own the barrel if you would be willing to measure it. Because again, it would need to fit within the Alpha Black M16 shroud. Again, I would be very appreciative.

[Corrupted355]

The Bigshot has come in three bore sizes recently. Brand new Bigshots are now coming straight from Lapco in either .687 or .690, your choice. However, in the recent past, they were only available in .689. So it depends on whether you buy new or used, and (if you buy used) when the barrel was made. Either way, the Bigshot is gonna serve you well.

I'm personally more fond of the Microshot, but we use a lot of small paint down here, and that barrel comes with a .684 bore.

[wolf16731]

I think what he meant was the outside diameter of the barrel. I am sure it will fit inside that shroud however. They had to have made that with the knowledge that people would want a different barrel..

[Corrupted355]

oh, oops...

[Cola-Bear]

Thanks for the replies guys, and I do appreciate but I recently made a few phone calls to a gracious pro shop who happened to have my exact marker, and the exact barrel and they simply threaded it in and told me it fit. No

Now that being said, the barrel is actually considerably less thick than the stock barrel. The problem now is the shroud on the Alpha only has one connection point, and its bolted to the bottom-front of the marker. And to be honest without the barrel threaded in to snug up too, it's down right flimsy.

Now I was thinking of just getting some thin-ish foam, or similar material and wrapping it around the barrel (as it has no porting)until it fit snuggly into the shroud. But if you guys have experience with other ideas, or ways of doing it, I would love to hear them. This being my foray into the paintball world and first marker, any and all advice you guys give I would be happy to take. Thanks again.