Panthera FX Panthera/Dynamic Solid Bull Barrel Received

[Pumacarl]

@Billm had a list of airguns that he was considering for competition and I had agreed with his first choice, which was the new AAA gun. Unfortunately for him, I believe it was vaporware, he couldn't find one. If I was going to lug a gun around all over the country for competitions it had better be built like an AAA.

 

[Auto1191]

I was not able to install the Bull Barrel. I cannot remove the the threaded plenum to Shroud adapter from the plenum to allow me to replace it with the copper colored (imagine that) adapter that comes with the barrel. I’m not sure what they did to thread lock it, but I can’t break it free. Maybe I’m just too mechanically inept.
I’d say the rumors are correct and to me it shows they said “good enough, let’s send them out anyway”. But, that’s just conjecture on my part. Yes, Fear OF Missing Out on the new product bit me in the butt. This rifle is very accurate box stock or with the 1:40 pellet liner. They are fragile compared to my other guns. The threads on the Bull Barrel are atrocious.Thanks for sharing the “rumor”. Unfortunately the way they’ve handled this issue is not a great way to protect their brand.

Let me ask you this? Was FX shocked when they saw your BULL BARREL Threading & over all condition of your BARREL ? Lastly did they explain on how to install it

 

[Billm]

Let me ask you this? Was FX shocked when they saw your BULL BARREL Threading & over all condition of your BARREL ? Lastly did they explain on how to install it

They said the threads were unsatisfactory, but that they felt that I had cleaned them well enough to use it. Newman pointed out that some of the threads were actually folded over and needed to be shaved clean with a blade. They agreed that surface rust may be an issue if users don’t keep up on it. The only question I had about installation, was the o-ring. I haven’t asked that yet.

 

[Auto1191]

They said the threads were unsatisfactory, but that they felt that I had cleaned them well enough to use it. Newman pointed out that some of the threads were actually folded over and needed to be shaved clean with a blade. They agreed that surface rust may be an issue if users don’t keep up on it. The only question I had about installation, was the o-ring. I haven’t asked that yet.

We spoke about Quality Control. How about Powder Coat?

 

[jps2486]

I have a gun on the way with a solid barrel. It's called a Ghost.

 

[Billm]

We spoke about Quality Control. How about Powder Coat?

They were surprised with the decision to sell them uncoated. But, no other details.

 

[Billm]

I have a gun on the way with a solid barrel. It's called a Ghost.

I have a Ghost, I wish it was as accurate as the Panthera with slugs. I like them both.

 

[Solo1]

So what are you going to do now Bill? Send your gun to cape fear?

 

[Madhatter]

maybe find a thread file and clean some of that up?

As pan60 said, use a THREAD file. It's at the right angle to match plus I doubt a finger nail file would do much but could flex and remove metal you don't want removed.

 

[Pumacarl]

As pan60 said, use a THREAD file. It's at the right angle to match plus I doubt a finger nail file would do much but could flex and remove metal you don't want removed.

Obviously, I would agree with this approach. My fingernail file answer was meant more as a testament that I would work at it, however I had to, with whatever I had. A fingernail file would not be my first choice, lol.

 

[Billm]

As pan60 said, use a THREAD file. It's at the right angle to match plus I doubt a finger nail file would do much but could flex and remove metal you don't want removed.

I cleaned it the best that I could with a jeweler file

 

[Madhatter]

I use a triangle shaped file to do very light thread repair. It's not flexible so it will be easy to do fine material removal.

 

[Billm]

The o-ring with the barrel kit is an extra for the provided plenum adapter.

 

[Billm]

I left my Panthera and Bull Barrel on a picnic table after everyone packed up. I’m 20 miles away now.

 

[pan60]

thread files are really pretty cheap its worth have an SAE and a metric one around even if you do very little.

 

[Billm]

Don’t fret, Neumann asked to take it and the barrel back to his shop. I left it on his table LOl.

 

[pan60]

Don’t fret, Neumann asked to take it and the barrel back to his shop. I left it on his table LOl.

keep us posted

 

[Powermonger1]

The problem is, I don’t have a thread chaser that size. I don’t even know what the thread is now that I think about it. I don’t fully trust AI, but AI is telling me that it might be saved by a thread chaser, but under no circumstances use a standard cutting die. I can’t see a thread chaser of this size being cheap. It’s hard to see but every single thread is blocked by blobs of melted steel (galling) They’ve overheated the threads to the point that the chips have welded to the threads instead of being flushed away. I’ve done it machining aluminum at the wrong speed, but this is steel and they have machinists. I’m an amateur that’s doesn’t always admit or know my limits LOL. Although FX-USA told me a few weeks ago when solid barrels were going to ship, as they had just received the barrel parts. That made me think they outsourced these barrels.
The AI recommended not attempting to thread the barrel into the block as they were so bad it would never mate. Keep in mind the grip screw socket was cross threaded and when I asked FX about it they passed it on to FX HQ, who responded nonchalantly: yes that’s very possible, probably done at the factory.
It doesn’t excuse the shoddy workmanship, but I can’t get over how accurate this rifle was/hopefully still is with the ordinary liner, carbon tube and two grub screws.
I need @Pumacarl to replace his valve seat o-ring at the back of the valve seat, so that he can advise me if I have to. Now’s about the time my friend @pan60 reminds me that the best machined airgun is an American Air Arms.

I believe it is a 13x1mm for the standard solid barrel. Didn’t realize it was the Bull barrel.Was checking out my Panthera for making a solid barrel out of a 308 Texan barrel that would give me 34 inches to work with. But that would mean buying a new size griffin in 308 for the bthp in the 78-108 grainers