It's gotten to the point where my Bob Long Signature Series has been sitting in my gear bag more than I'd like it to. Its various parts have finally started to show their age since I got the gun more than twenty years ago. I'm using this as an excuse to update it with modern components rather than rebuild antiquated parts, So, I bit the bullet and started on a bit of a rebuild and redesign to make the marker more current, better performing, and hopefully more reliable than it has been lately. I have a new complete set of Inception Designs front pneumatics on the way and I'm considering updating other parts as well. What I need to figure out is if any other modern parts will provide any noticeable difference in performance and/or quality of life over what I already have. The HPR is currently a Palmer Stabilizer and I've been considering the matching Inception HPR for its ease of rebuilding and its more comfortable grip (the Stab isn't the most ergonomic thing with a 90 degree fitting on one side and a gauge on the other). What the deciding factor would be is whether it also provides any better performance compared to the Stabilizer. I've also considered refreshing the gun's internals, but I'm not sure if the Inception retro valve would provide any better performance than the Bob Long Cyclone valve. Likewise, the heavy hammer looks appealing, but I'm not sure if it's worth the money. As for the ASA, I may just keep the CP on/off on there, but I've been considering replacing it with a POPS. What do you guys think? Ultimately, I'm not so concerned about keeping this gun period correct anymore. I've been spoiled by the modern conveniences of newer markers and I'd like to bring my Cocker into the 21st Century.
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I’ve got limited experience with newer cocker parts but I’ve got an Inception 3-way on my Ressi and it is fantastic. I used one of Simon’s tech videos and set up was easy.
As for the reg, the stabilizer is a bit of a dinosaur. I had one in an A5 back in the day. If you’re modernizing you’ll definitely want to replace it with something that looks and feels nicer. To my understanding Inception regs are similar internals to WGP regs, which means they work well. They look good and the macro port at the angle give a real clean appearance.
If the CP Asa isn’t giving you any issues stick with it. Inception stuff is great, but all builds end up looking the same with all Inception parts. -
Thank you. I've been binging Simon's tech videos as well. I'm really looking forward to that new 3-way. The old brass 3-ways may be classic, but they're a pain to time and rebuild compated to what's out there now. The shorter throw on them is just icing on the cake.Originally posted by Cdn_Cuda View PostComment
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Nothing you're doing is a permanent mod that damages the "retro-ness" of the marker, so why not fix it 'till it's broke ;-)Velcor will save us...
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Haha. More like fix it 'til I'm broke. Cocker parts aren't cheap.Originally posted by OpusX View Post
In any case, I just pulled the trigger on that HPR. I'm still on the fence about updating the lower tube internals though. I'll probably build out what I've ordered so far and see where it goes from there. I know at a minimum, the lower tube will need a little TLC since it likes to leak until I fire it a few times (yes, I'm cocking it first).Comment
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Piiiiics
The valve is not going to be a noticeable difference one way or another. The BL valve is good, and the ID valve is good.
New springs I would definitely recommend. The spring kit from ID is $20 for a comprehensive one and well worth it.
Pops and Inception EZ ASA are the best on the market in my opinion.
Stabilizer works great and the gauge is not needed. Inception, AKA, and Shocktech/CP all offer superior ergonomics to it though.Comment
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This is the gun as it sits today. Under the shroud is a standard brass WGP ram & 3-way as well as a rock LPR.Originally posted by Hellion360 View Post
As for the valve, I already snagged one from you on eBay today - not so much as a performance upgrade, but as a maintenance item. The old one has been giving me trouble over the past few years, so I figured now would be as good a time as any and they're cheap.
The spring kit is certainly on my radar too. At the rate I'm going here, the body, frame, and a few other things are going to be the only original parts left when I'm done.Last edited by JonM; 03-09-2021, 03:21 PM.Comment
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If you decide to sell the frame, I could use it on a project. For the questions: I'm partial to AKA for bolts and regs.Comment
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JonM I understand. Those are good frames. When the project is finished, please post up pictures. I'd love to see them.Comment
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Okay, so for the moment, I believe I have all of the parts I'll need for this refresh build on order. Of course, as with any build, that may change once I get deeper into it. Here is what I've got coming to me at this point.- Inception Designs Front Pneumatics
- Inception Designs HPR
- Inception Designs HF Valve
- Inception Designs Master Spring Set
- Dye 750 psi Gauge (to be mounted under the front block - The red Loctite has already been released)
- 5-40 Threaded 3.065" Cocking Rod
- Centerline Duckbill ASA (I figured "what the hell". If I don't like the on/off, I can use this and it's cheap)
In addition to these parts on order, I also have another pre-2k front block in my parts box that's in better condition than the one on the gun now. At this point, I'm planning on leaving the remaining parts alone. The body is still flawless; the cocking rod, while plain looking, is covered by a birdcage anyway; the pump arm is a pump arm; the frame is already perfect; the Cyclone bolt is perfectly fine; and I use a Freak barrel when I play, so that's fine too. I'll most likely end up polishing the hammer once I start the teardown as well. I'd say I'm well on my way to building a new modern classic. Now I just need to play the waiting game for all the parts to arrive. I'll also need to either get my tanks filled or fix my stirrup pump since all I have left for air is a 13/3k tank.Comment
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Nice that’s going to be a cool build. I love inception pneumatics. They are so easy to tune. Most of the time you put a threeway flush and it’s in time or super close. I prefer AKA for regs they flow the best especially for how much of a gas hog Cockers are. But the Inception reg is a great reg.Comment
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Thanks. I got word from my son that the front pneumatics have been delivered today. The HPR order is still showing as "processing", but everything else at least has a tracking number. In the meantime, I'll look into rebuilding my stirrup pump so I can fill up a few more HPA tanks for timing and testing.Comment
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I need to invest in one of those my Dad got a nice one for his air rifle. I just usually fill a bunch of extra tanks when I go play. I don’t feel bad because I’m always paying for air and using 12g most of the summer. -
I wish I could say I got a nice one. This thing is made of pure uncut Chineseium and it's let me down several times already. I tried rebuilding it late last week and it's still not working properly. Anything larger than a 13/3K tank and forget about it. You'll have a stroke if you try.
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As I wait for all of my new parts to arrive, I've started using my Sniper as a test bed for some of the work I'll be doing on my Cocker. I've also begun cannibalizing some of the old parts from the Cocker for use on the Sniper. The first thing I did was try my hand at polishing internals and all of the dull and sad looking metal parts (hammer, bolt, cocking rod, Boomstick back, etc.). I polished each one to a mirror shine and they're so much nicer looking and smooth now. I also installed the Stabilizer from the Cocker and replaced the ASA. What was once more or less a spare parts build is still a spare parts build, but a lot nicer now. After this, I feel confident in performing the same kind of work on the Bob Long. Once I complete the Cocker build, I expect I'll have even more parts I can bring over to make the Sniper better yet.Comment
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I've received everything so far except for the HPR and ASA. With these parts on hand, I was able to at least begin the rebuild. I've got the new front pneumatics, valve, and springs installed. I also polished the hammer and lug. I didn't have a thin wrench to install the new LPR, so I took a normal cheap crescent wrench to my grinder to make it thin enough to not leave idiot marks on anything. While the marker needs to be properly timed yet, I was able to test it a little this evening. Holy crap! Even with further adjustments needed, this thing is like running like a sewing machine. This new front block puts my old pneumatics to shame.Comment
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So now I need to figure out why the gun will cycle, but not fire. The timing seems right and the hammer is striking the valve, but all I’m getting is a very slight pop (the bolt is not upside down). I suspect that there’s something not right with the valve springing or the alignment. I’ll need to look into that. What’s odd is that my valve tool won’t engage the screw to pull the valve again. I may need to get creative to get it out again.Comment
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