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The subject of V Mach kits crops up a lot in terms of where do I get one, what do they do, how easy are they to fit etc so I have started to produce a V Mach 'guide', having fitted a fair few myself over the years. Perhaps we can make this a 'Sticky' on the forum. Please feel free to add anything and if suitable, I can add this into the guide.


1. What is a V Mach ‘Tuning’ Kit?

A V Mach kit is a kit of precision custom internal components, tailored for each individual air gun that replaces the standard factory fitted internal components. V Mach kits vary from model to model of air gun but some may contain additional components to those fitted as standard by the factory. All Kits come with components, Lubricants and a set of fitting instructions.

Here is a typical V Mach Kit contents




2. Where do you get a V Mach kit from?

V Mach Kits can be supplied direct form V Mach
http://www.air-rifle-tuning.com/v-mach/Home.html.
Alternatively you can purchase them from Blackpool Air Rifles
http://airgunbuyer.com/
or DAI Leisure
http://www.daileisure.co.uk/

There are other suppliers but these are the main 3. Note:, if buying direct from V Mach, the owner Steve Pope is incredibly helpful and will provide phone/email support if required but please bare in mind he is a very busy man.

There are also various air rifle tuners around the country who will supply and fit a V Mach kit for you. Top tuner Lyn Lewington is able to supply and fit a V Mach Kit for you – Tel 07530 381169 email airrifletuner@hotmail.com

3. How easy is a V Mach Kit to fit?

For the most part, a V Mach kit is able to be fitted by anyone with a basic set of tools and a modicum of knowledge. Difficulty will vary from airgun to airgun but if you have ever stripped and rebuilt your airgun you are capable of fitting a V Mach Kit. CAUTION – On some airguns the factory spring may be under a lot of pre-load and some form of spring compressor may be required for safety reasons. When fitting a V Mach kit, it is often the case that the V Mach spring is under LESS pre-load than the factory spring and therefore reassembly is much easier. The current UK power limit for non FAC airguns is 12 f/lbs and therefore it is ESSENTIAL that after fitting a V Mach kit the power is checked using a Chronograph to ensure the airgun remains under 12 f/lbs. It is a criminal offence to possess a FAC airgun without an Fire Arms liscence!!

Here are the fitting instructions for a typical Airgun (Weihrauch HW80)
https://files.me.com/v_mach/cu1zs9


4. What difference will a V Mach kit make to your airgun?

The V Mach kit is designed to Smooth the firing cycle of the airgun. It is NOT designed to make it more powerful although fine tuning of the final power level is possible by adjusting the spring preload using washers supplied in the kit (See note above re UK law for airgun power levels.

The Main benefits are;
· Less spring noise during firing, often referred to as ‘Twang’
· Less recoil during firing
· More consistent power levels shot to shot
· Increased accuracy due to less recoil
· Easier to cock
· Restoration of factory power levels (and in some cases an increase) in worn airguns
. Increase in re sale value of the gun due to incresed desireability

5. What are the Nylon Spring Guide and 'Top Hat' for?

Most airguns come as standard with a metal spring guide. As the spring uncoils from this during firing,the metal to metal contact can result in 'spring twang' as it is metal to metal contact. The Nylon spring guide within the kit smooths the process of the spring extending and prevent metal to metal contact, reducing spring 'twang'. The 'top hat' fits inside the piston and again, prevents metal to metal contact and when the rifle is cocked, the top hat and guide almost meet, meaning the spring is secured in perfect alignment on a continuous tube and when fired, the spring is able to extend smoothly, progressively and under control, reducing recoil and noise.

6. How much grease should I use?

As per the instructions, only use the supplied Moly Grease (NOT the supplied oil) to lubricate the piston seal, spring guide, top hat and piston skirt. A thin smear is all that is required, taking care not to get any on the face of the piston seal. Take care not to overdo the amount of grease.

7. Why is the spring covered in a sticky white grease?

This extra thick adhesive grease is designed to slow down the rate that the spring extends from the spring guide when firing by providing a level of adhesion between the spring and guide. This adhesion reduces the recoil on firing as the spring is extending gradually rather than being released in an uncontrolled manner.

8. What power level should I aim to get?

The UK legal limit is 12 F/Lbs for airguns (Rifles) and therefore a sensible 'buffer' is required to ensure your airgun stays within the legal limit. As a general guide, DO NOT exceed 11.5 F/Lbs after assembly. IMPORTANT Once the V Mach Kit is fitted, the components, especially the seal will 'bed in' and the power will increase. It is wise to re check the power level after 500 pellets to ensure the airgun power has not crept above 12 F/Lbs. Power levels are altered by adding/subtracting the supplied washers that fit inside the piston between the top hat and piston crown.

9. I can't cock my airgun after fitting my V Mach Kit?

If too many spring preload (power adjusting ) washers are added, it is possible in some rifles that the spring bcomes 'coil bound' (coils touch and cannot compress any further). If this happens, the piston will not be allowed to travel backwards far enough to engage the sear/safety. De-Cock the gun and remove a washer and try again.