Reaching over 800 fps

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Left : Photo of my own QB - fully modified with rubber coated and ported stock, 3-9x40 illuminated optics and detachable pods.

Right - one of my developments, crafting a custom CO2 bulk fill tank - to the diameter, length and style required - even porting it to match the suppressor muzzle-brake.

More photos of these mods at bottom of page.

These QB's are excellent rifles - and very easy to modify and customize. Being .17 bolt action single shot at medium power, they are safe and fun to shoot in the back yard - at either targets or for the removal of pest birds. Obtaining around 1000 shots per CO2 charge - they are exceptionally cheap to run. With a few trigger mods, they are also ideal for any young shooter to whom the heavy trigger of other CO2 or spring powered rifles are a disadvantage.

Follow my progress as I fully modify, tune, silence and convert this fun rifle into a super silent, powerful and accurate back-yard shooting machine powered by either CO2 or PCP.  To be totally honest with you, I am not sure about what the finished project will look like - especially the mods with the stock.

I purchased my new QB79 from the net - and travelled an hour's drive to pick her up from a really nice guy by the name of Mike, from Walkworth Sports Shop. Well, actually I ended up purchasing two :-)

Photo left  : My QB with 9oz CO2 bulk fill and 3-9x40 Nikko-Sterling optics.  I swear the Mynahs were actually laughing at me when I photographing my new rifle in the back yard today!

This one has a really nice wooden stock - with a rich and interesting grain pattern.

Photo right : QB advertising and box label.

In order to separate the stock and barrel/trigger mechanism - the trigger safety needs to be removed. First carefully prize the trigger lock off - using a screw-driver and taking care not to scratch the stock.

With a pair of pliers, carefully turn the trigger safety barrel 90 degrees, and then push it through the trigger guard.

Now the whole steel mechanism can be removed from the wooden stock.

When dissembling any piece of machinery or rifle - make sure it is done systematically, on a clean work-bench - taking each piece and placing it safely aside- placing each nut, bolt or screw back into the piece of work from which it was removed. I also take photos with my iPhone of each piece as it is being dissembled. This helps heaps if weeks pass before reassembling - when my memory fails me!

The trigger mechanism can now be removed from the barrel by unscrewing the two flat-head bolts.

The excellent workmanship of the QB is seen in the simple yet sturdy design and material each component is made from. Many rifles have synthetic trigger guards. The QB trigger guard and mechanism is made from a good quality medium strength metal, with the trigger itself made from a hardened steel that can be polished and ported with excellent results.

Carefully unscrew the cover from the trigger assembly unit. The trigger is held in place by one pivoting rod (that cannot be removed).

It is actually very important to dissemble your new QB before too much use, as they are inevitably quite dry inside and require a good polish and lube. For the trigger mechanism, I will use a fine machine oil as well as a high quality synthetic gun grease. NEVER use petroleum based grease or oil on any rubber or pressure component, as it will either ruin the seals and/or cause a compression explosion - meaning you will get an amazing velocity shot - and possibly explode your compression chamber at the same time!

(Note : The compression explosion is not an issue with CO2, but as I intend also using this rifle as a PCP, I need to take care.)

Gently prize the trigger from the assembly, making sure the spring does not fly-off and get lost.

The trigger has been removed in this photo - and the sear is still mounted with constant spring tension.

Here is my modified and finished trigger - polished, ported and looking MINT!

I begin by a coarse polish on a wire wheel, then fine wet and dry paper - followed by buffing on an electric polishing mop.

Next I countersink the existing porting, and finally adding four ports through the trigger piece.

While the trigger assembly side panel is removed, now is the time to adjust the trigger sensitivity. To make the trigger lighter, turn the small flat-head grub screw in towards the trigger. It's important not to wind the adjuster too far, as all this will do is cause your rifle to fire on its own as soon as the bolt is cocked.

I am very pleased with this trigger mod. I would like to anodize it as well, and plan on purchasing some chemicals, electrode rods, low amperage power supply and dye soon.

While the rifle is apart, is the best time to also modify the wooden stock. First remove the rubber shoulder piece.

Ensure you are working in a well ventilated place, with rubber gloves, eye, breathing and skin protection.

Holding the stock in the vice by a piece of dowel, I coated the rifle with paint stripper, leaving it to work for five minutes.

Still wearing the correct safety gear, carefully wash the stock with a hose and scrubbing brush.

Make sure you don't saturate the wood - as this can cause it to warp or split when drying.

Below : Rifle stock removed of paint and varnish. Once completely dry - I will carefully sand the entire stock and also remove any remaining paint.

Right : I started out hand sanding with 180 grit paper.

Took too long to see much improvement, so out came the palm orbital sander - which did a much better job than hand, and in a fraction of the time.

Next I sanded with a 220 grit paper, giving a nice smooth surface, finishing with 500 grit.

I have a wide choice for stock color. The color will determine the style of the rifle - and the customer.

After talking with my lovely wife - the decision has been made to make it for our female shooting companions. So - the color of choice at the moment will be shocking pink! :-) Seriously.

Now is a good time to dissemble the rest of the rifle. Generally my rule is - if it's not broken - don't fix it! I recommend you do not strip the rifle down any further than this - or if you do, you need to make sure you have access to spare rubber seals and O rings, as they will almost always get damaged in this process.

Take care when removing the bolt. There is a grub-screw holding it in place that is accessible from the far left end of the top barrel.

I have always found the QB bolt handle to be rather ugly - shaped like an oval.

First job is to balance it in the lathe, and change the oval into a ball shape.

Next job is to port the bolt handle, matching it to the trigger, then give it a good sand and polish.

Below : Looking mint!

Photos below : I just couldn't wait - and assembled the rifle with another standard stock I have :-)

Whisper quiet with my custom CO2 suppressor.

Below : This stock has such a nice grain and finish, that I won't paint it (despite my lovely wife suggesting shocking pink!). Instead I will apply a nice oil or stain, perhaps white?

I experimented with several design options for the stock porting, drawing it with pencil, then sanding off - until I decided on this simple pattern.

Many rifles have checkered or engraved hand-grip in these two places. I just wanted to make it a little different :-)

Below : Rather than a thumbhole stock or cut away insert, I decided on a simple porting design that embraces and follows the grain of the wood and the curves of the stock.

Below : Left - 11 porting design in pistol grip. Right : A simple 6 porting design in the fore-stock.

Below : Almost finished. I have coated the stock in a while stain, then hand rubbed a finishing coat of wax into the timber while heating it.

Below : Custom suppressor with porting that matches the rifle stock.

Below : Finished project.

Well - almost finished :-) I decided to add a remote gas-line too.

Below : Genuine 813fps - with my own custom made .17 pellets, and blanket warming the CO2.

Below : My own QB79 - rubber coated stock, 3-9x40 illuminated optics, remote tank, detachable pods, threaded to take whatever suppressor I decide to make for it at the time, including full over-barrel.

Below : I'm sure you know the problem. You want your CO2 rifle to look as mint as possible - yet the choices of CO2 tanks are limited - usually too big and bulky to match the style of the rifle. My solution is my custom CO2 tanks - made to any diameter, length or style. I can even port it to match the suppressor muzzle-brake, or make it narrow enough to allow a full over-barrel suppressor.

Below : 28mm over-barrel suppressor

Below : Muzzle-brake and sun-shield with matching porting

Below : Some finishing touches - electroplating trigger and bolt handle