Ti vs CF is the common 'theme' in discussions when it comes to hybrid guns (Thanks Daryl). However these 'exotics' may be more hype than functionality. when you search for information on these materials the applications are for model airplanes, racing bikes, NASA, kayaks, etc. What do all these fields have in common? The need for low weight, or more specifically a high stength to weight ratio.
The benifts to Carbon fiber being very small deflection over the length and very small compression. In other words it's stiff. It will have minimal barrel flex in our applications. It is also relatively non-reactive in the harsh (battery-like) salt water atmosphere. Any one who disassembles their aluminium guns w/ stainless steel hardware will appreciate this. The disadvantage being a compromised impact resistance...oh yeah and price!!!!! A CF barrel w/ a few to many dings won't start to deform and bend like metal. It will not fatigue over time but will instantly, and by all accounts, impressively fail *poof*.
What does this high cost buy you? Less weight. Sounds good, but it isn't. As we all know thanks to Iyadiver and our 12th grade physics teachers every action produces an equall and opposite reaction. Ergo one needs to ballast a gun to produce maximum shaft velocity, enter bulky side stocks on bluewater guns and 'hybrid euro' guns.
Titanium on the other hand is harder to work with, also expensive and reactive w/ other metals (like ss hardware). Cost aside the concensus among most spearos is CF over Ti.
The benefits , as I understand, of the hybrid guns are less recoil w/ more power, and a stronger american square-notched trigger mech to handle this power. So if one of the benefits is dependand on MORE weight, why are we spending exhorbitant amounts of money for LOWER weight materials like CF or Ti.
Solution: A hybrid gun should have a barrel made from plain fiberglass. Fiberglass roven woven can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of CF or Ti and will produce equall stifness when a thicker walled tube is layed-up. This not only saves money, but (albeit minamally) decreases the additional amount of ballast to be added to the stock. Not to mention that a thicker walled tube would be more impervious to the occasional dent or scratch w/out risk of failure. This is also a better choice than thicker walled aluminuim or SS b/c fiberglass is not reactive. The tube could also be produced w/ permanent fiberglass interior caps to insure a water tight barrel. Not to mention that a homemade barrel for your home made gun (and a homemade muzzle
) is more gradifying.
So why do we use CF or Ti? Because it sounds better.
