Interesting findings of Walther LP53 and Lucznik

[clarky]

Had these 2 apart yesterday, mainly to see if this new Konceptus tuning kit for the Lucznik will fit the Walther.
It will not but I noted that the Lucznik has a greater volume/stroke owing to a shorter piston. However, its of interest that the 2 guns produce similar power when in good order. The std Lucznik produced 380 fps and the Walther 375 fps with Hobby pellets. Both guns with new piston heads and good springs.
The reason appears to be that any slight differences in volume/stroke makes little difference at this size which should provide useful information to anyone planning to modify their guns strokes or piston lengths.
However, there does appear huge benefit to this kit which relies on using one spring.
The key here is not stroke/volume but one powerful spring equal to the usual 2 fitted but then allowing the use of correct guide rodding instead of the inner spring as guide rod. The inner spring as a guide is a bad idea really, producing vibration and lots of friction points as the coils pass over each other. The kit which uses delrin guide rods and a piston weight pushes the Lucznik upto 470 fps with no twang but the maker claims upto 500fps with some pellets.
Im now trying to work out how to fit such a kit to the Walther. Ill get back to you if I do any good.

[mrto]

As a person that has a couple of LP53's I did find that interesting.

Thanks for the post,

ATB.

[clarky]

As a person that has a couple of LP53's I did find that interesting.

Thanks for the post,

ATB.

Thanks buddy. I am not expecting much interest because I think most owners of LP53s inparticularly, will want to keep their guns as design and I don't blame them. For me however, this kit does not permanently alter design but does improve the gun a goodly amount.
The problem with the Walther is it uses a different piston head arrangement. While a whole raft of piston heads can be spun up and fitted to the screw on piston face (as with so many designs) of the Lucznik, the Walther has a one off method of fitting with a keyhole head unit comprising of a leather piston washer and steel keyhole/guide locator. Its a nice idea and dispenses with the need for screws but does cause real problems if wanting to fit your homemade Teflon/leather washer.
I will look at perhaps using this P18 Konceptus mainspring. It fits the piston of the Walther perfectly, then may turn up a guide rod to slip over the existing guide off the base of the grip cap.
The Walthers upper keyhole locater/tiny guide rod at the other end rules out the piston weight fitting in the kit which gave the Lucznik 25fps during my tests. A good 50 fps came from the spring and guide though, meaning one should be able to get the Walther to within 25fps of the Lucznik.

[mrto]

Thanks buddy. I am not expecting much interest because I think most owners of LP53s inparticularly, will want to keep their guns as design and I don't blame them. For me however, this kit does not permanently alter design but does improve the gun a goodly amount.
The problem with the Walther is it uses a different piston head arrangement. While a whole raft of piston heads can be spun up and fitted to the screw on piston face (as with so many designs) of the Lucznik, the Walther has a one off method of fitting with a keyhole head unit comprising of a leather piston washer and steel keyhole/guide locator. Its a nice idea and dispenses with the need for screws but does cause real problems if wanting to fit your homemade Teflon/leather washer.
I will look at perhaps using this P18 Konceptus mainspring. It fits the piston of the Walther perfectly, then may turn up a guide rod to slip over the existing guide off the base of the grip cap.
The Walthers upper keyhole locater/tiny guide rod at the other end rules out the piston weight fitting in the kit which gave the Lucznik 25fps during my tests. A good 50 fps came from the spring and guide though, meaning one should be able to get the Walther to within 25fps of the Lucznik.

Even more interesting, because as much as I like the LP53 it is a bit gutless power-wise and if the power can be upped smoothly and any mod reversable I am all ears.

If only there was a way of getting the LP3 to perform a bit better eh?!

[clarky]

Even more interesting, because as much as I like the LP53 it is a bit gutless power-wise and if the power can be upped smoothly and any mod reversable I am all ears.

If only there was a way of getting the LP3 to perform a bit better eh?!

Ok ive homed in on why the Walther is just as powerful as the stock Lucznik despite a smaller volume.
Its because the piston is heavier. Due to the strength of the mainsprings the walther is better balanced in piston weight terms because its longer in length, despite losing a good couple of mm in stroke length due to the keyhole paraphernalia.
This why the Konceptous kit contains a piston weight of considerable (relatively) size....these little pistons lack weight!!
I have drawn up a design for a Delrin guide rod which will slip over the Walthers existing guide, complete with lower top hat of approx. 1mm ...or the same as a conventional guide in shape (im not sure how thick I can go with this yet) The guide will now be a nice slide fit on the outer spring, not the inner. This should now accept the P18 lucznik none stock spring.
However, the piston head end has a tiny guide (length of 8mm) which will now be loose on the outer spring and rendered useless of course but should not matter as the piston will do the job at that end just like any airgun with no top hat.
I will get here over the course of the B/hol and then maybe look at a piston weight washer if I get left with any room after assembly.
Im setting myself the challenge of 450fps but maybe being optimistic...

That LP3 you mention cannot be improved sadly. Even the new piston head replacements cannot drive them above 350fps.
We looked at setting the head closer to the valve but its near enough perfect. I would say less then 0.1mm of clearance to take up ....perhaps 10fps or something but risking the piston bottoming down and straining something.

[GRAZY]

I love the lp53 and have not yet had mine apart, I was always a bit put off that I may end up damaging the finish to the grip cap. I have seen this recommended to be done with a soft metal strap twisted tight around like an oil filter remover, but I've never been too sure on this. That aside I would love to improve the feel of the pistol as it always seemed a bit clunky when shot and not so much bang for your buck in the power stakes.