[Endymion]

Those of you who have seen my SL-9 in person recently may understand where I'm coming from. I had an AG36 attached to it and a 335mm silencer, making the total length 51.5". I had fun with it that way, but now it's time to make it more practical. I've taken the stock TM G36C parts out and resurrected the G36, which leaves me on the hunt for parts to rebuild my SL-9. Rather than lay down $500 for a stock G36 I've decided to requisition the mandatory stock G36 parts and then build an upgraded mechbox from scratch.

Based on everything I've read and sifted through in searches, I'm leaning toward the following parts.

Systema torque up helical gear set (for slightly quieter operation and less stress on the motor)
Systema Magnum motor (for 1337ness really... I know there are equally good alternatives for this application that cost less)
Airsoft Surgeon Stage 2 spring
Angel Silent Piston Head Set (V3) (to lessen gearbox wear and for slightly quieter operation)
Prometheus 6.03 590mm barrel or 650mm barrel
Systema Bearing Spring Guide
Systema Anti-Reversal Latch
Guarder Tappet Plate
Guarder Nozzle
TM Selector Switch
- springs, wires, etc.

From what I've come across in research would I be correct to assume that a Type-0 cylinder would be adequate for anything up to a 590mm barrel? This would allow me to use a regular piston and the Angel piston head set. However, once I hit 650mm will I need the bore up kit to avoid barrel suck and to maintain fps consistency? I'm under the impression that with a bore up kit I will be stuck with its specfiic cylinder head, piston and piston head and that a silent head set would no longer be feasible. The Stage 2 spring should be of sufficient strength to properly operate the bore up kit should it be necessary.

As far as gearbox shells go, is there any advantage or disadvantage to using a zinc alloy box (Guarder, TM, etc) versus an aluminum box (King Arms)? What are your experiences with the various aftermarket shells? Will 7mm bearings really net any reduced wear over 6mm bearings?

This AEG will have its full auto locked out - basically it would remain functional only to ensure that should any jam occur, it could be remedied without ripping the mechbox out of the receiver. I figure that if I have this sniper rifle platform, I might as well put the longest barrel functionally possible within its length and build a properly supported gearbox around it. I will be using a 9.6v 1300mAh 1/2sub-c pack - the voltage and battery size are predominantly for quick trigger response. The amperage I can live with - I wouldn't be hammering on the trigger with this AEG anyway.

I welcome any suggestions, advice or hole-poking you can offer. This is definitely a learning experience for me but I love tinkering and tweaking the most minute details even if they sometimes result in diminishing returns. No flames please - if I've said anything really stupid, please just point it out and I will know better for the next time. I'm still new to airsoft. This forum is a wealth of information and intelligent well-thought-out opinions and I really value the depth of breadth of its members' experiences.

Take it easy...

Alan.