AO,
I have copied this thread from Deep Blue because I think it represents a significant milestone both in paintball and for the people of AO. It is a excellent example of what it takes to go down a research road, figure out the facts, investigate the possibilities and come forth with a logical well thought out conclusion. Most of you would have missed it but it is too important to let pass with just the Deep Blue audience.
It revolves around a story dear to all of us, paintball accuracy. It endeavours to answer the who, what and whys of that ever talked about but oh so elusive topic. As with so many journeys, it starts out one place and ends up somewhere most did not expect. This is what makes research really interesting, when you end up in a new world that you have never seen before, all the while experiencing the twists and turns along the way.
The other thing you will see is that in order to explore the depths of the accuracy story, one can not jump to conclusions based on a few observations. Most certainly it illustrates that you can’t just “go with the flow” and take for granted what the world is saying.
It is long but this only means the answers are not simple, it can be complicated but one should see it for the beauty of its complexity. The story has influence, chaos, history, myth and science all rolled into one. For me it was a joy to watch it unfold, and in the end, I too was caught in its wave, as I saw things for the first time that I had known of superficially but never saw demonstrated.
In the end the authors of the story are the people of AO, a fantastically friendly, diverse and as you will see, intelligent group of people. The fact that they all come together to help each other in a spirit of friendship and common interest is humbling in its magnitude. I never fail to be amazed by this group, this story especially was one that I never thought would be told. Now that it has, I am proud to share it with all of you.
Tom Kaye
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Gentelmen,
I have posted a framework of info in the data thread.AGD(pics here) This is from an extensive study we did in the early 90's. The data is representative of our findings.
Currently on the table:
Spin is the only major factor accounting for paintball inaccuracy. Promoted by Pbjosh
Closed bolt operation has an effect on overall accuracy. Promoted by Glen Palmer.
The paintball flight is subject to "knuckleball effect".
Spin may or may not be possible because of the liquid in the paintball.
Barrels have something to do with accuracy.
Seams have something to do with accuracy.
Balls distort with the impact of the air blast.
Balls distort when leaving the barrel.
Ok lets have a pointed discussion on the subject. For those of you just reading this, this thread is a continuation of the "closed bolt" thread found here.
original thread