Wide-Bore

Wide-Bore is an airsoft inner barrel technology that differs from standard and upgrade tight-bore barrels by having a larger inner diameter. While standard and precision barrels typically measure around 6.00 – 6.05 mm, wide-bore barrels range between 6.08 – 6.23 mm. This design alters the way air or gas flows around the BB, which affects flight stability, accuracy, and shooting efficiency. The air helps stabilize the BB in flight, resulting in better accuracy and significantly increased range when using an R-hop bucking. However, it is essential to use heavier BBs (0.30 g+) and generate more air pressure because some air "escapes" around the BB. As a result, this system is most efficient with HPA or gas-powered GBB rifles, high-performance manual sniper rifles, or AEG DMR platforms.

Principles of Wide-Bore Technology:

Wider barrel diameter: Allows more air to flow around the BB, improving shot consistency and stabilization.
Greater air volume: The BB is carried by an "air cushion," reducing friction and preventing contact with the barrel walls.
Less susceptibility to dirt: The larger space in the barrel reduces the risk of clogging due to debris.

Advantages of Wide-Bore Barrels:

Better shot consistency: Improved BB stabilization results in fewer trajectory deviations.
Increased accuracy at long distances: The combination of an air cushion and minimized turbulence enhances long-range precision.
Compatibility with heavier BBs: Wide-bore barrels work well with BBs weighing 0.30 g or more, increasing range and accuracy.
More stable hop-up effect: Evenly distributed airflow improves hop-up system efficiency.

Disadvantages of Wide-Bore Barrels:

Lower muzzle velocity (FPS): The larger diameter reduces air pressure on the BB, potentially lowering FPS compared to tight-bore barrels.
Higher air consumption: Wide-bore barrels require a larger cylinder volume or stronger spring to compensate for greater air loss.
Specific tuning required: To achieve maximum performance, a high-quality hop-up bucking is often necessary.

Comparison with Other Barrel Types:

Barrel Type	Diameter (mm)	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wide-Bore	6.08 – 6.23	Better shot grouping and BB stabilization, ideal for heavier BBs	Lower FPS, higher air consumption
Standard Barrel	6.03 – 6.05	Balanced compromise between FPS and accuracy	Not as precise as Wide-Bore, nor as powerful as Tight-Bore
Tight-Bore	6.00 – 6.02	Maximum FPS, higher shot energy (J)	Lower consistency (BB vibrations inside the barrel), more sensitive to dirt

Most Well-Known Wide-Bore Barrel Manufacturers:

Orga Magnus: A pioneer in Wide-Bore technology, known for its 6.23mm barrels, popular in DMR and sniper rifle setups.
PDI Wide-Bore 6.10 / 6.15 mm: Some of the highest-quality Wide-Bore barrels on the market.
Prometheus Delta-Strike Barrel: High-quality 6.20mm barrels with an emphasis on precision craftsmanship.
Lambda SMART12: Wide-bore barrels with a 6.12 mm diameter.

Applications of Wide-Bore Barrels in Airsoft:

DMR and sniper setups: For stable and accurate long-range shots.
HPA systems: Combining Wide-Bore barrels with HPA setups compensates for lower FPS and provides extremely consistent performance.
High-weight BBs (0.36 g+): The improved trajectory stability makes them ideal for heavier ammunition.