I know I've seen pictures of people using PTFE tubing for straight magazines that require some flexing / routing. What I don't know, and am hoping that some folk here do know: Does it work well? Are there downsides to using it? Is it prone to failure? Burst sides? Failure at the compression fitting? If it does work well, why does it not seem to be very widespread in usage? So far the only source I've found with the correct OD and ID is McMaster-Carr - are there any other vendor options?
Anyone have any insight on this? This is a strategy I have considered using from time to time myself. I will probably experiment with it at some point.
I used flexible mags for a few years. Built them with "standard" fast gun pump hose. (3/8" OD, 1/4" ID, cheap & easy to get at home depot or Lowes) They worked well, but you do need to replace them periodically, I'd say at the start of the battling season to be safe but I've taken them longer than that. Generally the failure would be the side bulging out, sometimes I'd nick it with something sharp/hot and replace as a precaution. I stopped using them since I started using the magazine a part of the gun mounting system and needed the rigidity of copper to do that. Bottom line is they work but they aren't in widespread use since they are only situationally advantageous and they are more prone to failure, also most boats tend to do better when everything is secured in place better.
I need the weight savings for a destroyer. I was considering the semi rigid plastic tubing. Sounds like it could be just the ticket.
There is nylon tubing available from Parker with an ID of .180 and OD of .250. I have rolled BBs though it no problem so long as they had no major deformities. I think it was rated to 250psi. Edit: linky! http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.bb22d5a82bbb5b147cf26710237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=a2d9b5bbec622110VgnVCM10000032a71dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&vgnextcatid=3951&vgnextcat=NYLON%20TUBING%20(FLEXIBLE)&vgnextdiv=687563&vgnextpartno=NN-4-035&Wtky=
