[Craptacular001]

OK, I just got back in the game after 10+ year hiatus and I have an odd question... Why did the industry move to these barrel sleeves/condoms instead of the plugs? It seems to me that the plugs were easier to put in and more visible. I would occasionally pull the trigger with it in and it didn't come out.

Is it because of the electronic marker? The trigger pull is so slight that more shots go off by accident?

Thanks all

[gamer565]

From a distance the plug can look like part of the barrel thus Mahjong refs think you don't have one in and it could be shoot out of the barrel.

I would imagine its cheaper to make a cloth item then it is to make a pvc molded item.

[Fubarius]

A good, properly sized barrel plug will hold a shot or two no problem.

The problem is that way too many people weren't properly sizing their plugs. I've seen way too many plugs get launched across the field in my day. The ones that shipped with spyders were notorious for shooting farther than a ball.

Plus with super sensitive triggers, and ramping modes, a misfire is more likely to be multiple balls, which can dislodge even a well fitted plug.

So a barrel cover is easier to install, one size fits most, and can hold up to half a hopper getting fired into it. A bit less idiot proof. Since the world seems determined to make more and more idiots, the more idiot proof the better.

[jonotwist]

my guess would be due to an industry wide marketing decision.

due to the crossover between barrel plugs and products sold at some adult stores.

plus putting a condom on the autococker barrel sounds way more funny and immature.

[loneassassin]

Originally Posted by Fubarius

So a barrel cover is easier to install, one size fits most, and can hold up to half a hopper getting fired into it. A bit less idiot proof. Since the world seems determined to make more and more idiots, the more idiot proof the better.

An interesting side story; one of my buddies did exactly that: He played an entire night game with his barrel sleeve installed. Indeed, it did a GREAT job of preventing any shots from escaping -- a whole hopper, in fact. The resulting ooze was quite hilarious -- I've never seen a gun so gouped-up. He'll never live that down...

[Horizon]

Originally Posted by Fubarius

A good, properly sized barrel plug will hold a shot or two no problem.

The problem is that way too many people weren't properly sizing their plugs. I've seen way too many plugs get launched across the field in my day. The ones that shipped with spyders were notorious for shooting farther than a ball.

Plus with super sensitive triggers, and ramping modes, a misfire is more likely to be multiple balls, which can dislodge even a well fitted plug.

So a barrel cover is easier to install, one size fits most, and can hold up to half a hopper getting fired into it. A bit less idiot proof. Since the world seems determined to make more and more idiots, the more idiot proof the better.

All true, although I see way too many barrel socks that are much too loose and will also fly off in a shot or two.

[MooKids]

Originally Posted by Horizon

All true, although I see way too many barrel socks that are much too loose and will also fly off in a shot or two.

I especially enjoy seeing renters just casually placing the sock on with enough slack that it could fall off on its own.

[frankc420]

Originally Posted by jonotwist

my guess would be due to an industry wide marketing decision.

due to the crossover between barrel plugs and products sold at some adult stores.

plus putting a condom on the autococker barrel sounds way more funny and immature.

Now that's funny right there!

[Pr3claTol2]

Originally Posted by loneassassin

An interesting side story; one of my buddies did exactly that: He played an entire night game with his barrel sleeve installed. Indeed, it did a GREAT job of preventing any shots from escaping -- a whole hopper, in fact. The resulting ooze was quite hilarious -- I've never seen a gun so gouped-up. He'll never live that down...

Are you serious? I can't imagine how this could possibly happen? Was your friend legally blind?

There are many reasons to do a bag over a plug. Less wear on the inside tip of the barrel, some plugs get worn and don't seal properly, bags will 'hold' paint rather than plugs just breaking balls and getting stuck in the breach. I think that last point is a big one; bagging a ball usually doesn't require you to squeegee your barrel.

[Pump Scout]

With a night game, I could imagine that happening. Think of all the times you may have hit the field and forgotten to turn on your gun, turn on your hopper, turn on your air supply, even take off your barrel bag. Then imagine doing it in the dark.