*Read First* Daytona Gun Airsoft System Overview (DGA)Updated 2 months ago
(Don't defend past actions; what is right today may be wrong tomorrow. Don't be consistent; consistency is the refuge of fools. - Adm. Rickover)
What is the Daytona Gun Airsoft System (DGA)?
The Daytona Gun Airsoft System transforms standard AEG or GBB systems into an HPA-powered recoil platform. It enhances the shooting experience with more substantial recoil, increased magazine compatibility options with higher ammo count (i.e. using AEG mags), and minimal cool-down effects compared to traditional GBB systems. The goal of this system is to combine improved performance with a realistic shooting feel.
What do you need to build a Daytona Gun?
- Choose a platform and select a compatible donor body (details available in the descriptions of the conversion kits).
- Acquire the appropriate Daytona Gun Airsoft conversion kit.
- Use a high-quality AEG inner barrel—preferably a steel barrel—for best results.
- Install the system yourself or seek a skilled dealer for assistance; remember to allow a break-in period to settle your system in.
- Prepare an HPA (recommended) or CO2 tank along with an airsoft regulator (such as the recommended Redline Single QD Rig for sustained full-auto use).
- Enjoy your enhanced airsoft experience!
Click Here for the DGA Purchase Guide
Air efficiency?
It is primarily determined by the PSI you are running. A very rough estimate for shots per tank is (Max PSI of tank x CI of the tank) divided by your set PSI.
Typically, you can get 1000 - 1300 shots from a 48/3000 aluminum tank when you run your gun at 110 psi. Some models like Scar-H, FAL or HK417, which have heavier bolt carriers, will have reduced shot counts. Full auto will drain more air than semi. Expect LMG models to consume a lot of air. 88/4500, 90/4500 and 100/4500 carbon fibre tanks are highly recommended, with anything 68ci/4500+ being the minimum recommended sizing unless cost is a concern.
Hopup and Barrels
Plunger spring mod (required for rhop mod and Reap hopup rubber) may offer better and more consistent semi-auto only performance.
Improved flattened hopup rubber is required for the rhop mod.
Daytona Guns use standard AEG inner barrels. 6.03mm - 6.08mm diameter inner barrels are recommended. Use brass or steel inner barrels. Aluminum inner barrels can be bent from the pressure points pushed by set screws.
An inner barrel with an ID smaller than 6.03mm is not recommended, simply due to less tolerance on dirt or lube.
*PDI 6.05mm- 6.08mm ID Steel barrels are highly recommended*
*Rhop is recommended for semi-automatic fire. For best performance on full-auto, please stick to standard hopup rubber without the plunger spring mod*
How can I adjust muzzle velocity (FPS output)?
Most DG kits can be operated within 80 - 150 PSI. Turn the pressure up/down on your regulator to adjust the velocity. Please note that for most kits, the lowest pressure that will allow for proper and consistent feeding is around 95-100 PSI. If you are experiencing feeding issues (i.e. it does not feed at all), first check to see that you are running your system at or above 100 PSI. The highest recommended operating pressure is 140 PSI. Any higher will void the warranty. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Most kits will shoot 400 fps with 0.2g BB at 100 - 120 PSI of air pressure. Widebore and/or short barrels will reduce the output power.
Lower operating air pressure can be achieved by cutting coils off the recoil spring (not more than 5 coils). A weaker recoil spring results in lower ROF and higher felt recoil (you feel the kick on the back travel; a weaker spring has less braking/slowing down on the bolt carrier). It also reduces the needed psi to cycle.
Low Power airshaft (sub 1J @ 110 PSI, equalized to sub 320FPS w/ 0.2g BB) helps achieve lower power while maintaining the same recoil level. It may be necessary to satisfy specific FPS/Joule requirements. This is the most common way to lower your velocity to meet country- and field-specific requirements.
What’s the recoil like? Is it more than a GBBR?
Daytona Systems generally provides more recoil than most GBBRs/airsoft guns. The DG Scar-H, L85 and FAL/SA58 have the HEAVIEST muzzle climb.
According to users, DG HK417 and SR-25 with 4 coils off recoil spring have the most FELT recoil.
https://youtu.be/zNrWwjRjPwQ?t=1075
Performance
Consistency-wise, like most HPA airsoft products, variance is usually controllable.
A correctly installed and tuned DGA's performance will be more or less in line with AEG or other HPA systems. However, performance will be affected by full auto (recoil index) and poor tuning/installation/maintenance.
Check on our YouTube for more references.
https://www.youtube.com/@daytonagunairsoftmfg9991
**Clean installation and fine-tuning is the key**
Reliability
With a reinforced shaft spring, airshaft, and POM crush ring, the system is much more durable than it used to be in its early infancy. O rings, shaft springs & crush rings are still considered wear & tear parts but now come with a much longer lifespan than ones on old DG kits. This is like a piston or o-ring in an AEG or nozzles and trigger sears on a GBB. They are designed to break first to save other critical parts.
Bolt carriers are reshaped for bolt tanks not to destroy the top screw (i.e. M249 kit with U-shape groove to prevent the top screw from being eaten up). This is providing that all screws have been securely tightened (Loctite required).
Stress test with 180 psi on full auto (50% overcharged pressure, NOT recommended, demo purposes only):
Maintenance?
Lube your gun. Lube the bolt and rack it, and the lube will work its way in. Don't be cheap and under lube. LUBE YOUR GUN. GetSome 1000 series lubes are great options; use another option and you do so at your own risk. A general rule of thumb would be to use lube that will be rubber and silicone-safe, while designed for metal-on-metal contact.
Take care of your gun. Conduct the proper routine maintenance as if it were a real firearm or GBBR. You can’t just “set it and forget it” as you could to an AEG or other HPA engine. However, if you conduct the proper maintenance, your setup will last a long time. Lube your gun.
Overhopped Airsoft has a great video to demonstrate DG maintenance: