I am not someone who is easily impressed.  But I must admit that when I'm impressed by a product that I make sure that everyone else knows it.  If you've already done much reading through my pages you know I have a very high opinion of the Lapco Autospirit Barrel.  For several years I have heard people talk about how great these barrels are.  Among them I believe is Ravi Chopra who has become a respected authority on Autocockers.  For several years the Autospirits were hard to get your hands on.  Lapco had very limited facilities and the production numbers of the Autospirits were low.  I can remember seeing posts informing the public that such and such supplier had 'X' number of them in stock.  'X' tended to be four or five.  Prices were high, about $110 for stainless.   Some months back while browsing on Ebay for paintball bargains (A lousy place to look, I've never gotten a bargain there.)  I stumbled on to an ad for the Lapco Stainless for an Autococker.  It was new in the tube and the price was only about $65.  I placed a winning bid.

        On arrival the first thing I noticed was the weight. This is the full profile, unfluted model and it is HEAVY!  To give you some idea, with a full 20 oz bottle on the bottom line and the Autospirit on the nose, my Cocker balanced perfectly at the trigger.  The New Autospirit's are actually about 35% lighter than my old model. Second thing I noticed was appearance.  The polished stainless steel is downright beautiful.  I spent two days just gawking at the silly thing before I ever shot it.  As soon as a decent opportunity rolled around I took the beast out for a couple of quick shots.   Because of the overcast and time pressures I haven't had a chance to fire any paint over the chronograph with it yet.

        I have a favorite target where I test my barrels and bolts.  It's a four inch wooden square that is about 60 feet distant.  The best barrels I have shot will put maybe 4-5 hits on it in 10 shots.  Many of the other shots will hook or slice away missing the target by several inches or even a foot with some regularity.  Some of the poorer barrels I have tried wouldn't even touch the target.  Enter the Autospirit.  Can you say 7 of 10 boys?  I can.  And the remaining three shots were only fractions of an inch off.  A margin that can probably be attributed to the shooter.  I was so excited that I nearly did 'the forbidden dance of joy right there in front of God and everybody.  Balls exited the muzzle with a noticeable 'crack' that speaks of authority.  I don't mind a barrel that is loud.  There are those who say a loud barrel gives away your position.  My thoughts are that shooting gives away your position.  Once you commit to firing, concealment is out the window.  I don't care if my barrel is loud or distinct sounding.  In fact, if people get to where they recognize the sound of your paintgun, and you are reputedly a skilled player, it intimidates them.  The only real drawback of a loud gun is that some persons equate 'loud' and 'hot'.  Expect that some yahoos will send you to the chrono a few times, mostly out of petty desires to preserve their egos after you have hammered them.

        The Pro's:  Accuracy beyond compare.  I doubt anything could out perform this barrel.  .687 Internal Diameter puts the Stainless Steel Autospirit at the high end of tight bore barrels.  This makes it a good choice for most field paint.  I still want to give OTP's G-1 a try, but we shall see.

        The Con's:  Heavy.  Oh my is it heavy.  I keep one in my car to foil muggers.  I am seriously considering having it turned down to reduce weight. Update: 5/19/99 Lapco's new Autospirits have a much smaller profile and lighter weight. The old Autospirits are 17 ounces, the new 11 ounces. That's a 35% reduction in weight!

        The Final Say:  You're foolin' yourself if you buy any barrel but this one.  The Autospirit outshoots the All American that I had, My 'custom' Bob Long's, an STO, and even a J&J.  I haven't shot it against the DYE or OTP yet.  But I suspect that with the DYE being ported that the Autospirit will outshoot it.  Who knows about the OTP?  The Autospirit is a safe bet for a good barrel.  They retail about $65.  Try Terry Garrett at G3 paintball, He's a full line dealer.  Or look for Jerry Glacken on Ebay.