Aftermarket Barrels for the Tippmann Cronus: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a Tippmann Cronus owner looking to upgrade your paintball gun with an aftermarket barrel, you’ve come to the right place. The Cronus is a dependable marker, especially for beginners and woodsball players, but swapping out the stock barrel can boost accuracy, range, and even give your gun a custom look. However, not every aftermarket barrel is a perfect fit. Some work seamlessly, while others run into issues with the barrel nut or the optional barrel shroud on the Tactical version. In this blog post, we’ll explore which barrels are compatible with the Tippmann Cronus, which ones to avoid, and offer tips to help you choose the right upgrade for your setup.

Why Upgrade Your Barrel?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s cover why an aftermarket barrel might be worth considering:

• Accuracy: Aftermarket barrels often have smoother interiors and better bore matching, leading to more consistent shots.
• Range: Certain barrels, like those with backspin technology, can extend your effective shooting distance.
• Style: With various lengths and designs, barrels let you personalize your Cronus.

The Cronus uses A5 threading, a standard shared by many Tippmann models, which makes finding compatible barrels easier—but fit issues can still arise, especially with the barrel nut or shroud.

Barrels That Work with the Tippmann Cronus

Here’s a list of aftermarket barrels that are proven to fit the Tippmann Cronus without issues. These barrels align with the A5 threading and work well with the barrel nut, making them reliable choices for your upgrade.

• Custom Products (CP) Classic Barrel

  Fit: Perfect compatibility with the Cronus. If using the Tactical shroud, choose a barrel at least 12" long.

  Details: An affordable option offering solid performance for budget-conscious players.

• Lapco BigShot Barrel

  Fit: Built for A5/X7 threading, it integrates well with the Cronus.

  Details: Delivers a MilSim look and reliable accuracy, ideal for players who want a rugged, no-frills upgrade.

• Lapco BigShot Assault Barrel

  Fit: Built for A5/X7 threading, it integrates well with the Cronus. If using the Tactical shroud, choose a barrel at least 12" long.

  Details: Features a “bird cage” muzzle tip for a tactical aesthetic, blending style with consistent performance.

Barrels That Don’t Work with the Tippmann Cronus

Not all barrels are a good match for the Cronus, even if they’re A5 threaded. Issues with the barrel nut or the optional shroud on the Tactical version can make some barrels problematic. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Barrels with Large Outer Diameters

  Problem: Some barrels, especially those with mock suppressors, have an outer diameter too wide to fit through the Cronus’s barrel nut, preventing a secure fit.

  Workaround: Remove the shroud (if equipped) or choose a slimmer barrel.

• Short Barrels (Under 12 inches)

  Problem: While barrels as short as 9.5 inches fit the barrel nut, the Tactical shroud requires at least 12 inches due to thicker barrel tips, or they won’t extend properly, affecting appearance and function.

  Workaround: Use barrels 12 inches or longer with the shroud, or remove it for shorter options.

• Barrels with Non-Standard A5 Threading

  Problem: Some barrels advertise A5 threading but have minor pitch or depth variations, causing wobbling or poor sealing.

  Workaround: Stick to trusted brands and verify fit through reviews.

• Specific Barrels That Do Not Fit

  • Tippmann Sniper Barrel
  • Empire Apex Barrel
  • Custom Products Combat Barrel
  • Flatline Barrel (designed exclusively for Tippmann A5s)

Tips for Choosing the Right Barrel

To pick the best aftermarket barrel for your Cronus, consider these factors:

• Length

  Options range from 8 to 16 inches. Longer barrels may improve accuracy but can feel bulky in close quarters, while shorter ones are easier to handle but might lose some precision.

• Material

  Aluminum is light and budget-friendly, stainless steel is tougher, and ceramic offers a slick interior for better performance—at a higher cost.

• Bore Size

  Matching the barrel’s internal diameter (e.g., .684, .686, .689 inches) to your paintballs enhances accuracy and efficiency. Standard paintballs are around .689 inches; test your paint for the best fit.

• Outer Diameter

  Ensure the barrel isn’t too wide for the barrel nut or shroud—check specs or reviews.

• Extras

  Features like porting (for quieter shots) or backspin (for range) can tailor the barrel to your playstyle.

Possible Workaround for Thicker Barrels

The barrel collar is made from cast aluminum. With tools like a Dremel and sanding bit, you might shave the inside to accommodate thicker barrels. Caution: This is a difficult mod and risks damaging your gun if done incorrectly.

Wrapping Up

An aftermarket barrel can elevate your Tippmann Cronus, but compatibility is key. Options like the Custom Products Classic, Lapco BigShot, and BigShot Assault fit well and perform reliably. Avoid barrels with oversized diameters, those under 12 inches with the Tactical shroud, or specific models like the Flatline, as they’ll complicate your setup.

Take time to research—check barrel specs, read player reviews, and match length, material, and bore size to your needs. With the right choice, you’ll boost your accuracy, range, and fun on the field. Happy shooting!

If there is a specific barrel that is not listed that you want compatibility information on, please let us know.  We will research it for you.