" Is trial and error, discovering the perfect tube length for each style, the only way to really know? "
With twist ballpoints and click ballpoints I have the feeling that "trial and error" may be the only way.
The " purists " and " determinists " among us might advise us to just ... " measure and calculate " !
I have had several experiences of trying to do just that, but my efforts have never been fully successful . . . always some discrepancy occurred.
With the variety of pen refills that exist there definitely are length discrepancies .... not large but definitely significant .
And even if you " measure and calculate ", you potentially may have to then " compensate " to get what you want for your ideal pen format.
And there may be more than one way to " compensate ".
Do you shorten/lengthen the barrel ? . Do you grind a little off the Parker-style refill's plastic stub ?
And if you do " compensate " in such a way, what if you later replace the refill with another brand, say, of slightly different length ?
Personal preferences of customers and giftees come into it as well.
And, oh, by the way, Todd
@sorcerertd , the tip extension that you show in your photo above is " IDEAL ", ..... in MY opinion !! . . LOL

