December 23rd, 2019
5minute read
The term airgun covers a broad set of categories.
Its kind of like using the phrase internal combustion vehicles.
Those might be cars, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts, tractors, and even airplanes.
There are airguns powered by CO2 cylinders like the Springfield Armory XD-M and M1 Carbine made by Air Venturi.
There are other airgun types that create their compressed air charge through a manual cocking motion.
The last big category is called pre-charged pneumatic.
But first, lets start with whats common to all airguns, except maybe airbows and the like.
Barrel Maintenance
Cleaning airgun barrels is a complex operation, so pay close attention to these instructions.
Its rare that you must clean an airgun barrel.
Just not anywhere near the same rate as you see with firearms.
Many airguns go their whole life without the bore scrubbing that centerfire shooters dread.
Wanna know something crazy?
Many Olympic shooters never clean their airgun barrels.
With that said, there are some cases where youll want to clean the barrel.
Anytime you contaminate it with outside debris, itll need a cleaning.
Think dropping your airgun in the mud and plugging the muzzle.
There are some other cases where a simple barrel cleaning is in order.
Over time and many shots, you might find that accuracy wanes.
Usually this results from light lead build up.
In those cases, you might get a touch of lead build-up.
If you do observe that, clean the barrel.
You also might see a spot of rust now and then, even on a brand new airgun bore.
Most airgun barrels are made of soft steel (and sometimes brass) so rust can start.
Theres also the case of storage.
If youre not shooting a lot, rust can accumulate.
Do not use traditional gun cleaning solvents.
Depending on the key in of airgun you have, those solvents may eat up seals and gaskets.
These come in handy as a rust preventative treatment too.
Be sure to dry the excess with a clean patch.
Airgun barrels are much softer than traditional firearm barrels and can be damaged more easily.
If you could, use a pull through method from the breech to bore.
Some of the OTIS Technology kits have extra small cleaning cables and loops that will fit through .177 bores.
The cables are coated and loops are made of brass, so its gentle on the bore.
If you have to use a rod, confirm its a coated or aluminum one and be careful.
All it’s crucial that you do is pick up some Crosman Pellgun Oil.
This accomplishes a couple of things.
First, it keeps the seal area lubricated and airtight so the gun and cylinder dont leak CO2.
Its a self-lubricating approach and is generally all you need.
Read the owners manual and follow it precisely.
High pressure and flammable materials dont mix and can ignite or explode!
All in all, airguns are super easy to maintain.
Read the manual and dont assume that firearm procedures and materials apply to airguns.
