Buying an airsoft gun and never maintaining it is like owning a car and never changing the oil—it might work fine at first, but sooner or later, problems will catch up with you. Regular cleaning and maintenance aren’t just about keeping your airsoft gun in top shape; they’re essential for extending its lifespan and ensuring peak performance on the field.
If you’re unsure where to start, Airsoft Station has you covered. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your airsoft gun, whether it’s an AEG, spring-powered, or gas-powered model. Keep your gear in prime condition and ready for action with the right maintenance routine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Airsoft Gun?
Regular maintenance keeps your airsoft gun performing at its best. You don’t need to clean it after every shot, but after a full day at the field, especially when firing hundreds of rounds, a thorough cleaning is a smart move.
It may seem like a hassle, but with the right tools and techniques, cleaning your airsoft gun takes about 15 minutes. A little upkeep goes a long way in preserving performance, preventing malfunctions, and extending the lifespan of your gear.
What Tools Will You Need?
Having the right tools makes airsoft gun maintenance much easier. If your gun didn’t come with essential cleaning tools, there are a few you’ll want to pick up. The most important is a barrel cleaning/unjamming rod. This tool not only helps remove lodged BBs in case of a jam but also allows you to attach cleaning patches to scrub the inside of the barrel, keeping your gun in top condition.
Cleaning patches are widely available at airsoft retailers, but if needed, patches designed for real firearms can be trimmed to size. You can also make your own by cutting up an old t-shirt or similar fabric. Many pre-lubricated patches come with gun oil to prevent rust on metal components. If yours aren’t pre-lubricated, having a bottle of gun oil is a must.
For deeper cleaning, you may also need a small screwdriver or a set of Allen keys to disassemble your airsoft gun when necessary. Maintaining your airsoft gun becomes a quick and hassle-free task with the right tools.
What Are the Most Important Parts to Focus On?
Every airsoft gun has unique internal components, and maintenance needs can vary depending on the type of gun. An electric AEG, for example, operates differently from a spring-powered or gas-powered model, requiring different upkeep. However, some key areas are crucial for all airsoft guns, regardless of their platform.
This section covers the essential components and maintenance priorities that apply to every airsoft gun. In the next section, we’ll examine platform-specific cleaning and maintenance techniques to keep your gear in top condition.
Gun Barrel Maintenance
The inner barrel of an airsoft gun is typically made from steel, aluminum, or brass, all of which are susceptible to corrosion if not properly maintained. Keeping the barrel clean and well-lubricated is essential to ensuring long-term performance and accuracy.
To prevent rust and buildup, always use a cleaning patch soaked in gun oil specifically designed to protect against corrosion. Regular barrel maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your airsoft gun but also keeps your shots consistent and precise.
Beyond preventing corrosion, regular barrel cleaning is crucial for removing built-up residue and debris that can impact performance. Each time a BB is fired, tiny plastic flakes can rub off inside the barrel. Over time, these flakes, along with dust and dirt, accumulate, leading to decreased accuracy and efficiency.
Running a cleaning patch through your barrel after extended use helps clear out any buildup, ensuring your airsoft gun stays in top condition for your next game. A well-maintained barrel means better precision and reliability on the field.
Exterior Maintenance
Most exterior components of an airsoft gun are made from plastic or metal and require minimal upkeep beyond an occasional wipe-down. However, any metal parts on your gun need extra attention to prevent rust and corrosion.
After each use, apply a light coat of gun oil to metal components to keep them protected and in top condition. A quick cleaning routine ensures your airsoft gun remains durable, looks great, and performs flawlessly over time.
Lubrication
Beyond the inner barrel, several internal components in your airsoft gun require regular lubrication to keep them functioning smoothly. The specific parts and access points vary depending on the model, but routine maintenance is simple.
For basic lubrication, access the gun’s action through the magazine well or by sliding back the bolt. A quick spray of lubricant in these areas helps keep internal mechanisms running efficiently. For gas pistols and rifles, occasional disassembly is needed for a more thorough application. In the next section, we’ll break down the proper lubrication techniques for each airsoft gun type.
Platform-Specific Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper airsoft gun maintenance starts with understanding how to disassemble and reassemble your specific model to access and clean its internal components. While this might seem intimidating at first, the process is usually straightforward, even for beginners.
The exact steps vary depending on your gun type, but cleaning the inner barrel and wiping down exterior components are essential for all models. In the next section, we’ll cover the specific cleaning and maintenance techniques for different airsoft platforms to help keep your gear in peak condition.
Electric Airsoft Gun Maintenance
Maintaining an electric airsoft gun (AEG) primarily involves keeping the gearbox in top condition. While different models may have slight variations, the overall maintenance process remains similar. Disassembling and reassembling a gearbox can be complex, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to take your gun to a trusted airsoft technician for servicing.
Start by carefully disassembling your AEG to remove the gearbox and motor. Some AEGs don’t have a traditional gearbox, in which case you should remove all internal components while keeping track of their placement. Labeling parts can help with reassembly.
Next, degrease all moving parts. You can soak the gears in acetone or a degreasing solution, or simply use a tissue and isopropyl alcohol to wipe them clean. Be cautious—some plastic and rubber components may react poorly to harsh chemicals, so choose a cleaner that effectively removes oil and grease without damaging non-metal parts.
After degreasing all components, use a clean rag to dry them thoroughly before applying a thin layer of grease or lubricant to all moving parts. Precision is key—applying too little lubrication won’t reduce wear and tear, while too much grease can clog the gearbox, potentially interfering with electronics and causing malfunctions.
While the gun is still disassembled, take a moment to inspect the motor. If your AEG uses a brushed motor, check the carbon brushes—these wear down over time and need replacing when nearly depleted. If a replacement is needed, ensure the new motor has the same RPM unless you’re planning an upgrade. Also, examine the pinion gear for any microfractures or cracks, as damaged gears can affect performance and should be replaced before reassembly.
The final step is to carefully reassemble your airsoft gun by placing all internal components back into the gearbox and ensuring everything is properly aligned before securing the AEG back together. Once everything is in place, connect the battery and fire a few test shots to confirm the smooth operation. If everything runs as expected, your AEG is fully serviced and ready for action!
Spring Gun Maintenance
Maintaining a spring-powered airsoft gun is similar to cleaning a gas gun but even more straightforward. Simply disassemble the bolt assembly, degrease and lubricate each component, and then reassemble the gun. Unlike gas guns, spring-powered models don’t require silicone oil, and unlike AEGs, nogearbox needs disassembly and cleaning.
However, one critical part to focus on is the spring itself. Ensure it is properly lubricated to maintain its strength and prevent unnecessary wear over time. With just a little routine maintenance, a spring airsoft gun can remain reliable and perform consistently for years.
FAQ’s
Do airsoft guns need to be cleaned?
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining airsoft guns. It helps extend their lifespan and ensures optimal performance by preventing dirt buildup, misfeeds, and internal wear. Proper maintenance also reduces the chances of jamming and enhances shooting accuracy. Neglecting to clean an airsoft gun can lead to malfunctions and decreased efficiency over time.
Can I use Vaseline on my airsoft gun?
Vaseline is not recommended for airsoft guns as it lacks the durability and heat resistance of silicone grease. It can degrade rubber components and attract dust, leading to poor performance. Instead, use high-quality silicone oil or grease specifically designed for airsoft guns to ensure smooth operation and protect internal parts.
Are airsoft guns rainproof?
Most airsoft guns can handle light rain since they are made of waterproof materials like metal and plastic. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rust or damage electronic components. Wooden parts may also swell or degrade if not properly sealed. To protect your gun, dry it thoroughly after playing in wet conditions.
How often should I oil my airsoft gun?
Airsoft guns should receive basic maintenance, including lubrication, every 2-3 game days to keep them functioning smoothly. A more thorough cleaning and inspection should be done at least once a year to prevent wear and tear. Regularly oiling moving parts ensures reliability, prevents rust, and extends the gun’s lifespan.
