How to Take Care of Your Airsoft Gun | Blog | Socom Tactical – Socom Tactical Airsoft

Q: Do I Need to Lubricate My Airsoft Gun?

Yes, regular lubrication is essential for optimal performance. Use silicone oil on moving parts, such as the hop-up and gearbox, to reduce wear and prevent malfunctions. Avoid petroleum-based products, as these can damage internal components.

Q: Should I Leave Gas in My Airsoft Gun?

No, you should not leave gas in your airsoft gun. Storing the gun with gas can cause seals to deteriorate and lead to leaks, reducing the gun's performance and longevity. Always release any remaining gas after use to prevent damage.

Q: Do Airsoft Batteries Drain When Not in Use?

Yes, airsoft batteries can drain when not in use due to a phenomenon called self-discharge. It's advisable to remove batteries from your gun and store them in a cool, dry place when not in use. Periodically check and recharge them to maintain their lifespan and performance.

Q: Is It OK to Leave the Battery in an Airsoft Gun?

No, leaving the battery in an airsoft gun can lead to battery drainage and potential damage to the gun’s electronic components. Always remove the battery after use and store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.

Airsoft guns are highly technical pieces of equipment that perform at a high level in intense, high-stakes situations, ergo, they're not cheap! That's why it's important to know how to take care of your airsoft gun to maintain performance and boost longevity.

Whether you're a beginner who wants to learn about the basics of looking after an airsoft weapon or you're an experienced player who's looking to take better care of the new upgrade you’ve just bought, we've got you covered.

Check out our basic maintenance tips and advice on the dos and don'ts of airsoft ownership.

Basic Airsoft Gun Maintenance Tips

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to taking care of your gun is how you maintain it. Although most modern airsoft guns are fairly low-maintenance, there are still some things you can do to keep them in optimum condition between skirmishes.

Here are some basic things you can do to keep your guns battlefield-ready and reduce the risk of damage or deterioration.

Cleaning Your Airsoft Gun

Regular Cleaning: After each game, wipe down your gun with a soft cloth. This removes dirt and debris or residue that can affect performance.
Barrel Cleaning: Use a cleaning rod and a piece of lint-free cloth to clean the inner barrel. Doing this every few games ensures your shots stay accurate.
Lubrication: Apply silicone oil to moving parts like the hop-up and gearbox. Avoid using petroleum-based products as they can damage components.

Checking for Damage

Visual Inspection: Before and after each use, check for any visible cracks or damage on the body and parts of the gun. This helps prevent malfunctions during play.
Tighten Screws & Bolts: Over time, screws and bolts can loosen due to vibrations. Regularly check and tighten them to ensure parts remain secure.

Storage Tips

Safe Storage: Store your airsoft gun in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can damage internal components.
Magazine Care: Remove the magazine and release any remaining tension in the spring to prolong its lifespan.

For more in-depth information about how to maintain your airsoft guns, check out our post about how to clean your airsoft gun.

What Causes Damage to Airsoft Guns?

Neglecting to clean and maintain your airsoft gun can lead to a number of issues that can affect both performance and longevity.

One of the most common problems is the build-up of dirt and debris, which can obstruct the inner barrel and reduce the accuracy and range of your shots.

Dirt and grime can also interfere with the moving parts, causing them to seize up or malfunction. It’s therefore important to lubricate these components to avoid excessive wear and tear, particularly in the gearbox and hop-up unit.

Improper storage practices can also cause significant damage to your airsoft gun. Exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity can warp plastic and metal parts, degrade seals, and affect the gun's overall functionality.

Storing the gun with the magazine loaded and the spring under tension can weaken the spring over time, reducing its ability to feed BBs correctly and diminishing performance.

Also, failure to inspect and tighten screws and bolts regularly can result in loose parts, which could lead to more failures during gameplay when you least expect it.

How to Store Your Airsoft Gun

Proper storage of your airsoft gun is a vital step in improving its longevity and performance.

We've put together some key tips and tricks to help you protect your gun while it's not in use and ensure it's ready to go when your next skirmish rolls around.

Disassemble if Possible: If your airsoft gun can be easily disassembled, do so before storing it. This helps reduce strain on specific parts and makes it easier to clean each component thoroughly.
Unload & Relax the Springs: Always remove the magazine and ensure there are no BBs remaining in the chamber. Release any tension on the springs to prevent long-term stress, which can weaken them.
Use a Gun Case or Bag: Store your airsoft weapon in a solid, padded gun case or bag to protect it from dust, dirt, and accidental knocks. This helps maintain your gun's structural integrity by minimising mechanical shocks.
Control the Environment: Keep your gun in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, which can cause warping or degradation of plastic parts. Avoid areas with high humidity that can lead to rust and corrosion of metal components.
Store Magazines Separately: If possible, store your magazines separately from the gun. Ensure they are also kept in a dry environment and regularly checked for any signs of wear or tear.
Check Periodically: If your weapon is in storage for a while (say, during the off-season), periodically check it to ensure that no rust, corrosion, or other signs of damage have developed. This allows you to catch any issues before they become major problems.

How to Transport Your Airsoft Gun

Properly transporting your airsoft gun is crucial for ensuring its safety and compliance with local firearms laws and gun-carrying regulations.

We recommend following these practices for everyone's safety when transporting your weapon from home to a skirmish site or shooting range.

Use a Gun Case or Bag: Invest in a quality gun case or bag to transport your airsoft gun. A padded case will protect your weapon from bumps and scratches during transit. This also ensures that the gun is not visible, which is important for security and legal reasons.
Unload the Gun: Always make sure your airsoft gun is unloaded before transporting it. Remove the magazine and clear any BBs from the chamber at the end of your game. This helps prevent accidental discharge and reduces strain on the gun's internal components.
Locking Mechanism: If your gun case comes with a locking mechanism, use it. Keeping your airsoft gun secure not only prevents unauthorised access but also adds an extra layer of safety during transport.
Separate the Ammo: Transport BBs and any gas canisters separately from your gun. This is both a safety measure and a common requirement in many areas to distinguish between an operational firearm and an airsoft weapon.
Avoid Public Display: When moving your airsoft gun from your home to your car or any other location, try to do so discreetly. Public display of airsoft guns may cause unnecessary concern or panic, especially if you have a realistic imitation firearm.
Follow Legal Requirements: Always stay informed about the laws and regulations regarding the transportation of airsoft guns in your area. These rules can vary significantly between regions, and compliance is essential to avoid legal trouble.
Keep Documentation Handy: Carry identification and any necessary permits that prove your airsoft gun is for sporting purposes. This can be useful if you are questioned by authorities during transportation.

What to Avoid With Different Gun Types

Of course, as much as there are things you should be doing to prevent damage and increase the lifespan of your gun, there are things that should be avoided in order to increase the longevity of your weapon.

Here's a table outlining the most important things to avoid for the three most popular types of airsoft guns.

Type of Gun	Things to Avoid
All Airsoft Guns	- Dry Firing: Don't fire the gun without BBs. This can wear down internal parts. - Improper Lubrication: Use the correct type and amount of lubricant for your specific gun. Over-lubrication can attract dirt and grime. - Storing Loaded: Avoid storing your gun with a loaded magazine or BBs in the chamber. This can put unnecessary stress on the spring and internal components. - Rough Handling: Don't drop your gun or throw it around. This can damage delicate parts.
AEGs (Electric)	- Low Battery: Don't completely drain your battery before recharging it. This can shorten the battery life. - Overheating: Let your AEG cool down after extended use to prevent overheating the motor.
GBB (Gas Blowback)	- Extreme Temperatures: Avoid using your GBB gun in very hot or cold weather. This can affect the performance of the gas. - Improper Gas: Use the correct type of gas designed for your GBB gun.
Spring Powered	- Rapid Firing: Don't "slam fire" your spring gun by repeatedly pulling the trigger without letting the piston complete its cycle. This can damage the spring and internal components.

The Importance of Buying a Quality Airsoft Gun

Investing in a quality airsoft gun can make your experience and performance even better. While cheaper models might be tempting due to their lower cost, they often have drawbacks that can negatively impact your gameplay and lead to higher costs over time.

Quality airsoft guns offer superior performance, increased accuracy, and greater durability, making them a smart choice for both beginners and experienced players.

These high-quality guns are cost-effective in the long run because they are built to withstand extensive use and wear.

Enhanced safety features reduce the risk of injury, and the guns can even be customised to suit preferences and playing styles.

Though they may cost more upfront, these superior airsoft guns save money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs, ultimately improving the overall gameplay experience.

Investing in a quality airsoft gun also boosts a player's confidence and satisfaction during matches, leading to a more competitive atmosphere.

Don't Skimp on Replacement Parts Either

Choosing cheap replacement parts for your airsoft gun can harm its performance and longevity.

While saving money on inexpensive components might be tempting, these parts often lack the durability and precision of higher-quality options.

Cheap parts can cause frequent malfunctions, inconsistent performance, and even permanent damage to your gun. They may also not fit properly, leading to extra wear and tear on other components.

Investing in reputable, high-quality replacement parts ensures smoother operation and better reliability, extending your airsoft gun's overall life.

Just like with the initial purchase, opting for quality over cost with replacement parts is a smart investment, helping to keep your performance levels at an all-time high during skirmishes.

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Key Takeaways: Look After Your Airsoft Gun With Socom Tactical

Taking proper care of your airsoft weapon is crucial for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan.

At Socom Tactical, we offer a wide range of products and expert advice to help you keep your airsoft gun in optimum condition.

From high-quality replacement parts to essential maintenance tools, we've got everything you need to ensure your weapon performs at its very best every time you hit the battlefield.

Shop our full range of gun bags and more to help keep your airsoft weapon safe and secure.

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