How To Clean Airsoft Gun

Introduction

Airsoft guns are nifty pieces of toy gun technology that have become wildly popular among people of all ages. Whether you're a savvy veteran playing out skirmishes with friends or a casual hobbyist tinkering with fake firearms in the backyard, airsoft guns need to be cleaned regularly to maintain a consistently high performance. Need to know how to clean an airsoft gun? Read on for an 8-12 step guide to unlocking the best performance from your airsoft guns.

Step 1: Unload Your Airsoft Gun

The first essential step for any maintenance routine is to unload your airsoft gun. Always handle your airsoft gun as if it is actually a real gun, by understanding and implementing the four cardinal rules of firearm safety:

1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded

2. Never point the gun at anything you do not intend to shoot

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot

4. Be aware of your target and what's beyond your target

Always make sure that the airsoft gun is totally unloaded, and never assume that the magazine is emptied, and no rounds are in the chamber. Next, take off any accessories, such as scopes, clips, and bipods.

Step 2: Clean Exterior of Airsoft Gun

Once your gun is unloaded, it's time to start cleaning your airsoft gun's exterior. To avoid any damage while cleaning, use a basic plastic cleaning brush to clean the outside of the gun. You can do this by wiping away dirt and debris from the surface. Be sure to use a cleaning cloth or masking tape whenever necessary to avoid scratching or marring any of the details.

Step 3: Scrub the Inside of the Barrel

This step involves carefully taking apart most of the internal bits. Refer to the manual that came with the gun, for proper disassembly and reassembly. The ideal way to efficiently remove any dirt or debris from the inside is to use a soft bottle-brushing tool, soaked in cleaning solution, and scrubbing the dirt off the inside of the barrel. Be sure to not put the brush too deep into the barrel, as this could damage the barrel.

Step 4: Clean the Internal Parts

Next, move on to the internal parts of the airsoft gun. Start by removing the trigger assembly, cylinder, hop-up assembly, and magazine. Pay attention to the details of taking these pieces apart, as some internal parts could be springs or pins and you don't want to damage them. To clean each piece, use a small brush and cotton swab to ensure that all the small crevices are being cleaned.

Step 5: Lubricate All Components

Once all the internals and externals are free of debris and dirt, it's time to lubricate all the components. Again, refer to your owner's manual for a list of the oil, grease, and lubricant types that are suitable for your gun. Also, make sure to use silicone oil for the hop-up rubber piece, as this will give your gun more power. Finally, use a few drops on each metal part, such as the spring, gearbox, and other rotating parts.

Step 6: Reinstall All Internal Parts

Upon properly lubricating your airsoft gun internals, you can then reinstall all the parts. Make sure that the spring is pressed down properly, and all screws and pins are securely locked in place. Also, pay attention to any rubbing parts, such as the cylinder head and the piston, and add a bit of lubricant as needed.

Step 7: Test-Fire the Gun

Now it's time to fire up your airsoft gun and see if it's working properly. It's best to do this test-fire in an enclosed environment, such as a shooting range, and always subject your gun to short bursts of firing (5-10 shots) rather than holding down the trigger for a long time.

Step 8: Check Your BBs

Finally, it's important to check your airsoft gun's BBs. Ideally, use .25 or .23, or higher grade BBs to get the most out of your gun. It is also recommended to check for any deformities or nicks on the BBs, since these can cause jamming in the gun.

Summary

Spending the time to regularly clean and maintain your airsoft gun is essential for consistently good performance. The steps mentioned here will help you clean your airsoft gun properly, and maximize its performance. ALWAYS make sure to treat your airsoft gun as if it were a real gun, and never point it at something you don't intend to shoot. Have fun and stay safe!