What is the best way of maintaining our GBB pistols?

[FotisN]

I would like to know that since I intend to keep them for a lifetime (is it possible?). Right now, I use a silicone spray for the rubber parts and gun oil for the metal parts. Of course, I am careful as far as where each of the above will be applied. But, is there anything else that I should know? When I am not going to use the pistols for a long time, is there something I must do to maintain its perfect condition?

Thank you very much!

[John]

I do not know if those things would last you for a life time, I guess the rubber parts will eventually deteriorate to the point of not offering any sealing, even if you constantly keep them well-lubed, but I do not know. I'll let others chime in on this one.

[FotisN]

This is my biggest concern. Rubber parts. You see, all the GBB I own, do not olny serve the purpose of collection. They are used for training and fun. So I want all of my GBB pistols to work any time I need them. That is why I would like us to focus on long term maintenance. There has to be a way.

EDIT:

I just found an article related to maintenance of Airsoft weapons in general. Might be usefull: http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/ai...aintenance.htm

[Jerold]

I read something on another forum years ago that you should place your GBB's fully lubed and with a little gas in the mag and put it in a plastic bag - ziploc or similar. The lube keeps the rubber lubed and the bit of gas keeps the mag lubed and have a positive pressure so the mag won't dry up and fail.

I have quite a few GBB's that i started collecting back in the 90's. After I read that, I decided to give it a try. I don't know if it works or not, but I have this NBB replica of a S&W M6909 (I think) made by some unknown company and over time the mag was having leaking problems. Eventually, I just figured that it was done for and went into the "for display" bin. I lubed it and actually wrapped it in saran wrap and then into a ziploc and put it away. I recently went thru my stuff and unwrapped that NBB to see if it would work. That mag held gas and never leaked in the month or so that I had it out. I wrapped it up and put it away again when it got cold. Once it gets warmer, I'll take it out for another try.

I don't know if this method has any scientific merit, but it seemed to have fixed and lengthened the life of at least one of my gas pistols.

[kdogg]

Well, first off stop using the real gun own on the metal parts. They are designed to be used with silicone oil.

If any of your gun oil makes contact with the rubber seals, you are going to have issues sooner or later. Airsoft guns do not need real gun oil. They don't seen the type of abuse a real gun sees.

Really all you need to do is keep the clean and oiled. Also, keeping a little gas in the mags doesnt hurt things. Helps keep the seals tight and wet. If your going to store for long term, add some extra silicone to the mags before filling with gas. Also, they do not last for ever but you can extend there life by taking care of them.

You know what oil works great btw? 100% pure R/C car shock oil from like Team Losi. 10~15 weight. Can be bought at any R/C car hobby shop.

kdogg @ Empire Airsoft

[Wallen]

silicone oil is the most recomended but should be used only on certain parts. the plastic and rubber parts are always in greater danger of deterioration when exposed to other chemicals. To them, a damp cloth would be a better practice. The hop up will mulfunction if you get it lubed-no matter what kind, even water.

as for keeping the some gas in the mag, good airsoft gas products actually contain some lube in it.

[John]

An oil that has been recommended by several experienced airsoft players for fixing damaged o-rings and rubber seals in general is the power-steering oil. Give it a shot, it works fine for reviving old rubber rings.