BACK

1. Clean and grease your guns regularly to keep them in top operating condition. Remember to often apply a light coat of silicone lubricant to all guns inside and out. Guns with blowback functions require silicone lubricant on the slides more often. Clean the barrel before and after use with a silicone lubricant, patch and rod. (Do not use real gun oil or lubricants like WD40)

2. Use only slippery seamless 6mm round ammo purchased from a reputable website. DO NOT reuse cheap ammo or ammo, they will malfunction and damage the gun.

3. Use a smart charger – this will add life and performance to your batteries. These chargers will not overcharge or damage the battery and must be used with all NiMh and LiPo batteries.

4. Use your firearm only with charged batteries. If your firearm is wearing out, remove the battery, replace it, and recharge it. DO NOT continue shooting with a low battery.

5. Keep the gun dry, water can damage each and every component of an AEG. Keep all bolts tight. The fall can also cause damage that cannot be repaired.

6. Always read the safety warnings and instructions shipped with each gun or component. You can learn a lot from pictures if you can’t read the language.

IT IS NOT

1. AEGs are not designed for continuous shooting. Maintain 1 to 5 second burst intervals to prevent your weapon from overheating. A hot gun can damage the gears or motor.

2. Never leave batteries in an airsoft gun when you have finished shooting for a long time.

3. If your gun jams, you must remove the jammed BB before firing again. Firing a jammed weapon will cause damage that may not be repairable.

4. Never charge your charger more than 80% of its capacity. Full charge will cause the spring to loosen and the charger will not function properly.

5. Never tamper with or try to remove the orange tip of your firearm. This is illegal (federal) and some local governments have very strict laws protecting the orange tip.

6. Never discard the Owner’s Manual for your gun or components; It will be a valuable maintenance tool. Read them!

BATTERIES

NiCad (nickel-cadmium) batteries were the first to be used in airsoft guns, but due to their limitations they are only included in today’s inexpensive guns. These batteries must be completely discharged by a “discharger” to avoid battery memory and therefore a much less complete charge. A large number of vendors have stopped selling NiCad batteries. Please discharge NiCad batteries before storing!

NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) The current air soft battery is the most widely used and the safest. It can be recharged without having to download it. These batteries are inexpensive, stable, and suitable for modern airsoft guns.

LiPo (lithium polymer) Known for their use in mobile phones and other devices, they are now used in the airsoft market. These batteries provide lighter weight and the same fast firing from fully charged to nearly depleted. A LiPo battery will fire a gun at the same RPM as a NiMh with less voltage. A 7.4v LiPo should be used to replace a 9.6 NiMh, to avoid gear damage, however a high-end airsoft gun with metal gears may not be necessary.

I’ll be back with tips on spring care and Airsoft gas guns.