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MaintenanceJuly 2026

How to Maintain Your CO2 Airgun for Maximum Lifespan

A well-maintained CO2 pistol will last decades. Neglect the basics and you will face leaks, jams, and poor accuracy within months. Here is exactly what to do — and when.

CO2 airguns are robust, but they are precision instruments with rubber seals and metal parts that need occasional care. The good news: basic maintenance takes less than 10 minutes and can keep your gun performing perfectly for years.

After Every Shooting Session

1. Remove the CO2 Cartridge

Never store your CO2 gun with the cartridge installed. Even a "sealed" valve allows microscopic CO2 leakage over time. CO2 is slightly acidic under pressure and will degrade the o-ring seal around the piercing pin. Remove the cartridge after every session by loosening the cap until you hear the residual gas vent safely.

2. Wipe Down External Surfaces

Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe down all external metal surfaces. If you shot outdoors and the gun got damp, use a slightly oily cloth (gun oil, not WD-40). WD-40 is a water displacer, not a lubricant — do not use it on internal parts.

3. Clear the Magazine/Feed Mechanism

Remove any remaining BBs or pellets. BBs left in magazines for extended periods can cause feeding jams, especially in spring-loaded stick magazines.

Every 200–300 Shots: Barrel Cleaning

Lead pellets in particular leave residue in the barrel. Use a cleaning rod with a patch of lightweight gun oil or dedicated airgun barrel cleaning solvent:

  1. Insert from the muzzle end (never from the breech if possible)
  2. Run a lightly oiled patch through once
  3. Follow with a dry patch to remove excess oil
  4. Never use steel wool or abrasive materials

Steel BB guns need less frequent barrel cleaning than pellet guns, but still benefit from an occasional clean patch run-through.

Every 1,000 Shots or Annually: O-Ring Lubrication

The o-ring on the CO2 cartridge seat is the single most important seal in your gun. It prevents gas from leaking past the cartridge neck. To lubricate it:

  1. Apply 1–2 drops of silicone oil (not petroleum oil — it degrades rubber) to the tip of the new CO2 cartridge before installing
  2. Or apply a tiny amount of silicone grease to the o-ring directly with a cotton swab

The silicone will spread through the valve when the gun fires, lubricating internal seals as well. This is the single most effective maintenance step you can do.

Important: Only use silicone-based lubricants on CO2 gun internals. Petroleum-based oils (WD-40, 3-in-1, motor oil) will swell and damage rubber o-rings.

Troubleshooting: Gas Leaks

If you install a cartridge and hear gas leaking from the muzzle or the cartridge housing:

  • Leak from cartridge area: The piercing pin o-ring has failed. Replace the o-ring (most gun manufacturers sell seal kits)
  • Leak from muzzle with no trigger pull: The exhaust valve is stuck open or damaged. Requires professional service
  • Leak after several days in storage: Normal if cartridge was left installed — remove and reinstall

Long-Term Storage (3+ Months Without Use)

  • Remove CO2, BBs, and magazines
  • Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all external metal surfaces
  • Apply a drop of silicone oil to the cartridge o-ring area
  • Store in a padded case in a cool, dry environment
  • If storing in a humid climate (monsoon), include a silica gel desiccant pack in the case

Need silicone oil, cleaning patches, or other maintenance supplies? Shop our accessories range. Have a technical issue? Contact our Mohali service team.

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