Airsoft Gun Maintenance

Today's airsoft guns can be tweaked and modded to perform to the likes of just about any shooting or shooter style. You can add stronger springs for higher FPS, high speed gears for a faster ROF, tight bore barrels for more range and accuracy, and countless internal upgrades for added durability. There are also many little things you can do to maintain and improve the overall durability of your metal gearbox style airsoft gun.

The following is a short list of do's and do not's to help extend the durability and maintainability of your airsoft gun between full repair service sessions. This is not a complete list, just a few suggestions:

DO NOT
Use .12 gram bb's they are to light and will shatter when used.
Use petroleum based lubricants
Use used bb's
Upgrade airsoft guns beyond 400 FPS
Continue shooting a jammed airsoft gun...Unjam immediately or damage can occur.
Fire prolonged full auto burst of 1 minute or more
Continuously dry fire your airsoft gun
Over tighten screws

DO
Oil your AEG with 100% airsoft gun silicone oil
Clean and oil barrel after each game
Check your bb's for defective ones
Tighten all screws after each game
Perform motor adjustment when gear noise (whine) increases
Learn how to repair your airsoft gun



Airsoft guns are much like any other mechanical appliance or vehicle you own and must be maintained and serviced regularly for safe, continuous and proper operation. Spend some time in the off season learning to diagnose, tear down and rebuild your airsoft gun and find a good airsoft gun parts supplier and you will ultimately save yourself a lot of cash. Many common issues arise from worn parts that need to be replaced on an annual basis like the hop up rubber bucking and nub. Failing to properly assess and maintain these in a timely fashion can lead to more severe and costly repairs like a cracked air nozzle or broken tappet plate. For more in depth repairs and upgrades it may be best to send your gun to an airsoft gun repair center. In most cases a few minutes after each game performing simple preventative maintenance on your airsoft guns can keep you in the game "sharing the welts" twice as long as your competition.





Armsdealer...Out!

Airsoft Gun Diagnostics

If you use your airsoft guns on a regular basis sooner or later you will experience a broken airsoft gun. Properly diagnosing these issues can save you money and time. Preventative maintenance can help keep your airsoft guns firing under most conditions but the time will come when a bench repair is needed. If you need more airsoft gun repair tips visit us at:

http://www.airsoftgunrepair.com/

Here are some simple steps you can use the next time your airsoft gun needs troubleshooting:

Airsoft Gun Performance Diagnostics:

Symptoms = Airsoft Gun jams allot, Gun is not accurate and has a noticeable decline in distance. BB's may roll out of the barrel.

Diagnostics and Solutions:

1. Check, Clean and Oil Barrel

2. Remove inner barrel and hop up unit. Check bucking and re-align or replace as needed. Check hop up nub for wear.

Symptoms = Airsoft Gun Cycles (fires) but no bb's come out

Diagnostics and Solutions:

1. Check for Jammed BB's in barrel

2. Check magazine and magwell for problem.

3. Turn gun upside down and shine flashlight in bb entrance in magwell (where you insert your magazine) with hop up dialed off dry fire gun once or twice and see if the air nozzle is moving back and forth. If not tappet plate is most likely broken...bench repair needed.

Symptoms = Airsoft Gun Does Nothing

Diagnostics and Solutions:

1.Check battery

2.Check Fuse

3.Check all connections

4.Check motor leads

5. Bench repair needed

The Illustrations to the right show you where to make your airsoft motor adjustments I address in the next paragraph.

Symptoms = Airsoft Gun Makes a loud squealing noise when trigger is actuated.

Diagnostics and Solutions:

1. Make sure hand grip and all parts are tight and have no wobbles.

2. Perform airsoft gun motor adjustment by turning motor adjustment screw clockwise until resistance is felt. Now turn counter clockwise 2 or 2 1/2 turns. Try to fire gun. If you feel the motor trying to work continue adjusting 1/4 turn at a time until gun sounds smooth when firing.

3. Bench repair needed

Just a few more tips to keep in mind for the proper preventative maintenance of your airsoft gun:

1. Never Use Used BB's

2. Do not use .12 gram bb's in any gun that shoots 300 FPS

3. Only use seamless BB's

4. Stock guns will typically work best with .20 gram bb's

4. Oil your airsoft gun after each use

5. Clean your airsoft gun barrel after each use

Well thats all for now...Hope it Helps

Armsdealer...Out

Modified Airsoft Machine Gun Gears

Just got done testing out my newly modified SR16 airsoft machine gun at the ABZ airsoft gaming field and all I can say is WOW am I impressed with the new modify modular gear set. This "drop in" modification put my rate of fire in the 20+ BB per second range...For those of you who might be mathematically challenged that's 1200+ bb's a minute. I actually think its higher than that but the chronograph seemed to be giving conflicting readings and my magazines would skip now and then as well, so I will keep testing until I have a large average test group to base my findings on. *Note to Modify company....Please make full metal airsoft gun magazines that feed consistently!!

This had to be one of the easiest upgrades I have ever done and only took a total of about 10 minutes to completely install in my Echo1 Gearbox I now have dubbed the SCIRMINATOR. The hi speed modular gear set retails for 89.90 and comes with stainless bushings in 6 or 7mm sizes, that just drop into your Version 2 or 3 mechbox. The whole airsoft gear system is pre-shimmed and fits perfect. The bad news is these sets will not fit the re-inforced gearbox styles but fit well in the standard V2-V3 gearboxes.
At first run the gears were a tad noisy despite motor adjustments...but after using all day Saturday I noticed they "Burnt In" nicely and much of the original whirring noise was now completely gone. Sunday morning I sorted out my best Hi-capacity magazines and charged my largest FUBAR airsoft battery and headed out for a serious day of airsoft gaming. After getting chronoed in (387 FPS :) and an hour of extreme target practice, consisting of shooting magazine after magazine on full auto in short 1 second 20 round bursts O_O...... I was ready to deal a days worth of "airsoft funswelts". I have to say these drop in airsoft gun modular gear sets could be my favorite new airsoft product of the year and ruled this day.
The instructions provided are in English and very easy to follow with illustrations included. The Modify company has included a newly designed anti reverse lever that is included in the gear kit with some synthetic grease. The Kit features one simple, helpful innovation (a slotted anti reverse shaft) that airsmiths and airsoft home mechanics alike should appreciate. These new Modify parts have now grabbed my undivided attention and I am anxious to test more modify internal airsoft gun parts as they become available.

Till next time
Armsdealer

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements

JG 416 or 614 repairs Update after Field Test!

The new Echo1 Commando 614's that have begun showing up at airsoft fields and stores nationwide are pretty sexy looking airsoft machine guns. I recently had the opportunity to field one for the day and must say I was Pleased by the overall performance. When I first saw the odd size battery with a standard large connector (Ni-Ca 4/5sc 1500MaH 8.4V) I was a bit surprised....But a call to my local Wisconsin custom airsoft battery dealer and a new custom battery pack designed for the 614 is on its way. So this airsoft gun chronographed at 350-360 FPS and the accuracy pattern was pretty nice (70' to 100' = 12" inch average pattern) But the smooth firing and quiet operation is what was impressed on me the most as I plinked around the range.
Gotta have a look inside this baby....

SOooo about 20 minutes later, there I was with a brand new Echo1 614 in a complete state of disassembly and noticed a few unique airsoft gun design improvements in this version two mechbox. I like the smaller style automotive fuse...easy to replace.

Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements
Then there is the new gear design, featuring a thrust style bearing unit in the base of the bevel gear. Since this gear is responsible for the transfer of torque from the airsoft gun motor to the gearbox unit it will no doubt eliminate allot of stress and noise that normally exists in the motor to bevel gear transfer of energy in airsoft guns.

I see Echo1 is selling these as aftermarket airsoft gear sets and the standard size gears will fit most airsoft guns with version 2 or 3 standard gearboxes. Stay tuned for further reports on these these new Echo1 gear sets and how they hold up to my heavy trigger finger and add to the overall durability of my upgraded airsoft guns. I also have become a fan of the new black style gearboxes with the nickel plated cylinders.

This version 2 comes with a metal spring guide for added out of the box durability. The JG airsoft piston seems to be very durable and holds up to extreme full auto firing for sustained periods better than any airsoft piston we have tested to date. I also like the reinforced poly tappet plates they have been installing in the newest AEG releases.

JG 614 airsoft gun update
After extensive field testing and trials (shooting my friends) and a full bench assesment this gun ranks about a 6.5 on the BA scale. With a few mods it could easily become a 10. I did only a few simple internal durability upgrades like adding steel bushings and a NNA Power piston hub with a 110 spring and this gun was and "still is" shooting a solid 390 FPS.

Bottom line is the JG 416 614 or whatever you choose to call it is a very good airsoft gun for the money whether you are a noob, pro or just backyard airsofter looking for some trigger time. For the average 150 to 175 this airsoft gun costs it is well worth it. It has become a favorite backup weapon for airsoft games but will never replace my beloved SR-16 stoner rifle although I have been kinda google eyed over the new AGM full metal SR-16's and 416 style M4's that have just arrived....Mmmmm which one should I tear apart first! Guess I will save that for my next airsoft gun repair blog.

Till next time
Armsdealer
Airsoft Technician

Echo1 Airsoft Gun Gear Improvements

The new Echo1 Commando 614's that have begun showing up at airsoft fields and stores nationwide are pretty sexy looking airsoft machine guns.

I recently had the opportunity to field one for the day and must say I was Pleased by the overall performance. When I first saw the odd size battery with a standard large connector (Ni-Ca 4/5sc 1500MaH 8.4V) I was a bit surprised....But a call to my local Wisconsin custom airsoft battery dealer and a new custom battery pack designed for the 614 is on its way.

So this airsoft gun chronographed at 350-360 FPS and the accuracy pattern was pretty nice (70' to 100' = 12" inch average pattern) But the smooth firing and quiet operation is what was impressed on me the most as I plinked around the ABZ range.
Gotta have a look inside this baby....
SOooo about 20 minutes later, there I was with a brand new Echo1 614 in a complete state of disassembly and noticed a few unique airsoft gun design improvements in this version two mechbox. I like the smaller style automotive fuse...easy to replace. Then there is the new gear design, featuring a thrust style bearing unit in the base of the bevel gear. Since this gear is responsible for the transfer of torque from the airsoft gun motor to the mechbox unit it will no doubt eliminate allot of stress and noise that normally exists in the motor to bevel gear transfer of energy in airsoft guns. Also notable is the new style spur gear with a recessed bottom. Not sure what this does for performance and durability but I am sure it contributes to the lack of noise of this improved airsoft gun gear set.

I see Echo1 is selling these as aftermarket gear sets and the standard gears will fit most airsoft guns with version 2 or 3 standard gearboxes.

Stay tuned for further reports on these these new Echo1 gear sets and how they hold up to my heavy trigger finger and add to the overall durability of my upgraded airsoft guns.

Airsoft Gun Parts

Boy it sure has been hard lately to keep enough airsoft gun parts in stock, Can't seem to predict what repair or upgrade someone will need next. With all the new models available the parts needed by players just keeps expanding all the time. Just look for instance at the AK-47 and how many parts this airsoft gun and its version 3 Mechbox uses. Now times that by the other models and adaptations of just the AK and you begin to see the enormity of the situation.

M4 and M16 airsoft parts alone could fill up a small airsoft warehouse, now add to that the companies that make non standard guns (parts will not fit other airsoft guns) and you have many more options and parts to catalog.

Then there are the upgrade parts or "High Performance Airsoft Gun Parts" designed to increase your durability, FPS and accuracy. High torque gears, High speed gears, and hardened steel gears, don't forget the bore up cylinder sets and silent cylinder sets, spring guides with thrust bearings and tight bore barrels which brings up the importance of properly maintained hop up parts. Some guns feature a stock plastic style hop up and some have a full metal unit, but what is absolutely critical is that all parts are properly assembled and the bucking and nub are in good working order. Hop up unit rebuilding kits are available to purchase now as well.

Now if you look at both internal and External airsoft parts available the already large list turns into an encyclopedia size inventory sheet. That's why we tell our customers to call us if you are shopping for parts at our online airsoft gun parts store and do not find the part you need listed for sale. We probably have the airsoft part you are looking for...just not online yet. Many have asked about the ICS split mechbox parts and G&G L85 and other specialty parts. Yes we carry hard to find airsoft parts, and easy to find airsoft parts as well as upgrade and high performance parts. So the next time you need repair parts for your AEG swing by the Airsoft Battle Zone parts store or visit us at the airsoft gun repair website and see if "we have what you need" to get you back in the airsoft game quickly.

Airsoft AEG Upgrades Defined

Building custom, upgraded airsoft AEG's is a favorite pastime of mine. Many of these custom builds originate on the repair bench as airsoft g*n emergencies. Normally an old team loaner or some players ancient passed down, hand me down, aeg that needs reviving. Just like some people like to restore old vehicle's, I like to restore and upgrade old airsoft G*ns. On the AGR website I have added pictures of many of these custom airsoft restoration's and upgrades like the one above as well as some World War Two styles right up to present day M4 models with M203. At first look this appears to be nice, but nothing real special, just some sweet add ons. But Lets Take A Closer Look at the internals of this beast. This is what defines the upgrade and makes it a complete custom AEG.

The after market parts installed will improve the rate of fire and overall durability of this aeg mechbox. The steel aftermarket gears assure reliability and the solid transfer of extra torque that will be produced by the newly upgraded spring. The steel spring guide will handle increased shock on one end of the mechbox while the full metal cylinder and metal air nozzle will help dampen the extra piston vibration created at the front end. The trigger switch and wiring have been replaced with a low resistance replacement harness for maximum power delivery. This version two custom mechbox, installed in the full metal m4 above, add a metal hop up chamber and tightbore barrel and you have one clear definition of an airsoft upgrade. The Cost: priceless or maybe we should just say pricey!

Airsoft Gun Bearings VS Steel Bushings

So whats the better choice for your airsoft gun? Well my humble opinion is that steel bushings will outlast steel bearings by a year or more. Actually I have never replaced a set of steel bushings but I replace bad steel bearings on a regular basis. True bearings will gain you an extra 6-10 FPS but that small gain in velocity can cost allot in damage control.

Take a look at these 3 pictures of a version 2 gearbox that was brought in for repairs. All of this damage was caused by a high speed bearing failure. The sector gear was damaged as was the cylinder head, luckily the piston seems to have survived this crash.

This airsoft gun is only 6 months old and came with the 7mm bearings installed. A quick check for play at the gear ends after each use would reveal the problem before it causes this kind of damage. If more than 1mm of play is detected the mechbox should be serviced and the bearings should be replaced with 6 or 7mm oily steel bushings.

Save yourself the headache and switch your mechbox to oily steel hardened bushings the next time you service or have your airsoft gun serviced. If you are extremely concerned about fps then lap your gears during the installation process to break in the surface area and reduce friction. Visit our website for more DIY airsoft gun repair tips and tricks.

Upgrading A Classic Army M249

The C. A. MK249 is one solid piece of airsoft gun. For those of you that own one you know that this gun has a very high rate of fire out of the box. Put a Systema or other brand 120% spring in, do not worry about the stock gears they can take it. You will find your 249 will shoot around 380 fps. Only use 8.4 volt battery. With this one simple upgrade installed you will find your airsoft gun last longer and performs better on the field. For more tips and tricks visit my shop site located at www.airsoftgunrepair.com