New 'Numpty' questions on C02 pistol maintenance.

[gingernut]

Isn’t that food grade co2?

[MrChipShoulder]

Thank you guys, I have a good idea what I'm doing now

[Aimstraight]

Less is more. Like others I add a spot of oil on the top of the occasional bulb before it is pierced. I have come to wonder whether it actually has much benefit. The piercing pin on many pistols is tiny, so not much oil would get forced up by the CO2 onto the internal valve seal, most of the spot of oil probably sits on the neck/interface seal. That probably has some benefit in keeping that seal compliant. I know of one example where the interval valve seal of a CP88 was leaking and Pellgunoil cured it; not sure how it was administered to get a beneficial amount into the valve.

[Paul55]

Along with not leaving a Co2 cap in a gun for weeks, don't over tighten the piercing mechanism. On the CP88 pop in you Co2 cap and take up the slack with the knurled nut, that's all it needs. Closing the foot of the grip achieves the piercing. It's the overtightening of caps in pistols & revolvers that leads to the deformation of the seal & leaks.

[gingernut]

Top Tips from Paul.

I always wrap my pistols before storage in their foam cases.
Oil and foam can discolour finishes.
Also stand the cases up rather than lay flat to avoid pressure rashes.

Having done all of the things suggested here be aware that there are many exceptions to the rules.

I have bought Umarex pistols that have been badly stored with co2 in ,and neglected but they look and shoot fine.
I’ve bought Gallery Queens and new ones that shoot poorly or have other defects.

Annoying!