Every 1000 Shots
The lubrication of any mechanical device is critical for long-term enjoyment.
Lubrication of moving parts and seals ensures proper function and extends
the life of the product—be it a vehicle engine, circulating fan,
or a door hinge. Without proper lubrication, moving parts and seals will
be subject to excessive wear and a shortened life. Your air rifle is
no exception. Following are five points on an air rifle that should be
lubricated at 1000 shot intervals (or after every two tins of 500 count
RWS pellets). Remember, before doing any maintenance always make
sure your gun is unloaded and un-cocked.
Piston Seal
 The piston seal requires regular maintenance in order for your air rifle
to achieve optimum performance. With proper lubrication the seal moves
smoothly in the compression chamber, experiences less wear and therefore
an extended life. If the pistol seal becomes worn, air is allowed to
escape from the compression chamber, which will reduce pellet velocity.
After every 1000 shots, apply two drops of RWS
Chamber Lube down in
the compression chamber port. You can use a 3-1/2
inch applicator needle that attaches directly to your RWS Chamber Lube bottle to ease this
application. R egardless of brand, be sure to us a non-petroleum based
lubricant. Regular types of petroleum-based oils will cause your gun
to diesel. Dieseling is the explosion created by the igniting of petroleum-based
oil in the compression chamber due to the extreme air temperature created
when the air rifle is discharged.
Breech Seal
The breech seal is a rubberized O-ring located at the back of the barrel
where the pellet is seated. If this seal dries out, air can escape
which will diminish the velocity of your air rifle. Apply one drop
of RWS Chamber Lube to the outer edge of the breech seal after every 1000 shots.
Main Spring
 The main spring should be lubricated to maintain proper flex and free
movement. Some air rifles require the stock be removed to access this
area. We recommend applying 6 drops of RWS
Spring Cylinder Oil to the
main spring. Again, every 1000 shots is key.
Hinges and Pivot Points
Anything that moves is subject to sticking or squeaking if not lubricated.
After every 1000 shots use RWS Spring Cylinder Oil to lube the hinges
of triggers and pivot points on break barrel rifles. Just one drop
is all it takes. Oil the hinges of cocking arms on under-lever and
side-lever air rifles as well as the bolt on bolt-action models like
the 850 Air Magnum. Don’t forget to occasionally lube the threads
of the exchangeable barrel retainer or the hinge of the pawl on the
Hämmerli X2 dual caliber air rifle.
The Barrel
Without cleaning and lubrication, your air rifle’s barrel can experience
a build-up of debris or even worse, rust. Any obstruction in the barrel
will result in diminished velocity and very poor accuracy. After every
1000 shots clean the rifle bore with RWS
Bore Cleaner & Degreaser.
Apply this solution to a clean patch and pass through the barrel from
the breech end if possible. Then, use a bore brush with nylon bristles
to further loosen remaining deposits of lead and debris. Next, run clean
patches and the Bore Cleaner & Degreaser through the bore until they
appear clean upon exiting the barrel. Finally, run a patch, lightly oiled
with RWS Spring Cylinder Oil, through the barrel. Always push the patch
from the breech end if possible. An RWS
Flexible Cleaning Rod may help
with this process.
One final note: Too much lubrication can be damaging to your air rifle.
Apply only the recommended amount.
Paying attention to these five areas on your air rifle should provide you
with many years of air rifle shooting. Should you have any questions, you
may contact
Umarex USA’s service department by phone or e-mail. |