Air guns are a type of gun that uses compressed air to fire projectiles. These guns come in a variety of sizes and can be used for recreational purposes, hunting, or even self-defense. Air guns are popular because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. But how long will they last? Find out below.
How Long Do Air Guns Last?
The lifespan of an airgun depends on the type of airgun it is and how it was made. Older spring air guns could last many decades of use because of their construction. All that would be needed to keep it operating is to oil it and replace the seals and springs when they wear out.
Today’s air guns are made of synthetic materials that can last much longer than past models if they are well taken care of. Unfortunately, if an air gun lasts long enough, the parts may not be manufactured anymore for that model.
What Can Damage An Air Gun?
Air guns usually become damaged by accident before they wear out from use. This is influenced by the person using it and the wrong person can destroy an air gun in a short period of time. Air guns are damaged due to the following reasons:
- Disassembly followed by faulty reassembly.
- Dry-firing
- Too much oil is applied to the piston.
- Over-cleaning of the barrel.
- Pulling the trigger with the barrel open (which will destroy the spring mechanism).
C02 Pellet Gun Lifespan
No C02 air gun will be maintenance-free, and will at some point require refurbishment. This could be needed within weeks or after many years of ownership. However, if treated with metal protection oil or a coating, the gun itself can last many decades.
C02 pellet guns have an issue related to their seals, which can go bad after some time. Since C02 air guns are often the least expensive, they suffer from poor-quality seals and o-rings. If the cheaper seals are replaced with good quality ones, a C02 air gun can last many years.
How To Extend An Air Gun’s Lifespan
Extending the lifespan of an air gun is not very difficult and only requires the most basic care. This includes:
- Store it in a dry place.
- Lubricate the moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Clean it and protect it with a light oil coating.
- Do not leave it out in the rain or in a moist area.
For more information regarding this, see our post Air Gun Maintenance and Care Tips.
Perhaps a bigger problem for air gun owners is misplacing the gun. Moving residences, placing them in storage units, or lending them to a friend or family member could lead to them being lost. Some owners simply forget where it is after a lengthy period of not using it.
How Long Do Air Gun Seals Last?
There is more than one type of air gun seal. There are breech seals and piston seals. Breech seals are located at the contact point between the barrel and the main gun trigger area. These protect the barrel each time the air gun is reloaded when the lever mechanism is opened. The piston seals attach to the end of the internal piston firing rod.
Air gun seals can last several thousand firings. If they wear out, they can be replaced and are fairly inexpensive. Changing the piston seal will require taking the main gun area apart. Replacing the breech seal is easier and only requires opening the reload lever.
To Close
Air guns can last a surprisingly long time for many people if they are treated well and do not sustain too much wear and tear. What’s more important, however, is to stay safe while using them. This includes wearing proper eye protection.
For more information about air gun sound levels, see our post How Quiet Are Air Guns?
- RWS Air Gun Shooter’s Gun Cleaning Kit and Targets Review - July 26, 2023
- Motanar .177/.22 4.5mm/5.5mm Air Rifle Barrel Cleaning Kit Review - July 26, 2023
- Raiseek .177 Cal & .22 Cal Airgun Cleaning Kit Review - July 26, 2023
