Discovered that BB pistols in the 425 fps class can add a lot of fun to family get-togethers and so I'm now the owner of two CO2 versions, one is a Crosman revolver and the other is a modeled on a Beretta semi auto and includes full slide action (ironically, the Beretta is my very least favourite semi auto design). Anyway, the Beretta comes with instructions that warn it should never be stored with a CO2 cylinder in place as this will damage the seals that maintain pressure. Is this correct I wonder? It would explain all the air pistols I've seen that leak out at least half the cylinder pressures, if not all of it, as they are being installed. What strikes me as a good tip, one that came with both pistols, is to put a drop of air gun oil on the top of every cannister before piercing it- I stress the special oil because at the last family shoot I used regular gun oil and it produced a pretty spectacular dieseling effect in the hands of an 8 year old, kind of had old Big Bad concerned for the first few shots there.
CO2 air pistols, storing with the pressure cannisters in place is a bad idea?
- Thread starter Big Bad
- Start date
Weapontech
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- On my way to Hell in a handbasket
There is currently only one air pistol that I am aware of that allows it to be stored with a full (un-pierced) 12g cylinder - The Byrna SD launcher.
The CO2 cylinder is only pierced when the trigger is pulled the first time - toss it when done, load a new one in and leave it for the next time.
The CO2 cylinder is only pierced when the trigger is pulled the first time - toss it when done, load a new one in and leave it for the next time.
Weapontech
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- On my way to Hell in a handbasket
Ahh, good to know thanks. I wish more would use the tech.....
If I had to guess, I'd say the Byrna SD system looks like a shrunken Tippmann TiPX.
I always leave Co2 in my pistols, sometimes for a month or more between shooting sssions and it's never caused a problem with the seals. I think they just want you wasting Co2 so you buy more consumables.
I also leave pressure I'm my multi-pumps.
I also leave pressure I'm my multi-pumps.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
I believe it is recommended to leave pressure in multi pump guns.
It is. Which is why it doesn't make much sense to me that you should remove a Co2 can. My 2240 and 1322 have pretty much the exact same valve setup. Why is keeping it pressurized good for one but not the other? I've left gas canisters in my airsoft and pellet pistols for months at a time, for decades and they work fine.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
I don't think it is the pressure of the CO2 that is the problem but rather it is the pressure of the CO2 neck being tightened against the seal over time. Some also say the CO2 will dry out the seals if left in. Just what I heard but I have seen damaged seals caused by the little 12 gram cylinder necks. I can't speak to bulk fill except for maybe the theory that the CO2 will dry the seals over time.
A drop of Pellgunoil on a seal before piercing a CO2 cylinder will cure the seals. Even if a CO2 gun is in storage, a drop of Pellgunoil on the seal from time to time, will keep it lubricated and pliable.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Yes, a drop of pellgun oil on the seal from time to time helps if in storage. But we are talking about guns that are left for periods of time with the CO2 cylinder tightened against the seal. I have seen a number of guns with seals ruined that way and they were beyond being helped with pellgun oil.
I can absolutely see that happening, but think that could be partly on the operator too by overtightening the canister enough to squash the seal. I never crank mine down hard, just turn it in gently until it stops hissing. I even have an old crosman 357 that's still holding after almost 20 years on the same seal. That thing has been left for almost a year with gas cans in it at times.
