Gas airsoft guns are a great choice for players who want a more realistic experience. Recoil, authentic controls, and the sound of the shot are the main attractions of gas-powered guns. But every fun comes at a cost. Unlike AEGs (electric guns), gas guns require more maintenance. Why? Gas leaves residue, dries out seals, and puts much more strain on moving parts. Without regular maintenance, every gun will eventually start causing trouble.

Why gas guns need more maintenance than AEGs

With AEGs, the main wear concerns are gears, motor, and air seals. Gas guns, however, have more stressed parts in the trigger mechanism (springs, catches, hammer, etc.) and work with a gaseous medium that, when expanding, significantly cools and dries the seals. This means that without lubrication and regular servicing, performance will quickly drop, gas leaks will appear, and bolt or slide movement will become rough. And as the old saying goes, “If you oil it, it runs” – in our case, it shoots.

GBB vs. GNB from a maintenance perspective

GBB (Gas Blowback) – Have a moving slide or bolt. Maintenance focuses on all sliding surfaces (slide, frame), rails, piston, and nozzle (be careful not to get lubricant into the hop-up chamber). The goal is to reduce friction and wear to keep the gun fast and reliable.

GNB (Gas Non-Blowback) – The slide does not move, so there are fewer moving parts. The main concern is seals and valves, as they hold the gas – without them, the gun will not work.

Pistols, rifles, and bolt-action gas guns – what and where to lubricate?

Gas pistols (GBB) – Lubricate slide rails, recoil spring guide rod, internal piston and nozzle (the sides that move inside the BBU unit), hammer, and trigger mechanism.

Gas rifles (GBB) – Same points as pistols + all contact surfaces of the bolt carrier.

Bolt-action gas sniper rifles – Key focus is the cylinder and piston seals to prevent gas leaks. Lightly lubricate moving parts of the bolt.

Important notes

• Use only silicone oils and lubricants designed for airsoft (4UAD, ASG Ultrair, and similar).
• Never use regular WD-40 silicone oils from hardware stores or petroleum-based products, as they damage rubber seals and hop-up buckings.
• PTFE grease is excellent for seals, while silicone oil and grease are suitable for moving parts.
• Less is more – the gun should not be swimming in oil. Apply only a thin film, not a pond.
• Never lubricate the hop-up rubber or the inside of the barrel. Oil in these places will reduce BB grip and significantly worsen accuracy and range. The same applies to BBs – if they are oily, it is bad.

How to maintain seals

1. From time to time, fill the magazine with gas containing silicone (for example, ASG Ultrair Power Gas with silicone). This gas can also be used regularly.
2. If you use CO2 cartridges, propane, or Red/Black Gas without silicone, occasionally insert a CO2 cartridge with silicone or use gas with silicone.
3. Do not leave magazines empty for long periods – ideally keep a light gas pressure inside so seals do not dry out or shrink. Simply avoid venting the magazine after a game – when the gun is done firing, leave the remaining gas inside.

Gas magazine resealing – step by step

1. Release the remaining gas.
2. Disassemble the magazine according to the manual.
3. Remove seals and valves.
4. Clean them from dirt and old grease.
5. Apply new silicone grease to new seals, or soak old seals in an oil bath for 12–24 hours to “recondition” them.
6. Check sealing rings for cracks – if damaged, replace and lubricate them.
7. Reassemble the magazine and test for leaks by pressurising with gas. Listen for any escaping gas.

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