Carbon dioxide (CO2) operated air gun is a pneumatically running system with the help of compressed gas. There is no chemical reaction at all. It is not a new technology but is in operation since the mid-19th Century.
There is no recoil in such guns and can be operated by anyone. The seals of the gun need some maintenance. Otherwise, there are no significant problems while operating and storing them. They can receive damage while removing and installing the cylinders.
What are the facts about CO2 air guns you need to know?
Entirely functioning: When compared to conventional rifles, they have tranquil operational property.
User friendly: Anyone can use such air guns as they have no or very less recoil.
Cylinder types: 12 grams and 88 grams are two types of cylinders used. Twelve grams cylinder can shoot up to 50 pellets and 88 grams about 250 bullets.
Leakage: CO2 will leak with time, maybe due to frequent removal and installation of the cylinder or damaged seals.
Maintenance: Like other mechanisms, air guns also need little attention. Oil it and keep a check on rings.
Temperature-sensitive: CO2 is in compressed form, so rise and fall in temperature will affect the functioning and efficiency of the gun. High temperatures will enhance the performance and vice versa on the colder days.
Storage: It is advisable to store compressed items in constant temperatures, neither too low nor too high, stable, and low light conditions.
Safety: Air Guns are not that dangerous, but still keeping out then out of reach of children is good.
Shooting frequency: Shooting continuously will directly lead to low system temperature and downgrading efficiency. CO2 is a refrigerating gas, so it tends to cool down the settings. It is safe to shoot at delayed orders to maintain the best performance out of you and your partner (air gun).
Often a question arises, is it safe to leave the CO2 cylinder installed or not? There is no clear answer to that as some people say it is safe to leave them and forget and are some against it. The best way to know this fact goes for the reader’s manual and maintenance points mentioned there.
Keeping some facts in mind will help you get a clear picture of your doubts, and other unnoticed effects are visible.
Seals also are known as “O-Rings,” the central part between the cylinder and operating mechanism. They help in maintaining adequate pressure and avoid leakage for seamless performance. The permanently installed canister can alter the seal’s shape and call for a replacement.
It is best to immediately remove the cylinder after the operation and buy a new one as soon as it is empty. Keeping a cylinder in place for more extended times sometimes even rust the inlet valve, making guns unusable.
People claim to store the guns with a cylinder installed for decades and still receive the same performance; this depends on the design and built quality. To be in a safer place, follow the instructions manual, and remove the cylinder after usage.
While some people are okay with leaving the CO2 cylinder on air guns, and others are not. The important thing is you are aware of the safety practices and possible disadvantages of doing it. It varies from different factors; guess the most important is you are taking the necessary measures to properly handle your air gun from storage to maintenance depending on the kind of model that you have.