djgeoff Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 (edited) this is something i did not know until i dropped my air rifle off to john Bowkett last week. he gave me a little tip, if i was not using rifle for week or so i should be be dry firing the gun at least once a week something to do with the regulator / seals from clogging / gundging up. that was not in my instruction manual Edited September 4, 2014 by djgeoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickB65 Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 With a PCP this is not an issue but with a springer dry firing is a no no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 With a PCP this is not an issue but with a springer dry firing is a no no. Except that it's been shown that dry firing a springer doesn't result in the piston smashing into the valve as many people assumed for years and years, so it's not really a no-no any longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1066 Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 Except that it's been shown that dry firing a springer doesn't result in the piston smashing into the valve as many people assumed for years and years, so it's not really a no-no any longer. Which valve are we talking about there Flynn? You're not getting confused with you're cambelt breaking are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 Which valve are we talking about there Flynn? You're not getting confused with you're cambelt breaking are you? Good point - had valves on the brain recently - been changing some TRV's on some radiators. I'm actually referring to the 2-3 mm aperture in the compression chamber where compressed air is squeezed through to impart energy into the pellet. It was assumed that dry firing a springer would cause the piston to impact into the end of the compression chamber - turns out that the piston still bounces off the compressed air in the same way that it would do if a pellet were there. Might feel "harsher" but effectively it's no different to firing with a pellet in place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1066 Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 Good point - had valves on the brain recently - been changing some TRV's on some radiators. I'm actually referring to the 2-3 mm aperture in the compression chamber where compressed air is squeezed through to impart energy into the pellet. It was assumed that dry firing a springer would cause the piston to impact into the end of the compression chamber - turns out that the piston still bounces off the compressed air in the same way that it would do if a pellet were there. Might feel "harsher" but effectively it's no different to firing with a pellet in place. Not meant as a dig Flynn, we all have brain farts. I know what you are saying. Back in the 1970's Gerard Cardew carried out quite extensive research about exactly what happens inside the cylinder when you pull the trigger, very interesting reading. However, over the years I have repaired a good many airguns and on many I have found the end of the cylinder and piston head mangled by dry firing. Older designs with a leather washer held in place by a central nut/bolt are the main problem with stripped threads and riveted over ends. On a new rifle it may not cause an immediate problem, but as you say, it's harsh. There's a terrific amount of energy stored in a main spring and to dry fire a springer makes the mechanic in me cringe. The scope on a springer already had a hard time, dry firing probably won't improve it any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted September 4, 2014 Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 Dry firing a spring piston gun can cause damage, many of us have seen it. That said is has been used in the past after fitting the old type of PTFE turned piston head seals. I feel perhaps most of us have accidently done it and got away with it more than a couple of times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djgeoff Posted September 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 sorry chaps should of said mine was pcp oops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted September 5, 2014 Report Share Posted September 5, 2014 why not just shoot something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djgeoff Posted September 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2014 why not just shoot something! now there's an idea, her indoors rabbit but it died b4 i had chance,could practice rat shooting on g pigs lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.