GBB Maintenance: Care, Lube and Storage
Gas blowback guns reward a little care. Most problems come from dry seals, dirty barrels and magazines stored badly.
Magazine care
- Inspect first. Check that feed lips are intact and free of cracks, and look for damaged seals before filling.
- Lubricate the main seal. Apply a drop of silicone oil to the top of the magazine main seal just behind the feed lips. This helps the magazine seal against the bolt carrier.
- Fill correctly. Magazine and can both upside down, needle pointing down, about 30 to 40 seconds.
- Prime it. Priming reduces air pockets inside the magazine. Do it when new and periodically after.
- Let it warm up. Magazines get cold after shooting. A pouch or pocket helps them return to temperature.
- Do not drop it. A hard impact can damage the magazine.
How to prime a gas magazine (KWA Insider on YouTube)
Gun care
- Wipe down the gun after each game and remove dirt from the bolt area.
- Clean the inner barrel and check the hop-up bucking if accuracy drops.
- Use silicone oil. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants on seals and rubber parts.
- Check screws and pins before games and keep the manual handy. Find it in our Manuals & Diagrams library.
Storage
Store gas magazines in a cool, dry place and never in direct sunlight or a hot car. Keep guns and magazines clean and dry between games.
Common GBB problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Magazine leaks gas | Dry or damaged seal | Silicone oil on the seals. Replace the seal if it still leaks |
| Weak cycling | Cold magazine or low gas | Warm the magazine, refill, or switch to a fresh magazine |
| Double feeds or no feed | Damaged feed lips or a dirty magazine | Inspect feed lips and clean the magazine |
| BBs curve or drop | Hop-up setting or dirty bucking | Adjust the hop-up and clean the barrel |
Parts and repairs
Find replacement parts by model in the Parts Finder. Protection Plus adds extended warranty coverage and a repair plan with no repair fee, discounted parts and free return shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil should I use on GBB seals?
Silicone oil. Put a drop on the magazine main seal just behind the feed lips.
Why is my GBB magazine leaking?
Usually a dry or damaged seal. Lubricate it with silicone oil and replace the seal if the leak continues.
How should I store GBB magazines?
In a cool, dry place and never in direct sunlight.
Why does my GBB get weaker during a game?
Gas cools as you shoot, which lowers pressure. Let magazines warm up between strings and rotate magazines.