Gun stored for 2+ years, what to do before using?

[CrankTheBoost]

I just picked up a TM M16A2 that the previous owner had not used in over 2 years. Before I start using it, I want to know if there's any maintenance work I should do, or can I just start using it?

Also, I don't know anything about batteries but the gun also came with the original battery. I plan on getting a new battery any way but is it safe to charge this old battery up just to test out the gun?

Thanks,

[The Saint]

It's safe to charge the battery to check the gun. No idea how it'd be doing after 2 years of sitting around.

The most likely problem you'd encounter is the spring being left in a partially compressed state, that might range from a little fps loss to a lot.

[Tigirus]

the barrel and some things might have dust in them, just clean it re-oil it if necessary. all the regular maintenance I suppose.

[Amos]

Get a cleaning rod, run some lint-free paper towels through the barrel.

If you're really paranoid, pay a gun tech to give it a once over. Then you'll have your answer for sure

[pusangani]

should've gotten the seller to test it before buying it, hope you got a good deal on it tho

[swatt13]

itll be fine. i could see if it was stored in a damp basement or humid area, but jsut in a closet even a garage wouldnt affect any of the lube, orings. you wont damage anything by useing it as is. the only thing as mentioned above is the spring may have weakened by sitting half cocked, and the hopup may have been left engaged leading to the bucking being suashed. the only thing i would worry is that the battery was left dead and might be no good anymore. if it doesnt hold a charge you can try to revive it by freezing it and resetting the cells.

things that wouldnt hurt to do would be;
- new hopup
- new piston oring
- new spring
- new battery
and if you really want to get crazy;
- new cylinder head orings
- new air nozzle orings

most of these can be replaced via a kit.
http://www.airsoftparts.ca/store2/in...oducts_id=1105
http://www.airsoftparts.ca/store2/in...roducts_id=682 (few parts needed as well)

but the gun will be fine as is until your ready to replace these parts.

[dpvu]

Don't go too crazy fixing things that aren't broken. If the gun was in good shape before it was stored then it's very likely it's still in good shape now.

[T_A_N_K]

Chances are you will have a loss of compression(low fps). Also you will probably need to change hop up rubber. The o-rings on the piston head, nozzle and cylinder head probably don't seal as well as they should, if at all.

[Corpo]

Originally Posted by swatt13

itll be fine. i could see if it was stored in a damp basement or humid area, but jsut in a closet even a garage wouldnt affect any of the lube, orings. you wont damage anything by useing it as is. the only thing as mentioned above is the spring may have weakened by sitting half cocked, and the hopup may have been left engaged leading to the bucking being suashed. the only thing i would worry is that the battery was left dead and might be no good anymore. if it doesnt hold a charge you can try to revive it by freezing it and resetting the cells.

things that wouldnt hurt to do would be;
- new hopup
- new piston oring
- new spring
- new battery
and if you really want to get crazy;
- new cylinder head orings
- new air nozzle orings

most of these can be replaced via a kit.
http://www.airsoftparts.ca/store2/in...oducts_id=1105
http://www.airsoftparts.ca/store2/in...roducts_id=682 (few parts needed as well)

but the gun will be fine as is until your ready to replace these parts.

+1

there are very few rubber parts. JUST yout hop up and nozzle. the cylnder doesn't have enough air to get dusty or dry, if you *want* just take it apart and lube the cylnder and outside of the nozzle.

however as mentionened the spring may have been stored in a state of compression. have your fps crono'd. make sure it's playable.

[ybrik]

...plus remove the old grease and regrease the gears.