Four Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining a Paintball Gun

On our first attempt at Paintball, a group of us rented equipment and played together as a team. The skilled players who played against us, referred to us as "The renters". They had a big edge both in skill and equipment and decimated us. So we are no longer "The renters" - we have all purchased equipment. Equipment is expensive and you need to clean your equipment well after each use to make sure that you never are forced to be a renter again.

Adhering to safety precautions is the most important first step in cleaning a paintball gun. First remove the hopper and the air-source cylinder. Next, with the gun pointing away from you and anybody or anything else of importance, very slowly pull the trigger to release any balls that may be in the shoot. Now that you have disarmed and removed the power source from your gun, it is safe to continue cleaning the gun.

Next, remove the barrel per the manufacturer's instruction. Most guns can work by twisting the barrel from the frame. Clean the inside of the barrel with a pull-through cloth and warm water. Clean any paint particles from the screw threads and check the O-ring also. Replace the O-ring if it is cracked and looks worn.

Disassemble your gun as indicated in the manufacturer's instructions. You will want a schematic of your gun in front of you so that you can easily take the gun apart and put it back together. A little extra care on placement of the removed parts will also make reassembly much less frustrating. Clean and dry each piece as you remove it. Remove all evidence or paint, even the small smears in the corners as this will build up over time and give you problems. Warm water and an old toothbrush or small brush will be helpful.

Last clean the outer frame of your gun. Make sure to use a brush to remove paint from the hard to reach places including the grip. Clean your trigger with a damp paper towel but do not disassemble it unless there is a severe reason to do so.

Before reassembling your gun, lubricate it with oil recommended by your manufacturer. Make sure that you apply a thin layer of oil to O-ring while doing this. Now that you have cleaned your paintball gun and have done O-ring maintenance, if needed, your gun should keep you playing for a long time.

Sources:

Paintball Sports Trade Association
Pump Paintball Guns