What is the best way to store a "pump" gun like a sheridan? Been doing some searching for 2 old (early 1960's) ones I have that I want to get up and shooting and it occurs to me that part of the reason I am shopping reseal kits etc., is maybe because on top of not being used a whole lot in the last 35 years, maybe they also were not stored properly which was detrimental to the seals. These guns hiss slowly when pumped, which on top of pathetic fps tells me the seals are shot (no pun intended.. ) Should pump guns be stored with 1-2 pumps as I have read on the net a few places, or stored completely discharged? What's best for CO2 guns & storage? Anyone have any advice?

 wertyq

 First order of business for storage, all safetys in the SAFE position. Trigger locks if you have em. Locked cabinet or Gun Safe even better! OK?

 On the old Sheridans, always store em with at least one pump. It keeps the seal pressed against the seatand keeps dirt out.Keep the action Uncocked, to save the hammer spring.

 I keep my new Cartrige Valve type 392 stored with one or two pumps in the gun, and with the bolt (Hammer spring), just lifted till it "clicks" allowing the seals to seat.

 I store my little 760 with a pump or two in the gun,hammer spring uncocked.

 Co2 is a little trickier! Some guns (like the modified Co2 Hot-Rods from Mac-1), are supposed to be stored charged, but uncocked to spare the hammer spring.

 Crosman says store their guns uncharged, uncocked.

 I think you could be pretty safe charging your manually cocking, multi-pump pneumatics with one pump of air in them. 

 (*Safety Note here! Except for Self-Cocking actions! Leave Self-Cocking actions UNCHARGED!)  Examples are the old Crosman 760 and some Crosman Model 140 and 1400 rifles and some models of Crosman pump pistols.

  Single Stroke Pneumatic guns should be stored UNCOCKED and UNCHARGED, since one pump is a FULL charge, and might cut the seal if left for long periods.

 Storage procedures are a can of worms! These suggestions are just a rule of thumb that I follow from the Owners Manuals I have on my own airguns. The procedures are pretty generic though.

 It's always best to contact the manufacturer and attempt to obtain a copy of the Owners Manual for their recommended safety procedures.I would suggest that you try and contact the Manufacturer, the Owners manual copys are usually free.

 HTH,

 ZVP

Just use them all the time!



Un Abrazo!




Héctor

Hah haha good point Hector... Storage in my airgun collection means 5-7 days. I usually shoot them all on a weekly basis, either weekends or after work for a bit, although with the shorter days in winter it is a little harder to get out while the sun is still up, and I haven't bought that infrared night scope just yet.. Still I am interested in proper storage and maintenance. I intend to hand all the guns in my collection down to my own children if I ever have any, or to my niece and nephew who I have already turned on to the hobby of airgun target shooting. The information is helpful to pass on to them so that they can pass these guns on in good working condition to their children someday. The pump guns and the co2 crosman are guns I have inherited from the last generation, so why not learn how to maintain them so they last as many years as possible? Maybe we can find out how long these diana guns can last...