I've put close to 2,000 shots through my RWS 350 .177 using exclusively 10.5 gr Crosmans. In the last few hundred shots, the spring noise when cocking is diminished. Gun is getting smoother and smoother, but same great power as ever. But I have heard that RWSs are dry inside, at what point, if ever, does it need to be lubed? If so, through the air port into the compression area, or must be torn down and lubed elsewhere? thanks in advance
I had the same experience with my 350 .22. It started shooting better cocking easier without any "spring noise", and without much of the vibrations in the shot cycle by around 1,500 shots. It felt even better around 2,000. Then around 2300 it started cocking harder with a little bit of noise. Around 2400-2500, I put it through the chrony and noticed the velocity had dropped an avg. of 20fps with all the pellets.
After 2,600 shots the gun was sent to Curtis who said it was compeletely dry inside with some high friction points short of creating gauling but was caught early enough. Without getting into details, this is believed to have also caused some parts to move or go out of spec as well but can't say with certainty if they were slightly out of spec from the factory and got worse later on.
Curtis said my 350's cocking was like night and day compared to his.
I would get it lube tuned very soon before the symptoms appear because then you 'll need to have more work done on it. You 're using the right pellets. CP heavies, JSB Exact heavies or Kodiaks work well. I would not use anything smaller than FTS 8.9gr on a 350 .177.