Airsoft Troubleshooting Guide

Are you having problems getting your airsoft gun to operate properly?  This troubleshooting guide may help you get it working again!

Note:  Some troubleshooting steps may require disassembly.  Disassembling your airsoft gun may void the warranty!  Please check with our support team if you are unsure!

AEGs (Auto Electric Guns)

Problem:  BBs Not Feeding

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Make sure you are using high quality, seamless BBs. Using low grade BBs can damage your airsoft gun.  If you airsoft gun has a metal gearbox, make sure that you are using 0.20g BBs or heavier.
  • Make sure the magazine is properly seated in the gun.  If you are using aftermarket magazines other than the magazine that came with the gun, it's possible that the aftermarket magazines are not compatible with your AEG.
  • If your AEG has a high capacity magazine (with a winding wheel) make sure that you are fully winding the magazine before firing.  For more info learn more about using high cap mags.
  • If the BBs are jamming up when you fire, you may need to turn down the hop-up feature.  Start by turning the hop up all the way off, then gradually turning it up to to get the accuracy right.  How to adjust the hop up will vary between different models.  Refer to the instruction manual for instructions specific to your AEG.
  • Clean the barrel.  Use the unjamming rod that came with the gun.  Use the pointed end to clear any jammed BBs.  Use the end with a small slit in it to swab the barrel with a small cotton patch.  If using a lubricant, use only 100% silicon based lubrication.

Problem:  Nothing happens when trigger is pulled

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Make sure your battery is charged.  The batteries will sometimes have a small amount of charge from the factory, but if it is the first time using your AEG you will need to charge the battery.  Find out more about how to properly charge your AEG batteries.  If your battery is dead and will not take a charge you will most likely need to replace it.
  • Check the fuse.  Many AEGs have a fuse, if the fuse goes out the gun will not function.
  • Check the motor wire connections.  These are easy to find on most AEGs.  Simply remove the end cap on the bottom of the pistol grip of your AEG.  You will see a red and a black wire connected to the motor.  If one of them has come disconnected, simply reconnect it and the gun should start working again.

Problem:  Gun makes a loud scratchy or whirling noise

Troubleshooting steps:

  • If the gun makes a loud scratchy sound when the trigger is pulled, the motor height may be out of alignment.  Learn how to adjust the motor height.
  • If adjusting the motor height does not work, then the problem is most likely on the inside of the gearbox and outside of the scope of this basic guide.  In that case seek professional assistance or continue at your own risk.  Opening the gearbox will void the warranty on all AEGs.

For more advanced troubleshooting see our Issues and Solutions for Electric Airsoft Guns.  Important Note:  The instructions in the linked article go beyond the scope of basic troubleshooting and may void your warranty.

Gas Rifles & Pistols

Problem:  BBs Jamming or Not Feeding

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Make sure that you are using high quality seamless BBs.
  • Make sure that the magazine is properly seated in the gun.
  • Turn the hop up down or completely off.  Check your instruction manual for instructions.
  • Clean the barrel and clear any possible jams.  Use the unjamming rod that came with your airsoft gun.

 

Problem:  Magazine runs out of gas too fast

Troubleshooting steps:

  • You should be able to get at least one magazine worth of shots out of each fill of green gas.  If you run out of gas before you run out of BBs you may have an air pocket in your magazine.  To clear the air pocket, hold down the release valve on the magazine and then run gas through it by adding gas through gas valve.  Gas will come out through the top, keep your fingers clear as it will be cold and could cause painful freezing to your hand.  Run gas through the magazine for about 2-3 seconds.  That should clear the air pocket.

Spring powered airsoft guns

Problem:  BBs Jamming or Not Feeding

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Make sure that you are using high quality seamless BBs at a weight appropriate for your airsoft gun.  Low end airsoft guns can use 0.12g BBs.  Precision airsoft guns should only use 0.20g BBs or heavier.
  • Check the magazine to make sure it is fully seated.
  • Check for any potential jams and clear them with the unjamming rod that came with the airsoft gun.
  • Make sure that the BBs are loaded in the magazine correctly.
  • Turn the hop up down or completely off.  Check your instruction manual for instructions.

Problem:  BBs not shooting straight

Troubleshooting steps:

  • Make sure you are using the recommended BBs for your airsoft gun.  High powered spring airsoft guns need heavy BBs to shoot straight.
  • Clear any potential jams and clean out the barrel using the included unamming/cleaning rod.  If using lubricant use only 100% silicon based lube.