Is it OK to leave CO2 in a pellet gun?
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that while it may be tempting to leave a CO2 cartridge installed in your pellet gun for convenience, it is not recommended. There are a few reasons why you should avoid leaving CO2 in your pellet gun for extended periods of time.
Firstly, leaving a CO2 cartridge installed in your gun can put pressure on the face seal, which is the component responsible for sealing the CO2 and preventing leaks. Over time, this pressure can cause the face seal to become flattened or distorted, compromising its effectiveness. Eventually, this can lead to leaks and a decrease in performance.
I have personally experienced this issue with some of my own pellet guns. In one instance, I left a CO2 cartridge installed in a gun for several weeks without using it. When I finally went to shoot, I noticed that the gun was not performing as well as it used to. Upon inspection, I discovered that the face seal had indeed become flattened due to the prolonged pressure from the CO2 cartridge. Needless to say, I had to replace the face seal and learned my lesson about leaving CO2 in the gun.
In addition to potentially causing leaks, leaving CO2 in your pellet gun can also result in wasted gas. CO2 cartridges are not completely airtight, and over time, they can slowly leak gas even when not in use. By leaving a cartridge installed, you are essentially allowing this gas to escape unused. This can be particularly frustrating if you are using high-quality CO2 cartridges, as they can be quite expensive to replace.
Furthermore, leaving CO2 in your pellet gun can also lead to corrosion. CO2 gas can be corrosive, especially in the presence of moisture. When left in the gun for extended periods, the CO2 can react with any moisture present, leading to rust and damage to internal components. This can affect the overall performance and lifespan of your pellet gun.
To avoid these issues, it is best to remove the CO2 cartridge from your pellet gun when not in use. This will relieve any pressure on the face seal, prevent gas leaks, and minimize the risk of corrosion. It may require a bit of extra effort to install and remove the cartridge each time you want to use the gun, but it will ultimately prolong the life of your gun and ensure optimal performance.
While it may seem convenient to leave a CO2 cartridge installed in your pellet gun, it is not recommended. The pressure exerted on the face seal can lead to leaks, the gas can slowly escape, and corrosion can occur. By removing the CO2 cartridge when not in use, you can avoid these issues and ensure the longevity and performance of your pellet gun.