One of the big appeals of airsoft is the ability to upgrade and modify your weapon. When you’re just starting out as a skirmisher, modding can seem a little daunting – it certainly helps to know a bit more about the internals of your gun and how they work.
Our beginners’ guide to airsoft gearboxes will set you in the right direction.
What is a Gearbox in Airsoft Guns?
Back to basics – what are we actually talking about here? An airsoft gearbox is the mechanical system that makes it possible for your AEG to fire. A series of internal components transfer electrical energy into mechanical and then pneumatic energy that triggers the firing of the gun.
Upgrading or modifying a gearbox is quite common as it allows airsoft players to improve their gun’s performance and ensure it is working at the highest possible level.
The Components Inside a Gearbox
Within the gearbox shell, there are several components that you can tinker with to change the performance of a gun. Bear in mind, though, that messing around when you don’t know what you’re doing could cause damage, even if just one thing isn’t exactly where it’s supposed to be. Exactly how your gearbox is comprised will depend on the version, but key components include:
- - The piston
- - The O-ring
- - The spring
- - The cylinder
- - The air nozzle
- - The gears (pinion gear, bevel gear, spur gear, sector gear)
- - The bushings & bearings
- - The motor
- - The anti-reversal latch
- - The trigger switch
What is the Difference Between Airsoft Gearbox Versions?
There are nine gearbox versions, with the primary difference between them being the shape of the gearbox shell that is housed within your gun. Subsequently-numbered versions are not improvements or upgrades on the previous version, merely a differently shaped gearbox that is designed to fit within different gun models. The internal components will largely be the same across the gearbox versions (with some small additions or subtractions depending on the gun).
Version 2 and version 3 are the most commonly found gearboxes these days and will fit in:
V2:
- M4
- M16
V3:
- G36
- AK variants
- MP5
- AUG
We stock a range of individual gearbox components so you can modify your gearbox version with precision.
Are Airsoft Gearboxes Interchangeable?
Some of the internal components of a gearbox may be interchangeable with different versions (i.e. gears or pistons may be cross-compatible), while others will be more specific to their version.
If you have two guns that use the same gearbox version, they will likely be interchangeable with each other – although, don’t assume this is always the case as some brands and models may have proprietary parts.
How to Clean an Airsoft Gearbox
Even if you’re not interested in modding, you may need to take your gearbox apart to undertake cleaning and maintenance. Whatever version of gearbox you have, cleaning it will be relatively straightforward.
- 1. Remove the gearbox from your AEG and disassemble it, carefully taking out the internal parts.
- 2. Use a cloth or tissue with some rubbing alcohol to degrease all the components, ensuring they are clean of any built-up grime.
- 3. Dry each component with a cloth and reapply a fresh layer of grease or lubricant to all the moving parts.
- 4. Double check everything looks like it’s in good condition with no visible defects before reassembling the gearbox.
- 5. Once everything is back in its proper place, fire a few test rounds to ensure it's still running smoothly.
Regular gearbox maintenance will help extend the life of your gearbox and its components and keep your airsoft gun in good shape for longer.
If you’re not confident about taking apart your gearbox but would still like to make some upgrades or repairs, it’s better to take a trip to your local gun tech. Misaligned components could cause expensive damage – your gun tech will also be able to advise you about the best upgrades for your particular gun, so it’s worth getting their help.
If you have any questions about compatibility or installation – or would like the practical help of one of our in-techs – you can get in touch via [email protected] or 01293 525880.