Troubleshooting Springer Air Rifle Spring Problems

If you're using a spring-powered air rifle (commonly called a “springer”), understanding and identifying spring-related issues is crucial for long-term accuracy and performance.

While springers are known for their simplicity and reliability, the mainspring inside does a lot of work—and when things go wrong, it usually shows up in your accuracy or shot feel. ...this has caused a few "scope is faulty" returns when it was the rifle. 

In this post, we’ll help you recognise the most common spring problems and explain how to fix or avoid them.

1. Weak or Broken Spring

Symptoms:

  • Noticeable drop in pellet velocity
  • Shots falling short at distances the rifle previously handled easily
  • More mechanical “twang” or vibration

What’s happening: The mainspring may have weakened with use or snapped entirely. This reduces energy transfer and leads to inconsistent power.

Fix: A spring replacement is often needed. While some experienced shooters handle this themselves, beginners are better off going to a qualified airgun technician or gunsmith. Use a high-quality replacement spring designed for your model for best results.

2. Twangy Recoil and Vibration

Symptoms:

  • Sharp, buzzy recoil when firing
  • Unpleasant vibration felt through the stock
  • Increased noise with each shot

Cause: The spring is vibrating side-to-side inside the piston chamber. This is common with loose-fitting or dry springs.

Fix: Apply proper spring grease or tar-like damping compound to reduce vibration. You can also add a spring guide or top hat to keep the spring aligned inside the tube. These small upgrades make a huge difference to the shot cycle and noise level.

3. Spring Set or Loss of Preload

Symptoms:

  • Gradual drop in power over time
  • Rifle feels easier to cock than before
  • Less snappy recoil

Cause: The spring has "set", meaning it's permanently compressed and has lost some of its stored energy. This happens naturally over many cycles or if the rifle is stored cocked for long periods.

Fix: You may need to replace the spring or install preload spacers if performance is declining. Some rifles benefit from a tuning kit that restores or even improves original power.

4. Noisy or Inconsistent Action

Sometimes the rifle just doesn't sound or feel right when you shoot it. This can be caused by worn spring ends rubbing against the piston, or dry contact points in the powerplant.

Fix: A full internal inspection may be necessary. Applying a thin layer of moly grease to the spring and guides often quiets the action and restores consistency.

Best Practices to Prevent Spring Issues

  • Never store your rifle cocked—it puts strain on the spring
  • Keep internals dry and lubricated with airgun-safe products
  • Use quality pellets to avoid excessive internal wear
  • If your rifle feels off, stop shooting and inspect before damage worsens

With proper care and attention, your springer rifle can deliver years of reliable service. And if problems do arise, you’ll now have a better idea of what’s going on and how to fix it.

Helpful Guides & Resources

Looking to get hands-on or go deeper? Here are some excellent resources:

Final Tip

If you’re unsure how to replace or check your mainspring, consult a qualified gunsmith or airgun technician. This ensures safe performance and avoids damaging your rifle further.

Always ensure your rifle is unloaded and safe before performing maintenance.

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