beeman p17 issues and repair?

[PerpetualStudent]

I've had a beeman p17 for a while now. I've put at least 1000 rounds through it over 2 years.  Recently it started giving me some issues. At first it seemed to close a little askew now that seems to have corrected itself but it doesn't close fully. The last 1/8 of an inch has to be really forced shut. It still pressurizes and discharges the pressure fine. So I kept using it for another 20 or so rounds. Then it spat something towards my face (wear your eyepro, I'm grateful I did). Felt like powder of some sort. I let it lie for a while and it still seems to pressurize and discharge again fine.

I'm thinking a tear down,cleaning and lubing are in order. I have used lithium grease as indicated on the owners manual in the past. Just wondering if you guys think I ought to replace the o-rings while I'm in there and if there are any other "look for X while you've got it apart" I should be aware of.

[happymecanic]

Hi Noah, I'd start by getting a re-seal kit, ''just in case'', then yes take it apart for a complete inspection, clean and re-lube. I suspect there may be some wear in the main pivot, check the pins and holes carefully. Actually, check the condition of all parts, it's conceivable you find some ''surprises''. Other than that, hard to say without having the pistol in my hands. My 0.02$, HTH.

[ghostdncr]

My P17 has been one of the most reliable airguns I own so have never had it apart. The "askew" closing issue you mention would have me looking directly at the pivot pin (p/n 2416 on the schematic I have) for excessive wear. That pin rotating in use might explain the problem correcting itself and may also contribute to the difficulty in closing it the last 1/8 inch. You might check the two p/n 2408 side plates that #2416 passes through, as well. Spitting particulates back at your face would have me ordering a seal kit before I even disassembled the gun, although wear could've gotten bad enough to simply allow gas porting around the breech. I've gotten a lot of enjoyment from mine and if a teardown was needed, I'd plan on replacing all the seals whilst in there.

[PerpetualStudent]

Excellent input. Thanks.

With a "stay at home" order going through in my state picking up the correct o rings at the hardware isn't likely to happen soon but I will most definitely do that next. The o-ring kit I've seen on amazon is...overpriced for what it is. I'll find the rings at a hardwarestore. As long as I've got it apart I might as well do a refurb. I might disable the auto-safety too. And I'll take a good look at that pin.

[ghostdncr]

I forgot to post a schematic to go with the part numbers I tossed out. From Pyramid Air:

[Back_Roads]

 A few months back a member had made up o- ring kits for the P-17, and was sending them out for a small donation to the GTA.
 I'll see if I can find the thread.

[PerpetualStudent]

Well I tore it down, cleaned, lubed, and replaced an o-ring (part 2454) I didn't have loctite and I wanted to finish so I did not replace the secondary o-ring on the valve.

I did find that pin 2405 was the one that had migrated before I disassembled everything. So that was probably why it askew.

All back together, shooting fine. A lot easier with fresh oil on the main o-ring. I have a much better understanding of what's going on in the airgun so it was well worth the disassembly.

[Back_Roads]

 Good to read, they sure are interesting little guns for sure.

[ghostdncr]

Glad to hear it all sorted out. Now you can get back to having some fun with it!