help! gamo hunter 440 malfunction

[someT0AST]

I had bought a Gamo hunter 440 from a local gun shop about 4 years ago. It was used, but in excellent shape. I have shot thousands of rounds through it and always keep it in mint condition. But i was shooting it today and all of a sudden i heard this really spring-like metallic sound after i pulled the trigger, after that each shot was very weak barely reaching my fence 40yds away. I shook the rifle and it made a lot of rattling. i was wondering what is wrong with it. And if it would be cheaper just getting a new rifle? 

[mav72]

I've hadn't had that experience yet but maybe a busted spring? If  you are handy with tools you probably can replace the spring and seals and tune it yourself... There are some people around this forum that can fix and tune your gun also...From what I hear, those 440s/220s are really nice guns so I wouldn't just give up on it yet...

[someT0AST]

thanks, i'll look into it!

[VAFarmer]

Spring is busted.

Usually, the Crosman Quest seal and spring from the same period will work ok.

Be careful continuing to cock and fire, if that broken spring doesnt want to cock right, you could end up bending the end of your cocking arm, and then she won't latch at all.

McCarri has good springs and seals for these, it is worth the extra few bucks.   If you feel confident enough to tackle the job (not hard, btw) might wanna go ahead and button the piston with his old school button kit.  easy enough to do, and makes shot cycle smoother.

It only needs about 25 bucks worth of R&R and some elbow grease (not included in McCarri lube kit    ) and she will last you another 6-10 k shots probably.

P.S.--if you go McCarri, pay the extra dollar to have them set the spring.   this is a case where 1 dollar can buy sanity.  Dont ask me how I know.....
God bless,

Farmer

[longislandhunter]

Yup, what Farmer told  you,,,, spring is broken.  No need to buy another rifle.  Spend some time doing some research here using the search function and also look up constructing a spring compressor so you can safely disassemble the rifle.  Pop a new spring in that shooter and you'll get thousands more rounds out of her 

BTW.... the "JM" E-3650 is a drop in replacement spring and will have her shooting up to snuff real quick....

Jeff

Jeff

[downalap]

I highly recomend a new seal and spring from Macari.  My Hunter 220  is the best shooting and most accurate rifle I have owned.  Also the rebuild is pretty easy on the hunter series rifles as compared to many rifles.  You will need a spring compressor for sure as the new spring will be uncompressed and about 3 inches longer than the old spring.  Charlie Tuna has a great step by step tutorial at his web site.  Even if you choose to send the rifle off to a pro tuner you will not regret it.  Great rifle tuned.

[someT0AST]

I've have been looking around and there seems to be good reviews on nitro pistons... What are you guys thoughts on just getting rid of the spring piston all together and replacing it with a nitro?

[Backyardairgunner]

Im not sure if a nitro piston can be put in the 440s tube, may want to contact someone about that, but a well tuned gun can feel the same (TO ME this is MY perspective) as a nitro piston gun.

I actually have a gamo hunter 440, and although its a older model I love it, strong shooter and nice quality, and I busted it (dont ask) and John in PA fixed me up, if you want I can get you in touch with him.

[Backyardairgunner]

Meant to attach picture of mine

[VAFarmer]

The gas ram is doable.

Pyramyd stuff many an Air Venturi gas piston into S1ks, dont see why it wouldn't work
 
Look for anywhere to 100 bucks to purchase and have installed.   McCarri spring,seal and lubes would be way cheaper.
AND should last you long time.

God bless,

Farmer

[shadow]

E3650 spring and Gamo Tesla piston seal. If you plan on converting to gas ram you will need to get a adapter kit to hold the ram in the back as well as a piston that has the dimple in the base to keep the rod centered. PA does conversions from my understanding but $100 if I remeber right just to convert it. :(That's over half the cost of a good tune. Ed