Valve Stability Pt 1

Valve stability is important for many reasons. The valve stem is impacted by the striker with each shot, though the stem will move into the spring some of the energy is transferred to the valve body. The energy will vibrate the valve, tube, grip and barrel. This might or might not affect accuracy and consistency of striker hits.

On the opposite end pressure is put on the valve by the CO2 cartridge. Sometimes CO2 guns are converted to HPA and valve stability becomes even more important. Usually I wrap valves in Teflon tape. Depending on the pressure against the valve sometimes I re-tap the valve screw to 8-32. But, at a minimum I place a washer under the head of the 6-40 screw.

To access the valve screw you only need to remove the 2 screws that secure the grip frame. The best tool to use is a #2 square drive, but a #2 flat blade will also work. Be sure the CO2 cartridge is removed before removing the valve securing screw.

I purchased some Stainless mil-spec #6 washers that measured .267x.143x.016 and they work equally well as trigger/sear shims and for the valve screw.

Sometimes that size is hard to find and a compromise needs to be made. If you take the screw to the hardware store you might find a washer the diameter of the screw head. Brass washers and shims tend to be the thinnest and easiest to file or drill. A drilled out #3 brass washer is what I first used.

Be careful to align the screw hole and to not over-tighten the screw as the brass valve is soft and the hole can be stripped out. If the position should shift because of the mainspring tension you can push a dowel or empty CO2 cartridge against the front of the valve face to restore the proper position.