Ignoring this will inevitably lead to wear, power and accuracy loss, and ultimate breakdown.
Improper lubrication can cause damage to the gun and possible injury to the shooter and bystanders.
Understanding the principles will both increase shooting enjoyment and assist functioning. The piston seal must remain moist with lubrication to reduce friction, create the best air seal and prevent seal deterioration. Since the air is heated to as high as 2,000 degrees F for a fraction of a second upon firing, only high flash point lubricants must be used. This eliminates almost all petroleum based lubes and synthetics used in firearms and pneumatic air guns. Only specialized synthetic and organic oils carefully selected for high flash point, proper lubicity and lack of impurities should be used.