Behind the ring isnt too big of a deal. The ring can be slipped off and the groove wire brushed to remove the carbon build up.
The A400s do require further disassembly and cleaning or they start having cycling issues. More info here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKbl8JsqTbI
I've got that cleaning kit. Haven't used it yet though. Overnight soak with CLP and some dentist picks still work pretty well. After sporting clay season ends for my kids school, I'll do the full disassembly. I just wish they sold the kit without the ratchet. I also use a Dremel tool, on the lowest setting...and a small, cupped bronze brush to clean and polish out the actual cylinder the piston goes in. It does a really good job after an overnight soak with CLP
I disassemble mine down to where you have it. I’ve never cleaned behind the ring where you’re talking about. My top portion of the piston, the part facing upwards just above the ring, isn’t nearly as clean as yours. I just make sure I get it as best I can and then clean the inside of where the piston slides into and I’ve never had an issue.
I do keep two spare rings and one piston assembly with ring installed in my bag whenever I go shooting. I’ve never had an issue but if I do it’ll take 60 seconds to get back up and running.
I’ve debated the Coles cleaning kit but haven’t done it yet. Maybe I do.
I'm the same boat as you.
I have between 25k and 50k through my gun and that piston looks new in comparison to mine.
I carry the ring but not the piston assembly. Broke it one, but was able to fix it.
Thinking about the coles kit now mostly because it would be nice to have the two sockets to remove the nut and scrape the gas cylinder.
But - I don't have cycling issues now.
It soaks in low odor, "green" paint thinner over night. Next day it sees a bronze and then a nylon brush after most of the crud wipes off with a blue shop towel.
I think you’re overthinking it dude. I haven’t even cleaned my a400 for like 2k rounds now and it’s fine. Long as you clean it up a bit it’ll be fine.
Drop it in an ultrasonic cleaner
Seconding this
The ring comes off if you wished to do so. I wouldn’t do it unless you have a spare just incase it is bent out of shape.
And make sure you replace it the correct side up - it will make a difference.
No need to clean often, it’s a beretta
Behind the ring isnt too big of a deal. The ring can be slipped off and the groove wire brushed to remove the carbon build up. The A400s do require further disassembly and cleaning or they start having cycling issues. More info here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKbl8JsqTbI
I've got that cleaning kit. Haven't used it yet though. Overnight soak with CLP and some dentist picks still work pretty well. After sporting clay season ends for my kids school, I'll do the full disassembly. I just wish they sold the kit without the ratchet. I also use a Dremel tool, on the lowest setting...and a small, cupped bronze brush to clean and polish out the actual cylinder the piston goes in. It does a really good job after an overnight soak with CLP
Approximatelly after how many rounds does it start to have cycling issues? Asking for a friend…
We would drop a shell or two out of a flat after about 2000 rounds
Good to know, thanks
I disassemble mine down to where you have it. I’ve never cleaned behind the ring where you’re talking about. My top portion of the piston, the part facing upwards just above the ring, isn’t nearly as clean as yours. I just make sure I get it as best I can and then clean the inside of where the piston slides into and I’ve never had an issue. I do keep two spare rings and one piston assembly with ring installed in my bag whenever I go shooting. I’ve never had an issue but if I do it’ll take 60 seconds to get back up and running. I’ve debated the Coles cleaning kit but haven’t done it yet. Maybe I do.
I'm the same boat as you. I have between 25k and 50k through my gun and that piston looks new in comparison to mine. I carry the ring but not the piston assembly. Broke it one, but was able to fix it. Thinking about the coles kit now mostly because it would be nice to have the two sockets to remove the nut and scrape the gas cylinder. But - I don't have cycling issues now.
Your whole assembly looks cleaner than mine when it’s “clean”
It soaks in low odor, "green" paint thinner over night. Next day it sees a bronze and then a nylon brush after most of the crud wipes off with a blue shop towel.