Because they are a semi auto, I'd keep a regular maintenance schedule of cleaning and lubing, just like would be done with a semi auto powder burner, car, or motorcycle for example. And when time comes, you'll probably feel a difference in trigger pull and cycle rate.
I did lube things up. There is a difference now with the action. Not much but it is noticeable. Especially with semi-auto. That safety though. Switching from safe to any of the firing modes is just a grindy mess feeling through the entire first stage up until you hit that second stage wall of have at least fired the thing once. Then it goes away. I imagen that with time it will smooth out. Ill just need to shoot it more and that is fine with me. I have plenty of pellets and slugs to test out as well as the setup to keep aired up all day if I want. Im thinking of adjusting the reg some. I want to get it right around one mag. Mabe a couple shots beyond that before needing to air back up. I am getting right around 800fps with the jsb .22 18 grain pellets right now without messing with the reg and just adjusting the power knob. I get about 2 mags.
It is interesting that it's gritty on the first stage, and only after putting on the safety... There are only limited parts that are moving on the first stage of the pull. At least this is how it is with the Rattler. It sounds like the trigger safety catch mechanism and it's counterpart catch on the trigger mechanism or corresponding linkage are rubbing until shot and the full cycling/moving of the parts clear's the rub for the next shot.
No pic taken though that is a good idea. Im just going to go with it for now and see if it smooths out some. I know my Leshiy classic had a really nasty trigger for a while, and it improved with time.
