PCP air-rifle questions, for a PCP noob.

[Bleeh]

I'm thinking of getting a better air-rifle - it's for a bit of land around a stables that can't really be shot any other way (as it's full of horses, and the warrens are comming from a field I can't seem to find out who owns - no one is sure)

 

As for the last few years I've had a smk19 - and it's cack apart from it's power, so it's about time to change.

 

I'm thinking I'll have about £200 - £350 (without accessories) and I just had a few questions about PCP air-rifles as I've never used one.

 

1.) I know the run on compressed air, but to what PSI do I have to be looking at filling them? - I've got access to an air-compresser for pumping tires etc with a clip attachment for just clipping straight onto the tire valve - is that suitable for filling straight into the bottle?

 

2.) Is it worth buying second hand - how common are the risks of faulty rifles?

 

3.) What sort of guns should I be looking at around the £200 - £350 range that are suitable for field work?

 

4.) Are multishots really that useful?

 

5.) For the price range, should I be looking at a cheap-er second hand PCP - or a Brand new springer?

 

Cheers

Edited May 9, 2009 by Bleeh

[MM]

I'm thinking of getting a better air-rifle - it's for a bit of land around a stables that can't really be shot any other way (as it's full of horses, and the warrens are comming from a field I can't seem to find out who owns - no one is sure)

 

As for the last few years I've had a smk19 - and it's cack apart from it's power, so it's about time to change.

 

I'm thinking I'll have about £200 - £350 (without accessories) and I just had a few questions about PCP air-rifles as I've never used one.

 

1.) I know the run on compressed air, but to what PSI do I have to be looking at filling them? - I've got access to an air-compresser for pumping tires etc with a clip attachment for just clipping straight onto the tire valve - is that suitable for filling straight into the bottle?

 

Sort of. They are usualy filled with breathable air from divers tanks, as compressors aint got the bus fare to get them to the correct bar. (so compressors are out.)

 

2.) Is it worth buying second hand - how common are the risks of faulty rifles?

 

As with most things, if they are in good condition, and are working then there is no reason for them to break when you use them. As a rule, PCP's bought second hand are sold from folk upgrading and are still in good nick.

 

 

3.) What sort of guns should I be looking at around the £200 - £350 range that are suitable for field work?

 

You should be able to pick up a single shot Air Arms for that price, and have enough left over for a pump. Great for field work.

 

4.) Are multishots really that useful?

Yes!

 

5.) For the price range, should I be looking at a cheap-er second hand PCP - or a Brand new springer?

 

 

Just depends on what you want. After starting with a springer, and then moving to PCP's, i can say that they are easier and quieter to use.

Cheers

[holly]

dont fill with air direct from a compressor it contains too much moisture and will ruin your gun in a matter of months from the inside out , use a diving bottle filled at a diving shop the compressors they use remove all the moisture and they only charge a couple of quid to fill your bottle

[bruno22rf]

If you have the cash and you have plenty of pests that need clearing then go for the PCP every time-there is simply no comparison in terms of accuracy and ease of use between a springer and the far superior PCP.Let me try answer the rest of your concerns.1/Your compressor is not likely to get anywhere near the pressure needed to fill an airgun-i.e. nearly 3000 psi-so you will need either a source of compressed air and a divers bottle or a stirrup pump designed for airgun use (i use a pump-cheaper and keeps you fit!) 2/Ive never worried about buying a used PCP-theres very little to wear out so you are unlikely to buy a knackered one-you could always buy used from a dealer and thus get a warranty.3/In your price range you should get a reasonable choice if you go for used-i would go for an Air Arms S200-ugly but excellent hunting rifles-for £350 you should be able to get one with a decent scope and silencer (dont even think about using one for hunting without a decent silencer) 4/Never felt the need for a multi-shot gun but can see that there are advantages. 5/To find the last answer try and borrow a PCP or blag a trip out with someone who has one-you will soon see how obvious the answer is-bruno.

Edited May 9, 2009 by bruno22rf

[Westcountryman]

I'm thinking of getting a better air-rifle - it's for a bit of land around a stables that can't really be shot any other way (as it's full of horses, and the warrens are comming from a field I can't seem to find out who owns - no one is sure)

 

As for the last few years I've had a smk19 - and it's cack apart from it's power, so it's about time to change.

 

I'm thinking I'll have about £200 - £350 (without accessories) and I just had a few questions about PCP air-rifles as I've never used one.

 

1.) I know the run on compressed air, but to what PSI do I have to be looking at filling them? - I've got access to an air-compresser for pumping tires etc with a clip attachment for just clipping straight onto the tire valve - is that suitable for filling straight into the bottle?

 

About 3000 PSI (200 bar). Car tyre compressors are nowhere near that mate. You need either a divers bottle or pump. Pumps are hard work and you can pick up a used bottle for £50 if you look in the right place.

 

2.) Is it worth buying second hand - how common are the risks of faulty rifles?

 

I have a good condition AAs410 for sale. PM me. Faulty rifles can potentially kill the user, but I have never heard of it happening. Most faults can be fixed by a suitable gunsmith.

 

3.) What sort of guns should I be looking at around the £200 - £350 range that are suitable for field work?

 

One that fits you, AAs200's are very good for the price. You can get multi shot versions too.

 

4.) Are multishots really that useful?#

 

Yes, they are very handy, especially at night time. Its alot less fiddling around. You can live without it though, but I wouldn't.

 

5.) For the price range, should I be looking at a cheap-er second hand PCP - or a Brand new springer?

 

See point 2 Its upto you mate, try both and see what suits you. Personally, I prefer springers, but as a pure hunting tool, a PCP is alot easier to shoot, quieter and normally lighter.

 

Cheers

Edited May 11, 2009 by Westcountryman

[carl hw80]

for that kind of money buy an s200. i had 1 and it was the best rifle ive had, and ive had a few. ther light extremly accurate and quiet! but ule nead to buy a pump there around 100pounds new, as for the multi shot you can convert an s200 to a ten shot. i bought my s200 with the 10 shot conversion and a pump for 350 in gud con second hand! most precharged guns run at around 2000psi a 180 to 200bar. if your wanting a springer i must recomend the hw80 or the air arms tx200 there heavy but gud guns. carl

[bullet boy]

See if you can pick up a secondhand Air-Arms S410 or Air-Arms S400.

[jackinbox99]

Id recommend the s410. Ive got one and its great. Certainly worth every penny i paid for it.

 

Pump vs bottle... well, i bought a new webley ultra-glide pump for my pcp and its very easy to pump up. Im not big, heavy or particularly strong, but i have no problems at all pumping it up to 190bar. Takes just a matter of minutes. After a session with the gun, its usually down to about 130->150bar, so i always keep it topped up rather than let it run down any more. Takes about 2mins to get from 150bar to 190bar. Saves any messing with bottles, tests, and getting bottles re-filled.

[Vulcha]

I'd recommend an S200. Light, quiet and they've finally realised the two piece stock is rubbish and given it a nice one piece stock, plus you have the option of either single shot or multi shot, and with spare mags costing around £13, you can buy three spares for the price of one spare for most other rifles. In .177 you get about forty shots per charge, but I've found that to be plenty, and I can't carry forty rabbits anyway!

 

I have a pump and a bottle, and to be honest, I always use the pump. You don't ever need to get it tested or re-filled, so air is always available provdied you're not in space. They cost about the same as a bottle, so are cheaper in the long run.

Edited May 12, 2009 by Vulcha