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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: vinenator on March 14, 2013, 10:39:03 PM

Title: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: vinenator on March 14, 2013, 10:39:03 PM
i'm thinking about getting a rifle and the PCPs look nice, but it seems there is a expensive bit of equipment needed to support it. I don't scuba dive so i don't have that kind of equipment around.  I saw there are hand pumps, but I imagine they can't be that efficient to be able to deliver 2000+ psi. How about small (12v?) compressors that can  be used in the field (car power)? 

i don't like break barrels (reputability issues) so that leave side/under cocking rifles.

those have recoil, but i noticed the airking 54 recoil-less. nice, but kind of heavy. i plan to do some bench shooting and occasional varmit hunting, so not sure which way to go.



Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Dockey 454 on March 14, 2013, 11:36:40 PM
Welcome to GTA. The type of compressor you are talking about will never put out the kind of pressure you need for an airgun. You could consider a CO2 gun. If you want to go with a PCP.
Tom
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: drewciferpike on March 14, 2013, 11:58:35 PM
There are manual pumps for PCPs (3k psi), but you need to be slow and steady, or you'll burn out the rings. You can fill bottles at dive shops, and sometimes even fire departments and paintball ranges/stores. Shop compressors will not work at all (180 psi, usually?). A true PCP compressor will run thousands of dollars.

CO2 is a possibility, and there are a lot of rifles that do quite well.

If you're willing to spend some money, there are nice springers (even breakbarrels) that are both accurate and don't have much recoil.

What's your distance for bench? What kind of varmints? Use will determine the rifle.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: mtsheron70 on March 15, 2013, 09:58:20 AM
A regular air compressor from a hardware store is a no go.  You may hear of using these but it is with the Shoebox compressor and using it as a kickstart to the system.  A compressor to fill SCBA tanks will run you about $3500 easily new and used ones are sometimes difficult to find. 

A handpump is the most economical way if you don't mind pumping roughly around 60-80 strokes and that is from a airgun that has maybe 2000 psi in it already to a 2800-3000 psi pressure.

If you go the handpump route I highly endorse the Hill handpump!  Made in England.....built like a tank......has a dessicant pack or unit attached to assist with moisture but we all know moisture still will develop.  They are totally rebuildable and you can get those parts very easily from the likes of PA and other retailers.

A Hill will run you around last check $290 but worth every penny. 

You mentioned a recoiless springer like a 54 Air King.  I just bought a 56TH which is essentially  the same platform minus the guns finish and thumbhole stock and adjustable butt/shoulder pad.  I have yet to shoot this gun because I literally just got it.  I did put about 3 pellets down the barrel to see what the action is like and until I scope it and sight it in and chrony it I have no way of giving you a honest opinion.  But there are those here that have had these for some time and will chime in I am sure.

But here is what I can tell you-

PCP-
Costly usually due to the complexity of these guns
Accurate as hades
A blast to shoot
Usually very powerful and can handle the heavier pellets with ease
Charging them is another investment all together

Springer-
Economical given all things considered you need for a PCP
Accurate if you do your part
Powerful models exist but with power comes more hold sensitvity from what I have read
Easily worked on
And no need for an external air source as a limiting factor

So there is my slant or 2 cents.  That being said I love both and feel each has their place.  The only waters yet to dip into myself...........BIGBORE PCP which is next with my buying 21 acres of land!  I am really wanting a Sam Yang Recluse 9mm PCP!

Good luck!
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: mtsheron70 on March 15, 2013, 10:09:37 AM
Forgot to add there are also some German airguns both breakbarrel and English made that use Theoben gas RAM's that are smoother than springers at times.  These are the creme of the crop to hear guys talk about them.  But get ready to shell out some bucks on them in the tune of a nice German rifle with a Theoben gas RAM to be around $700+ and a English made Theoben SLR for example in the tune of $1350 + or - depending.

Are the above worth it...............yeah I would so.  Lifelong rifles that can be handed down to your kids or grandkids!
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Ahab on March 15, 2013, 02:40:25 PM
Check out the XS46U with the gas ram conversion by MM at Flying Dragon Airguns with a tune. Sweet! Another choice is a refurbed Disco. ;D
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Papa Foxtrot on March 15, 2013, 02:49:55 PM
If you go the handpump route I highly endorse the Hill handpump!  Made in England.....built like a tank......has a dessicant pack or unit attached to assist with moisture but we all know moisture still will develop.  They are totally rebuildable and you can get those parts very easily from the likes of PA and other retailers.

A Hill will run you around last check $290 but worth every penny. 

Another vote for the Hill pump here.  I was lucky and found mine used for around $230 shipped.  Well worth it.

Two mags(20 rds) will take my Mrod from 2900 down to around 2100 psi.  45 strokes on the hill pump brings it right back.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: jimmie lee on March 15, 2013, 09:01:43 PM
After burning up an AF and Benjamin pump I went with the Hill pump. I take it real slow and let it cool completely before resuming pumping. I was too eager to shoot and not concerned with the proper maintenance which is why they blew out early; I takes it easy on the Hill at 300 bucks.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: vinenator on March 24, 2013, 12:31:42 PM
fire departments? do they  charge for the fill service?

thanks for all the advice. 

i want to learn MIL-dot estimation and i plan to rid the world of starlings and sparrows and any other kind of feral vermin! LOL

unfortunately, i live in the burbs and will have get out in the country to do anything productive.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: cactusrat on March 24, 2013, 02:26:50 PM
I haven’t found a fire station that would fill for me in my area.

If you can find a fire station that will fill your tank for free, I would still donate to their funds or at least bring the guy/girls donuts, coffee are something a long that line.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Mark 611 on March 24, 2013, 02:50:34 PM
FX also makes very good hand pumps I have use the stage 3 pump allot when I had my Theoben Rapids and could easily pump them to their fill pressures of 3100 or 3200PSI and I think the pump was rated at 3500psi, exellent pump comes with a 5yr warranty, PCP's arn't totally recoiless by the way yes allot less than a springer but its still there! Recoiless spring guns like the 54/56 if not working correctly will eat scopes like candy! IMO your better off with a standard 48/52 or 460/470 or any of the 97's and or the AA guns for a target springer or hunting type gun JMO :P
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Bentong on March 24, 2013, 05:36:16 PM
i'm thinking about getting a rifle and the PCPs look nice, but it seems there is a expensive bit of equipment needed to support it. I don't scuba dive so i don't have that kind of equipment around.  I saw there are hand pumps, but I imagine they can't be that efficient to be able to deliver 2000+ psi. How about small (12v?) compressors that can  be used in the field (car power)? 

i don't like break barrels (reputability issues) so that leave side/under cocking rifles.

those have recoil, but i noticed the airking 54 recoil-less. nice, but kind of heavy. i plan to do some bench shooting and occasional varmit hunting, so not sure which way to go.




Flying Dragon's sell high pressure pumps for $160 and comes with lifetime warranty. Here's the link >  http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/blog/?p=313#comment-161 (http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/blog/?p=313#comment-161)
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Geoff on April 25, 2013, 04:04:42 PM
Bentong:
The pump you linked claims the below, are these good "stats" ?  If one were looking more at a Marauder, would this be a "good" pump to get until one went with tanks ?  ...  Are there some hand pumps that are easier to pump/provide more air per push then others ?

thanks for any insight anyone can offer to my questions.

Regular price is $160 shipped

Max High Pressure: 310Bar (4500PSI)

Extended Length: 1100mm

Compressed Length: 630mm
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: nervoustrigger on April 25, 2013, 07:04:13 PM
For what it's worth, I've used the heck out of a Xisico pump from Mike since January and it hasn't given me a bit of trouble.  I'm capable of repairing most things (that are worth repairing, anyway) but knowing that Mike stands behind it is peace of mind.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: pmlapl on April 25, 2013, 07:47:02 PM
Don't know what your budget is but a Benjamin Discovery is priced fairly reasonable. The Shoebox Compressor is the most economical one out there. The gun and it will cost about $1000. Good luck on your search.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Geoff on April 25, 2013, 08:30:59 PM
Thank you.  I had skimmed past the shoebox and at ~$550 plus another pump to drive it at ... guessing ~$40 means 600 plus the descovery or marauder.

I realize I will in all likely hood buy a shoebox type pump IF I shoot enough to drive me crazy.  As far as I know, it is a 40 minutes drive, one way, to get a tank filled, so initially a hand pump will be necessary and a nice item to have as a last resort choice.



I really don't know what budget I have.  Started out at sub $300 and likely a gas piston rifle.   Lately been wondering why get one of those when I am probably going to want PCP in the end.    Since my neighbors are fairly close I would NEED quiet, so marauder seems to fit, though desco with TKO may work, though still not as quiet as a marauder from what i have read/seen on youtube

I was thinking of a Mac1 tuned Desco with the above pump, would put me JUST over the kit Desco at $399 and likely a better rifle since it had some work done before it was sent.

Still uncertain WHERE i would shoot this on a regular basis as eventually someone would complain about me shooting in my backyard, even if they could not hear it happening.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: LonestarOutdoorsman on April 25, 2013, 09:13:12 PM
I would also go for a disco, you only have to pump up to 2k psi. And from what I hear, not too hard. Plus it has plenty of power to knock down any varmint
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: chiro972b on April 26, 2013, 08:11:06 AM
I have a disco and a marauder that I pump up with the benji pump. The disco is no problem to do, but the extra 1000 psi to charge the marauder is a bear. If you want to pump, get a discovery. Lots of shots per charge and pumping isn't bad at all.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Papa Foxtrot on April 26, 2013, 09:47:36 AM
I usually run my Marauder from 2800 down to 2200.  Takes 50 strokes on the Hill pump to top back up.  I don't find it that tough - just take my time, pause at both ends of the stroke for a second and use my weight on the downstroke.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Ahab on April 26, 2013, 11:48:35 AM
I usually run my Marauder from 2800 down to 2200.  Takes 50 strokes on the Hill pump to top back up.  I don't find it that tough - just take my time, pause at both ends of the stroke for a second and use my weight on the downstroke.

That's what I do too, Only with a Benji pump.
Title: Re: Hand pumps for PCPs
Post by: Geoff on April 26, 2013, 01:45:03 PM
for the Discovery I would want a TKO on the end since it seems to be quite loud, with the marauder i would not however the $$ difference is still hefty

Also, I like the look of the "new" marauder, if it ever appears in stores, so would want that one (i think) if I went with marauder