GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: Nod on November 13, 2012, 10:40:23 AM
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I don't own a PCP but I was looking into one last Spring and the fellow I was going to buy from mentioned that some fire departments that have scuba gear would have the capability for filling PCP's. I never inquired at my local fire station but he said that was what he did. Just a thought, it would certainly add more places to your map.
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some will refill and some won't. all depends on their personal discretion. doesnt hurt to ask nicely. ;D
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One of the nuances you need to pay attention to is the difference between "SCUBA" and "SCBA". Scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus" is for all things underwater related. SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) is a term used to describe industrial breathing apparatus for folks who like to work in atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health.
Most all fire departments will have compressors that provide breathing air at 5000 psi. The problem for the average PCP airgunner is getting access to this air. Since filling air storage cylinders for the purpose of ridding the world of varmits and punching holes in paper is not an emergency service, most fire departments will politely turn down your request to have your cylinder filled. This would be gifting public funds, and competing with your local dive shop that will sell you air. The official policy line being said, here are some ideas to tap into this terrific air source for PCP'ers.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Join your local fire department. Great community service, great people, and you will have no problem with an air source for your PCP.
2. If you have a friend who is on the fire department, as him for a favor (bring ice cream). If you have a SCBA style of tank, it should be very doable.
3. If you have a friend in the emergency services (law enforcement, search and rescue, ambulance service, etc...), ask if they would be willing to approach your local fire department to fill your tank. Most fire department will supply compressed air to other emergency service organizations. Bring ice cream.
4. In the absence of 1, 2, or 3 above, you could go ask your local fire dept. Don't go during the weekday when the administrative types are around. Catch them on the weekend, and be prepared to bring in lots of ice cream. In fact the cost of the pie and ice cream you will have to purchase will outweigh your cost of if you went to your local dive shop.
Your best bet is to go with suggestion #1 or #2. If you don't have a friend in the department, it will get to be a hassle to fill the tanks if you are a regular shooter. You will find it is more convenient to go to a dive shop, or purchase a shoebox compressor.
One last bit of advice. If you want your ice cream to be taken seriously, avoid the cheap stuff and go with the premium brands.
Good Luck.
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Very well said TR. I'm a fireman and can relate.
Richard
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You're right TR, that's a good example of how 1 letter can change the meaning of a sentence. Thanks for the correction !
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You're right TR, that's a good example of how 1 letter can change the meaning of a sentence. Thanks for the correction !
Be aware that you can use SCUBA tanks to fill your pcp. What rifle are you looking at? I have a marauder .25 and I fill it from a SCUBA tank. The problem I hit is my SCUBA tank max pressure is 3000 psi, and the max pressure on the marauder is 3000 psi. So technically every time I fill my rifle's reservoir, I have less pressure in my SCUBA tank. Fortunately I have two SCUBA cylinders. When one gets low, I use it to fill the volume in my rifle as far as it will go, then I fill from my second tank (research "cascade air system" if you want more information on this). This way I can get many more fills before I have to head back to the fire station to fill them back up. It works, but I still can never fill to 3000 psi in my rifle if my storage system is at 3000 psi.
The beauty of a 4500 psi tank (SCBA) is that it gives you a 1500 psi pressure advantage in your storage tank. So I would be able to fill my rifle's reservoir many times before my storage falls below 3000 psi. It is a great way to go, its just darn expensive.
Here is a link to a recent post I made that had some url's that may help you on your PCP air supply path:
http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,38199.msg355755.html#msg355755 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,38199.msg355755.html#msg355755)
Keep digging around on the forums before you make any purchases. The folks here are a great help.