Which pump?

[oldpink]

I am pretty sure this has been covered in the past, and I'm even more sure that there are widely differing opinions on this matter.
I'm saving up to get a .22 M-Rod, either by the end of this year or sometime next year, and I wanted to know what is the best overall hand pump.
I have read lots of scathing reviews of Crosman/Benjamin's own model, but I have to wonder if most of those complaints might be from people who did not operate them properly, did not let them cool down while pumping them, or improperly maintained them.
I have read some places where many experienced shooters gave the nod to the Hill pump, and others rave about the Axsor.
I am figuring on also getting a scuba tank for the initial fills or when it is really depleted, keeping the pump for traveling and topping off while hunting and target shooting.
I'm just wanting to get an educated opinion on the most trouble-free, durable, best dollar-to-performance ratio, and cleanest air producing pump out there.

[Nomadic Pirate]

I have 2 Axsors and a G4,  Both models work good, the Axsors seem a bit more refined, the G4 seems much more sturdy and rugged, can do more pumping per session before it get hot.

if I had to get one I probably would get a G4.

I heard the FX is really good

[longislandhunter]

I have an Air Force pump and a Benjamin pump.  Both of them have worked well for me for several years now without any problems at all.  The key is to pump slowly and steadily and not to let the pump over heat.  I think most people who experience problems don't heed that warning and simply over heat their pumps.  I'm completely satisfied with both of my pumps.  That being said though it does appear that the Hill pump seems to be the pump with the best overall reviews from a large number of air gunners. 

Jeff

[oldpink]

Thanks for the advice, guys, and double thanks for the thoughts on pumping too fast, longislandhunter.
Most of the unfavorable reviews for the Benjamin mentioned pumping fast and without pausing every five minutes or so to allow it to cool before finishing.

[kf9vh]

I bought a used FX pump for my Disco. It is no problem pumping up to 2000 psi with it. Had a Disco pump many moons ago and sold it before it shot craps like most do.

[Ribbonstone]

Found this to be a pretty honest review Own an FX and a Hill, and cant argue with his findings (although they have a British point of view):
http://gunmart.net/accessories_review/hills_v_fx_pumps/

[Phil_B]

I'm going to toss in my .02  Don't even bother getting a pump, just go straight for a tank. Last July I got a .22 M-rod and a G4 pump and was supper happy with both. 3 months later got a 4500 psi tank AND HAVE NOT EVEN TOUCHED THE PUMP SENCE.  If I had known I was going to get a tank that 200 beans could have gone to better use. Be four the tank i was super happy with the G4  but now it has 10 months of dust on it.
Just remember this is my .02

[MartinDWhite]

I had an airforce pump that was bad out of the box, even after returned and fixed I did not like it. I bought a used Hill and it has worked great. Beware pumping is NOT for the weak of heart or back.

My pump is more for when my tank is empty and I want to shot a pcp anyway.

    Martin D. White

[Ribbonstone]

Had tanks, went back to hand pumping.  Wasn't a matter of distance, could walk to the dive shop, I just prefer hand pumping.  Am 60, 5'11", 165 pounds, so am not exactly "beefy...and in hand pumping, weight  can be a help...when I get old and feeble,  or impatient, will go back to the tank.

Pump filling isn't for the "I gotta-shoot-right-now" folks, you need patience and not to mind a little exercise.  If you are in a rush, go with a tank.

[Davee1]

When I got my .22 Marauder last year...I did some extensive reading on the net about the various handpumps available.  I went with the Hill pump and a couple of the maintenance kits.  At that time, it seemed to me like most folks said it was a quality product, worked good, was easy to take apart for resealing/maintenance, didnt break much, and rebuild kits are readily available.  I agree...it is a quality product, is sturdy, and easy enough to take apart.
I havent had a problem with it yet, and I've been using it for about a year now.  Just about every day it gets used at least once, especially now that I have a .25 Marauder too, and it uses more air, I guess because of the bigger bore.  I'm much more likely to go at it now, kinda gotten used to pumping it now, got the stiff upperbody/bend at the knees technique goin on, and it helps to give this man some excersize.  For a 52yrs old man, it takes some getting used to, no matter what pump you get....from what I've read.
I took it apart a couple of weeks ago, just to see if there was anything I could find that needed replacing, and there was nothing wrong.
There is one key element that folks advize, no matter what handpump you use...keep the pump cool, and pump slow.  After about 50 strokes, vent it, and give it a good rest for 10-15 minutes...then resume if needed.  Works good 4 me!!!
       

[Filnez]

I have been using a scuba tank so far to fill my Evanix AR6 Renegade, but I would like to get a hand pump.  Top ups, emergencies, scuba shop breakdowns, etc., it would be prudent to have another source of air.  Pump prices range from approx. $180 for the Air Venturi G4 with Pyramyds 10% discount up to $290 for the four stage FX pump at AOA.   Champions Choice of TN has the Hill pump without the Drypak for $200.  I've seen reviews all over the place on a bunch of pumps ranging from junk to gold.  Like everybody else, I don't want to spend too much money right now, but still don't want to waste the money on a junker.  The reviews on the G4 are good at Pyramyd, and I have talked to Nomadic Pirate who likes his G4 pump.  It's made by Hatsan and looks good and heavy duty.  Wish some more folks would drop in and tell their experiences. 

[Davee1]

I wish Pyramyd would carry the Hill pump, they have the review system so customers can comment on their purchases.  I got my Hill pump from StraightShooters, with the drypac, and all fittings needed to hook up to my Marauder, which I was buying at the same time.  I bought my Marauder .22 from StraightShooters because they were checking each one for leaks, operability, accuracy, and fit/finish.  As a result of that checking, I got a good one...no problems whatsoever.  That was back last year about this time.
I think its a good idea to have a hand pump available, just in case you may need it.  Otherwise, you might not be able to refill/shoot for a while(a most awful thought).

[only1harry]

Most people that got a tank (or 2) rarely go back to a pump.  I am with Phil B. 

If you have a Disco which only needs 2k psi fills, a 3k psi Scuba tank is the way to go.  It costs less than the cheapest pump out there.  With the yoke/hose it's about the same price, may be a little less, maybe a little more, depending which pump you are looking at getting and how good a yoke you get.

If you have 3 PCP's like me, or more, I don't see pumping as an option, unless you do very little shooting.  I don't shoot a lot, but shoot regularly every weekend, so I never even thought of trying out a pump.  And for those who said a pump is good for topping off or emergencies, sure I agree, but you can always get a 2nd 3k psi tank for ($159 new) for less than the cost of any pump out there, and the yoke/hose is transferrable from one tank to the other if you don't want to purchase another one.  2 tanks are always better than one, and they are not too expensive, unless you go with a 4500psi one.  Then that changes everything since the cost 3-4x that of a 3k psi tank. 
I prefer the 4500 tank.  I don't have to go to the Scuba shop for a refill for a very long time, especially if you fill at 2500-2600psi like I do, and with my backup 3k psi tank, it has now been 5-6 months since I was at the Scuba shop.  You will be amazed how many times you can fill your tank from a 66 or 88cu.ft carbon tank.  I have filled my Condors, which use a lot more air per shot than a Marauder, about 24-25 times so far (mostly 2600psi fills and about 7-8 3kpsi ones) and the 4500 SCBA is reading 3500psi.   I have not even used my 3k psi backup tank yet.  That 's 25 x 40shots/fill = 1,000 shots, or 5 tins of Kodiaks, and I still have about another 10 fills before it drops below 3k psi.  That's 2 more tins.  I only have a 66cu.ft 4500 tank.  88cu.ft would get you a lot more.  This tank's capacity well exceeded my expectations.  A Condor has a 499ci (huge) tank or more than twice as big as a Marauder's.  You can fill a Marauder about 50 times before you have to visit the Scuba shop again.   That's my 0.2 cents but I do think pumps are good too because they give you a work out, and working out can certainly not be bad for you

[oldpink]

Great answer, there, only1harry.
I just can't possibly justify buying one of the 4500psi carbon tanks, since those cost considerably more than my desired rifle, the Marauder.
However, I gather that probably the best tank overall to get is the 3500psi steel tank, since lots of dive shops don't fill to 4500psi anyway, due to the much greater wear on their pumps.
I just hope I can save up enough to have it all in my hands by this time next year.

[JimH]

I got the Mrod and a Hill pump from Straight Shooters.  The fitting is a little tight to get on but I have had no problems.  I just wish there was a way to lock down the handle so you can carry it without the handle pulling up.  Not sure if any other pump has that feature though.  I use a thick rubber band and wrap up the hose to the body of the pump.

[Nomadic Pirate]

I shoot every day, and I shoot quite a bit, the trick with the pump is to shoot one mag at a time and refill, I have 7 PCPs and some of them have big reservoirs and take lots of air, but I like the pumps (I have 3 so I never overuse them) good excercise while filling your gun

Example:

top up a gun, shoot a magazine, either 8 shots on the Maurader, 10 on the Rainstorm, 5 on the 707, 3 on the 909s

go back top up with 30 to 50 pumps, and back out to shoot

I don't want to shoot too many rounds in a row anyway, I practice for hunting and it's all about concentration and quality rather than quantity, and going back to the pump makes me think and settle down ......just me, just a different angle on the subject

[PeakChick]

I would recommend either the FX or Hill pump. I have an FX pump and with just a little silicone diver's grease on the exterior of the pump shaft now and again, it has been flawless. Buy a good quality pump. Don't waste your time and money on a cheap pump. Btw, I am pumping up two BSA rifles to 230 BAR and a Daystate to 200 BAR.

[oldpink]

Hey!
Glad to see that PeakChick is still here.
Thanks for the advice.
Yep, it looks as if it will be either the Hill or FX for sure.
Sorry, Crosman, but until you make your pump as good as the M-Rod is said to be, I won't be buying one.

[DaveShooter]

I shoot every day, and I shoot quite a bit, the trick with the pump is to shoot one mag at a time and refill, I have 7 PCPs and some of them have big reservoirs and take lots of air, but I like the pumps (I have 3 so I never overuse them) good excercise while filling your gun

Example:

top up a gun, shoot a magazine, either 8 shots on the Maurader, 10 on the Rainstorm, 5 on the 707, 3 on the 909s

go back top up with 30 to 50 pumps, and back out to shoot

I don't want to shoot too many rounds in a row anyway, I practice for hunting and it's all about concentration and quality rather than quantity, and going back to the pump makes me think and settle down ......just me, just a different angle on the subject

Manny no wonder ya stay so skinny Ha ha Only kidding ya--- dave