Advice On Keeping Or Getting A New PCP

[Eddie B]

As suggested, the bottle was taken off and was aired up to 3,000 psi.  After 36 hours, no leaks ! After degassing, the bottle was reinstalled per Umarex's instructions.  The bottle was spun four times 'til it stopped then was backed off enough for the stock to clear the air gauge.  The first shot was " click", so the bottle was tightened to the point where the air gauge wouldn't allow it to go further.  I was able to shoot the the rifle about seven times and noticed the air gauge was down to 2,000 psi.  It was pumped back up to 3,000 and I ate dinner.   After 30 minutes, the air gauge was checked and it was down to 2500 psi . Perhaps it's the pin valve on the regulator is too short/broken, or the depressor pin in the drop block is too short/broken as  kbstingwing suggested.  Hand pumping a gun that leaks is a pain, probably the reason why it has less than a tin of pellets through it in the past three years.
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[kbstingwing]

ok at this point we know your bottle is not leaking, need pictures of the Valve end of the Regulator and the drop block pin please, so the gun is the leaker, it's got to be an O-ring or the poppet leaking, now remove the barrel shroud, use a balloon or a plastic baggie with a rubber band, place balloon over the barrel end and wrap with rubber band to get a tight leak proof seal, with the bolt closed and gun cocked, reinstall bottle and pump up to at least 2000psi, let it set and check to see if the balloon starts to inflate, this will mean your poppet is leaking, if it stays flat then you have to find the O-ring that is leaking, best to buy a rebuild kit and replace all, if you don't want to do this then maybe you might want to invest into a new gun and sell the gauntlet as a parts gun.... it's up to you it's a good way to learn how these things work.....

[Eddie B]

I really appreciate your suggestions. I'll give it a go. But I do see a compressor and new airgun in the future though

[Hajimoto]

I've had a Umarex Gauntlet .22 for three years and it has less than a tin of pellets through it.  It's on its fourth bottle because the first three wouldn't hold air.  Umarex replaced each of them. On the fourth bottle,  in order for it to work, I have to screw it all the way in.  Which means the gauge and fill probe aren't in alignment for the shroud to go on.   At this point, I've lost confidence in Umarex's quality.  Is there a way to fix this?  With two kids in college, an FX isn't in the budget.  However, thinking of cutting my losses and getting something else.  It's another entry level regulated PCP, but anybody here have long term experience with the WOOD stock version of the Air Venturi Avenger? Any other suggestions for a regulated PCP?

I would suggest you degas the bottle and then remove the bonnet cap off the regulator and remove the pin and spring that allow the tank to be removed and retain pressure. Leaving the pin and spring out, reinstall the bonnet and tighten the two set screws, install on the Gauntlet until tight, loosen to align the gauge with the left or the right whichever is first, and fill the rifle.


The only thing you lose is the ability to hot swap tanks which you more than likely never did nor are interested in doing. This procedure does not damage your PCP in any way and allows you to eliminate the issue you are having.
Happy Shooting!

[Eddie B]

Thanks for the advice.  Umarex customer service said the gun needs to be filled with a compressor not a pump.  Am I wrong for being a skeptic?  I'm ordering a compressor anyway because there will be more PCP rifles added to the collection.  Once it comes in I'll see if the Gauntlet will hold air, if not, I'll do the above suggestions.