New PCP Convert

[PlasticTacTic]

After having shot multi pumps, springers and CO2 guns, i finally got my first PCP, a .22 cal avenger with a hand pump. Since i live so close to pyramyd that i could pick it up, its showing up within 3 days of ordering, and thats with the pro tune.

To keep this short, is there anything important i need to know about these kinds of powerplants? Something that i need to do so i wont get blown up or injured in some strange way?

[Back_Roads]

 Use only 100% pure silicone oil on anything the involves the air supply, no other oils.

[avator]

Pay particular attention to the instruction on adjusting the regulator pressure if you plan to do so. You can increase the set pressure without degassing the gun but you MUST degas to lower the set pressure. Once degassed you'll want to fire the gun to make sure the plenum pressure (pressure in the valve) is at least below your intended setting.

[jus Tom]

Receiving your Avenger with a "pro tune"... the rifle should be set up for shooting enjoyment for numerous shooting sessions... no tinkering needed. Find the pellet the rifle shoots best and enjoy the accuracy of a pcp. 

[anti-squirrel]

Pay particular attention to the instruction on adjusting the regulator pressure if you plan to do so. You can increase the set pressure without degassing the gun but you MUST degas to lower the set pressure. Once degassed you'll want to fire the gun to make sure the plenum pressure (pressure in the valve) is at least below your intended setting.

This.


Also, start setting aside pennies for a small compressor.  I hand-pumped my EdGun for the first couple months I owned them; handpumping to 4350 is a good workout, but it also induces unsteady hands if you pump-then-shoot repeatedly.  A compressor makes life easier.

[Bicycleman]

While using the hand pump, pump slowly with a pause at the top of each stroke. 
Use your body weight to drive the plunger all the way down. 
Finally, let the pump cool down after 30 - 40 strokes.  Things will last longer that way.
Good luck and shoot straight.
PCP rifles are the only thing I shoot now.

[avator]

Not for nothing but if I were limited to a hand pump I wouldn't even own a PCP. Of course, that's just me. As for using it as a workout, I can think of more productive ways to workout. Again, that's just me.... I'm an old fart and I'd probably need a nap after doing 50+ strokes on a hand pump.   

[triggertreat]

I agree with Peter.  Start saving up for a compressor and even a tank.  You will enjoy the PCP a lot more with those.  I pumped for two years (defiant).  In the meantime, a trick I used was to push halfway down on the handle and then pull back up and then go a full stroke down.  This takes less strokes per se to reach your fill goal at least with a Bejamin hand pump.  Welcome to the dark side!

[Privateer]

Another Ohio Guy! Cool!
Your about an hour and a half from me if you ever wanna come shoot with us.
I have over 120 yards just out my back door!
 

[PlasticTacTic]

Woke up this afternoon and found the rifle sitting on the porch. Ups delivered it, pretty early for me anyways. Unpacked it and found that it was already charged to 3k psi, along with a target shot by the techs that was basically a ragged hole at 25 yards. Nice.

After a bit of reading i scoped it with a hawke vantage  2-7x32 and warne rimfire rings. Shot it in my basement ( a bit under 10 yards)with a mix of pellets i had, between 11 and 21 grains. Settled on shooting crow magnums and it produces one hole groups. Next is ranged testing.

Use only 100% pure silicone oil on anything the involves the air supply, no other oils.

i found a tube of silicone grease in the box with the hill air pump. Im assuming this is what i need?

Not for nothing but if I were limited to a hand pump I wouldn't even own a PCP. Of course, that's just me. As for using it as a workout, I can think of more productive ways to workout. Again, that's just me.... I'm an old fart and I'd probably need a nap after doing 50+ strokes on a hand pump.   

i feel like i could use the extra meat on my bones from pumping it up, but yeah i also think i need a compressor. This was a cheaper way for me to try pcp and decide for sure if i want to go all out and get an FX and compressor at some point. Hah.

Another Ohio Guy! Cool!
Your about an hour and a half from me if you ever wanna come shoot with us.
I have over 120 yards just out my back door!
 

thats awesome. Im a bit jealous, maybe ill have to take you up on that offer.

[3crows]

You will need a compressor if using the gun for anything but hunting.

And, I like the Crow Magnum pellet. It smacks stuff real good. And, it is about the most inaccurate name brand pellet I have used. I use them for close in pest goodbyes, like inside 10 to 15 yards on HOSPs and starlings and feathered rats.

[ranchibi]

Congratulations! Enjoy shooting it! If it has a foster fill, put a couple of drops of pure silicone oil into it every few fills to help lubricate o'rings, or the fill port if has a fill probe.

[avator]

If it has a probe you can put the drops in the probe before connecting it to the hose.