Talk me off of the "Darkside" ledge....

[Wancheezer]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it? 

[bubba zanetti]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it?

Dude, we are going to shove you off the cliff! Once you come over...no going back so to speak.

By the way, have we ever rode together at a track day. I ride a 94 Yamaha TZ125 and mostly rode with NESBA when they were around.

BZ

[bubba zanetti]

Not as expensive as you would think. That's what kept me away but the more I read I learned you can do it fairly cheap.

I have a .25 Sumatra on order
I have a Bam-50 in .177 that's getting worked on and my one machine gun BB runs on HPA.

Also, I used to have a .25 M-rod and I only use a hand pump to fill, which if you buy a Hill pump, makes pumping a 3000 psi gun a heck of a lot easier.

The cost of the gun is the biggest barrier. And accuracy? Yes, the PCP's are that good at extended ranges. I sold my .25 M-rod to a good friend. Last week he sent pics of a pigeon he took at 70 yards. He couldn't believe how easy it was with that gun. He now worships at the alter of the darkside

BZ

[Sfttailrdr46]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it?

Talk to Paul F he has a very nice AA S510  .25 that will exceed all expectations at a good price and if a bargain Hand pump is needed Mike at flying Dragons will hook you up. Hand pumping 1 PCP is not bad. Just remember if you don't have parachute the landing can get expensive 

[Wancheezer]

Not as expensive as you would think. That's what kept me away but the more I read I learned you can do it fairly cheap.

I have a .25 Sumatra on order
I have a Bam-50 in .177 that's getting worked on and my one machine gun BB runs on HPA.

Also, I used to have a .25 M-rod and I only use a hand pump to fill, which if you buy a Hill pump, makes pumping a 3000 psi gun a heck of a lot easier.

The cost of the gun is the biggest barrier. And accuracy? Yes, the PCP's are that good at extended ranges. I sold my .25 M-rod to a good friend. Last week he sent pics of a pigeon he took at 70 yards. He couldn't believe how easy it was with that gun. He now worships at the alter of the darkside

BZ

We may have rode together at some point.  I used to ride with NESBA as well.  I've been an instructor with Team ProMotion as well.  I'm getting out of track days.  Just got to be too much money and time away from family.  That's why I have picked up this new hobby.  I've got to me into something to keep sane.

Could you explain to me your set up for filling? 

[Wancheezer]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it?

Talk to Paul F he has a very nice AA S510  .25 that will exceed all expectations at a good price and if a bargain Hand pump is needed Mike at flying Dragons will hook you up. Hand pumping 1 PCP is not bad. Just remember if you don't have parachute the landing can get expensive 

Is Paul F a dealer or a guy on forum?   Remember I'm new to this.   What would be the parachute?  Please explain that comment.

[bubba zanetti]

Not as expensive as you would think. That's what kept me away but the more I read I learned you can do it fairly cheap.

I have a .25 Sumatra on order
I have a Bam-50 in .177 that's getting worked on and my one machine gun BB runs on HPA.

Also, I used to have a .25 M-rod and I only use a hand pump to fill, which if you buy a Hill pump, makes pumping a 3000 psi gun a heck of a lot easier.

The cost of the gun is the biggest barrier. And accuracy? Yes, the PCP's are that good at extended ranges. I sold my .25 M-rod to a good friend. Last week he sent pics of a pigeon he took at 70 yards. He couldn't believe how easy it was with that gun. He now worships at the alter of the darkside

BZ

We may have rode together at some point.  I used to ride with NESBA as well.  I've been an instructor with Team ProMotion as well.  I'm getting out of track days.  Just got to be too much money and time away from family.  That's why I have picked up this new hobby.  I've got to me into something to keep sane.

Could you explain to me your set up for filling?

Well you and I are in the same season of life. I still own the TZ but did not ride at all last year. My wife and boys need me and my attention which I am glad to give. Oddly, wife doesn't want me to sell the TZ even though I was willing. She says you have all the stuff why not sneak off every great now and again for a treat...time will tell on that SO like you I needed a hobby, one I could share with family and have been graced  by God with airguns. Now me, the kids and wife shoot many of the AG's in our yard together.

As far as my set up, when I came to the darkside I bought the M-Rod already tuned and set up form another GTA member. It was an absolute tack driver. Also have the Bam-50 in .177. That's a work in progress but it is getting set up for hopefully 70-80 regulated shots in the high 800's-low 900's fps range. At the time of the M-rod and Bam purchase I only had a little money left over for a pump and bought a used Benjamin pump for pretty cheap. Like 90 bucks or something. All you do is hook the pump to the attachment on the end of the PCP rifle and pump slow and methodical until you hit your desired psi range.

Now having owned a Benjamin pump, it will work, but for pumping ITS WORK! from say 1500 to 2000 psi its pretty easy. Anything past 2500 psi and it was a slow process. Also, the Benjamin pump has a tendency to fail when using it in this range. The heat generated form pumping smokes the internal O-rings. Although the pump is easily re-buildable, all the pumps are, it was a PIA to stop shooting and fix it. Well saved my nickels as everyone who owns a Hill hand pump says the same thing "No comparison". They are correct! So much easier, pumps more air into the gun and I don't work near as much.

So if you are going to pump and can afford it, get the Hill pump! The down sides to pumping are more related to what AG you have and the weather.

.177 and .22 PCP's have a higher shot count within their psi range respectively.

The .25 and bigger have less. The M-rod was set up for 24 accurate shots between 3000 and 2000 psi. Plinking on a hot day with the M-rod usually got sweaty. With the Hill pump, not so bad...some sweat But I usually used the M-rod for hunting so I didn't care.

Going back to the BAM, once set up that is many more 70-80 at great power for a .177 within whatever psi range will work. Don't have the gun at the moment so keep an eye out for a later post, but if you want more power and more shots seriously consider a PCP in .22. Lots of pellets to choose from and pretty good FPE to boot.

As far as tanks...well its money that keeps me form buying. Much like track days it doesn't take long to get over your head and buy the latest and greatest. Someday I will buy a tank, but I refuse to spend 700-800 bucks so I keep an eye out on the used tank market. You can get some pretty sweet deals if you keep an eye out, but for now I'll be in the corner pumping my balls off 

Hope this helps, sorry for the long winded talk.

BZ

p.s. The parachute comment relates to my track day comment, mucho money gone very quickly!

[Sfttailrdr46]

  My track days were with a '69 Dodge Dart 340 all out street legal 600+ HP 1/4 mile monster. Now all my spare cash is invested in AG's 

Oops almost forgot the 2002 Road King

[palonej]

What is this "Darkside" of which you speak??
And why do you need a bicycle pump to shoot a BB gun??
And why do I smell cookies??
And why is my credit card smoldering???
  

The TX is simply put a fantastic rifle!
I've had mine for almost 3 years and it doesn't get much better!
I could get really long winded stating this lady's virtues, but I'll just post a pic of a 10 shot 50 yard group from the bench........and I didn't get all out of breath blowing her up!!!

[Wancheezer]

Not as expensive as you would think. That's what kept me away but the more I read I learned you can do it fairly cheap.

I have a .25 Sumatra on order
I have a Bam-50 in .177 that's getting worked on and my one machine gun BB runs on HPA.

Also, I used to have a .25 M-rod and I only use a hand pump to fill, which if you buy a Hill pump, makes pumping a 3000 psi gun a heck of a lot easier.

The cost of the gun is the biggest barrier. And accuracy? Yes, the PCP's are that good at extended ranges. I sold my .25 M-rod to a good friend. Last week he sent pics of a pigeon he took at 70 yards. He couldn't believe how easy it was with that gun. He now worships at the alter of the darkside

BZ

We may have rode together at some point.  I used to ride with NESBA as well.  I've been an instructor with Team ProMotion as well.  I'm getting out of track days.  Just got to be too much money and time away from family.  That's why I have picked up this new hobby.  I've got to me into something to keep sane.

Could you explain to me your set up for filling?

Well you and I are in the same season of life. I still own the TZ but did not ride at all last year. My wife and boys need me and my attention which I am glad to give. Oddly, wife doesn't want me to sell the TZ even though I was willing. She says you have all the stuff why not sneak off every great now and again for a treat...time will tell on that SO like you I needed a hobby, one I could share with family and have been graced  by God with airguns. Now me, the kids and wife shoot many of the AG's in our yard together.

As far as my set up, when I came to the darkside I bought the M-Rod already tuned and set up form another GTA member. It was an absolute tack driver. Also have the Bam-50 in .177. That's a work in progress but it is getting set up for hopefully 70-80 regulated shots in the high 800's-low 900's fps range. At the time of the M-rod and Bam purchase I only had a little money left over for a pump and bought a used Benjamin pump for pretty cheap. Like 90 bucks or something. All you do is hook the pump to the attachment on the end of the PCP rifle and pump slow and methodical until you hit your desired psi range.

Now having owned a Benjamin pump, it will work, but for pumping ITS WORK! from say 1500 to 2000 psi its pretty easy. Anything past 2500 psi and it was a slow process. Also, the Benjamin pump has a tendency to fail when using it in this range. The heat generated form pumping smokes the internal O-rings. Although the pump is easily re-buildable, all the pumps are, it was a PIA to stop shooting and fix it. Well saved my nickels as everyone who owns a Hill hand pump says the same thing "No comparison". They are correct! So much easier, pumps more air into the gun and I don't work near as much.

So if you are going to pump and can afford it, get the Hill pump! The down sides to pumping are more related to what AG you have and the weather.

.177 and .22 PCP's have a higher shot count within their psi range respectively.

The .25 and bigger have less. The M-rod was set up for 24 accurate shots between 3000 and 2000 psi. Plinking on a hot day with the M-rod usually got sweaty. With the Hill pump, not so bad...some sweat But I usually used the M-rod for hunting so I didn't care.

Going back to the BAM, once set up that is many more 70-80 at great power for a .177 within whatever psi range will work. Don't have the gun at the moment so keep an eye out for a later post, but if you want more power and more shots seriously consider a PCP in .22. Lots of pellets to choose from and pretty good FPE to boot.

As far as tanks...well its money that keeps me form buying. Much like track days it doesn't take long to get over your head and buy the latest and greatest. Someday I will buy a tank, but I refuse to spend 700-800 bucks so I keep an eye out on the used tank market. You can get some pretty sweet deals if you keep an eye out, but for now I'll be in the corner pumping my balls off 

Hope this helps, sorry for the long winded talk.

BZ

p.s. The parachute comment relates to my track day comment, mucho money gone very quickly!

Thanks for the reply.  The gun I am looking at is the Air Arms S510 in .22.  I will check into the Hill pump.  Is there a way to keep moisture out of the gun using a hand pump?   I worry about putting moisture in a expensive rifle. 

[Wancheezer]

What is this "Darkside" of which you speak??
And why do you need a bicycle pump to shoot a BB gun??
And why do I smell cookies??
And why is my credit card smoldering???
  

The TX is simply put a fantastic rifle!
I've had mine for almost 3 years and it doesn't get much better!
I could get really long winded stating this lady's virtues, but I'll just post a pic of a 10 shot 50 yard group from the bench........and I didn't get all out of breath blowing her up!!!

And just when I was about to jump.  😳

[ancient1one]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it?

Dude, we are going to shove you off the cliff! Once you come over...no going back so to speak.

BZ

x2.. I am a decent shot with a springer and that took a lot of trigger time. When I bought my first PCP(Mrod .22) I went from a decent shot to a good shot after a little trigger time. When I upgraded to to a better PCP I became an even better shot. At 50 yards+ it is not even close between springer and PCP IMO.

McCoulter(GTA member) has a new 22 caliber AirArms S510 and we did some shooting a day after Christmas. Accurate, quite, real nice trigger, and a powerful rifle. Your shooting will improve big time by just buying the AA s510. Ten shots without cocking a barrel or loading a pellet will make shooting a lot more enjoyable. A tank setup for filling will make it that much better.

On a windy day it is not even close between a springer and the .22 AA s510. The AA s510 will buck the wind a lot better and it will be easier to hit what your aiming at.

[Wancheezer]

I have a D54 that shoots well and seems pretty close in accuracy from what I've seen to the TX.   I really want to stretch out to the 80-100 yard range and maybe beyond.  Pumping doesn't concern me too much as I could always use the exercise.  I see the point and like the simplicity of the spring gun.  But,  if the PCP is more capable of accuracy at further distance,  I like that idea.

No one has said much about which gun performs better at those distances.  Although the groups that were just posted at 50 definite shows some possibility.  I'm new and I know very little though. 

[Wancheezer]

I'm considering my third airgun purchase.  My choices are between an AirArms TX200 MKIII and an AirArms S510 Xtra.  The PCP world is expensive and seems like a lot of hassle.  Would I be gaining that much increased accuracy in the 50 to 100 yard range with the AA PCP?  Is it worth it?

Dude, we are going to shove you off the cliff! Once you come over...no going back so to speak.

BZ

x2.. I am a decent shot with a springer and that took a lot of trigger time. When I bought my first PCP(Mrod .22) I went from a decent shot to a good shot after a little trigger time. When I upgraded to to a better PCP I became an even better shot. At 50 yards+ it is not even close between springer and PCP IMO.

McCoulter(GTA member) has a new 22 caliber AirArms S510 and we did some shooting a day after Christmas. Accurate, quite, real nice trigger, and a powerful rifle. Your shooting will improve big time by just buying the AA s510. Ten shots without cocking a barrel or loading a pellet will make shooting a lot more enjoyable. A tank setup for filling will make it that much better.

On a windy day it is not even close between a springer and the .22 AA s510. The AA s510 will buck the wind a lot better and it will be easier to hit what your aiming at.

Any suggestions on tank set ups?  I hunt, shoot in back yard and at range.  I don't want to spend $2000 on compressors etc.  Trying to stay somewhat grounded on my cost. 

[Sfttailrdr46]

What is this "Darkside" of which you speak??
And why do you need a bicycle pump to shoot a BB gun??
And why do I smell cookies??
And why is my credit card smoldering???
  

The TX is simply put a fantastic rifle!
I've had mine for almost 3 years and it doesn't get much better!
I could get really long winded stating this lady's virtues, but I'll just post a pic of a 10 shot 50 yard group from the bench........and I didn't get all out of breath blowing her up!!!

How about that bell at 50+ yards that somebody's Marauder .25 was ringing loud and clear vs the tiny little tink tink of your boingger. All kidding aside the TX is an awesome rifle also or I wouldn't still own mine or have invested in the Vortek kit for mine if it wasn't an amazing rifle as well.

[ancient1one]

I was shopping for a 80+ cu ft tank setup. The best price I could find on a complete brand new setup was AirHogs.com A 88 cu ft tank, foster adapter, 24" hose, gauge and valve $600 shipping included. If I was to buy it again I would upgrade to a 30- 36 " swivel hose.

Tim from Mac1 is selling the 90 cu in with an upgraded vaulve and gauge $300 shipped(good price). Last people told me the Great White 97 cu ft tank was so much better for $200 more. I am very happy with the Air Hog and thrilled I saved over $200.

[Sfttailrdr46]

  Just remember that with a PCP repeater you also need to budget more for pellets since you can burn through an entire tin of whatever your rifle's favorite pellet is. Ask me I will tell you.

[bubba zanetti]

The Hill Pump has a really nice desiccant filter already on it that can be re-filled with new materiel when the beads needs changed.

If you look at a picture of the Hill you will see the filter.

As far as tanks I am not qualified to talk as I am learning, but what you want for a 3000 psi PCP is a 4500 psi tank. Scuba shops and paintball shops fill them for around 4-8 bucks and apparently you can get 60 or more fills on a tank?

As far as another springer...I have never heard ANYBODY badmouth the TX200 rifle.

BZ

[Wancheezer]

Will a 3000 psi tank fill a 3000psi airgun?  Do you fill the airgun to full capacity?  How many fills on 3000 vs.  4500?  I can get a used 3000 psi tank at local dive shop for $60. 

[Sfttailrdr46]

Will a 3000 psi tank fill a 3000psi airgun?  Do you fill the airgun to full capacity?  How many fills on 3000 vs.  4500?  I can get a used 3000 psi tank at local dive shop for $60.

I have a 90 ci guppy tank and can fill my rifles from 100 bar to 200 bar about 12 times