How to choose the right air source for your PCP rifle?

What air source should you use for your PCP? It all depends on your application.

PCP rifles are a wonderful invention. They can provide hundreds of shots at consistent energy levels, they’re quieter than standard springers, and they’re great fun to shoot.

The only drawback is that you need a constant source of air, whether it’s a hand pump or a high pressure air tank.

When you are looking to buy a PCP air rifle, one of the most important things that you need to decide is which air source is right for you.

This article will help you choose the right one for your needs.

How to choose the right air source for your PCP rifle?

 

Air tanks

Air tanks are the most popular option when it comes to filling a PCP. They’re easy to get hold of, and they’re relatively cheap.

The downside is that you need to carry them around with you, and if you’re out in the field hunting, you might not have much space for one.

You also need to keep them topped up with air, which means that you’ll need an air compressor at home or an air tank refiller near your hunting spots.

If you want to fill up far away from home, then you’ll need a small portable air tank refiller.

This can be pricey, but it’s one of the best options for filling up in the field. If you’re looking for a portable air tank, then you should be looking for a light one.

They don’t need to be too big, just big enough to get you through the day.

You should also look for one with a pressure gauge, so that you can check how much air is left in the tank.

Pros of Air tanks

• They’re easy to get hold of.
• They’re relatively cheap.
• They’re lightweight.

Cons of Air tanks

• You need to carry them around with you.
• They need regular filling up.
• It can be hard to find refilling stations.

Hand pumps

Hand pumps are often used with pre-charged air rifles, and they’re a good option if you don’t have access to an air compressor or an air tank refiller.

They have several advantages over using a scuba tank: they’re cheaper, they’re lighter, and they’re easier to carry around.

The downside is that they can take a while to fill up a rifle, and they can be tiring to use.

It’s also difficult to fill up in the field with a hand pump, unless you have an air tank refiller close by.

If you’re looking for a hand pump, then you should try and find one with a gauge on it so that you can keep track of how much air is left in the barrel.

Filling up in the field isn’t always easy, so it’s important to know when to stop pumping!

You should also look for one with a pressure relief valve, so that you don’t accidentally over-inflate your rifle.

Pros of Hand pumps

• Cheaper than air tanks.
• Easier to carry around than air tanks.
• Can be used with pre-charged air rifles.
•  Easier to fill up than an air tank.

Cons of Hand pumps

• Can take a long time to fill up an air tank.
• Can be tiring to use.
• Not as easy to fill up in the field as an air tank.

Scuba tanks

Scuba tanks are the most convenient option for filling up a PCP, and they’re also the most expensive.

If you have access to a scuba tank, then you should definitely take advantage of it.

The only downside is that they can be heavy and cumbersome to carry around, especially if you’re hunting in the hills or mountains.

They’re also not as portable as an air tank refiller or a hand pump.

However, they do give you a lot more shots than a standard hand pump or an air tank, and they’re also easier to fill up in the field.

If you have access to a scuba tank, then you should look for one with a pressure gauge on it.

This makes it much easier to fill up in the field, and it’s also a lot safer.

You should also look for one with a pressure relief valve, so that you don’t accidentally over-inflate your rifle.

Pros of Scuba tanks

• Gives you a lot more shots than a hand pump or an air tank
• Easy to fill up in the field
• Pressure gauge makes it easy to fill up in the field
• Pressure relief valve prevents over-inflation of your rifle

Cons of Scuba tanks

• Heavy and cumbersome to carry around, especially if you’re hunting in the hills or mountains
• Expensive to buy compared to other options
• Large and bulky

Air gun compressor

Air gun compressors are a great option, but they’re only really useful if you have access to one. If you don’t, then you might be better off with a scuba tank or a hand pump.

Air gun compressors give you the ability to fill up your rifle from a regular air supply, so you don’t need to carry around an air tank with you.

They’re also quieter than an air tank refiller or a hand pump, and they’re much easier to use.

The downside is that they can be expensive, and they’re also not as portable as using a hand pump or an air tank.

You also need to be careful not to over-inflate your rifle, as the air pressure in an air gun compressor is much higher than an air tank.

If you have access to an air gun compressor, then it’s definitely worth looking into.

It makes filling up in the field a lot easier, and it’s also a lot safer.

You should look for a compressor with a gauge on it so that you can keep track of how much air is left in the barrel.

Pros of Air gun compressor

• Quieter than a hand pump or an air tank refiller.
• Easier to use than a hand pump or an air tank refiller.
• You don’t have to carry around an air tank with you.

Cons of Air gun compressor

• They can be expensive.
• They’re not as portable as using a hand pump or an air tank.
• You need access to a regular air supply, such as an air compressor at home.