Indian make PCP Guns Vs Imported

[Harish Asnani]

Hi fellow members, I'm new to this forum and also quite naive with my knowledge about Air Rifles. I realize that most of the locally made ARs are break barrel and I quite wonder if there is any good PCP that I can lay my hands on or do I have to rely on import stock. Also, is there any specific reason why PCPs are not preferred- Maintenance, cost, handling... I would appreciate your kind input

[bennedose]

There is no mainstream Indian manufacturer who has made a PCP popular enough to come into common use. Until The Precihole company came into existence there was zero innovation in the Indian air gun department - with India chugging along like the 1960s - with our Ambassador and Fiat cars as the pinnacle of "Indian" technology - the same chassis and body undergoing minor cosmetic changes every few years.

If you want PCP, simply import. If you want to buy an Indian PCP - please post detailed photos and reviews here so we can either share you joys or avoid your sorrows.

[airgun_novice]

Hi fellow members, I'm new to this forum and also quite naive with my knowledge about Air Rifles. I realize that most of the locally made ARs are break barrel and I quite wonder if there is any good PCP that I can lay my hands on or do I have to rely on import stock. Also, is there any specific reason why PCPs are not preferred- Maintenance, cost, handling... I would appreciate your kind input

Dear Harish

What is your reason for PCP rifle ? Is it competitive or plinking ? IMHO, 3 Indian companies have ventured into the arena of PCP rifle manufacturing:

1. IHP - comes in .177. Has its limitations. OK for beginner level competitions. There's a review on IFG somewhere. Cheapest. I never used it.
2. Aditya Innovations - Aarya. In .177 and .22. Has its limitations. Good for plinking for that's what I used it. Since it had scope and I don't use scope, I had my limitations.
3. Precihole - .177 (and probably .22). Designed for competitions. In design and improvement phase. Yet to be launched. I shot the prototype and was very impressed. So awaiting its formal launch.

Good luck in your quest.

regs
A.

[brihacharan]

Hi fellow members, I'm new to this forum and also quite naive with my knowledge about Air Rifles. I realize that most of the locally made ARs are break barrel and I quite wonder if there is any good PCP that I can lay my hands on or do I have to rely on import stock. Also, is there any specific reason why PCPs are not preferred- Maintenance, cost, handling... I would appreciate your kind input

As bennedose has mentioned, there are no established air arm manufacturer till date who have produced & marketed a PCP in India...
However Aditya Innovations have introduced their version of PCP "Arya" ...its been around for a couple of years now....
The inherent disadvantage of a PCP is lugging a Scuba Tank around to fill the compressed air holder attached to the PCP & frequently keeping it filled...
Also if anything goes wrong with the valves....one would require a specialist gunsmith to repair it....
Compared with spring piston & gas ram operated air arms, PCP's tend to be more powerful in terms of velocity output...
Lastly if you're in a hurry to possess a PCP...importing one (0.177) through an authorized dealer is the best way out....for this you need to be a valid member of a registered shooting club....
Briha

[Harish Asnani]

@bennedose- Thanks for your response. I quite agree that Airgun or Gun sports in India is yet to get the recognition hence support industry too lacks behind in their quest to innovate. What I have observed is that either it is taboo to talk about possessing a gun or it people are just overzealous when they see one, now this doesn't apply to all but that's the case but I guess younger generation is now getting involved in this sport

@airgun_novice- Thanks for your response. It is simple for fun and plinking. I guess, I have crossed that stage where I should be looking forward to compete . I look forward to Precihole .177 PCP launch, I hope it will be soon

@Briha- Thanks for your response. I'm actually looking forward to import but I won't go through the hassle of club membership and customs etc hence trying to get hold of a good dealer or individual who can import on my behalf and I simply pay premium

[bennedose]

. What I have observed is that either it is taboo to talk about possessing a gun or it people are just overzealous when they see one

It is my opinion that too much "Foreign hawaa" is imported into Indian attitudes and Indians (at least in cities) act as if Indian laws are being broken if you are seen carrying an air rifle in public. There is no law against carrying an air rifle in open view but people react like you are a law breaker or that your "criminality" will rub off on them if they associate with you.

I think those of us who are interested need to make our countrymen aware of Indian laws - because no one else is doing it. As long as we keep illustrating laws in foreign countries and using them as examples (such as the United Kindgom 12 fpe limit or open/concealed carry laws in the US) people will keep reading about those foreign laws believing that they apply to us. Few people actually know what the law states in India about any type of weapon, firearm or air gun. I believe that only making people aware of their rights and the laws as they exist can create awareness and a movement towards rational application of laws and rights.

[Harish Asnani]

@bennedose- I so much agree with you. Awareness should be created and those who are already in this sport should do everything possible to encourage the legitimate enthusiasts while others should restrain from doing further damage to the psyche of ordinary people by engaging in all sorts of nefarious acts.

The other day I walked into a Arms shop in Jaipur and asked the chap owing the place about couple of guns, out of curiosity I asked him the process involved in obtaining the license and the only reply he could give was that I should continue to use them in the country I reside and don't even think of applying for a license in India. Went to JDA shooting range and guy simply told me that I can practice but I need to come with my own weapon and for that I need license....so you imagine the kind of frustration one has to really go through

But I will get there....