Springer vs. PCP?

[Mack The Knife]

LOL

I suppose, in the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed is sometimes thought to be king.

Anyway... so what are the 'sources' of 'air' for a PCP airgun?

1) An electric or fuel operated high pressure air compressor. This is an expensive option and usually used by some clubs, gun shops and dive shops.

2) A scuba/scba tank. Item 1 is used to fill this. This is what I use. Thiis is a cheap and efficient option. You can get it filled at the local firestation or dive shop

3) The three stage manual pump that looks like a bicycle pump. This is the cheapest option of the lot but unlike the first two that provide dry, breathing quality air, this does permit a small percentage of moisture into the guns air reservoir which may create a problem in the valve/regulator mechanism or even start oxidising the air reservoir in the long run.

And is the hand pump usable with all guns?

Provided you use the right adaptor, you can fill most of the current production PCP''s with the handpump.

Most of the current production PCPs are filled to 200 BAR / 3000 PSI (approx.) and the hand pumps are designed to pressurise upto 250 BAR if I am not mistaken. Filling guns with tube reservoirs does not take much effort as their capacities are usually in the 70 to 100 cc range. However, those guns that use a 400 or 500 cc Buddy Bottle (smaller scuba tank carried by divers for use in an emergency) will take a lot more effort. However, this isn't difficult because one should not use the pump when it gets hot. It should be allowed to cool and this automatically gives you a 10 to 15 minute respite.

[ai]

Guys, there is no questions about it- PCPs RULE! We are comparing Ferraris to old Ambassadors. Springers have their antique value, but are otherwise nearing extinction (Just joking- no offence to springers or owners)!!! Springers' one much mentioned advantage- its self contained power plant- is more than matched by PCP because PCPs air bottles can hold enough air for multiple shots- about 50 on an average, over 200 for some. In PCPs which are recharged by removing their bottle, nothing stops us from carrying a spare bottle.

Here are some other advantages of PCP (v's Springers)

1. PCPs have multishot capability- most use bolt action, some are semi automatic. (To the best of my knowledge, only Theoben makes a multishot springer (SLR- 7 shots), but pellet is inserted into the breech only during cocking, so unlike PCPs, you need to remove the gun from the shoulder)

2. No recoil. My BSA Superten gives a recoil when pellet (H&N Baracuda) leaves the muzzle, but I like that feel! With lighter pellets, there is no recoil. (Only Diana 54 manages recoil well, and other springers like Wishcombe that manage recoil are quite expensive). No worry about scope damage, and hence wide choice of scope.

3. Power- no way springers can get close to PCPs. Only Theoben Eliminator comes close, but at that price range, one might as well take a Theoben PCP!

4. Accuracy- No recoil, fixed barrel and consistent power=accuracy. See pic below. That is 10 shots with .22 Baracuda, standing position from just over 10 meters. The two bad shots were human error- I'm still getting used to this gun, and it will be a while before I can control my excitement whilst holding my new BSA!

5. Looks- you decide- beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!

PCPs are expensive though, but if one can afford them they are worth every penny. After over 30 years of shooting in which I have used- Tommy (Junior and Mod-45), HW90, HW80, Diana Mod-35, Mod-54, Winchester .22 rimfire; and tried Theoben SLR and BSA Mercury. I would NEVER consider another springer.



BSA Superten PCP-

[icemanV]

Mack The Knife,

Apart from the options mentioned by you.....did you ever consider using the portable compressors ( you can use it through the cigarette lighter holder) that we get for cars these days ...subject to the following of course.

1. That they give same kind of moistureless air.
2. Sufficient pressure should be generated.
3. Suitable adapter is available to do it safely.

I am considering buying one before you ask why i want to know. Pls check PM.

Ice

[Mack The Knife]

Ice,

Those portable compressors are very expensive. I hope you are not refering to the compressors used to inflate vehicle tyres as they simply do not generate the required pressure.

[ai]

Why is moisture removal recommended? My pump does not have a moisture filter, but I can get one.

[striker]

ai
in general all pcp pumps have moisture removal system to ensure moisture free air to the power plant bottle .moisture air usually corrode the internal part of pcp gun and also the air container bottle.


cheers
sankar

[TenX]

If I am not mistaken, they also hamper the washers and the valves...

[icemanV]

you meant the pump or the moisture?

[TenX]

The moisture in the air...

[icemanV]

Ice,

Those portable compressors are very expensive. I hope you are not refering to the compressors used to inflate vehicle tyres as they simply do not generate the required pressure.



Mack The Knife,

Check this thread, echoes your view and clears my PM

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/01/ ... ssors.html

Ice

[Goldfinger]

I own a HW 90 and a IHP and have had the opportunity of shooting a BSA Super Ten PCP. The BSA was new and I was too excited to be accurate, but my friend, the owner, put an amazing display of constant accuracy at small rough n ready field targets. The PCP is a greatly advanced piece of engineering and the difference is heavily in its favour, but my trust and loyalty for the German springer (actually gar ram) shall remain. If and when I do part with the HW90 it will be with a heavy heart.

There is only one thing I would have liked and that is, a buddy bottle with a built in filling nozzle that obviates the need to remove the bottle for refills. Venom offers these for tubular tanks as seen on the HW100 and numerous others. Tubular tanks give a more sporty look but offer less shots per fill.

You never get everything packaged as one.

But wait SuperTen, I'am coming.

[TenX]

...You never get everything packaged as one...

Hear Hear... Thats the whole trick of good business

[ai]

Click on the link to see PCPs in action-

[youtube][/youtube]

and check this to see FX PCPs videos.

http://www.fxairguns.com/download.asp

[Broommaster2000]

Springers are for men. PCP's are (mostly) for powerfreaks. I'm both.

The great thing about PCP's is that you can't compare one model with the other. BSA's and Air Arms PCP's are in my opinion (which is hardly humble) the best on the market, allthough I don't own one. PCP's often look better too.

[Mo]

I feel both have their advantages and disadvantages.

I love springers for their simple fact that all you need to get them working is a box of pellets. They're not dependent on any external sources of power.

Another thing is the price. As with every new technology, PCPs are comparatively expensive. Though there are a lot of models that match or are cheaper than certain springers.

I get bored with PCPs very soon. There is little feedback from the gun when the shot is fired. Its very similar to a CO2 gun, except they're really loud and more powerful.

But for hunting (where applicable) PCPs with suppressors are great for their quiet capabilities. But springers are not bad either!

Heck! Both can do what the other can.. or almost! I mean what did everybody use till the invented PCPs?

The best is to get both That'll really get you the fun!