Previously, we wrote about what PCP pneumatics are, in the same article we will offer you five excellent rifles suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters who want to get acquainted with powerful pneumatics.
The rifles in it increase in price, so you won’t have any difficulty finding an option that fits your budget.
Which PCP rifle to choose
1. 5.5 or 6.35.
I'm leaning towards 6.35, because... seems more powerful. I’m ready to overpay a couple of tens of thousands for this “more powerful” thing; 2. It’s unclear about the air supply. The option of 20-25 shots before filling the cylinder will be quite satisfactory; 3. I remember about 3 Joules, so I want minimal pilling. Do not take this as a provocation; 4. Pump. Manual or electric. Issues of price difference and stress when working manually. Again, which one is better to choose based on the price/quality principle? I read about refilling cylinders at stations like the Ministry of Emergency Situations, but it’s such a pain in the ass. Yes, and I want autonomy. Therefore the pump. What my eye has caught my eye on so far:
1. Ataman CARBINE ML15 C15/RB 2. Kral Puncher Maxi 3 3. Kral Puncher Breaker 3 4. Jaeger SPR. By the way, is this the same as Horhe Jaeger?
This list was compiled according to appearance and declared speeds (300 m/s).
Which of the above do you recommend? Or maybe you could add something? In general, I apologize in advance for some confusion and hope for informative answers.
1. 5.5 or 6.35. I'm leaning towards 6.35, because... seems more powerful. I’m ready to overpay a couple of tens of thousands for this “more powerful” thing; 2. It’s unclear about the air supply. The option of 20-25 shots before filling the cylinder will be quite satisfactory; 3. I remember about 3 Joules, so I want minimal pilling. Do not take this as a provocation; 4. Pump. Manual or electric. Issues of price difference and stress when working manually. Again, which one is better to choose based on the price/quality principle? I read about refilling cylinders at stations like the Ministry of Emergency Situations, but it’s such a pain in the ass. Yes, and I want autonomy. Therefore the pump.
What my eye has caught my eye on so far:
1. Ataman CARBINE ML15 C15/RB 2. Kral Puncher Maxi 3 3. Kral Puncher Breaker 3 4. Jaeger SPR. By the way, is this the same as Horhe Jaeger?
This list was compiled according to appearance and declared speeds (300 m/s).
Which of the above do you recommend? Or maybe you could add something? In general, I apologize in advance for some confusion and hope for informative answers.
Source
Evanix (South Korea)
If you are looking to buy a PCP (pre-pumped) air rifle for hunting or self-defense, look no further than Evanix. The Evanix Company brand is well known for its powerful PCP air rifles and pistols. Evanix's production is located in South Korea, where the rules limiting the power of air guns are a little looser. This power is more than enough for hunting medium game!
All Evanix models are multi-shot , so you can always shoot again. Which is ideal for both hunting and self-defense. This is exactly the shot that we sometimes lack. When hunting or in a self-defense situation, you never know when you'll need another shot.
Evanix's popular lines of guns such as Speed, Rain Storm, Giant, Max, AR6, Conquest, Max Bullpup and Black Leopard have revolutionized the world of air rifles and pistols, setting the performance bar high for their competitors.
And no matter what model of rifle or powerful Evanix air pistol you buy, you will get a great weapon anyway!
Evanix Speed
Delight! That's what you'll feel the first time you fire this semi-automatic rifle! With a beautiful stock, a smooth loading mechanism and pinpoint accuracy... this rifle will impress you, your friends, and even your dog!
The Evanix Speed PCP air rifle has virtually no competitors. She occupies the summit alone. Hunting, pests, spinners, paper targets - you name it. And, with constant success!
The wooden walnut stock and reservoir look and feel excellent, and are also very comfortable. It is also quite lightweight and can be easily removed with just one screw. The powerful 6.35 caliber version averages 49 FPE. The mechanism is automatic. The magazine is made with high quality and is easy to reload. Seizures are very rare.
The trigger pull is different, but it's easy to get used to. In any case, the trigger reduces the chances of a toss.
Without a doubt, Evanix is one of the best value for money options you can buy.
- Evanix Speed Air Rifle
- Pre-pumping mechanism
- Semi-automatic
- Built-in pressure gauge (device indicating pressure)
- Tank volume 290 cubic meters. cm
- Rifled barrel
- Trigger force 1.17 kg
- Includes battery that powers the trigger (supplied with a DISCHARGED battery)
- 11mm dovetail sight mount (no iron sights)
- Skeletal bed, Monte Carlo type
- Butt cheek with two height positions for right-handers and left-handers
- Pistol grip and handguard with unique checkering
- Manual safety
- Rubber shock-absorbing butt pad
- Battery capacity – maximum 150 shots, depending on temperature
- The kit includes: 8.6 V battery, charger, 2 magazines and capacity indicator.
TOP 5 PSP rifles from AirSoft-RUS
Caliber 4.5 mm
Advantages of the MP-555KS-03 model:
Profitable price
– 16,800 rubles.
Caliber 5.5 mm
Advantages of the FLASH QE model:
Price
– 32,990 rubles.
3. Air rifle Hatsan FLASHPUP QE
– performed at a high level. A beautiful bullpup stock made of wood, an installed sound moderator, an adjustable cheek rest, and a clip-drum trigger offset towards the shooter - all this is available at a reasonable price tag. The rifle can be used for a variety of purposes, from recreational use to small game hunting. Shooting is single, but smooth. Side platoon, after each shot.
Other advantages of the Hatsan FLASHPUP QE model:
Price
– 43,290 rubles.
Caliber 6.35 mm
For more serious hunting, it is recommended to buy PCP pneumatics of a larger caliber (higher energy content). Visitors to the AirSoft-RUS website should take a closer look at the models of the Russian company Ataman. Their main differences from competitors' analogues are quality of workmanship, reliability, and high shooting accuracy.
4. Air rifle Ataman M2R Bullpup SL – luxury version for sports and hunting, with single shooting mode, side (biathlon) cocking.
Advantages of this rifle:
Price
– 92,400 rubles.
Price
– 92,400 rubles.
Disadvantages of weapons with the PCP system
Unfortunately, PCP air rifles also have disadvantages. The most important one is problems with charging tanks. Finding gas stations is quite difficult. Additionally, there is a certain risk to human health when storing cylinders. It is also unsafe to refuel them, and if the rules are not followed, everything can end in disaster. The last drawback lies in the high cost of PCP rifles. On average, its price fluctuates around $1,000. Considering all of the above, today PSP rifles are mostly in demand among professionals for sport shooting.
The best PCP rifles
Below we give a rating of ten optimal air guns and talk about their most important characteristics.
Beeman Longhorn
Crosman F-4 NP
This nitro-piston model was designed by American developers. Before firing, the piston is filled with nitrogen. The gas is very powerful, its effect is stronger than that of a coiled spring.
Hatsan Striker Edge
Crosman Fury NP
Hatsan 125 Magnum
Weapons of the Hatsan 125 brand are considered one of the most popular pneumatic models sold in Russia. The rifle is manufactured in Turkey, the manufacturer is Hatsan Arms Company.
Ekol Ultimate
The cartridge flies out of the barrel at a maximum speed of 380 meters per second. The hammer is cocked extremely simply, there is no recoil. The rifle has a universal mount for installing optics.
The muzzle makes it possible not only to increase the accuracy of shots, but also to reduce the level of noise emitted. The front sight on the muzzle has metal protection; it does not get knocked to the side during use. The automatic safety is located close to the trigger and can be removed with the same fingers that press the trigger.
SPA PR900W
The weapon operates using air pumped into an internal tank with a volume of 100 cubic cm. It maintains pressure up to 200 atmospheres. Thanks to this, the initial bullet speed during the first thirty shots reaches 275 meters per second.
The delivery set includes a fitting for the tank, as well as a high-pressure pump that quickly inflates the tank. The magazine is made of the strongest aluminum alloy and is closed with a plastic lid. The sight can be adjusted - the rear sight moves in two planes at once, the front sight is placed on the muzzle. The latter has a built-in sound moderator. This greatly reduces the noise level.
The optics are placed in one of three locations - above the bolt action, near the magazine, and replaces the rear sight. An optical sight is not included in the package, but there is a universal mount for its installation.
The device has a push-button type manual safety device; it is located so that you cannot accidentally move it. The stock is made of beech and has a special notch to make it comfortable to hold in your hands. It is well impregnated with varnish, and therefore it is not afraid of serious temperature changes. The rifle can be used even in conditions of high humidity.
Magtech N2 Extreme 1300
The handle is straight and has three indentations for finger grip. In addition, there are 3 through cutouts, they are located along the butt (from the butt plate to the handle). The butt plate has a shock-absorbing pad and is made of rubber that is highly resistant to extreme temperatures.
The trigger system is equipped with two sears; the movement of the trigger cannot be adjusted. The manual safety, if closed, completely blocks access to the trigger. The rear sight and front sight are equipped with fibeoptic threads. The first one can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The bracket at the front sight is connected together with the muzzle.
Hatsan Bullboss
It uses the latest Quattro Trigger technology and features a two-stage trigger. To reduce the noise level, we introduced another modern system – QuietEnergy Technology. As a result, the sounds of shooting became about 2 times quieter.
The manufacturer also provided a Picatinny rail, which is universal. With its help, you can install any bracket and select the appropriate optical sight. The forend has a special section of the bar. Various side items are placed there, for example, bipods, flashlights and others.
Kral Al-145
All sight devices in the rifle are open and can be adjusted. Optical filaments are available in contrasting colors. This makes it possible to easily aim even at a moving target in the evening or at night.
The front sight has a muzzle that has a grooved appearance. It is made of strong plastic, so cocking the hammer is not difficult at all. There is a bar on the barrel for fixing optics. A manual safety is installed, so you won't fire the gun by accident.
KalibrGun (Russia)
]Kalibr[/anchor] began to produce high-quality PCP rifles in the Czech Republic.
Founded in Russia, this company has a very good technical base and its air rifles are always distinguished by the quality of their workmanship and the high level of technology used. The main model of this company is Cricket. This weapon is manufactured in either a compact bullpup configuration or a classic long version. The stock can be plastic or wooden. Not long ago, Kalibrgun launched a line of smaller rifles called Colibri.
The rifles of this company are famous for their bullpup design, which guarantees ease of handling. All models from this manufacturer are equipped with a pressure regulator that guarantees a constant bullet flight speed.
Rifle Cricket Carabine 5.5 mm
The Cricket Carabine air rifle is one of the latest models from Kalibr, which can also be purchased at an attractive price. This is a full-size repeating PCP rifle. The reservoir occupies almost the entire length of the weapon and has a pressure gauge at the end. The maximum operating pressure is 300 bar, but it is recommended to use the model with pressures up to 200-230 bar.
The stock has a pistol grip and is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people. With only one drawback - reloading is made only for right-handed people. The position of the butt cheek is adjustable in height. The entire rear of the stock is cut out for maximum weight reduction. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad, the position of which is also adjustable in height.
The rifle should be equipped with an optical sight, since it does not have classic sighting devices. The barrel is classic, but ends with an effective silencer. The fuse is located in the usual place.
Kalibrgun Cricket Standard 5.5 mm
Cricket Standard 5.5 mm PCP air rifle with a bullpup stock. Such a stock was chosen to reduce the overall length of the weapon, while the length of the barrel remains the same. The compressed air reservoir is located along the entire barrel and is equipped with a pressure gauge at the end.
Refilling is carried out using a Quickfill fitting. The integrated regulator ensures constant pressure with every shot. Maximum operating pressure 300 bar.
You can buy a rifle at the Air-gun store. 2 metal magazines are supplied with it. The magazine is inserted into a special shaft. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad.
Kalibrgun Cricket Standard 6.35 mm
PCP air rifle with a bullpup stock. The 6.35 mm Cricket model is equipped with a long compressed air reservoir located along the entire barrel and equipped with a pressure gauge at the end. The integrated regulator ensures constant pressure with every shot. Maximum operating pressure 300 bar.
The entire stock is made from a single piece of walnut wood. The stock has holes to reduce weight. The butt ends with a rubber butt pad. A very big advantage of this model is the butt cheek, made of wood, which is rare for a bullpup stock. The cheek piece is not included, but can be purchased as an accessory.
How to choose an air rifle or air gun
Criteria for choosing pneumatics:
When choosing pneumatics, it is better to be skeptical about other people’s opinions and reviews. It is worth looking on the Internet for popular models that are discussed on forums, for example, IZH, Crosman, Hatsan. These rifles are worth purchasing. There is enough information on them; many modifications are sold on the market.
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Horhe Jager (Russia)
Horhe Jager is a domestic brand of air guns.
For the first time it was presented to fans of sports shooting and hunting at the annual Moscow exhibition “Arms & Hunting 2010”. The weapon is manufactured by the Klimovsky Specialized Cartridge Plant. The company is the successor to the plant established in the city of Klimovsk, Moscow region in 1936. Until 1993, it was a defense company and produced 7.62 mm caliber cartridges; it was revived in 2006.
KSPZ produces service and hunting cartridges, as well as affordable pneumatic ammunition. Since 2010, the production of air rifles and the Horhe traumatic pistol has been launched.
Horhe Jager rifles belong to the class of pre-pumped airguns (PCP) and are designed for sport shooting and hunting at distances up to 100 meters.
The use of barrels from the German arms company Lothar Walther put them on par with such a famous brand as Air Arms. The trigger is adjustable and has a very nice setting straight from the factory. In terms of price, quality, accuracy and firing range, they are also similar. The barrels have polygonal rifling and muzzle constrictions. Rifles can be purchased in 4.5, 5.5 and 6.35 mm calibers. Each of them has different power:
- Index SP – power up to 3 J;
- MP index – power 7.5 J;
- XP index – power 25 J.
In the Horhe Jager lineup, there is only one rifle with a bullpup stock that you can buy - the Horhe Jager SP. Its caliber is 5.5 mm. It has the SP index and is intended for amateur shooting. The stock is walnut, polished, with a non-adjustable rubber butt pad. The barrel is long (552 mm), equipped with a sound moderator, occupying half of its length. Bolt-type trigger mechanism with a so-called biathlon cocking lever. The rifle is multi-charged and uses a drum-type magazine with a capacity of 10 bullets. The fuse is of a mechanical type, the flag is located under the cocking lever.
A special feature of the rifle is that it has two rails for optics. Before the charging chamber - a short one, like a Weaver, and a long one, on a high bracket, like a Picatinny, after it. The weight of the Horhe Jager SP Bullpup 5.5 rifle is 3.2 kilograms.
This is a wonderful, very powerful, lightweight and accurate Russian air rifle with a LW barrel that you can buy!
Main characteristics of an air rifle
With the boring laws out of the way, let's move on to the characteristics of air rifles. We divided them into two groups: the main ones, which directly affect shooting, and the secondary ones, which are also important, but mainly affect ease of use and aesthetics.
Muzzle energy and muzzle velocity
Rifles up to 25 joules
used for hunting, although very limited. In accordance with paragraph 62.22 of Federal Law 209 “On Hunting” with “pneumatics” you can hunt squirrels, flying squirrels, doves, hazel grouse and crows.
As for the initial speed of the bullet, this characteristic is not indicative and is often the basis for the manufacturer’s fraud. It can be measured on very light bullets and the characteristic of 300 m/s, which the manufacturer advertises on the packaging, will in fact result in 130-150 m/s on standard bullets weighing 0.6-0.8 grams.
Or even worse: the rifle left the manufacturer’s factory with the coveted figure of 300 m/s, but for certification in Russia it was “strangled” to more modest figures, and the figure from the passport was left.
Air rifle caliber
A variety of calibers is the prerogative of hunting pneumatics, because according to the Law on Weapons, only 4.5 mm rifles (.177) are sold freely and without a license.
However, there are a lot of pneumatic calibers, and the upper limit for them ends at the “anti-tank” 12.7 mm. In Russia there are slightly fewer of them in use, the most popular of which are:
4.5 mm (.177)
- the most common caliber, most of the pneumatics around the world are in it, this is the main sports caliber. Suitable for training, recreational shooting, and heavy bullets up to 1 gram are suitable for hunting small game.
5.5 mm (.22)
- an entry-level hunting caliber with an upper available bullet weight of 2.5 grams. It is enough to confidently kill small and feathered game
6.3 mm (.25)
- already a serious caliber with a maximum bullet weight of up to 5 grams. Capable of knocking down a roe deer or a small pig.
7.62 mm (.30)
- one of the largest pneumatic calibers available in our country. Bullets of this caliber can weigh up to 10 grams, and at short distances they can successfully kill large ungulates.
A caveat should be made: everything said above about the killing potential of these calibers should be considered only as an example for comparison, since hunting anything other than squirrels, flying squirrels, doves, hazel grouse and crows is prohibited in Russia.
Operating principle and energy source
All air rifles operate by expanding compressed gas, but the mechanism for feeding compressed gas itself can be very different. The power of the rifle and the potential for its improvement depend on this principle.
Spring-piston pneumatics
- the simplest and most common design in which energy is supplied to the bullet by a cocked piston moving along the compressor cylinder. It must be cocked before each shot. But it has the lowest price per shot - the air around is still free. Spring piston rifles can be very powerful and accurate and can be easily modified if desired.
Multi-compression pneumatics
- an even rarer “beast” in our latitudes, it is powered by a built-in pump. To shoot once, you will have to pump the pump 8-10 times, but even in this case the energy of the shot will be very modest. They have not become widespread in our country due to the extremely low rate of fire, but in the USA they are often bought for a child as a first rifle.
PCP pneumatics
- the most powerful and most accurate category of pneumatics, powered by a pre-inflated high-pressure cylinder. “Vozdushki” of this type are the most powerful of all, some can even produce up to 1000 J, but, of course, not under Russian weapons legislation.
EDgun (Russia)
]EDgun[/anchor] was founded in 2005 (although work in the field of air guns began back in 2002) and specializes in the creation and production of air guns of various types, both for recreational shooting and for hunting.
Since the owner of the company is a shooting enthusiast himself, the company knows and satisfies every requirement of real shooters. EDgun brand weapons are well known to air rifle enthusiasts all over the world. Eduard, the founder of EDgun, is a professional shooter and puts great effort into ensuring that his products meet the expectations of amateurs, sportsmen and hunters.
As a result, EDgun products rank among the very best air rifles today.
EDgun Matador
The EDgun Matador is a pre-charged (PCP) repeating rifle in a bullpup configuration with pressure control to ensure consistent velocity with each shot. Unlike other bullpup PCP rifles, this model has a free-floating, solid-drawn barrel, eliminating the impact of cylinder expansion or minor contact on the flight path during loading and use.
The design of the rifle is simple, effective and very reliable. The Matador can be used for both pest control and long-range hunting. The Matador features a Mil-spec Picatinny rail with 20 MOA tilt built into the rail. This will give your scope the higher elevation needed for longer range hits.
With its unique appearance, simple design, and sub-arc-minute accuracy, I think the Matador is one of the best PCP rifles you can buy on the market today.
All Matador rifles come with 2 magazines, a set of spare gaskets, instructions and a filler fitting.
Minor Characteristics
These characteristics do not affect the accuracy and power of the shot, but the ease of use of an air rifle depends on them.
Store availability and capacity
The ability to immediately fire the next shot without being distracted by reloading is very attractive. But you have to pay for it by complicating the design, which means a decrease in reliability. PCP rifles are the most experienced in this matter: their food is most often magazine-fed and built on the principle of a revolving drum. Other schemes are less perfect and do not exclude sticking and jamming when feeding a bullet, so when buying inexpensive rifles it is better not to strive for multiple charges.
Fuse
The less the rifle weighs, the easier it will be to operate, but the stronger the barrel toss and recoil will be when fired. In the case of low-power rifles up to 7.5 J, this is an insignificant factor. But when it comes to high-powered hunting rifles, heavy recoil can throw off the STP of a scope, especially if it's an inexpensive one.
It is worth paying attention to the weight when choosing a pneumatic gun for a child - some rifles weigh an indecent amount, even despite the miniature size of the stock.
Stock and stock material
As for the material from which the stock and butt of the rifle are made, everything is exactly the same as with an “adult” firearm:
Plastic
practical and lightweight, you don’t mind scratching or hitting it, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t require special care. Its only drawback is that it looks too simple and cheap.
So, now you know everything you need to choose a good air rifle, all you have to do is go to the catalog and choose the option you like. But if you are still undecided on your choice, then read our article about the five best air rifles for beginner shooters - we hope it will dispel your doubts!
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Ataman (Russia)
Air rifles "Ataman" are known for their high quality, exceptional reliability and the most advanced technologies.
The rifles are offered with five different stock configurations and in a caliber range from 4.5 to 6.35 mm. Combining the most modern production technologies, high-quality materials and the legendary experience of Russian gunsmiths, Ataman creates world-class serial PCP rifles! The Ataman M2R PCP series of rifles is an excellent option for hunting, sports and recreational shooting. Each M2R Series model features a side-cocking mechanism, a free-floating Lothar Walther barrel, a two-stage adjustable trigger, a semi-automatic magazine, an internal bandage barrel and an ergonomic, beautifully crafted double-sided walnut stock.
Ataman M2R lightweight air rifles are built to the highest standards of quality, which you will notice in every aspect of production. So rest assured that you will receive a superbly crafted weapon worthy of being passed on to your descendants!
If you want to buy the M2R Carbine, it comes with a walnut stock and is available in 5.5, 6.35, 7.62 and 9mm calibers. The ergonomic, double-sided stock has checkering on the fore-end and handle, a durable butt plate and a raised butt cheek. The ability to fill up to 300 bar and adjustable pressure ensure shooting accuracy and maximum number of shots. The pressure gauge and filling fitting are conveniently located in the front plug. The Picatinny rail is milled directly onto the receiver.
Available with a walnut stock, the M2R Tactic is reminiscent of sniper rifles. The comfortable buttstock with a pistol grip has a complex shape, suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. The forend is elongated, and the buttstock has an adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad, allowing you to shoot from various positions. It can be purchased in 5.5 and 6.35 mm calibers.
The MR2 Bullpup rifle is offered in two variants. The Type 1 features a soft-touch finish while the Type 2 features a beautiful walnut stock. Both options are available in 5.5mm and 6.35mm calibers and also feature a smaller stock size suitable for people who travel or hunt when a standard size stock is not comfortable. The M2R Bullpup rifle has a Picatinny rail and the receiver, locks and trigger are integrated into the main frame.
The MR2 Ultra-C (Compact) is smaller and lighter than other PCP rifles, but still delivers the same accuracy. The length of the stock is adjustable in several positions, and it also folds to the side, reducing the length of the rifle and making it convenient to carry and store. Due to the use of a telescopic stock, the rifle can be used by shooters of any height. The pistol grip will be comfortable to shoot for both right-handed and left-handed people.
What is PCP pneumatics?
We have previously written about air rifles and their choice, in short - in all such weapons, the source of energy is compressed gas. Unlike spring-piston or gas-cylinder rifles, in weapons with pre-pumping of a compressed gas accumulator there is a special reservoir in which the air is under a colossal pressure of 200-300 bar. This allows you to endow the PCP rifle with power inaccessible to any other type of pneumatic - the energy of the best models can exceed 1000 Joules!
In the West, PCP pneumatics are widely used for hunting.
Often, the opportunity to purchase a rifle comparable in accuracy and power to small rifles, but without licensing and permitting red tape, becomes the main argument in purchasing PCP weapons.
What are the advantages?
First of all, it should be noted that the process of pumping air into the weapon is fully automated. This means that a person does not need to make any physical effort. One charge will last for a long time. On average, you can fire about 50 shots. Additionally, this type of weapon is distinguished by its compactness. At the same time, the weight of the models is pleasantly pleasing. In general, the design of PCP air rifles is simple. The couplings in it are designed to regulate power. The system also includes a bolt that is responsible for charging the gun.
Changing the pressure of models is quite simple. On average, the limits of this parameter range from 16 to 100 Joules. Modern rifles have very high power. The cylinder in the models can be used an unlimited number of times. Last but not least, we should mention the high accuracy of the combat. At a distance of 50 meters, specialists are able to literally hit a small point.
PCP rifle design
Pneumatics with pre-pumping are not something new - pneumatic smoothbore guns with pre-pumping appeared back in 1600, and a full-fledged multi-shot PCP rifle of the Girardoni system even managed to be used by the Austrian rangers and fought with Napoleon.
Among the modern innovations, we can note the speed adjustment screws on the strike group and the pressure in the gearbox, which allow you to control the energy of the shot, and, in fact, the very presence of the gearbox - the first PCP rifles were exclusively direct-flow.
Reducer or direct flow?
This is the first question new shooters ask. It is impossible to answer this unequivocally - the choice of one scheme or another depends on the tasks for which the rifle is purchased.
Direct-flow scheme
provides the highest pressure at the moment of firing when the cylinder is full, but as the volume of gas in the tank decreases, it drops. This means that the speed of the bullet drops. Therefore, the first shots from a straight-through rifle will be extremely powerful, and then the pressure will gradually decrease to inoperative, unable to push the bullet out of the barrel. The total number of effective shots of such a rifle will be lower than that of a geared rifle.
Gear circuit
Before firing, it collects gas from the reservoir into a storage chamber, so the bullet flies out with the specified pressure and speed. And the entire volume of gas is spent efficiently.
It may seem that the advantages of a gearbox make direct flow unnecessary, but this is not the case.
Firstly, the most powerful air rifles in the world are exclusively straight-through air rifles; the accumulating chamber is not capable of providing the pressure necessary to fire a 12.7 mm caliber bullet.
Secondly, the gearbox is a complex and capricious unit, which significantly increases its cost and requires special maintenance.
Thirdly, when there is a strong drop in the gearbox pressure, for example, with a sharp temperature change, the stability of the shot decreases - they say that the gearbox is “leaking”.
Therefore, if you are planning to hunt and are looking for a practical, inexpensive rifle that will take you “through thick and thin,” choose a straight shot rifle.
For sports, in order to place bullets one in one at a decent distance, rifles with a gearbox are better suited.
PCP pneumatic calibers
PCP rifles have a wide range of calibers to choose from like no other airgun. The most common in Russia:
4.5 mm (.177)
- the smallest caliber, PCP rifles are almost never found in it. Suitable for recreational shooting.
5.5 mm (.22)
— rifles that are suitable for sport and hunting small game — rodents, small birds — start with this caliber. It has good penetration ability, but the low weight of the bullet, on average up to 2.5 grams, gives low persistence. For long-distance shooting, you will have to use a rangefinder and carefully set vertical adjustments.
6.3 mm (.25)
- a hunting caliber that allows you to hunt small ungulates and even predators. The effective firing range with it exceeds 100 meters.
Bullpup or traditional layout?
But the classic layouts are a couple of hundred grams lighter due to the absence of a support rail, they have a longer aiming line, quick release, and most importantly, they can be reloaded without taking your eyes off the sight and without changing the tab, which can be done in the case of a bullpup problematic.
Refilling PCP pneumatics
PCP rifles have the advantage of a high-pressure reservoir, but charging it will require additional costs. The tank must be filled to the pressure allowed by the manufacturer and this can be done in three ways:
High pressure hand pump
- the cheapest and most autonomous method. The only problem is that they will have to work for more than 15 minutes up to 100-150 bar, and it may not be possible to pump the tank up to 300 bar at all.
High pressure compressor
works faster than hand pumps, but requires access to electricity. Like any other pumps, when operated at the limit they quickly fail, and pumping the tank to 300 bar will require maximum load.
Gas station
consists of a large high-pressure cylinder with a capacity of 3 to 8 liters and an adapter system with a pressure gauge. Allows you to refill the rifle to any pressure completely silently, in a couple of minutes and without your participation. One 6-liter cylinder is enough for approximately 50-80 refills, depending on the volume of the tank and the ambient temperature. But this method will not solve the main problem, but will only delay it - over time, you will have to refill the cylinder itself at an oxygen station or at the nearest fire station.
We have prepared a selection of 5 good PCP rifles for both beginners and advanced shooters, you can view it at this link. Well, if you prefer to make the choice yourself, then go to the catalog and choose from hundreds of different models!
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Air Arms (England)
The ]Air Arms[/anchor] line of air rifles primarily consists of pre-pumped (PCP) models and a couple of spring-powered models.
Air Arms is a modern, progressive company with a history and heritage that it is very proud of!
The history of Air Arms begins in 1983. At that time, neither air rifles themselves nor their production could be called cutting-edge, but change was close, and Air Arms showed the way. In 1988, the decision was made to produce pre-inflated air rifles, and after success, another decision was made to invest in computer numerical control (CNC) machines. They know that it is possible to successfully combine advanced technology and traditional weapons skills because their reputation is based on it.
All rifles are manufactured to the highest quality from the finest materials and using the most advanced technology available. Whether you're a beginner or an established expert, the Air Arms line of air rifles has a model that's right for you!
Development of pneumatic small arms
Now the industry that produces small arms, including pneumatics, is quite developed. Indeed, if previously the choice of model was limited to standard Soviet rifles such as IZH-38 or MP-512, now there are so many domestic and foreign manufacturers, as well as brands of weapons, that it is easy to get lost in all this diversity. At the same time, the client faces several exciting questions. Which rifle is better to choose? How do different brands differ from each other? What characteristics are most important? All this needs to be looked into carefully.
