How to fill PCP air rifles
You can find out how and with what to fill PCP air rifles in this article and the video tutorial we prepared for you.
A) WHAT ARE PCP AIR RIFLES
One of the most common questions from our customers is how to fill a PCP air rifle. Before we get into the answer, let's talk about what a PCP air rifle actually is. PCP stands for Pre-charged Pneumatic. Since it uses compressed air to power the weapon, it is also referred to as a PCP rifle.
COMPRESSED AIR AS A PROPELLANT
All weapons require some kind of energy to propel their projectiles. Some guns use a spring, a gas piston, others use CO2 gas and others use compressed air. PCP air rifles use compressed air. The air is stored in a container (cartridge) on the gun. It differs from other types of airguns in that there is a large volume of pre-charged air. This allows for more shots to be fired between refills.
Important note! Never put anything other than air into the cartridge. It may be the last thing you ever do.
PCP RIFLES ARE THE MOST ACCURATE AND POWERFUL AIR RIFLES
When it comes to performance and accuracy, the PCPs stand at the top of the airgun chain. They are the most powerful air rifles on the market. And it's safe to say they're among the most accurate guns in the world. Extremely powerful air rifles are widely used abroad for hunting. It's almost beyond belief that they can bring down such tough animals as wild boars.
FORGET ABOUT A CONVENTIONAL COMPRESSOR
PCP guns are generally more expensive and then factor in the necessary initial investment for accessories for filling, optics, etc.
One thing to mention; we get asked all the time, "Can I fill my PCP with a shop compressor". The answer is simply no. A normal compressor reaches a maximum pressure of approximately 7-10 bar. Most PCPs operate at 200 bar or more. So how do you fill a PCP gun? We'll break down the different options below.
B) FILLING OPTIONS FOR PCP AIRGUNS
1. PCP HAND PUMPS
The cheapest but slowest way of PCP filling
The cheapest way to fill a cartridge is by using a hand pump. This essentially looks and works similar to an old bicycle hand pump. Some come with a standard 1/8 bspp end that is compatible with most fill pins. Others may already be equipped with a female, quick disconnect. If you plan on filling multiple guns, the male quick adapter works as well.
A pump will replace a gym membership
You can bet that it will take more than 10 pumps to increase the cartridge pressure by 10 bar. So you can imagine it's quite a workout. Another thing to consider with a hand pump - you need not only strength, but also weight to achieve 200 bar pressure. And unless you're Arnold, you may not get over the 200 bar mark at all.
Top-of-the-range pumps such as the Hill MK5 or Hill Spartan can do this. However, filling a powerful PCP with a hand pump that can handle a working pressure of 250 bar will substitute your gym membership. And now imagine that a PCP rifle set to full power, not just 16 J, consumes a lot of air. You'll have to keep pumping after just one magazine has been fired.
You're independent with a pump
The biggest advantage of a pump is independence. You don't have to ask anyone to fill your canisters. You don't have to go anywhere. You don't even have the added cost of filling the canister. The only investment is changing the filter once a year or replacing the seal.
If the power is out or you are somewhere away from civilization, a compressor is out of the question. Now you can't shoot. That's not gonna happen to you with a PCP pump.
You can't fill a completely empty cartridge with a pump
The other disadvantage of a pump is that it is almost impossible to fill the cartridge when it is completely empty. You have to pump very hard to overpressure the check valve. In general: if the pressure in the cartridge drops below 110 bar (the pressure depends on the model of the gun), you need to refill it. The gun is now losing power and consistency as a result.
Why use a filter?
A filter is used to remove air moisture. Using a filter will significantly extend the service life of your air rifle. Thanks to the removal of moisture, corrosion of the internal parts of the gun does not occur. The English manufacturer Hill knows this very well, that's why it directly supplies the latest MK5 model with a filter.
2. SCUBA TANKs
Fast and easy PCP filling
The most practical refilling option is to use a scuba tank. We offer two variants: a 3l PCP tank and a 7l PCP tank from the English manufacturer Midland. Both have a pressure of 300 bar. It takes only a few seconds to transfer the air from the tank to the cartridge and anyone can do it. Midland tanks are supplied with a valve with a pressure gauge and a hose. It is possible to screw on any filling pin or quick disconnect.
Once you have filled the cartridge, be sure to release the remaining pressure from the hose using the valve before disconnecting the filling pin. If you don't do this, you will damage the sealing rings at the very least. At worst, the hose will whip you in the face.
Where to fill pressure tanks?
Before you decide to buy a pressure tank, find out who in your area is able to fill it. Typically this is done by divers or firefighters. You can easily find the addresses of active filling stations on the Internet.
Beware of the validity of the pressure test
A date of production is stamped on each tank. It has a five-year pressure test from that date. It is ideal to renew this test after this period. Otherwise, they may not even fill your tank. Some bottling companies can provide inspections of pressure tanks.
3. PCP COMPRESSORs
The last option for PCP refilling is a high-pressure compressor. Its advantage is that you don't have to drive anywhere to fill your tank. And you don't have to go to the trouble of pumping. Mobility isn't a problem either. You can put the Venox compressor in your car and use the 12V adapter to refill your air rifle in the field. It'll do the job in under 10 minutes. The disadvantage of the compressor is the higher purchase price.
Note: Neither the compressor nor the tank needs an additional filter. The cartridge already receives dry air.
C) ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I fill my cartridge with a home compressor or a bicycle pump? No. A normal compressor or pump won't even develop a tenth of the required pressure.
The cartridge is at 0 bar, there is no pressure in it. Can I use a pump to fill it? No. At least 50 bar must remain in the cartridge to inflate it with a hand pump.
How long does it take to refill a cartridge using a hand pump? It depends on the volume of the cartridge. For an average PCP rifle, be prepared for about 10-15 min of pumping.
Can I fill the cartridge with another gas - e.g. oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide? Caution! Don't try this under any circumstances. This could kill you.
