Dipping my toes into PCP Air Guns
A few months ago I decided to look into air guns as an alternative to using .22's and CF pistol calibers for "cheap" plinking and varmint eradication up to 75 yards.
My objectives were to:
Reduce dependency on .22's and their price/availability swings
In the past, I had used pistol caliber rifles to replace .22's when the market went nuts, but with primers fetching over $100/k that no longer made sense.
I wanted to reduce the work associated with plinking with .38's. Casting, lubing, sizing, policing brass, cleaning brass and reloading. Yes Virgina....some people do not enjoy casting and reloading all that much.
The goal is 1" groups to 50 yards.
Lastly, it would be pleasant to be able to shoot without hearing protection. I am fortunate to have a 200 yard range off my back porch in a rural area, so noise is not a factor, but wearing muffs is a PITA. The one downside to my range set up is .22 casings must be picked up....the PCP would remedy that.
I looked at my inventory and decided to convert some to cash and invest in some decent PCP equipment. I had an RWS springer with a scope, but it is tiring to shoot for extended periods so I sold it. The primers sold for more than I had hoped for, so I was set.
One of the members here (NSB?) was very pleased with his Daystate rifle and I found them on sale for $1000 at Airguns of Arizona. I added a 75 cut ft tank $590 and a DonnyFL Koi suppressor for $145. Last week I added a Sig Romeo5 Red Dot that will wind up being the day to day plinking/varmint sight $130.
With a goodly supply of pellets, and new scope mounts (I have a scope I can use for pellet testing) I am at an "outlay" of about $2000. The stuff I sold more than covered this investment so I am money ahead at this point.
Today was the first decent day of the year, and my path to PCP shooting began.
There was enough air in the gun from when it was delivered to fire a few shots. I have had it for nearly three months so it is not leaking much if at all...good news. More good news...it is quite and do not need hearing protection. The bad news....
To start accuracy testing I decided to air up the gun to full pressure. It is supposed to maintain peak accuracy for about 20 shots. But I had a bad leak at the QD fill fitting where it connects to the hose from the tank. I am cautious of dealing with 4500 psi air and decided to back off. Of course there is no technical help on the weekend but I sent an email anyway. I may have the incorrect connectors or I screwed up. Should know by Monday and will order what ever I need.
BTW, part of the incentive to try this was inspired by OS OK. I am an "old fart" like him and I needed a new challenge. My days of serious competitive shooting are behind me but I love trigger time.
I will be updating as I hopefully make progress.