Do I need a PCP?

Even scuba tanks are a pain in the ass. I hate the recertification bs as it seems to involve long waits and confusion at my local scuba shop. I think a paintball tank and a cooperative paintball centre would be superior, other than tank capacity. But paintball tanks should be higher pressure, and make up for it.
 
Cannot recall the year but let say about six years ago I bought four scba 14L tanks from fire department auction sale. Each station is regularly replacing the equipment I don't know for sure but about five years of use. My tanks today out of "warranty sticker" but I am filling up myself.
There is a government surplus site you can brows what is where the auctions.
What pressures are they designed for? You can have them tested and certified I believe.
 
What pressures are they designed for? You can have them tested and certified I believe.
From 4000-5500psi and a Scott 2.2 scba bottle is good for 15 yrs in a perfect world.
SCBA cylinder maintenance requirements currently consist of frequent visual inspections to assess, repair, or remove damaged cylinders along with a periodic hydrostatic test of each cylinder (every three years for fiberglass-wrapped and every five years for carbon fiber-wrapped) and replacement of each cylinder 15yrs.
There is a reason the fire departments rotate their inventory and one should be very careful of what they are buying.
Dive shops refill scuba bottles in cold water to increase pressure in the bottle for the diver, not sure if this method is used when refilling scba bottles.
Something to consider or look for when refilling.
 
Dive shops use water to cool the bottles during filling, as a lot of heat is generated when a tank is filled. If you don't dissipate that heat, the hot bottle will appear at a higher pressure than it will be at room temperature, and thus be underfilled. They might fill them to 3200 hot, and then they drop as they cool.
 
On the better PCPs, you get laser-like precision out to 50 yards. I love my .22LRs, but they just can't compete using sub-sonics. You can also get match grade pellets for pretty damn cheap. Once you have the setup done, it's under half the cost to shoot. They're also not filthy ammo, requires very little maintenance and cleaning.

This is making me want to dust off my FX Streamline that I haven't brought out for years. It deserves the time.
 
What is a benefit of PCP scuba guns and sub-sonic ammunition?

I am shooting cal .22 and .25 about 10K practice shots a season or maybe more = that means I don't shoot when I see any white sheiss on the ground and at least 10C.

That about the cost of amo.

And now just stirring the mud, but nobody can convince me a powder burner any better for training and practice purposes up to let say 100-150 M.
Not talking any other benefits between the two, but also airguns are more friendly in the eye of the law - unless you do some idiotic moves.
 
Thanks for the info. Price and cleaning sure gets a nod. I was not aware of their accuracy but for me, my rimfires are accurate ‘enough’. I can also shoot subsonic semiauto. With seals, gaskets and unused pressure, i mistakenly would have thought that pcp’s had no real ‘life’ to them without major maintenance.

Airguns, at least here, are the same after 500fps. The most conventional looking .22 and the most aggressive looking pcp are legally the same.
 
A quality pcp has superb accuracy, the ability to dial in velocities from 600 to 1000 f/s, light and heavy pellet choice and with a 177 a limited range by choice...
 
A quality pcp has superb accuracy, the ability to dial in velocities from 600 to 1000 f/s, light and heavy pellet choice and with a 177 a limited range by choice...
100% Super Fun.. Some are even more accurate than some 22LR rifles. I have a Panthera and it's a laser and som much fun to shoot. Best part its quiet.

Mike
 
PCPs are just more fun all round. I have many rimfires but airgunning is the most challenging. As well you do not leave brass everywhere which annoys many farmers. Airgunning also carries a more relaxed acceptance over powder with some farmers.

I have a .25 Condor and have pested out to 144 yards witnessed and lasered. I now have a .30 PCP and it is far more powerful and handier.

So do you need a PCP? Most likely no, but do you want one? :) Happy airgunning.
 

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PCP 'storage' tanks need to be tested over 6000 psi and normally are filled to 4500 psi. Many pcp's require about a 3600 psi fill.
I don't believe scuba shops and fire departments are a substitute.
Wrong. Our fire service went to 4500 psi breathing apparatus back in the 90's. Most FD's use high pressure BA systems now.
The compressor system I ran at the shop was set to 5000 psi. max. I also filled a far pile of 3000 psi scuba tanks as well.
 
From 4000-5500psi and a Scott 2.2 scba bottle is good for 15 yrs in a perfect world.
SCBA cylinder maintenance requirements currently consist of frequent visual inspections to assess, repair, or remove damaged cylinders along with a periodic hydrostatic test of each cylinder (every three years for fiberglass-wrapped and every five years for carbon fiber-wrapped) and replacement of each cylinder 15yrs.
There is a reason the fire departments rotate their inventory and one should be very careful of what they are buying.
Dive shops refill scuba bottles in cold water to increase pressure in the bottle for the diver, not sure if this method is used when refilling scba bottles.
Something to consider or look for when refilling.
Correct. (y)
 
Wrong. Our fire service went to 4500 psi breathing apparatus back in the 90's. Most FD's use high pressure BA systems now.
The compressor system I ran at the shop was set to 5000 psi. max. I also filled a far pile of 3000 psi scuba tanks as well.
So can anyone take a tank to your fire service and get it filled? Do they charge for that? How does it work?
 
I bought four scba tanks in firestation auction sale, that was about in 2018 or maybe even earlier.
These are 14 Liters tanks if my math is correct. I always have at least two tanks fully charged for case of "emergency".
On a single tank capacity is at least 700-800 shots, but I never actually count it.
I am shooting from a bench and the air rifles are tethered all time. The tanks are in thick sleeves in a tank duffel bag, well protecting these.
I fill my own tanks have a YongHeng compressor.
 
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