Is PCP better than CO2?

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Mina · #1 Post by **Mina** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 9:19 pm

Ok, so I'm deciding on a new 10m pistol, but now I'm in a dilemma of whether to get a PCP or CO2 powered air gun. In the short span of time I have spent learning to shoot, I've only used CO2 power and I find the little metal vials quite convenient to use. However, with the addition of myself, there are now 4 shooters in my household and a little shooting session in the basement often results in 8-10 vials being used up. Over the course of a year, that would really add up!

Because of that, I'm now considering investing in PCP power to try and save $$ on CO2 vials. My main concern is how user-friendly it is. I don't want to have to buy a giant scuba tank and have to lug it around everywhere. I know one can buy a hand pump, but I have heard it can be quite difficult to pump, and I'm not exactly a powerhouse at 5'4" and 119lbs.

Also, is there any significant performance advantage PCP has over CO2? Do you get more shots per fill up?

Thanks for the help! I did a search, but didn't find the answers I was looking for.

Suprmatic · #2 Post by **Suprmatic** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 1:37 am

If you are looking at some of the older 10M CO2 pistols, they are generally bulk filled - the tank attached to the gun can be removed and refilled, much in the same way as the newer PCP guns. An old fire extinguisher can be certified for use as a bulk tank for CO2, and then you just use that to refill your pistol tanks. It costs me $15.00 to have my 22 pound CO2 tank filled - keeps me shooting a long time.

The PCP would be a similar situation, unless you chose to use a hand pump to fill the gun's reservoir, instead of a bulk tank. The big difference would likely be your start-up cost. The PCP guns, being newer, are also more expensive, whereas, the older CO2 guns, can generally be purchased at a more reasonable price.

Condor Al · #3 Post by **Condor Al** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 2:08 am

A PCP hand pump will run you around $275.00 new, but they are nice to have. http://www.canada-shops.com/Stores/siar ... 485.2.html

jezX · #4 Post by **jezX** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:35 am

i'd go with air .a hand pump or scuba is great ,air is stable and cold /heat will not make a big change ,also it doesent stink like co2

guido · #5 Post by **guido** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:10 am

PCP is far better, more consistent, is not affected by temp variations, easier to fill.
There are no top 10M pistols made using CO2 anymore

cdf · #6 Post by **cdf** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:28 am

Oldie but goodieCo2 match pistols didn't turn to poo overnight . Bulk Co2 filling by the fire extinguisher route is cheap to operate , compared to PCP . Sharp deals can be had , a couple of feallas at my club have older match pistols , these things dont give away too many points .

Chris