PCP VS Spring – What Is Right for You? One of the questions we get asked the most in regard to Air Guns is “what type of airgun should I buy?” More specifically, people tend to want to know whether to go for spring-powered or PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic).
As with most things in life, the answer is really dependent on what you are expecting and what you are actually attempting to do. Petrol or diesel, Apple or Samsung, pizza or pasta – life is full of these choices and, inevitably, it is mostly down to personal preference. With that said, each has advantages and disadvantages and our goal is to always deliver the best gun for you, your budget, and your needs.
PCP RIFLES
The PCP rifle is commonly used for hunting and competitive target shooting. They have phenomenal accuracy, are very easy to shoot, and produce impressively precise results. An Air Arms S400, for example, can place 10 shots within a target the size of a 5p piece (at 40 yards).
A PCP is dependable and consistent and requires little maintenance. In fact, if properly cared for, they can last up to ten years.
Although they require little maintenance, it is still worth noting that they have a large number of seals – these are mostly trouble-free, but they do wear out over time, so it is worth keeping up with servicing. The only real disadvantage of PCPs is that they must be filled with air before use. You’ll need a pump or a sub tank, which should be factored into the price of your rifle.
SPRING RIFLES
Spring rifles are frequently used by casual shooters and pest controllers/hunters. They are arguably the most reliable option around because of their low number of moving parts, which makes them much simpler to keep working. The initial cost is also typically lower because they are self-contained and do not require any filling equipment to function. Because they are not affected by temperature changes, they are a popular choice among hunters. Another significant advantage is their high level of customisability.
Many consider them to be the “workhorse” of air guns, but it is worth noting that they can be noisy, difficult to cock, and often require some basic maintenance. It will take longer to learn how to shoot a spring rifle at the highest levels because spring guns do not like to be gripped tightly – learning how to hold one is the main art in spring gun shooting. This learning process can be a lot of fun, so don’t let that deter you!
FINAL THOUGHTS
As mentioned in the introduction to this blog, the choice is ultimately entirely up to you. With that said though we at Just Air Guns are always happy to offer advice for our customers to ensure you leave happy. Typically, though, the answer will come from one of two questions – how much you want to spend, and what you’re using the airgun for. As always, you don’t want to overspend for something you’re going to be killing rodents… but likewise, you don’t want to turn up at a competition seriously outgunned!