Rifleman Q&A: Charging PCP Airguns

posted on February 1, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
air.jpg

Q: I purchased a large-bore pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airgun recently and absolutely love shooting it. The only drawback is filling the air tank, especially since the larger caliber seems to drain air much faster. Given my age, using the manual pump is a bit of a chore, what can I do since I love shooting and hunting with the airgun? 

A: The first step is determining what options for compressed air are available to you, based on the make and model of your airgun. Also, your proximity to a certified air supplier (dive shop) falls into the equation. Do your homework on the gun to obtain the necessary information such as tank style and fitting types. Some places may not refill your tank, and likely an adapter will be needed by the refill station, so it’s best to call ahead. For additional support, the folks at pyramydair.com may help. They offer a great selection of parts, adapters, tanks and systems for your airgunning needs.

The purchase of a PCP airgun may best be accompanied by an additional, gun-specific air tank. Or, a high-capacity air cylinder for transferring air to the smaller, gun-mounted air supply may suit your needs. Hydrostatic retesting is required on all tanks and can be done by certified dive shops. There is no guarantee of passing, and note that composite air cylinders do have a predetermined shelf life. 

Crown markings on scuba-style tanks contain pertinent information such as manufacture location, serial number, tank construction and service pressure, to name a few. Valves mounted on the top of air tanks vary, as do the necessary adapters for your airgun. Two of the most common valve types are DIN and K. Appropriate, non-combustible lubricant rated for high pressure is also needed. Remember to always follow proper safety and handling procedures when dealing with high-pressure air.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.