PCP VS Spring – What Is Right for You

PCP VS Spring – What Is Right for You? One of the most obvious questions we get asked is: “what type of airgun is best?” Generally, people want to know whether to go for a spring-powered or PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) air gun.

As with most things in life, the answer is really dependent on what you are expecting, as well as 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: accessories like these should always 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 customizability.

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 of 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 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!