How about some basics

[badger74]

Guys,
As im new to all this, can someone give me a rundown on the basics of ARS.
what is a springer, or a PCP and all the other terminology that gets thrown around on here.
Thanks.

[native hunter]

This goin to be a long one.!!!

[daisy]

The Yellow forum is great for info.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79537/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a lot of reference sites in the drop down menu on the home page.
Here's one
http://www.airguninfo.com/general.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HTH
Daisy

[fenring]

Basic definitions can be found on the Beeman site:

http://www.beeman.com/types.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As with everything else, the more you pay the more you get. Spring guns start from about $200 and go up to over $1000 for top of the line German rifles.

The "gas ram" guns which look and operate like a springer are over $1000.

Pump up pneumatics aren't really at the quality end of the market and can be had for about $350.

PCP's or "pre charged pneumatics" are the top end of the sporting airgun power and price level - though the Chinese are now producing a few and Crosman have a new mid priced gun out there as well.

It all comes down to what you want from the gun, and your budget. If you want a gun you can just pick up and shoot, then the spring gun or gas ram is about the most hassle free and user friendly. All you need is the gun and the pellets and off you go - just like your boyhood days.

PCP's need some way to recharge the tank - whether that's a scuba cylinder or some sort of manual pump. That's extra cost and work on top of the actual gun.

Good springers can put out enough power, and have enough accuracy to kill small game like rabbits with well placed shots out to the range you can shoot accurately. PCP's have more power but you still need to be an accurate shot to kill cleanly.

As I said, it all comes down to the intended use of the gun, and how much $$ you want to spend.

[beebox]

Having just come back from knocking over a rabbit at about 35 metres with a clean head shot using my HW100 PCP (from Lewis), and having also done the same many times with my Cometa Fenix 400 springer, I'd make the following comments.

Firstly, the PCP simply doesn't have the hold sensitivity on accuracy that a high powered springer does. Secondly, a multi-shot PCP is easier and less fiddly in the field than a single-shot break-barrel springer, especially if there's a few rabbits about. Thirdly, while you can cleanly kill a rabbit with 12 foot-pounds of pellet energy (I used to do it often with my sick pre Lewis-tuned Fenix), you need to have a well placed head shot with only that much energy; at least double that figure makes "life" (read death) much easier.

I absolutely love my HW100 (thanks Lewis). My wife says it really has the look of an efficient killing machine and, believe me, that's exactly what it is.

[Lewis Reinhold]

Having just come back from knocking over a rabbit at about 35 metres with a clean head shot using my HW100 PCP (from Lewis), and having also done the same many times with my Cometa Fenix 400 springer, I'd make the following comments.

Firstly, the PCP simply doesn't have the hold sensitivity on accuracy that a high powered springer does. Secondly, a multi-shot PCP is easier and less fiddly in the field than a single-shot break-barrel springer, especially if there's a few rabbits about. Thirdly, while you can cleanly kill a rabbit with 12 foot-pounds of pellet energy (I used to do it often with my sick pre Lewis-tuned Fenix), you need to have a well placed head shot with only that much energy; at least double that figure makes "life" (read death) much easier.

I absolutely love my HW100 (thanks Lewis). My wife says it really has the look of an efficient killing machine and, believe me, that's exactly what it is.

Thanks Monty!

[badger74]

So out of the two (PCP or Springer) which one is generally quieter?

[Lewis Reinhold]

So out of the two (PCP or Springer) which one is generally quieter?

Easy!The springer.

[beebox]

So out of the two (PCP or Springer) which one is generally quieter?

Easy!The springer.

Hey Lewis - what is the situation here re silencers and what are your thoughts on them?

[Lewis Reinhold]

So out of the two (PCP or Springer) which one is generally quieter?

Easy!The springer.

Hey Lewis - what is the situation here re silencers and what are your thoughts on them?

Hi Monty,
They're illegal.I wish they weren't because I'd sell more PCP Sporters.
Lewis

[Hilly]

Down here in NSW, silencers are a decided No-No, except for some Government departments. There are rumours that things may change (slightly) for the better if the Shooters Party get their amendments to the Firearms Act enshrined in law. It won't be much better but aparently there could be some relaxing of the rules for those in the Vertebrate Animal Pest Control business and posibly for those involved in pest reduction programs such as Indian Mynah control. You will still need a Comissioner's Permit to posess such a device but it should be a little easier to get such a permit.
Please note that the above is just a rumour. Do not hold your breath waiting for a decision. Just wait paitently.
Dennis.