Airguns

[Gunslinger808]

With Ammo as expensive as it is, the last few years I’ve found myself drawn into the world of higher end air rifles.
I’ve gotten into another expensive lust called PCP (pre charged pneumatic) rifles, basically they have an air chamber that is pressurized either by a hand pump (yeah it’s a workout) or a electric pump up to 3000 psi.
They give the shooter about 30-50 shots per charge depending on the set fps and pellet weight.
Accuracy is on par with high end .22s, with the right pellet and a good charge hitting groundhogs at 100 yards is a breeze, with through and through shots the norm.
Another benefit is of course price per shot, good match grade .22 cal pellets can be had for about $25 for 1000.
Most including all of mine are bolt actions, they do make semi autos, but man they cost!

My latest to go with my Benjamin Marauders which I have one of each in .177 and .22 is a Benjamin Akela.
It’s a bull pup configured straight pull bolt with a 12 round magazine.
I think once I’ve got it dialed in with the right pellet weight and power setting will rival my .22 Marauder which is a one hole wonder at 25 meters.
Right now it has a 10 power Tasco as I wait for the 4-16 UTG to get here, with negligible recoil you can cheap out on the scopes as long as the glass is clear.
Unlike springer rifles PCPs don’t have a habit of destroying scopes with the weird recoil pulse.
For the rifle, future scope, and 1000 more rounds of match 14.6 grain pellets it was cheaper than current prices for 1000 rds of 5.56.
Plus it just looks cool as heck!

Better pic...

 

[AZ_Five56]

That looks pretty damn cool! I just picked up an air rifle for similar reasons, although I just bought a break barrel. I was going to pick up another air rifle soon, but I'll have to look at the PCP models. That's if they're in my budget.

I think a lot of people are getting the same idea because it seems like a lot of shelves are empty of pellets right now.

 

[Gunslinger808]

They can be expensive, but the accuracy for me makes them worth it.
The one big downside is filling them, unless you want to dump another $400+ on a compressor you need a high pressure hand pump, and those will wear you out quickly.

And yeah, people are catching on, my favorite hunting pellets used to be $12 for 200, they’re now up to $39.99 for the same tins.
Luckily, like any other Ammo, I bought the heck out of it while I could, good survival tool too, it’ll take everything from birds to rabbits easily.
And quiet, all of mine make less noise than a manual staple gun, heck, they almost sound the same.

 

[AZ_Five56]

How good is the trigger with the bullpup kit? Also, does that kit impede your ability to cycle the bolt?

 

[Gunslinger808]

Trigger is factory set at 1.5-2 pounds not adjustable, I’ll get a better pic tomorrow.
First shot was a complete surprise as my Marauders break at about 4 pounds.
Once you get used to the straight pull the bolt is not bad, I can cycle the action with a slight tilt of my head, not like a standard bolt throw.
The cheek piece is adjustable for length and height, pic posted has it closed.

Really, the Akela is considered a low end bull pup, look up Daystate or Edgun bull pups for comparison, they start at $1500!
A few more features, but to me the price wasn’t worth the money, I’m still dialing this one in, but from my limited shooting with a lower powered scope, I think it will fit my needs just fine.

 

[pneuby]

The triggers on the better (i.e. pricier) PCPs can be flat-out amazing compared with most firearms.

 

[Gunslinger808]

The triggers on the better (i.e. pricier) PCPs can be flat-out amazing compared with most firearms.

They’ve come a long way since my kid days with a Daisy or Crossman pump from the 60s and 70s.

 

[XJThrottle]

Could these be charged like Paintball guns? When my friends and I got out into the woods for the weekends of PB wars, we rent scuba tanks from the local PB shop. They are 3kpsi~.

 

[Gunslinger808]

Exactly like a paintball gun, they use Foster fittings and are pressurized to 3000 psi.

 

[iammaxwell]

Had an old Benjamin pellet gun growing up that was my dad's when he was a kid. Not a PCP, but still a helluvalota fun. Honestly, that's the gun of his I want the most!