Hello, I've done a lot of reading over the years but just joined the group. I'm looking at getting 3 pcp rifles for my boys, ages 13-16. We have all been shooting my daystate for a few years and I'd like to get the boys their own rifles now. I've been looking at the options in the $400-$600 range. 2 of the boys are into squirrel and rabbit hunting but the rifles will mostly be used for target shooting competitions between the boys and myself. Looking at the aircuda or avenge x as possible options. What other options should I consider? Is the avenge x worth the extra cash? One of the boys likes the look of traditional rifles with wood stock, the other 2 like the coolness of the bull pup styles. What are the advantages of a bull pup vs traditional? I know these questions have been asked and I've spent countless hours reading but hoping to get some fresh opinions. Also considering a gx cs 4 compressor to fill the guns and any advice regarding compressors would be appreciated as well. Thank you all
N/A Another pcp recommendation thread
- Thread starter woodchips
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Benjamin Cayden or Akela have both and both are super accurate.. have an Avenger in .25 thats super accurate but when I recieved it it was leaking and had to have resealed, its synthetic and while light weight I would go with the wood stock version as it feels cheap...
Have a JTS Airacuda Standard in .25 also super accurate, smooth cocking and so far no problems.
Have the GX CS4 Ccompressor with 12.5 hrs and so far zero problems, fills my guns and SCBA 45 minute tank no problem.
Definitely would look at the Avenge-X, if as accurate as the Avenger and more features would be worth the money.
I dont think there is any advantage of a bull pup over traditional, most bull pups are as heavy or heavier the traditional, triggers are not always as good and as far as easier to carry around I find them more awkward.
Have a JTS Airacuda Standard in .25 also super accurate, smooth cocking and so far no problems.
Have the GX CS4 Ccompressor with 12.5 hrs and so far zero problems, fills my guns and SCBA 45 minute tank no problem.
Definitely would look at the Avenge-X, if as accurate as the Avenger and more features would be worth the money.
I dont think there is any advantage of a bull pup over traditional, most bull pups are as heavy or heavier the traditional, triggers are not always as good and as far as easier to carry around I find them more awkward.
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Get ready to get a plethora of information from folks and spend a fair amount of time sifting through.
There are a lot of options out there these days for inexpensive PCP's.
In general, one should look at aftermarket support. Hatsans can be hit or miss with aftermarket support lacking.
User based support is also something to consider as several guns have a ton of community support as well.
I'll forego listing a bunch of recommendations for now as I'm sure there are other threads with similar answers and others will likely find those and link them here for you.
There are a lot of options out there these days for inexpensive PCP's.
In general, one should look at aftermarket support. Hatsans can be hit or miss with aftermarket support lacking.
User based support is also something to consider as several guns have a ton of community support as well.
I'll forego listing a bunch of recommendations for now as I'm sure there are other threads with similar answers and others will likely find those and link them here for you.
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There was a used Air Arms S410 I listed in these classified ad section yesterday, an amazing rifle for the price range indicated. I would take it any day over the listed “entry” level rifles.
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A bullpup will give you a much longer barrel and significantly more air in the same size gun. It will also have more of its weight in the rear.
The major downsides are raised scope height, (with a bullpup your scope will most likely sit 1" to 1.25" higher), increased trigger linkage, (adding a long rod and extra pivots won't make the trigger pull better), and more awkward ergonomics.
I feel that with airguns a bullpups advantages are often worth it, but not so much for a lower powered gun.
The major downsides are raised scope height, (with a bullpup your scope will most likely sit 1" to 1.25" higher), increased trigger linkage, (adding a long rod and extra pivots won't make the trigger pull better), and more awkward ergonomics.
I feel that with airguns a bullpups advantages are often worth it, but not so much for a lower powered gun.
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Air Venturi Avenger has been a popular "starter" PCP for some time. Plastic stock, reg creep, leaks and picatinny scope rails are just some concerns Air Venturi has addressed in the new Avenge-X platform. Is the extra cost worth it, IMO, YES! WM
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I'd go with the Avenge X. I have one in the classic stock .25 cal and it's damn accurate. You always have the option to switch calibers or air tanks later because of its modularity and the customer support with Air Venturi is awesome. My only gripe is it's a little too long when I put a 7 inch moderator on it and probably should've bought it as a bull pup but then again I can also switch chasis when they do sell the kit.
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If you’re looking for a pcp in the $400-$600 price range no other pcp in the market can’t match the overall performance of the new Air Venturi Avenge-X airguns. I like them so much that I currently own three of them, one first gen wood stock .22 and two Avenge-X classic one in .22 and another .25 cal this one it’s still in transit and is supposed to be in my place in a couple more days since I don’t live in the state’s. This airguns are so accurate that I am having a really hard time trying outperform my other high end pcp and super accurate Kalibrgun cricket II tactical .60 .22 cal in anything less than a 50 yards range. Also their barrels likes almost all the different pellets that are available in the market from 14 to 18 grains but their favorites are the JSB including the hades, the FX and the AA diabolo fields.
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For a long traditional looking gun I think an Avenge X is a good option. I have an original Avenger with the cheap feeling plastic stock and I like it except it is hugely long which I don't like. It is far easier to tune than my favorite guns since the regulator is external. It has plastic where I think they should have used aluminum, however, and I think that got fixed in the Avenge X. I shoot from my left shoulder, however, so the bullpup with it's rear cocking does not work at all for me. And I prefer short guns.
My favorite PCP is my 3 P35s. I have a 177, a 22, and a 25. They have a whole lot more metal and a whole lot less plastic in the action than my Avenger. There is a range of accuracy in my P35s with the best one being better than the Avenger and the worst one being significantly worse. I've taken the most squirrels with the least accurate one, however, I got it first. Adjusting the regulator requires degassing and dissassembly of the air tube. It is not terribly hard but it takes a lot more time than turning a screw on the Avenger. There is also no gauge on the regulated chamber. I can tell my regulator setting by watching velocity as the tank pressure decreases. When velocity changes you've found where the regulator is. The big disadvantage of the P35s is the scope is over 2.5 inches above the barrel. So the POI will be 2.5+ inches low at the end of the barrel and will not get up close to the line of sight until over 20 yards from the muzzle. This is a pain in the backside on close shots. A conventional rifle, like the Avenger will have the scope at least an inch closer to the bore and the amount they hit low is at least an inch less and goes away faster. I think a P35 is best in a 22. It takes some work to get one to shoot heavy 25 grain projectiles a reasonable speed. The Stoeger bullshark is almost exactly the same gun. It has a 40mm longer barrel and a different stock. You have to order the P35 from Krale but Stoegers are available in the U. S. These guns cock in the middle and have flush magazines. If you get one you'll probably have to fix it yourself but mine have only needed the occasional O-ring which I think all PCP users should learn to do. They have a warranty but I don't know of any service center for them. But I haven't needed one. P35s come with extra O-rings and the only special tool you should need. You'll need some metric allen wrenches.
The GS CX4 seems like a reasonable option. I like my Yong Heng + SCBA tank, however. I fill the tank from the compressor and the guns from the tank. Tank filling is very quiet and fast. A 350W compressor is going to take awhile to fill a gun and a really long time to fill a tank. A Yong Heng pulls about 1500W and is thus quite a bit faster. It is also very noisy and needs a bucket of cooling water. If you have a place you can set it up and leave it set up like I do it works well. If I need to refill away from home I just take the SCBA tank. It will give me about 10 refills which is normally plenty. My SCBA tank is an expired one I bought off ebay for about $100. Works well. I don't believe there is a scientific basis for the DOT 15 year lifetime on SCBA tanks. I also would rather trust an old Scott tank in good condition than a new tank from China (but my guns and compressor were made in China).
My favorite PCP is my 3 P35s. I have a 177, a 22, and a 25. They have a whole lot more metal and a whole lot less plastic in the action than my Avenger. There is a range of accuracy in my P35s with the best one being better than the Avenger and the worst one being significantly worse. I've taken the most squirrels with the least accurate one, however, I got it first. Adjusting the regulator requires degassing and dissassembly of the air tube. It is not terribly hard but it takes a lot more time than turning a screw on the Avenger. There is also no gauge on the regulated chamber. I can tell my regulator setting by watching velocity as the tank pressure decreases. When velocity changes you've found where the regulator is. The big disadvantage of the P35s is the scope is over 2.5 inches above the barrel. So the POI will be 2.5+ inches low at the end of the barrel and will not get up close to the line of sight until over 20 yards from the muzzle. This is a pain in the backside on close shots. A conventional rifle, like the Avenger will have the scope at least an inch closer to the bore and the amount they hit low is at least an inch less and goes away faster. I think a P35 is best in a 22. It takes some work to get one to shoot heavy 25 grain projectiles a reasonable speed. The Stoeger bullshark is almost exactly the same gun. It has a 40mm longer barrel and a different stock. You have to order the P35 from Krale but Stoegers are available in the U. S. These guns cock in the middle and have flush magazines. If you get one you'll probably have to fix it yourself but mine have only needed the occasional O-ring which I think all PCP users should learn to do. They have a warranty but I don't know of any service center for them. But I haven't needed one. P35s come with extra O-rings and the only special tool you should need. You'll need some metric allen wrenches.
The GS CX4 seems like a reasonable option. I like my Yong Heng + SCBA tank, however. I fill the tank from the compressor and the guns from the tank. Tank filling is very quiet and fast. A 350W compressor is going to take awhile to fill a gun and a really long time to fill a tank. A Yong Heng pulls about 1500W and is thus quite a bit faster. It is also very noisy and needs a bucket of cooling water. If you have a place you can set it up and leave it set up like I do it works well. If I need to refill away from home I just take the SCBA tank. It will give me about 10 refills which is normally plenty. My SCBA tank is an expired one I bought off ebay for about $100. Works well. I don't believe there is a scientific basis for the DOT 15 year lifetime on SCBA tanks. I also would rather trust an old Scott tank in good condition than a new tank from China (but my guns and compressor were made in China).
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Which yong heng model do you use? I see amazing had different models at different price points
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Woodchips,
Search "Yong Heng" in the archives, "Biohazardman," typed in the "Member" section, will also help.
Search "Yong Heng" in the archives, "Biohazardman," typed in the "Member" section, will also help.
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I've literally spent hours and hours reading and researching. I've seen your posts and setup. What I'm having a hard time figuring out is which exact compressor and parts to order 
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I would pick up an AvengerX in 25Cal or maybe 22Cal, they have enough power/accuracy for a good hunting platform. Just one thing to keep in mind: it doesnt really matter what pcp you pick they will all leak eventually and need small repairs. I have a regular Avenger in 22Cal that I modded and I really like it, but I spent enough on it I could have bought a new FX Wildcat. Another solid budget option is the Gamo Urban/Coyote. They have a great reputation for accuracy and build quality and they are pretty cheap. Downsides are they are not regulated (although still very consistent) and they arent as powerful so hunting range is about 50yds max.
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My Yong Heng is the simple one without the automatic shutdown when the set pressure is reached. I would not trust a function like that on an inexpensive compressor so I watch it as I get close and open the vent when the tank is full. During a gun fill, it will occur quickly enough you should definitely stay around. A refill of my 45 minute tank takes 15-20 minutes. I normally vent every five minutes but I walk away from the compressor in between.
That filter is fine but I would use color changing dessicant. I have one like that but have never installed it because a smaller one I purchased first takes 6 or more tank fills to change color on the dessicant. Seems like a smaller one is plenty big enough. That result is helped by my habit of venting the moisture and running the line to the filters up so water drains back towards the compressor. A bigger filter is OK but you will vent a little more air at the end of the run. I think the one you linked is plenty big but could be needed worse if your setup and venting practices are different. I use the stock YH filter first and change its element after each tank fill. It gets a little oil in addition to some moisture. I bought 100 of the elements pretty inexpensively from Aliexpress. I didn't like the idea of even a little oil getting into the dessicant.
I also have a one way valve on the outlet of the extra filter. I lost O-rings in one of the filters more than once. Without the valve that will let the air in your tank out as you shut down the compressor. The other advantage is you do not need to time the opening of the tank to the point the compressor gets to a similar pressure to avoid hitting the compressor with high pressure air from your tank. With the valve I just open the tank up right after starting the YH and closing the vent. I bought the valve off Amazon, just be sure to get one rated for 300bar or more pressure.
If you get a Yong Heng I highly recommend using a good synthetic lubricant. I use Nuvair 751 and have from initial startup. A quart will fill the compressor and give you at least one oil change. A gallon will take care of your need for years. There are other good oils for YHs.
That filter is fine but I would use color changing dessicant. I have one like that but have never installed it because a smaller one I purchased first takes 6 or more tank fills to change color on the dessicant. Seems like a smaller one is plenty big enough. That result is helped by my habit of venting the moisture and running the line to the filters up so water drains back towards the compressor. A bigger filter is OK but you will vent a little more air at the end of the run. I think the one you linked is plenty big but could be needed worse if your setup and venting practices are different. I use the stock YH filter first and change its element after each tank fill. It gets a little oil in addition to some moisture. I bought 100 of the elements pretty inexpensively from Aliexpress. I didn't like the idea of even a little oil getting into the dessicant.
I also have a one way valve on the outlet of the extra filter. I lost O-rings in one of the filters more than once. Without the valve that will let the air in your tank out as you shut down the compressor. The other advantage is you do not need to time the opening of the tank to the point the compressor gets to a similar pressure to avoid hitting the compressor with high pressure air from your tank. With the valve I just open the tank up right after starting the YH and closing the vent. I bought the valve off Amazon, just be sure to get one rated for 300bar or more pressure.
If you get a Yong Heng I highly recommend using a good synthetic lubricant. I use Nuvair 751 and have from initial startup. A quart will fill the compressor and give you at least one oil change. A gallon will take care of your need for years. There are other good oils for YHs.
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Well, Sir, I'll do my best to help. Mountains of Yong Heng (YH) clones out there, seems all Chinese high-pressure air (HPA) compressor manufacturers jumped on the YongyIheng Pneumatic Co. success bandwagon. An authentic will have a metal ID plate attached, as pictured. Tricky part is finding one, we can only verify an "authentic" seller when a member purchases, opens box and reports back. Unfortunately, inventory sells out soon after, as in eBay's, "Best-homepro." "Smarketbuy," on Amazon, is reported to be "authentic." If I had to re-purchase, I'd search eBay, scrolling down, after clicking on each Yong Heng ad, to Specifications, anything listed for manufacturer, other than YongyIheng Pneumatic Co., I'd pass, just like Suxidi on Amazon ad pictured above. I checked recently and found one listing manufacturer as, YongyIheng, so they're out there. (Sorry, didn't make note of seller.) I'd then contact seller to verify manufacturer, if they assured as such, had high percentage positive ratings and review of negative comments didn't show deceptive practices, I'd take the chance. WM
P.S. Some sellers are wise to us and post fake pictures of "authentic" ID plates, check actual manufacturer, as noted.
P.S. Some sellers are wise to us and post fake pictures of "authentic" ID plates, check actual manufacturer, as noted.
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There are five models of authentic YH compressors, Simple, Hardcover, Set Pressure, Auto-Stop and Digital. Hardcover and Set Pressure are best value and recommended. I purchased Set Pressure but would replace with better value, Hardcover, in future. Rarely see "Hardcover" mentioned anywhere, best way to identify is solid glass dial on gauge face (no red plastic knob) and Cyclonic Water Seperator. Simple Model (least expensive) has no water separator, all other models do. Looking at photo of my YH set-up, water separator is vertical 4-inch-tall aluminum block (front, right-side) with black knob facing camera, red plastic one facing front. WM
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