N/A Diving into PCP...here's my plan...thoughts?

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AnalogRoots

AnalogRoots

Member
Nov 3, 2023
16
12
Savage, Minnesota, USA
For the past month I've been researching getting into PCP after my kids, nieces, and nephews had a fun day of shooting out at the farm I grew up on. They really enjoyed shooting my dad's break barrel pellet gun with a scope on it...as well as some powder burners. But my dog didn't enjoy the powder burners as much...nor did my ears.

Anyway - they had so much fun that I decided to pull some money out of a different hobby (pinball) and put it into PCP. The primary use will be plinking, paper, and I'd really like to try to get into some long(ish) range stuff at some point.

I know there are infinite ways of getting started, but here is what I'm currently thinking.

Air
Everything I've been reading seems to say the first decision should probably be "how do you plan to get air?" So this is what I'm thinking

Airmarksman Tank 74cuft 4500PSI $599
Scandinavian Arms Tank Bag $120
Local Scuba Shop Fills (confirmed) $15

Airgun(s)
Was originally thinking about getting a .22 and .177, but I think it might just be simpler to keep track of one caliber. Initially everything on YouTube pointed me to the FX Impact M3, but the more I thought about it, the harder it was to justify that much on a single gun...then I got to thinking maybe I could get 2 mid-priced guns. That would allow for more shooting time for my kids, nieces, and nephews (along with me, the uncles & papa :D)

I fell in love with the looks of the Sahara version of the Brocock Sniper XR and think it will be a great all-arounder. I also thought it would be cool to have the We The Plinkers Brocock Atomic XR package, but I kind of wanted to try something different. And I keep coming back to the Airmaks Katran CB. So...

Brocock Sniper XR Sahara .22 $1195
Airmaks Katran CB .22 $1269

Scope(s)
Thinking one of these four for the Sniper XR
Arken SH-4 6-24x50 FFP $254​
Arken EPL-4 6-24x50 FFP $329​
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 APLR2 FFP $369 AA​
Element Helix 6-24×50 FFP $479 UA​
Katran scope - I'd like to find something more budget friendly maybe $100(ish)?

Moderator(s)
Probably a DonnyFL...I'm a sucker for their marketing, what can I say?

Anyway - would love to hear other thoughts/advice if you have any before I pull the trigger on this load of PCP goodness to get started on my journey! I realize that's $3500+ it adds up quick, but I'm hoping it would be something fun to do as a family getting the kids away from devices...and hoping to get some good stuff to make it a good experience for everyone. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to convince my brother-in-laws that they should get some fun gear, too :D
 
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Well, unless the dive shop is say 20 min away, it's going to get old, especially if you shoot a lot, I'd go with the Arken ELP, good glass and I love the turrets, ONLY issue, put some loctite blue or purple on the elevation turret screws, they tend to back out for some reason. Personally, I'm partial to FX Mavericks BUT if you want a shoot and forget you might want to check out the Jefferson State airguns. I'm thinking about springing for one, just can't quite justify it my Mavericks are working so well.
 
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@HogKiller - the dive shop is less than 15 mins from my house...and I don't know how often we'll all be able to get out. But good point, maybe I should consider a compressor. Appreciate the tip on the Arken ELP. And I LOVE the FX Maverick Compact...it was just a bit north of what I was thinking if I went down the path of buying 2 guns instead of 1. I will check out Jefferson State airguns on your recommendation!
 
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Three fine choices… I am partial to the BRKs… While you will definitely an airtank to fill the Safari and Katran. The Atomic XR can be easily hand pumped. Mine are good on small pests to 50+ yards, they are quite versatile little guns. The little Atomics punch way above their power level. My first Atomic was purchased singly. My second was a ”We the Plinkers“ package, very, very happy with both of mine. I also own a Pathfinder XR. If I had to choose one? The Atomic all the way, because they are quite capable and don’t require tanks or HPA compressors to keep filled.

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On the shooting day that inspired this, were all the kids, nieces and nephews using FFP scopes? Airgunners seem to be currently infatuated with them but they are doing most of their shooting on or near maximum magnification. Kids on the other hand might struggle locating a target at 30 yards on 24x. A SFP gives a nice full size reticle from min to max. As far as guns go, stay away from the FX stuff. Not because they are bad guns, they are just bad for your intended purpose. You want to pull them out the safe and have fun drilling targets. Not chase issues or be telling the kids to treat it like it’s made out of porcelain. Anything from Brocock is a great choice. Do not base any decisions on YouTube. Get your input here on guns that strike your fancy. We all paid for ours and will tell you the truth.
 
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Plan sounds pretty good, lots more thought involved than many who just ask, "What's best PCP?" Would only suggest adding Vector Veyron scope to list. Five of my nine PCPs wear the VVs in 6-24x44 configuration. Super-subcompact, lightweight, clear, bright glass and smooth functioning make this a winner. Last two purchased from Krale (Netherlands) $211 to-my-door. Second focal plane (SFP) and illuminated center dot with six shades of brightness (red). The reticle it comes standard with (MPR-V10) is top notch, too. WM
 
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I wouldn’t get an Airmaks. It can be a lot of work to take them from their stock unfinished functionality to a reliable gun. Plus, the shorter the barrel, the more pain arises from the flaws with the reg, hammer system and valve. Maybe one day, Airmaks will release something that is ready to shoot. Just my 2cents having owned a Caiman, Krait and Katran L.
 
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Can't find any fault with your choices but you may want to save some $ on a rifle and put it into a gun compressor you will go thru air faster than you think and you will want to be able to fill a gun when needed. You could for example get a Benjamin Cayden which is a great rifle at only $600 and leaves you plenty of $ to get a gun compressor and use the scuba place for the tank. The SH-4 is all the scope you need for plinking and fun.
 
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$15 seems really steep for an air fill, but if you’re in Minnesota then maybe that’s the going rate. My experience as a diver on the west coast is that dive shops will usually fill your tanks for free if you’re a regular to their shop. They’re making their real money off sales and scuba courses.

Airgunners are kind of, (justly), treated as second class citizens by dive shops and will usually get charged for air, but it used to only be around $6 a tank. When you show up with a CF tank and no one knows who you are they just assume that you’re not going to buy any scuba equipment or enroll in any courses and they do things by the book.
 
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All good advice from some great and experienced members. Personally, after decades of experience and likely now close to 100 airguns through my hands, I would spend the same amount of money on one "great" rifle and scope combination. A Skout Epoch can now be purchased for $2,350. A Daystate Wolverine or RAW can be purchase for +/- $2K. A Brocock Sniper Magnum or BRK Ghost for less than $2K. Add a decent scope for +/- $400 and you will have a rifle that will not only be able to shoot sub MOA in most cases, but that will serve you and your heirs for decades. While I own several FX rifles and find them to be super accurate and among the smoothest to shoot, they do seem to require a maintenance more frequently.

.22 is by far the most universal and flexible caliber out there, though I do absolutely love the .25s. Unless I was going to compete in field target events, .177 would be my third choice.

Finally, don't skimp on the air source. Plenty of dry, dependable air availability is what makes this sport so enjoyable.

This is one of those sports where if you don't buy quality up front, you will find yourself spending more money down the road.

Welcome to a great sport with lots of good people to interact with as is evidenced by this forum.
 
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@AnalogRoots This is a very well thought out post asking for assistance. I love it!! I recommend going with .22 caliber. They handle wind decently and ammo can be found in abundance. If your guns shoot .22 Crossman Premier Hollow Point pellets with decent accuracy, even better for you. Many Walmarts keep them in stock in the sporting goods section for around $7 per 500 count tin. Most other acceptable brands of pellets (JSB, FX, AA, H&N, etc I don’t know about some of the newer brands popping up) will likely have to be ordered online unless you have a decent airgun retailer close by.
You may want to look through the following link before making a final decision on rifles:

Good Out of the Box Shooters (PCPs) - Share Your Experiences

After reading many threads where members ask questions seeking advice concerning which gun to purchase for hunting/pesting, a first PCP for backyard plinking, or wanting to tryout benchrest styled shooting I saw several posts where tinkerers, competitors, and mechanically inclined members are...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

I think the Brocock Bantam Sniper is a very good line of guns. I did the SCBA tank/dive shop thing for a year and edite buying a couple of compressors. That was an hour round trip to fill my tank at $20 per top off IIRC. Once I was able to fill my SCBA tank there was no looking back. A Donny FL Tanto should work well to quiet a Brocock Bantam Sniper. I use one (.22/.25) on a .25 Brocock Bantam Sniper HR when I want to quiet things down. I can also use it on another .22 caliber airgun. I’d also consider purchasing at least one extra magazine per gun. There’s an Eastern Europeans manufacturer called CARM magazines that makes durable 3D printed magazines for a fraction of the cost of OEM magazines. I suggest buying at least 4 magazines when ordering from CARM to make shipping costs worthwhile. As for a scope, I don’t have much experience with entry level Athlon scopes. Someone suggested Vector Veyron scopes. I have several Vector scopes, most are 3-12x. The 3-12x44mm Veyrons can be had around $200 each. Around the holidays you should be able to find them for around $130-$160 on sale. They’re short, light weight and pretty clear glass for the price point. They come with scope rings and an ok set of scope covers. I’d grab a Vector throw lever for each one to make changing magnification a little easier. They go for $10-$12 each last I bought one on Amz (the “big river” site). I also suggest investing in a cheap spotting scope/tripod combo (maybe an Athlon spotter for $200 or less) so the children can see their hits and misses without having to get up and walk in front of the gun(s). my first alittignscope probably cost me around $40-$50 if that. It’s a cheap Simmons spotter that I have used out to 100 yards.

Things to think about concerning maintenance in this fashion 1) build quality (ease of disassembly and reassembly without breaking or stripping threaded parts), 2) parts availability, 3) readily available information on maintenance and repairs, 4) your proximity to a reputable airgunsmith. While your at it grab a bottle of Ballistol and a pull through cleaning kit like a Patchwork or Crown Saver kit. You may also wish to invest in a decent pair of flip m-up scope covers to protect the scope lenses. I recommend Monstrum or Butler Creek scope covers. To use Monstrum covers you simply measure the scope body diameter around the lenses with a set of caliper and order the twin sizes based upon your measurements. Some scopes come with covers. Hard or soft gun cases to transport them would also be a good idea. Savior Equipment bags are a good option. Their quality and prices are right!!

Here’s a thread where members discuss airgun accessories that they find indispensable:

Which Airgun Accessories Do You Have That You find Indispensable?

In between targets I had a thought. I see a lot of threads about issues that members have with airguns, components, and accessories, myself included. What I’d like to know is, which accessories have you purchased that you loved that you now feel that it’s hard to do without or shoot without...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

For shooting games or DIY shooting setups I’d peruse the forums and see what other are doing or have done to engage the children and hold their interest. I like a few of @TMH shooting setups. Take a look:

Taking Down The Christmas Tree Is Such A Drag... Unless You Have The Right Tools

Next week looks pretty rainy in my area, so we had our Christmas shoot at this week's airgun shoot in my back yard. I had decorated a felt Christmas tree with plastic ornament balls, resin Christmas themed hangers, wood Rudolph cut-outs and .50 cal paint balls. The group was light today (only...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

I Call It "The Sawfish"

I think that there is some resemblance between my new target array and the fish of that name: I won't be able to shoot it at home as my backstop is not high enough. But I can shoot it with friends at the range during the next Cowboy match weekend. Targets are coffee stir sticks with...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

An idea for a shooting station if you don’t have something already set up.

My Shooting Table Canopy Got Hit With Graffiti Yesterday

The blue canopy of the pop-up over my 25 yard shooting table finally gave up the ghost in last week's high winds, after over 20 years of service. I know that replacements can be purchased, but they are costly for what you get, and I don't need the quick set-up/take-down feature on this one any...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

A simple DIY pellet trap to catch and collect spent pellets.

Performance of my Trash Can Pellet Trap

There seem to always be new threads where folks ask what sort of pellet trap they should use. Based on the recommendations of this site, I finally was able to get some rubber mulch nuggets. But instead of a cardboard box, I decided to put them into a trashcan - a Rubbermaid 2965 to be exact. ...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com

How old are the children anyhow?
 
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