PCP or springer for SHTF ???

[Trucker3573]

Figure this would be a relevant topic with the world about to collapse (Europe freezing to death and the US running out of diesel) so which would you choose when the SHTF ? I have both, 2 springers and 2 pcp’s. I have two hand pumps and literally thinking of ordering a third. Also a crap ton of ammo. I figure the pcp is more precise and accurate so I would use those as long as I possibly could keeping the springers fresh as backups in the event the pcps eventually quit. What about you ?

 

[MartyMcFly]

For SHTF you need fire arms. That said, once you become king of the hill and need to hunt squirrels or rabbits then a self contained solution like a springer or pumper is probably ideal.

-Marty

 

[elh0102]

If you are considering its use for food, I don't see that it matters. But, I'd always prefer a PCP.
If you're considering a home defense weapon, I'd probably consider bear spray or a pitchfork over an air gun.

 

[Miami Airgunner]

Springer, as the ultimate will never fail, but only for food, certainly not a defense or offense weapon. As long as it's not an EMP SHTF the PCP is great though.

But really... Guns are way way way over thought about and overrated.

Your best protection is a really solid wall and concertina wire, behind which are a group of trustworthy friends and family, as well as sufficient food and water... If you don't have that in place, don't worry about the guns, you won't need them for long most likely, and your life expectancy in a gun fight sucks anyway, probably better to spend your money on body armor than firearms really.

But that's not as fun as buying more guns, so whatever you do don't tell anyone's wife... ;-)

 

[JimD]

It would take me a really long time to use up the 50-100 shot capacity of my PCPs hunting. With a full SCBA bottle it would take a really long time before I would have to resort to a hand pump. But I don't see things lasting long if there really is no food available and no law and order. I have enough PBs for protection but you pretty much have to eat.

 

[jps2486]

Springer for sure. It's self sufficient and will never run out of air.

 

[luckybuckeye]

Springer for a Great Depression type event. They will still shoot with a broken spring. Squirrels, rabbits, pigeons, doves, ducks, geese, groundhogs, cats, and dogs could all be taken larger animals could probably be culled with point blank head shot. A true shtf scenario you would need an f15 or a Bible.

 

[BeMeUp]

Air guns for hunting pb’s for protection, and if it gets that bad you people who don’t live near a major city stand a better chance especially when the fuel supply runs out.

 

[Trucker3573]

Just to clarify, the airguns just for getting food sources. I def have powder burners for other purposes. Why I will never sell them all off even though I like my airgun hobby more.

 

[d3vnull]

Bulk fill CO2 is another option. There will be lots of fire extinguishers laying around.

Also, get a Kelly kettle for purifying water and quick cooking meals.

 

[Deleted 45061]

He35e in .177. done

 

[Perle]

Certainly a springer of descent quality would seem to be ideal. A pcp …. Maybe like a Old Benjamin disco. 2000 psi fill. Very accurate easy to pump.

But a full scuba tank with a dedicated pcp hunter would last a long time.

 

[MartyMcFly]

Springer, as the ultimate will never fail, but only for food, certainly not a defense or offense weapon. As long as it's not an EMP SHTF the PCP is great though.

But really... Guns are way way way over thought about and overrated.

Your best protection is a really solid wall and concertina wire, behind which are a group of trustworthy friends and family, as well as sufficient food and water... If you don't have that in place, don't worry about the guns, you won't need them for long most likely, and your life expectancy in a gun fight sucks anyway, probably better to spend your money on body armor than firearms really.

But that's not as fun as buying more guns, so whatever you do don't tell anyone's wife... ;-)

Respectfully disagree on the guns are over rated portion of the argument. It’s true that you can’t eat bullets, but you also can’t eat that which someone who does have a gun takes away from you. Over rated in the context of living in a civilized society, most definitely yes! But in a SHTF scenario I’d rather have more than one and a few good friends with them too.

-Marty

PS. It’s hard to keep a PCP filled with no power or fuel and a generator could be better used for lighting and power tools if necessary…

 

[silvershooter589]

I too keep multiple hand pumps.

I also don't mind pumping a PCP, even a big bottle gun, especially if motivated for means of hunting or otherwise.

It would be ideal to have both but given an either/or I'd go with a powerful PCP that can be tuned down easily when that much power isn't needed. Something like my Guantlet 30 where you can turn down the hammer spring and get 2X as many shots per fill.

 

[dizzums]

both lol ...

 

[Perle]

I remember the SMG.
Definitely sends lead down range
SHTF Initially you’d use the PCPs. But if the grid is down …. You want lean options and springers will rule In the “ less to pack and carry “

In a SHTF situation eventually only efficient solutions will prevail.

 

[Perle]

Lean options !

 

[Ricochet]

If it hits the fan, PB will be the goto.

 

[Perle]

If it hits the fan, PB will be the goto.

of course but those aren’t one of the options listed

In many movie Senarios … ammo becomes scarce …. I suppose pellets would as well but consider how big a 500 count of .177 pellets vs even say 100 rounds of cartridges

It’s interesting to postulate the “what ifs “…..

 

[Ricochet]

of course but those aren’t one of the options listed

In many movie Senarios … ammo becomes scarce …. I suppose pellets would as well but consider how big a 500 count of .177 pellets vs even say 100 rounds of cartridges

It’s interesting to postulate the “what ifs “…..

I don't own a springer, so i guess pcp for squirrels rabbits, doves, ducks, dingbows, and shenikliguals.