Realistic Assessment - Using a Hand Pump to Fill a Manly PCP

"Saltysteve"What would you guys say about using a $39 hand pump to fill a gauntlet? I figured itll be about $50 shipped and i am wanting to get a yong heng compressor for $350 shortly after. I am just confused on really how many pumps and how much time it woukd take to fill this gun. Does anybody know?
Would that pump be just a waste of money for the gauntlet?
heres a update to my own post for others who were wondering. 
im 6 2" and 230 lbs. And i can tell the size and my weight makes using thus pump really not that bad at all. At this point for me its perfect unless i plan on shooting for a long session and then i can see it getting old. Ill just buy a compressor at that point. 

its basically 2 pumps per shot after you fill the tank to 2000 psi. 
so about 120 pumps to get to the full amount (3000 psi)
i guess a pump for a gauntlet might be worth it because of the amount of shots you get out of a full tank. If i had to pump 4 pumps per shot i might not think the same.
i basically lock out my arms and bend my knees when using the pump. Using arms or back to pump probably would be a good idea unless your in good shape. 
 
Reading this thread has tired me out. Nap time! Lol I used a hand pump for 3 years to pump up my hatsan at 44. In .22 30 shots and pump 10 minutes. 30 shots and pump 10 minutes. Went through 1000s and 1000s of pellets. 

After that came the shoebox. Bought it on eBay for 600$ (yes I got ripped off)

I sold the shoebox to a friend about 6 months ago and bought the yong heng for 325$. I believe I can say with honesty if I had to go back to pumping I would sell my airgun. It takes the joy out of it it is so tiring an execise. 

now if you only hunt you may be ok. But 500 pellets a month with a hand pump is a killing workout! 
 
Did the hand pump thing for a few years when I first got into pcp guns. Decided finally that I needed to do something different so I bought a carbon fiber tank and the Freedom 10. Hand pumps are now collecting dust while I enjoy shooting so much more and have even bought me some more guns now that air isn't a problem. With the compressor options out there today, such as a Yong Heng which can be found sub $300, I just don't see choosing to hand pump, unless of course there simply isn't enough money to get the compressor & a tank. 
 
My theory in shooting is that I like to shoot, not pump. My main gun gives me 30 shots for 100 strokes of the pump. 3 plus shots per fill. With a tough of Muscular Dystrophy, it isn't easy to pump, but I'll do it if I have to.

So, I will pump, sometimes. I have a tank and get it filled at the local paintball shop, but still pump sometimes.

My main gun is a Marauder. No regulator. I use the tank on that gun as much as possible. Pumping it just takes all the fun out of shooting, especially when doing chrony work.

Secondary gun is a Crosman 1701P, and I usually pump that gun. 30 strokes = 60 shots. Small resevior on the gun, low power, good gun for pumping.

It's all in how you look at it.
 
When I finally stepped off the ledge into PCP. I ordered a Maximus when they came out. And since those were backordered at that time I said what the heck and ordered a Mrod also. And a Hill 4 pump. I filled the Mrod one time and was on the phone calling Joe for a great white with all the fittings and carry kit. I worked all my life so that at this point I don't have to work ;) But for many people a pump would be fine if you are on a budget. And now I have a hill 4 as a nice back up fill system.
 
I've used my hill pump to fill the 500cc tank to 245 bar on the FX Boss I used to have. Once you get used to pumping and find how to do it correctly, it's really not that bad. And I only weigh 155 lbs. Now, having said that, I currently get the big 6K Nitrogen tanks delivered to my house. Love it! Still, from time to time I get out the pump and fill my rifles from that, just because I want to, and like to feel the freedom that comes from being able to fill your own rifles without an outside source. 
 
One other thought on pumping. Do you ever shoot at the local rifle range? If so, pumping can be a bit annoying. Finding a spot to lay the gun down, hook up the pump and such in a public area can be a real pain. Tanks really help get you shooting if you know what I mean.

I've also learned that my guns don't like a full 3000 PSI fill. 2800 is tops on the Marauder and about 2600 on the pistol. Skipping the last couple hundred PSI really helps on the pumping, making the last strokes a bit easier.
 
"Bob_O"What are nitrogen tanks?
Bob,
Welding Air Supply companies rent nitrogen, argon, and air tanks for welders to use. I have read but not verified these tanks are filled to 6000 PSI. They weigh a ton and if you rent one, you will need a Dual Use Regulator to fill a CF or SCUBA tank. Joe sells one and you would need to contact him for a price. Did I mention these tanks are big? They are about five feet tall with the protector cap on and require two people to safely lift them. If I go this route, the tank will be secured to a post in the barn to keep from falling over. I have seen one video where an airgun dealer fills the airgun with a bottle. 

PS. These bottles can be dangerous. I almost lost the tip of a finger when one was dropped on it while moving the bottle.