Realistic expectations for hand pumps?

I haven't even had a chance to shoot my Diana Chaser yet, but I'm already considering a PCP pistol such as the Bandit, PP700, PP800, etc. Use case is strictly recreational in the backyard. I'm honest enough with myself about my hobby related ADD to know a compressor would not be money well spent so that leaves me with a hand pump or buying a tank and having it filled at a local scuba shop.

A hand pump appeals to my skinflint frugal nature but I need to manage my expectations. For the 50cc/~2900 PSI/200 BAR tank these pistols use, what is a realistic amount of time and effort to charge one from completely empty with a hand pump? 30 minutes including breaks to let the pump cool down? More? Less?

What about topping off once the power starts to drop? Common sense tells me it would be easier to top off than starting from empty but I don't know what I don't know.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Correct, almost never will you be filling from zero, and topping off a pistol reservoir with a hand pump is a breeze. Worst case, with one of the regulated models (PP700), you're looking at taking a 70cc reservoir from 100 -> 220bar. You can do that in one 5-minute session of about 70 strokes. The Bandit would be even less.
 
burns-excellent.gif


Thanks @nervoustrig! I'm assuming (dangerous, I know) they ship with an empty reservoir so that first fill should really be the only time I'd have to fill from empty unless it develops a leak or has to be drained for any type of service. Correct?

EDIT: I see I transposed BAR and PSI in my original post. Whoops! :ROFLMAO: