SHTF : Springer or PCP With Hand Pump? Which would you choose?

[elh0102]

Well, you're asking if I prefer a healthy horse or a sick mule, when I need a healthy mule. If I were preparing for a survival situation, either one is kind of a nutty choice. A .22 RF bolt action and a supply of ammo and you're far better prepared. It ain't gonna break, it's lighter, and the POI is much more consistent in varying conditions. But, to answer the question, I'd choose a springer, much as I loathe the things. There has never been a PCP made that I would trust to work under varying but unknown conditions, and for an unknown period of time. If your little survival camp includes a mobile repair shop, then maybe a good PCP.

 

[Septicdeath]

In a survival situation. I'd be taking my .22 LR and my .45 1911
But since the question is, definitely a springer.

 

[Privateer]

I'll keep my PCP's and when some idiot with an AR or such walks in my kill zone?
I'll take his stuff.

 

[silvershooter589]

I'll keep my PCP's and when some idiot with an AR or such walks in my kill zone?
I'll take his stuff.

 

[Jay308]

Springers don’t leak…

 

[Chris_K]

Springers don’t leak…

That's in line with my thinking. I can still shoot a springer with a nicked or cut piston seal. Power output will be less, but I can still shoot. The only thing that takes one out of the game is if you have a gas ram, those can leak and then you are SOL. Regular springs can break, too, but I don't hear about it as often as I hear about blow PCP o-rings. And hand pumps depend on seals, too.

 

[silvershooter589]

Springers don’t leak…

My old Hatsan Mod 125 nitro piston blew, rendering the gun totally inoperable, but it was probably due to neglect on my part. It was sitting on the shelf mainly and getting "squeaky". I then applied silicone grease liberally. Shortly after that it failed completely.

My PCPs have been very reliable in comparison (including the Hatsans).

So "springer" for SHTF maybe. Nitro piston, not so sure. I'd rather carry an extra spring and swap it in after 10,000 shots, or whatever the use cycle is on those.

 

[patrikky]

SHTF : Springer or PCP With Hand Pump? Which would you choose?

Sheridan. No compressors needed. The seals will last a very long time. But most importantly it's very lightweight compared to a springer if you're mobile on foot.

 

[beerthief]

I have a very good friend who has a plan IF , his plan is to just stay where he is (a very target rich area ) he said he will be vaporized and not have to think or hide or starve or die a slow painful death or watch others do the same .

 

[SonOfAGun]

That's in line with my thinking. I can still shoot a springer with a nicked or cut piston seal. Power output will be less, but I can still shoot. The only thing that takes one out of the game is if you have a gas ram, those can leak and then you are SOL. Regular springs can break, too, but I don't hear about it as often as I hear about blow PCP o-rings. And hand pumps depend on seals, too.

I purchased two nitrile o-ring kits off Amazon that can reseal my PCP's 30 times over. I'm sure I'd have shot every animal in sight before I would have to worry about my o-rings running low.

 

[efem09]

The chance of your spring gun going broke is very slim. Unless it has ben shot thousands and thousands of times.

 

[Chris_K]

I purchase two nitrile o-ring kits off Amazon that can reseal my PCP's 30 times over. I'm sure I'd have shot every animal in sight before I would have to worry about my o-rings running low.

Which is what I would not want to bother with in a SHTF scenario.... But I guess I have a more apocalyptic view of what a SHTF world looks like. Freddy Krueger would be scared of what goes on in my head.

 

[beerthief]

this post is good for a laugh ! people dream(yes dreaming) of being out in the woods living off the land .

 

[SonOfAGun]

Which is what I would not want to bother with in a SHTF scenario.... But I guess I have a more apocalyptic view of what a SHTF world looks like. Freddy Krueger would be scared of what goes on in my head.

this post is good for a laugh ! people dream(yes dreaming) of being out in the woods living off the land .

I live out in the woods and hunt with center fire rifles and PCP's. I can assure you the PCP's are underestimated by most. Both silent and far more powerful than most Springers by far. Having one gun is better than none. But having one of everything gives you a better chance -

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

Assuming the rifle is for hunting/food, I'd want two of mine, The Revere in .25 for "everything else" and the Dragonclaw for big game. Both hand pump just fine.

 

[beerthief]

I live out in the woods and hunt with center fire rifles and PCP's. I can assure you the PCP's are underestimated by most. Both silent and far more powerful than most Springers by far. Having one gun is better than none. But having one of everything gives you a better chance -

it is not the hunting or gathering food what happens when you fire die's out and no more matches ? do you know what flint smells like ? real flint plus 1K more things just like this .

 

[rcs9250]

I remember back when people were losing their minds with Y2K impending doom. The secretary in the office said to me that the bible says a man should take care of his family and wondered how I was preparing. She was referring to food. I told her that 60% of the human body is edible and I have plenty of neighbors to keep my household fed. She never asked me any more Y2K prep questions.

 

[SonOfAGun]

it is not the hunting or gathering food what happens when you fire die's out and no more matches ? do you know what flint smells like ? real flint plus 1K more things just like this .

I have hoards of Bic's ...Zippos and variations of fire starting equipment. And yes, lots of flits! And my trusty magnifying glass!

 

[SonOfAGun]

Assuming the rifle is for hunting/food, I'd want two of mine, The Revere in .25 for "everything else" and the Dragonclaw for big game. Both hand pump just fine.

Yes, hunting/food. Nobody in their right mind needs a gun fight.

 

[Trunion]

When I think about this kind of scenario I think it’s likely to be caused by a total loss of our power grid as a result of EMP or radical polar shift. Not that such events wouldn’t be catastrophic, certainly they would but I do think it would be survivable in rural areas. Urban areas would be a lot more chaotic and disastrous. Which is why I have two residences. My primary residence is in a small city, my other is in a very rural area 200 miles northwest.