Airgun Frustrations: Things You Need to Know
Having sold a few airguns via the internet before, I often run across individuals who are just getting into airgunning. They are full of questions, and the smart ones aren't afraid to ask them, which saves them quite a bit of time on the learning curve when it comes to airguns.
Let's compare two powerplants that are common in today's airgun scene: the spring-piston and the PCP (pre-charged pneumatic).
If you are new to shooting, and want instant gratification in terms of your ability to hit the target, then I would suggest to you the PCP powerplant. There is a flipside to PCP's that I'll mention in a minute.
With the PCP powerplant, you have the closest thing to a recoilless shooting mechanism as you are likely to find in a smallbore air rifle. We can't totally ignore the laws of physics, but the tiny amount of recoil that is there is so negligible that it is hardly worth mentioning. There is a reason that most competition shooters on the Olympic level use this powerplant. They need all the edge they can get when you compete against the world's best shooters.
The recoiless nature of the PCP powerplant allows a new shooter to achieve accurate results quickly, and that brings about a sense of achievement that is conducive to further involvement in the shooting sports. Now for the flipside.....
In order to enjoy the PCP powerplant airgun, you need accessories. Where is the air coming from? You need either a handpump or an air tank of some kind. Is there a place near you capable of filling said air tank? Do you have the needed adaptor to hook the gun's fill probe to the hose on the tank or pump? You see, there are other variables to consider when buying the PCP powerplant. One of the reasons that Crosman's new Discovery is so popular is that you get a source of air with the gun in one package! And what do you do when an o-ring goes bad? Lots of details in owning a PCP. They are wonderfully accurate and fun to shoot, but there is some extra equipment to buy.
Now, let's say you like a challenge and want a truly self-contained air rifle. Then I would suggest the spring-piston powerplant. It has been around a long time, is tried and tested, and will serve you well for many disciplines of airgun shooting. All you need is the gun and some ammo, and you are ready to shoot. Or so you think.....
Spring-piston airguns can be difficult in some cases to shoot accurately. Going against everything you learned as a firearm shooter, you want to hold the gun lightly and delicately, not firmly into your shoulder like a centerfire rifle. And resting the forearm on a hard surface is a no-no.....you want it supported by a soft surface such as the palm of your hand. Scopes on spring-piston rifles need to be rated for airguns so that you don't break them with the bi-directional recoil of this powerplant.
As you shoot your new spring-piston rifle, you'll likely experience dieseling at some point.....when the lubricants get into the compressions chamber and detonate during the firing cycle. The first time it happens may make you think you're shooting a rimfire, cause smoke will come out the end of the barrel! But the lubricants wear away, and your gun will settle in and begin giving you consistent velocities and behavoir before long.
Owning airguns can be full of pleasure and great times.....so don't let the occasional frustrations that come along give you heartburn. Ask lots of questions and check in with another airgunner from time to time for advice, and you'll enjoy your airguns just that much more!
