Brief Look into the Workings of PCP and CO2 Air Rifles

A few decades ago, buying an air rifle might have been as easy as walking into a shop and picking out one that you would want to work with. Today, however, there is no shortage of air rifles. As a beginner you might feel overwhelmed trying to figure the gun jargon that is out there – air soft, air guns, PCP and others. To make things even more complicated you will have a whole lot of gun brands to pick out from including the reputable BSA R10 SE Combo Gun. If this is your first time buying an air rifle, here are some things that you need to know.

What exactly are air guns?

Air rifles use air power to fire pellets. Please note that there are pellets that are designed specifically for use in air guns. Buying the right ammunition is an important safety measure that everyone must take. The evolution of the air rifle has seen new propellant options being developed. For instance, the BSA R10 SE combo gunuses compressed air while there are others that use alcohol and still others carbon dioxide. These are just some of the common propellants you will find in air guns but not the only ones.

PCP air guns

Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns are not anything new. They have been in the market for ages. However, PCP technology has been advanced over the past few years making it possible for you to not only pump your own gun easily but also adding power to the equipment. These guns use compressed air as propellant to push the pellet out of the barrel. The compressed air can be added using a hand pump or the scuba diving air tank. The thing that makes PCP air guns a preferred option is the increased accuracy levels. The BSA R10 SE TH Air Rifle testimony to this. This is not to say that a PCP gun will instantly make you a better marksman. If you do not practice even with the increased accuracy of PCP guns you will miss your shot.

Carbon Dioxide models

If PCP does not speak to you, which is very unlikely, the CO₂ models might. The best thing about these air guns is that they do not recoil which works wonderfully for beginners as it enhances accuracy. They are not that different from the PCP guns in terms of propellant except that the air in the PCP air guns is totally breathable. CO₂ guns are however ridiculously temperature sensitive. Their power can vary dramatically base on the weather with a higher thrust in hot weather.

You may be tempted to get a CO₂ air gun, but they do not guarantee consistent power as the PCPs do. PCP is a great option for not only beginners but also experienced shooters. The R10 is undoubtedly one of the finest if not the best in the market today and you can get your BSA R10 SE TH air rifle in a variety of styles from walnut to camo, black pepper laminate and others. 

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rosiejoy Joined: March 28th, 2019