PCP Compressors Buyers Guide
If you shoot a PCP air rifle regularly, sooner or later you may start thinking about how you are going to keep it filled. A hand pump can work well for occasional use, but filling a PCP from empty or topping up several rifles can become tiring.
A PCP compressor provides a much easier way to fill your rifle's air cylinder. However, compressors are not all the same, and choosing one involves more than simply looking at the maximum pressure.
This guide explains the main things to consider before buying a PCP compressor.
What Is a PCP Compressor?
A PCP compressor is designed to compress air to the high pressures required by pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns.
An ordinary workshop compressor is not suitable for this job. PCP compressors are designed specifically for the much higher pressures required by modern airguns.
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Why Use a Compressor?
The main advantage is convenience.
A hand pump is relatively inexpensive and portable, but filling a PCP rifle can require considerable physical effort. A compressor takes over that work and can make regular shooting much easier.
A compressor can be particularly useful if you:
- Shoot regularly
- Own more than one PCP air rifle
- Need to refill your rifle at home
- Find hand pumping tiring
- Want a convenient alternative to an air tank
For occasional shooting, a hand pump may still be perfectly adequate. For regular use, a compressor can be a much more convenient option.
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New to PCP Compressors? Start Here
If you're buying your first PCP compressor, you don't need to understand every specification before you start.
A simple way to approach the choice is:
1. Check your rifle's recommended fill pressure
Find out whether your PCP requires 200 bar, 250 bar or 300 bar. This is the first specification to check when looking at compressors.
2. Decide where you will use it
Will the compressor stay in your garage or workshop, or do you want something you can take with you? This will help narrow down the choice between a larger compressor and a portable model.
3. Think about how often you will use it
If you're only topping up one rifle occasionally, your requirements may be quite modest. If you shoot regularly or have several PCP rifles, filling speed, cooling and duty cycle become more important.
4. Check what comes with the compressor
Don't assume that every compressor includes everything you need. Check the hose, fittings, power supply and any filtration or moisture-management equipment included with the particular model.
5. Compare the complete setup
The cheapest compressor isn't necessarily the cheapest setup if you need to add several accessories before you can use it.
6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Once you've chosen a compressor, use it according to the manufacturer's instructions and never exceed the recommended fill pressure of your airgun.
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For most first-time buyers, the key questions are simply: What pressure does my rifle need? Where will I use the compressor? How often will I use it?
Once you know those three things, comparing the available compressors becomes much easier.
What Pressure Do You Need?
This is one of the first things to check.
Different PCP rifles have different recommended fill pressures. Some may require around 200 bar, while others are designed for 250 or 300 bar.
Before buying a compressor, check the manufacturer's specifications for your rifle.
A compressor capable of reaching a higher pressure gives you more flexibility, but there is little point choosing equipment purely because it has an impressive maximum pressure. The important thing is that it is suitable for your particular rifle and intended use.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommended fill pressure for your airgun.
Portable or Larger Compressor?
One of the biggest choices is whether you want a portable compressor or a larger unit intended for more permanent use.
Portable PCP Compressors
Portable models are generally smaller and easier to move around.
They can be useful if you want to take your compressor to a shooting location or simply do not have a dedicated space for a larger unit.
Some portable compressors can be powered from a vehicle or a household supply, depending on the model.
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Larger Compressors
Larger units can be more suitable for regular home use or for filling several rifles.
They may offer greater cooling capacity, faster filling or longer operating periods, although this varies between models.
If you expect to use a compressor frequently, look beyond the headline pressure figure and consider its duty cycle, cooling system and intended workload.
How Fast Does a PCP Compressor Fill a Rifle?
Filling time can vary considerably.
The size of the rifle's air cylinder, the starting pressure, the desired final pressure and the compressor itself all affect how long a fill takes.
A compressor that fills a small cylinder quickly may take considerably longer with a larger reservoir.
If filling speed is important to you, compare the manufacturer's stated filling performance rather than assuming that every compressor will perform in the same way.
Cooling and Duty Cycle
Compressing air creates heat, making cooling an important consideration.
Some compressors use fans or other cooling systems to manage operating temperatures. Larger units may have more sophisticated cooling arrangements.
The duty cycle tells you how long a compressor is designed to operate before it needs a cooling period.
If you only need to top up one rifle occasionally, a relatively short duty cycle may not be a problem.
If you expect to fill several rifles or larger air cylinders, look for a compressor designed for that type of use.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommended running times and cooling periods.
Oil-Free or Oil-Lubricated?
PCP compressors can use different lubrication systems.
Oil-free compressors are popular because they do not require compressor oil as part of their normal operation. Other designs use lubrication systems that require more attention.
Check the manufacturer's instructions carefully and make sure you understand the maintenance requirements before buying.
Moisture and Air Quality
Compressed air can contain moisture, so moisture management is an important consideration when filling a PCP cylinder.
Look at the compressor's filtration and moisture-management arrangements.
Some compressors include filtration systems designed to remove moisture and other contaminants before the air reaches the rifle. More advanced systems may offer additional drying or filtration.
This is worth checking rather than assuming that every compressor provides the same level of protection.
What Fittings Do You Need?
Check the connection on your PCP rifle before buying.
Different rifles and compressors may use different fittings, hoses and connectors. Some compressors are supplied with the necessary equipment, while others may require additional components.
It is worth checking exactly what is included in the box.
A compressor can appear inexpensive until you discover that you need to buy additional hoses, fittings or other equipment before you can use it.
Power Supply
Think about where you are going to use the compressor.
Some models are designed primarily for mains electricity, while others offer additional power options for greater portability.
If you want to use the compressor away from home, check exactly how it is powered and what equipment is supplied.
Noise
Compressors are mechanical devices and they make noise.
If you are going to use one in a garage, workshop or other enclosed area, noise may not be a major concern.
If you are planning to use it somewhere where other people are nearby, however, the noise level could become an important consideration.
Where manufacturers provide a noise rating, include that in your comparison.
Compressor or Air Tank?
A compressor is not the only way to fill a PCP.
Some shooters use a high-pressure air tank and have it filled at a suitable facility. A tank can provide a convenient source of compressed air, but eventually it needs to be refilled.
A compressor allows you to produce your own high-pressure air, although you are then responsible for the compressor, its maintenance and the appropriate filling equipment.
The right choice depends on how often you shoot, where you shoot and how much equipment you want to maintain.
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What Should You Look For?
Before buying a PCP compressor, consider:
- Maximum working pressure
- Filling speed
- Duty cycle
- Cooling system
- Portability
- Power requirements
- Noise
- Filtration and moisture management
- Included hoses and fittings
- Maintenance requirements
- Manufacturer support
- Warranty
- Availability of replacement parts
How Much Should You Spend?
There is no single price that suits every shooter.
Someone who occasionally tops up one PCP rifle has very different requirements from someone regularly filling several rifles or larger air cylinders.
Look at the complete setup rather than simply comparing the purchase price of the compressor. Hoses, fittings, filtration and other accessories can all affect the final cost.
Safety First
PCP compressors produce extremely high pressures, so they should be treated as specialist high-pressure equipment.
Before using a compressor:
- Read and follow the compressor manufacturer's instructions.
- Check the manufacturer's recommended fill pressure for your PCP and never exceed it.
- Use the correct hose, fittings and connections for the equipment.
- Inspect hoses, connectors and fittings regularly and do not use damaged equipment.
- Make sure the compressor is positioned and operated as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Follow the specified running times, cooling periods and maintenance schedule.
- Keep the equipment away from children and anyone who has not been shown how to use it safely.
- Do not modify the compressor, pressure controls or safety systems.
Never assume that a compressor is safe simply because it can reach the pressure required by your rifle. Use compatible equipment throughout the filling system and follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.
If you are unsure about any part of the filling process, consult the manufacturer or a suitably qualified person before using the equipment.
PCP Compressor Buyers Checklist
Before ordering, check:
- Does it reach the pressure required by your PCP?
- Is it suitable for the size of your rifle's air cylinder?
- Is the filling speed suitable for your needs?
- Does the duty cycle match how you intend to use it?
- How is the compressor cooled?
- What power supply does it require?
- What hoses and fittings are included?
- How is moisture handled?
- What maintenance is required?
- Is it portable enough for your intended use?
- Are replacement parts and support available?
- Have you checked the manufacturer's instructions?
Final Thoughts
A PCP compressor can make owning and shooting a PCP air rifle considerably more convenient, but the most expensive or highest-pressure compressor is not automatically the right choice.
Start with your rifle's requirements and think about how you actually intend to use the compressor.
For occasional top-ups, a compact unit may be all you need. Regular shooters or those filling several rifles may want to look more closely at filling speed, cooling and duty cycle.
Take the time to compare the specifications and make sure the compressor, hose, fittings and filtration are suitable for your particular PCP setup.
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Have Your Say
Do you use a PCP compressor?
If you have experience with a particular compressor, tell us what you use and how you have found it. What would you recommend looking for when buying one, and are there any features you wouldn't want to be without?
Leave a comment and share your experience with other Kieslers Online members.
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