Spring/Piston Spring Piston vs. PCP: Is the Debate Over?

[elijkincaid]

Share Your Real-World Experiences!

 

[Scriv]

There is not much to debate. They both have strengths and weaknesses. Much like most in life, compromise is the issue.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

A few years ago a shooting friend encouraged me to shoot his hand built RAW. Yep . . . hole on hole . . . time after time after time after time. Boring. What I need are challenges! Earlier this year, another range buddy allowed me to share in the shooting of his Avenge X. That's one cool rifle, but no real challenge once all the tuning is completed. Tempted? You bet, but I think that I'll stick with my TX200 & new 97K. I'm afraid I'll keep on with the challenges of my springers. Orv.

 

[Farmplinker2]

Both have their place.

 

[PasadenaMike]

I love my pcps but I’d never look down on anyone shooting a springer. Springer shooting is a skill I’ve not mastered.

 

[DJNA]

I have several of both platforms. PCP’s are definitely easy to shoot accurately. Springers are challenging than PCP’s hands down. I do like both platforms- each is like a tool - I prefer PCP’s for longer ranges while hunting or pesting though compared to Springers.

 

[pan60]

me and springers dont mix

 

[Danman]

I own 2 of each, and the TX is as accurate as my PCPs! (yes I have mastered springer shooting well as it's all I have shot since I was 10yrs old) Started with a Crosman then a Slavia, still have the Slav. I reached out recently to 90+ Yards with the .177 TX, still punched 1/4ply no problem and accuracy was unexpectedly excellent! (to be fair there was almost zero breeze) But they both know their places, the pcps (both .22) are side levers, 10/11 round mags with 30/55fpe so the power and usefulness in pesting is far better. I reach for the pcps more often (bought my first one last year) to be honest but I will never sell off all my springers, simpler and more reliable for sure.

 

[Gramps-Too]

I started last year with a nitro piston break barrel. Then got into pistols as winter started approaching so I could shoot inside. Then I got a wild hair & ordered a Crosman 1701p while I was waiting I bought a compressor, wanting to test it I bought a Beeman 2017. I think you can see where this is going. In the spring I got a good deal on a .25 cal Marauder, then a 1322 & now a .177 Avenge-X. After shooting the PCP’s for a while I got use to them. The other day I got the nitro piston out & it was night & day different, the 1st shot took me by surprise as I didn’t remember how it shoot. I don’t see my self buying any more springers, nitro piston or nitro piston guns. The PCP’s are so much easier for an old fart.

 

[PasadenaMike]

I started last year with a nitro piston break barrel. Then got into pistols as winter started approaching so I could shoot inside. Then I got a wild hair & ordered a Crosman 1701p while I was waiting I bought a compressor, wanting to test it I bought a Beeman 2017. I think you can see where this is going. In the spring I got a good deal on a .25 cal Marauder, then a 1322 & now a .177 Avenge-X. After shooting the PCP’s for a while I got use to them. The other day I got the nitro piston out & it was night & day different, the 1st shot took me by surprise as I didn’t remember how it shoot. I don’t see my self buying any more springers, nitro piston or nitro piston guns. The PCP’s are so much easier for an old fart.

That’s normal

 

[Sydney Monk]

A few years ago a shooting friend encouraged me to shoot his hand built RAW. Yep . . . hole on hole . . . time after time after time after time. Boring. What I need are challenges! Earlier this year, another range buddy allowed me to share in the shooting of his Avenge X. That's one cool rifle, but no real challenge once all the tuning is completed. Tempted? You bet, but I think that I'll stick with my TX200 & new 97K. I'm afraid I'll keep on with the challenges of my springers. Orv.

Agreed! Prefer the challenge of a springer. Love my Diana34 and TX200!

 

[Tompetersonhaircut]

I don’t think one is better than the other. To me it is a similar dichotomy to semi-auto vs revolvers in the PB world.

Springers-
Pros:
Top end springer costs as much as a mid-tier PCP
Self contained, no fill equipment, grab and go
Give more “feedback” when firing
Easy to work on and “tune” with drop-in kits and springs
Modest power output is more conducive to back yard shooting in suburban/city environments
Challenging for the shooter- practice improves fundamentals like breathing and follow through

Cons:
Lower power/less fpe
More challenging- takes longer to master
Economy/mid tier models can be hard to shoot well or even inaccurate
Scopes can meet untimely deaths due to dual recoil
Most need some polishing and tuning or a minimum level of breaking in to reach their potential

PCPs-
Pros:
Power and adjustability, modular design for some platforms
Less hold sensitive and easier to shoot well
So many options- one (or let’s be real, as many as you can afford) will be the best fit for you and your needs
More power=more ammo choices. Pellets, slugs, arrows, etc
Can be mouse fart quiet

Cons:
Initial cost of entry for gun and related equipment
Maintenance and repair is more complicated
Incredibly addictive

Imo every air gunner should have one good springer in their collection. Tuning a spring gun to your style is a great way to enjoy shooting every time you pick it up.

I will never get tired of the precision and silence of my PCPs.

Just enjoy the hobby!

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

I certainly agree with you, Tom. I just enjoy my peaceful time out on the range. The art of shooting draws something from deep inside where I'm hardly aware of time passing. Orv

 

[jkingrph]

I have a TX200 and ProSport, several Feinwerkbau's and numerous HW guns along with one Diana, all springers, have never shot a PCP and really not interested.

 

[Farmplinker2]

I have a TX200 and ProSport, several Feinwerkbau's and numerous HW guns along with one Diana, all springers, have never shot a PCP and really not interested.

I was pretty ambivalent about PCPs until I broke down and bought a 3622 kit when they came out. I will be buying more springers, but some more PCPs will be joining the stable!

 

[pan60]

I have a TX200 and ProSport, several Feinwerkbau's and numerous HW guns along with one Diana, all springers, have never shot a PCP and really not interested.

I tried springers and I just dont care for them I swore I would never break away from good pump guns and had zero interest in trying a pcp but I am so glad I took the chance.
I stll love pump guns and I would not pass over a bargin on one provided I want broke at the time and I would bet there will be another springer end up around here butat the end of the day I am all in on pcp guns.

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

Personally I think pumpers have the best of both.

 

[Sydney Monk]

I have a TX200 and ProSport, several Feinwerkbau's and numerous HW guns along with one Diana, all springers, have never shot a PCP and really not interested.

Agree, I love my springers!

 

[Luis Leon]

My springers were awesome to me from “my” then perspective. Mine were, are very accurate for pesting out to 40+ yards. Where they became deficient to me was in “follow up” shots or when presented with multiple opportunities. My first PCP, a Gamo Urban simply astounded me with what I could do with it. That it was a repeater, simply sealed the deal. Have zero interest in springer though I am holding on to my Beeman R7 and HWK .177. carbine…

 

[Pumacarl]

I like shooting anything. I have shot rubber band guns that were fun. I prefer PCP these days for a host of reasons that only matter to me, but what I would really like to have is a SSP that could do a solid 20fpe (who am I kidding, I'd settle for 12fpe). That would be very awesome. SSP airguns don't seem to be progressing much at all, compared to everything else. Unless I am missing something. Does anyone make a hunting SSP that can do 20fpe? This would be the best of everything, no extra equipment, no shock, quiet. I am not a fan of MPP probably because of my experiences with them as a kid.