My Five Stages of PCP Airgun Ownership

[backyard-plinker]

I just came to this realization today and was wondering if anyone has gone through something similar. FYI, this is just my humorous take on owning my first PCP air gun.

1. Ooh, PCP airguns are cool.
2. What? It costs how much?
3. Finally found a PCP airgun in my price range.
4. So excited! It's on the way.
5. What have I done?

I feel like PCP airguns (and hand pumps) should have come with a warning. Something like:

PCP Airgun Owner Warning: Please be advised that owning PCP airguns may cause happiness, excitement, satisfaction, frustration, irritability, and test your patience. Proficiency in reading owner manuals and schematics to problem solve and tinker will be required. When all else fails, please refer to advice from those who have been there and done that.

My son and I shoot various multi-pump pistols / air rifles and break barrel air rifles ... that just work as intended. However, we've only had our PCP air gun and hand pump for just over a month and have had to troubleshoot and clean the hand pump (still not sure if it's 100% fixed) and are now in the process of troubleshooting a leak with the air gun. We actually enjoy this type of tinkering, but we didn't think it would occur this soon of ownership.

I don't want this thread be about fixing my problems ... just see if anyone else has had similar thoughts.

Scott

 

[JimT66]

I just came to this realization today and was wondering if anyone has gone through something similar. FYI, this is just my humorous take on owning my first PCP air gun.

1. Ooh, PCP airguns are cool.
2. What? It costs how much?
3. Finally found a PCP airgun in my price range.
4. So excited! It's on the way.
5. What have I done?

I feel like PCP airguns (and hand pumps) should have come with a warning. Something like:

PCP Airgun Owner Warning: Please be advised that owning PCP airguns may cause happiness, excitement, satisfaction, frustration, irritability, and test your patience. Proficiency in reading owner manuals and schematics to problem solve and tinker will be required. When all else fails, please refer to advice from those who have been there and done that.

My son and I shoot various multi-pump pistols / air rifles and break barrel air rifles ... that just work as intended. However, we've only had our PCP air gun and hand pump for just over a month and have had to troubleshoot and clean the hand pump (still not sure if it's 100% fixed) and are now in the process of troubleshooting a leak with the air gun. We actually enjoy this type of tinkering, but we didn't think it would occur this soon of ownership.

I don't want this thread be about fixing my problems ... just see if anyone else has had similar thoughts.

Scott

Oh that's not good. A leak inside a month? Whether yall enjoy tinkering or not, that is not a good thing. Did you buy the rifle new? Warranty it! If you take it apart, you will void warranty, and the leak may be more than an O ring. Not likely, but it could be. What type pcp rifle is it?

 

[backyard-plinker]

Oh that's not good. A leak inside a month? Whether yall enjoy tinkering or not, that is not a good thing. Did you buy the rifle new? Warranty it! If you take it apart, you will void warranty, and the leak may be more than an O ring. Not likely, but it could be. What type pcp rifle is it?

Thank you for this good advice about not taking it apart or else it will void the warranty ... I should update my PCP Airgun Owner Warning. The only thing we've done so far is make sure the degas screw is/was tight.

Like I said I don't want this to be a thread about fixing this airgun ... but for what it's worth ... we have an Umarex Notos, purchased new. As I see now from searching, other Notos owners have had issues, too. I got caught up in the positive reviews of this airgun and hoped for the same.

Scott

 

[PapaT]

I just came to this realization today and was wondering if anyone has gone through something similar. FYI, this is just my humorous take on owning my first PCP air gun.

1. Ooh, PCP airguns are cool.
2. What? It costs how much?
3. Finally found a PCP airgun in my price range.
4. So excited! It's on the way.
5. What have I done?

I feel like PCP airguns (and hand pumps) should have come with a warning. Something like:

PCP Airgun Owner Warning: Please be advised that owning PCP airguns may cause happiness, excitement, satisfaction, frustration, irritability, and test your patience. Proficiency in reading owner manuals and schematics to problem solve and tinker will be required. When all else fails, please refer to advice from those who have been there and done that.

My son and I shoot various multi-pump pistols / air rifles and break barrel air rifles ... that just work as intended. However, we've only had our PCP air gun and hand pump for just over a month and have had to troubleshoot and clean the hand pump (still not sure if it's 100% fixed) and are now in the process of troubleshooting a leak with the air gun. We actually enjoy this type of tinkering, but we didn't think it would occur this soon of ownership.

I don't want this thread be about fixing my problems ... just see if anyone else has had similar thoughts.

Scott

My only disappointment is also one of my favorites. There's a small leak somewhere for my Avenger, drains it down to around 3500#. My first 2, and 4th pcp? Flawless love, no troubleshooting yet. Also simple designs with minimal o-rings.

Multi-pump pneumatic still my favorite platform though.

 

[JimT66]

Thank you for this good advice about not taking it apart or else it will void the warranty ... I should update my PCP Airgun Owner Warning. The only thing we've done so far is make sure the degas screw is/was tight.

Like I said I don't want this to be a thread about fixing this airgun ... but for what it's worth ... we have an Umarex Notos, purchased new. As I see now from searching, other Notos owners have had issues, too. I got caught up in the positive reviews of this airgun and hoped for the same.

Scott

I'm sorry to hear that Scott. I reading as well a lot of complaints about this last batch of issues. I got mine may e 6 mo ths ago. And it's a true champ in every way. Anyway, warranty that baby, get you a Pinty P-PUP(BULLPUP), Lol, lot more smack power lot farther out!

 

[JimT66]

Thank you for this good advice about not taking it apart or else it will void the warranty ... I should update my PCP Airgun Owner Warning. The only thing we've done so far is make sure the degas screw is/was tight.

Like I said I don't want this to be a thread about fixing this airgun ... but for what it's worth ... we have an Umarex Notos, purchased new. As I see now from searching, other Notos owners have had issues, too. I got caught up in the positive reviews of this airgun and hoped for the same.

Scott

I can promise you, don't sweat asking for advice, or help! Least not on this group. These guys know all the ins and outs of these PCPs, and yes. They do seem more than willing to help. I can learn by listening to them , then diagnose the problem, but can't fix said problem to save my soul. I am not mechanically inclined. I was a cop, a damn good one. I can solve lots of problems, but have to let the man fix them after me. Sii worry about changing light bulbs, and stick8ng in power cords!

 

[JimT66]

Thank you for this good advice about not taking it apart or else it will void the warranty ... I should update my PCP Airgun Owner Warning. The only thing we've done so far is make sure the degas screw is/was tight.

Like I said I don't want this to be a thread about fixing this airgun ... but for what it's worth ... we have an Umarex Notos, purchased new. As I see now from searching, other Notos owners have had issues, too. I got caught up in the positive reviews of this airgun and hoped for the same.

Scott

I do get your point though Scott. You just hate to ask. If it makes you feel better, I'm the same way. Hell I gotta brand new in the box crosman 1322? Maybe, multi pump pistol sitting in my cabinet that's brand new(dust says 7 months old), and a brand new Crosman steel breach still sealed in its shipping bag, because I haven't wanted to intrude for assistance getting that simple part swapped out. But these guys will help. They live and love it. This is a great crew here on the Hamster page.

 

[CTAirgunner]

Its kind of like that with all male sports lol, I really envy the majority of women who don't get it into male hobbies.

Cars , ya that 5.0 mustang is fast as hell when you first get it , 6 months down the road, for many, it becomes not enough and then the investing starts to get more, more more.

Airguns is just that way, also man as a whole has always been fascinated with projectiles, how fast can we throw a baseball, how far can we hit a golf ball, how far can we shoot the lead and still remain accurate?

 

[JungleShooter]

My 5 Stages of PCP Airgun Ownership

1. Ooh, PCP airguns are cool.
2. What? It costs how much?
3. Finally found a PCP airgun in my price range.
4. So excited! It's on the way.
5. What have I done?

Scott

Scott,

you have very well documented The First 5 Stages of Airgun Ownership.
Note, these are the FIRST 5 stages only.

You said in your OP that PCP airguns should have come with a warning attached.
In the spirit of that comment, may I describe to you the Second 5 Stages....
Owner, beware....
You have been warned.


The SECOND 5 Stages of PCP Airgun Ownership:

1. My son and I really should each have their own PCP.
2. NOW I know which PCP I really should have bought!
3. Help! I need more scopes for the guns I bought!
4. Help!! Now I don't have enough guns for all the scopes!!
5. I could have bought a nice car for the amount of money I spent on airgunning.... (I just didn't realize that was even possible.)



Once you get to stage 3 or 4 of this SECOND set of 5 stages, let me know!
I gladly will chart the next 5 stages for you.

FYI: You will never be done. There will always be new stages.
Welcome to the "airgun hotel": You can check out any time you like.... – but you can never leave.
Ask me how I know....!

Matthias


PS: A bit of dark humor on a Monday afternoon....

 

[backyard-plinker]

Scott,

you have very well documented The First 5 Stages of Airgun Ownership.
Note, these are the FIRST 5 stages only.

You said in your OP that PCP airguns should have come with a warning attached.
In the spirit of that comment, may I describe to you the Second 5 Stages....
Owner, beware....
You have been warned.


The SECOND 5 Stages of PCP Airgun Ownership:

1. My son and I really should each have their own PCP.
2. NOW I know which PCP I really should have bought!
3. Help! I need more scopes for the guns I bought!
4. Help!! Now I don't have enough guns for all the scopes!!
5. I could have bought a nice car for the amount of money I spent on airgunning.... (I just didn't realize that was even possible.)



Once you get to stage 3 or 4 of this SECOND set of 5 stages, let me know!
I gladly will chart the next 5 stages for you.

FYI: You will never be done. There will always be new stages.
Welcome to the "airgun hotel": You can check out any time you like.... – but you can never leave.
Ask me how I know....!

Matthias


PS: A bit of dark humor on a Monday afternoon....

The wisdom you share is priceless - Thank You!

My son and I have been in discussions about #1 of your Second 5 Stages of PCP Airgun Ownership. And already know what scope(s) to get.

But what if I limit myself to only hand pump friendly PCPs? (ie. small reservoir and nothing above 3600 PSI) Maybe that will help ... ?

Thanks for welcoming us to the "airgun hotel"


Scott

 

[backyard-plinker]

I'm sorry to hear that Scott. I reading as well a lot of complaints about this last batch of issues. I got mine may e 6 mo ths ago. And it's a true champ in every way. Anyway, warranty that baby, get you a Pinty P-PUP(BULLPUP), Lol, lot more smack power lot farther out!

Well, it's been over 24 hours since unscrewing, removing, and re-screwing the degas screw. And so far no leaks -- so far. Maybe if I just shoot everyday I won't notice any leaks, right? (just kidding).

 

[Pumacarl]

I just came to this realization today and was wondering if anyone has gone through something similar. FYI, this is just my humorous take on owning my first PCP air gun.

1. Ooh, PCP airguns are cool.
2. What? It costs how much?
3. Finally found a PCP airgun in my price range.
4. So excited! It's on the way.
5. What have I done?

I feel like PCP airguns (and hand pumps) should have come with a warning. Something like:

PCP Airgun Owner Warning: Please be advised that owning PCP airguns may cause happiness, excitement, satisfaction, frustration, irritability, and test your patience. Proficiency in reading owner manuals and schematics to problem solve and tinker will be required. When all else fails, please refer to advice from those who have been there and done that.

My son and I shoot various multi-pump pistols / air rifles and break barrel air rifles ... that just work as intended. However, we've only had our PCP air gun and hand pump for just over a month and have had to troubleshoot and clean the hand pump (still not sure if it's 100% fixed) and are now in the process of troubleshooting a leak with the air gun. We actually enjoy this type of tinkering, but we didn't think it would occur this soon of ownership.

I don't want this thread be about fixing my problems ... just see if anyone else has had similar thoughts.

Scott

Troubleshooting won't be that much trouble for long, with a little practice, you will be "fixing" things without thought, that others would ship their guns back for warranty work over. You will be fixing things on the fly, and know what parts to have handy, so stoppages won't stop you at all. It's half the fun anyway. PCP is mostly about orings, and they all wear, and will eventually will need to be changed, so you might as well get good at it early on. If you're already having leaks to fix that's because the orings were nicked when the gun was originally put together. After you change them out, you probably won't be touching them again for three years. A bit of advice, save yourself some time and just change them all, it's easier than hunting for the one leak, and you can inspect how the rest of the gun was put together at the same time. Most of the Chinese made airguns I have owned needed to have screws tightened everywhere.

 

[Farmplinker2]

Seems disturbingly accurate. Getting ready to go into 2nd five stages....

 

[jps2486]

I'm on Stage 6 and so old that I may die with my finger on the "buy" button.

 

[Joey 69]

I'm on Stage 6 and so old that I may die with my finger on the "buy" button.

Yea, me to, Guess i will see you in Airgun Heaven, Hopefully not to soon.

 

[Scriv]

Nope. My Daystate's, and Walther have been flawless. My Ghost required trigger work to get a crisp 1.5 pound trigger.

 

[Luis Leon]

I'm on Stage 6 and so old that I may die with my finger on the "buy" button.

Don’t click the “bye” button…

 

[JungleShooter]

I'm on Stage 6 and so old that I may die with my finger on the "buy" button.

➧

Don’t click the “bye” button…

➧

Some people die not while their finger is on either the "buy" or the "bye" button.

They die because their finger is on the "buy" button!!


➧ Because a significant other feels entitled to commit murder for yet another airgun purchase....

Matthias

 

[Dogowski]

My only disappointment is also one of my favorites. There's a small leak somewhere for my Avenger, drains it down to around 3500#. My first 2, and 4th pcp? Flawless love, no troubleshooting yet. Also simple designs with minimal o-rings.

Multi-pump pneumatic still my favorite platform though.

My Avenge-X is also suffering from the same problem. Tried new seals around both gauges and its still leaking. Can't catch a break!

 

[Franklink]

If those are the first 5 stages, I gotta be on about stage 87.

I go back and forth about selling off a bunch, but then try to pare it down and realize each has a use. And I've got enough to have some very specialized uses. Read that as very specific justification for keeping each of them.

I've got one that get used for one or two pistol matches a year (1720T).

I've got two that get used for garage offhand practice on long cold winter nights. FWB 300 and FWB 300s Mini. One with a low power scope and one with diopter iron sights.

Veteran Long for high power long range field target. Couple matches a year. Pellets out to 100 yards for those matches.

Veteran Standard for one of my sons to shoot matches with. This one gets used quite a bit.

USFT with .20 and .177 barrels, for serious sub20 field target matches that I would like to win, couple matches a year.

Vet Short in .20 for clandestine relatively low power pesting and for the other son to use in matches. I also shoot it in a match or two here and there.

Ghost .20 for long range slugging (mostly) of prairie dogs and Ultimate Field Target. Can stretch this one into a couple hundred yards so it's the long ranger.

Ghost testbed for barrel testing and development.

HW50s as a general use low power springer. Gets used very little. It's bout 8.5fpe.

Add in a stack of alternate barrels for most of these and various bottle sizes and filling paraphernalia, and scopes on them all, and enough pellets and slugs to not need to buy any for more than a decade.... Yeah, I'm a few more than 5 stages deep into this insanity.