The industry trend towards lighter and more compact PCP’s…

[Luis Leon]

Many, myself included have found the benefits of going towards smaller, lighter compact PCPs. I can actually take mine out in the field without a porter… Useful indoors and outdoors, easy to manipulate in tight spaces and capable to 50+ yards on small critters. At home I have the benefit of sending off a table, afield? No table and lots of walking so my heaviest PCP stays in the safe. Through lots of killing of small critters I personally found less to be “more”,. My opportunities on pests in and around buildings increased my kill count. My 30 FPE PCP was simply too much for those situations and I had to pass on many shots… The big, heavy, long PCPs have their place in competition and off a bench. From an overwatch position, while pesting or hunting they shine. For most practical pesting purposes lower powered compact PCPs get it done in style. They can be used indoors and in small backyards so you get to practice alot. My 17 PFE compact is waiting downstairs for a date with some starlings this afternoon. Out to 50 yards they are in mortal peril…

 

[hameditor]

Many, myself included have found the benefits of going towards smaller, lighter compact PCPs. I can actually take mine out in the field without a porter… Useful indoors and outdoors, easy to manipulate in tight spaces and capable to 50+ yards on small critters. At home I have the benefit of sending off a table, afield? No table and lots of walking so my heaviest PCP stays in the safe. Through lots of killing of small critters I personally found less to be “more”,. My opportunities on pests in and around buildings increased my kill count. My 30 FPE PCP was simply too much for those situations and I had to pass on many shots… The big, heavy, long PCPs have their place in competition and off a bench. From an overwatch position, while pesting or hunting they shine. For most practical pesting purposes lower powered compact PCPs get it done in style. They can be used indoors and in small backyards so you get to practice alot. My 17 PFE compact is waiting downstairs for a date with some starlings this afternoon. Out to 50 yards they are in mortal peril…

I agree with this and love small, compact PCPs. In my opinion, the industry is likely to move away from the monster, "benchrest only" PCPs as these smaller units are powerful enough for most people - as Luis says - and because sales volumes will drive that trend.

For example, the Notos was the best selling PCP of both 2024 and 2025 at Pyramyd. That's a pretty strong signal and I'm going to bet that the MicroStrike and compact Alpha - for example - will be up there in the 2026 listings when we see them in a year's time.

 

[pan60]

yep
I like a gun I can easily carry small light compact.
but one day I see a Bench rest gun. its coming. soon I hope

 

[Danman]

Many, myself included have found the benefits of going towards smaller, lighter compact PCPs. I can actually take mine out in the field without a porter… Useful indoors and outdoors, easy to manipulate in tight spaces and capable to 50+ yards on small critters. At home I have the benefit of sending off a table, afield? No table and lots of walking so my heaviest PCP stays in the safe. Through lots of killing of small critters I personally found less to be “more”,. My opportunities on pests in and around buildings increased my kill count. My 30 FPE PCP was simply too much for those situations and I had to pass on many shots… The big, heavy, long PCPs have their place in competition and off a bench. From an overwatch position, while pesting or hunting they shine. For most practical pesting purposes lower powered compact PCPs get it done in style. They can be used indoors and in small backyards so you get to practice alot. My 17 PFE compact is waiting downstairs for a date with some starlings this afternoon. Out to 50 yards they are in mortal peril…

I would say it is A trend but not THE trend
I don't own any compact & lightweight air rifles, with my HW50 being my lightest and my Ghost being the shortest.
Long range precision and/or all-out power (the "other half" of pcps) still demands a heavy, solid and usually, long air rifle. These rifles are also usually much more expensive and therefore less overall are sold.
Along with those short, light rifles comes a dismal shot count quite often. When i pest i grab the gun & ammo but never any fill gear. I'll usually set up a tripod/table as "home base" and move around as required. 10-50Y excites me, but I live for the 50-100Y hits That full tank of air will last me all day (50+ full power shots)

One caveat: I have passed on some barn pesting opportunities sadly (starlings & rats) as nothing i own is quite weak enough lol..... maybe some day!!

 

[Luis Leon]

One caveat: I have passed on some barn pesting opportunities sadly (starlings & rats) as nothing i own is quite weak enough lol..... maybe some day!!

Proof of concept… My Atomic gets roughly 30 shots per fill at 725 fps for 17 fpe with CPHPs. I’ve yet to take 25 birds in one outing with mine. So shot count is not a consideration for me while pesting. Plus my SCBA is in the car in case I run into a starling murmuration… Took nine starlings today with my Atomic inside a hoop house, all shots at 30 yards… Did not recover two…

 

[Pumacarl]

I think that the small compact guns are awesome, I just find that I don't shoot them that well anymore. I am moving towards five foot long monsters off my tripod. I let the lead do the walking. Change keeps it interesting.

 

[Luis Leon]

I think that the small compact guns are awesome, I just find that I don't shoot them that well anymore. I am moving towards five foot long monsters off my tripod. I let the lead do the walking. Change keeps it interesting.

Tripod being absolutely necessary to support the gun you are describing … My compacts aren’t for benchrest or long range shooting. They are pesting/plinking machines and thats where they shine for me. Most come to air guns for the low power goodness that can be had compared to firearms. When the airguns get too long, it actually takes away from their versatility because they become unwiedly unless supported. Am not knocking one over the other. Just saying that the compacts simply rule in many practical airgun roles.

 

[Luis Leon]

One caveat: I have passed on some barn pesting opportunities sadly (starlings & rats) as nothing i own is quite weak enough lol..... maybe some day!!

I missed this the first time around “weak enough” all you need is about 4 fpe at POI in the kill zone and these small critters are toast. Many have been sold on mucho power, and as you stated opportunitites are missed because of too much power. I can always choose to try and get closer to my quarry. But moving away? Because my gun was too powerful, that was just impractical for my use. Just witness what the Brits do sub 12 fpe on similar sized critters at practical ranges. I believe the compacts if used within their inherent limitations will rule the roost..

 

[Billm]

Call me stupid: I like them all. I take that back, I have no interest in a nickel plated gun that shoots darts, whether it’s a gem or not . It’s always better to have the right tool for the job.

 

[Danman]

I missed this the first time around “weak enough” all you need is about 4 fpe at POI in the kill zone and these small critters are toast. Many have been sold on mucho power, and as you stated opportunitites are missed because of too much power. I can always choose to try and get closer to my quarry. But moving away? Because my gun was too powerful, that was just impractical for my use. Just witness what the Brits do sub 12 fpe on similar sized critters at practical ranges. I believe the compacts if used within their practical limitations will rule the roost..

Yip, lowest power i got currently is the HW50 @ 11.5ish fpe and thats still a bit much. My S510 @ min throws a 14.3gr crosman at about 600fps iirc with the transfer port adjustment. Just dont want to punch through a roof if I were to miss!

 

[FL22]

Compacts just don’t do much for me in the looks department.

The smallest Airgun that I own is my Brocock Contour .22 but I will readily admit that it would be the last PCP I would part with.

As far as simplicity and utility is concerned, it dominates everything else that I own.

 

[duchunter007]

I do like the compact guns, and that will be the next one I purchase. I do have a Notos, but I like the Microstrike!

 

[BanjomanMI76]

It would be nice if Benjamin/Crosman would also notice.
My .22 Disco fits the bill, but as many of us know the shot count is low unless modded.

 

[EdinGa]

It would be nice if Benjamin/Crosman would also notice.
My .22 Disco fits the bill, but as many of us know the shot count is low unless modded.

Crosman needs to update the P-rod. I love the accuracy and the trigger, but it desperately needs a refresh.

 

[Fishing 43]

Many, myself included have found the benefits of going towards smaller, lighter compact PCPs. I can actually take mine out in the field without a porter… Useful indoors and outdoors, easy to manipulate in tight spaces and capable to 50+ yards on small critters. At home I have the benefit of sending off a table, afield? No table and lots of walking so my heaviest PCP stays in the safe. Through lots of killing of small critters I personally found less to be “more”,. My opportunities on pests in and around buildings increased my kill count. My 30 FPE PCP was simply too much for those situations and I had to pass on many shots… The big, heavy, long PCPs have their place in competition and off a bench. From an overwatch position, while pesting or hunting they shine. For most practical pesting purposes lower powered compact PCPs get it done in style. They can be used indoors and in small backyards so you get to practice alot. My 17 PFE compact is waiting downstairs for a date with some starlings this afternoon. Out to 50 yards they are in mortal peril…

I’m with you on not needing monster power even though I do have some of the more powerful which I enjoy while squirrel hunting sometimes. But for removing birds at feedlots I’ll take a 12-20 fpe gun most times, my favorite for in town squirrel removal is the Uragan 2 177 at 20 fpe with 10.3 ko’s because I don’t have to worry about pass throughs. Need to try some serious 177 and 22 wadcutters for 25 yard accuracy. Would be like a pie plate hitting the offender lol

 

[EdinGa]

I’m with you on not needing monster power even though I do have some of the more powerful which I enjoy while squirrel hunting sometimes. But for removing birds at feedlots I’ll take a 12-20 fpe gun most times, my favorite for in town squirrel removal is the Uragan 2 177 at 20 fpe with 10.3 ko’s because I don’t have to worry about pass throughs. Need to try some serious 177 and 22 wadcutters for 25 yard accuracy. Would be like a pie plate hitting the offender lol

A .177 10.03 KO at 20 fpe is a hammer on squirrels. RWS Supermags hit hard too.

 

[Guinn]

Many, myself included have found the benefits of going towards smaller, lighter compact PCPs. I can actually take mine out in the field without a porter… Useful indoors and outdoors, easy to manipulate in tight spaces and capable to 50+ yards on small critters. At home I have the benefit of sending off a table, afield? No table and lots of walking so my heaviest PCP stays in the safe. Through lots of killing of small critters I personally found less to be “more”,. My opportunities on pests in and around buildings increased my kill count. My 30 FPE PCP was simply too much for those situations and I had to pass on many shots… The big, heavy, long PCPs have their place in competition and off a bench. From an overwatch position, while pesting or hunting they shine. For most practical pesting purposes lower powered compact PCPs get it done in style. They can be used indoors and in small backyards so you get to practice alot. My 17 PFE compact is waiting downstairs for a date with some starlings this afternoon. Out to 50 yards they are in mortal peril…

I could not have said it better, especially for us old farts. When I’m reviewing a new gun
, the first thing I check is the weight. If it’s over 6 lbs, I’m not interested. I have returned guns I had purchased because they were considerably heavier than advertised so I now insist that the dealer actually weigh the gun before placing an order.

 

[Chief55]

I also like lite compact airguns, which is why I have an Airforce Escape SS and an Airforce Escape UL. I also really like that I don't trade off power for size with them. I just don't get as many shots, which I can live with. They top off at 6 pounds ready to shoot and I like that a lot. I never have enjoyed 9–11-pound guns of any kind, especially in the woods. I also like that I am seeing more budget friendly offerings, and I think maybe my wife likes that even more than I do. I think it draws more people to our sport and that is a very good thing because it motivates the industry to come out with more new produces generating more sales, and to be competitively priced to get those sales and that is a win win for all of us. We are really seeing that with all of the budget friendly offerings in the last couple of years and look at all the slugs available now. Who would have thought. You could say that now there truly is something for everyone.

 

[Jaabaa]

That's for sure. PCP from $130-1000s of dollars.
Anyone can enter the hobby.
But weight can be a issue depending on what we are doing. Free Standing, light weight but strong.
Bench, I'll go with a heavy rifle any day.