PCP Air Rifle Shooting - New to the forum

[MetallicSting]

Hi All, I’m new to the forum and am quite keen on buying an PCP FX Airgun Impact M3 Sniper Air Rifle. Reason being is that you can adjust the power and change the calibre etc etc to suit long range, back yard, hunting or plinking etc etc.

I’d like to do competitive target shooting indoors & outdoors, but also shoot pests. I’ve got a firearms licence but no firearm yet. Will joint deer stalkers association hutt valley once I’ve purchased my rifle. Keen to know if there are any local teams or groups I could meet and talk to. I went to the Keene indoor SmallBore rifle club but they told me no one really shoots air rifles there. I been watching a lot of YouTube videos by “EDGE of the OUTBACK” and another guy “RJM Hunting Australia”. The ratting videos are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Pretty hard to get that kind of luxury shooting here I’m sure. But really I just want to get access to a range so I can shoot safely and learn to shoot well and be able to hang out with like minded people. Are there any PCP Air Rifle shooters out there?

[Grey Kiwi]

Yep...me.
I shoot indoors BR here in Richmond.
Everyone else uses a .22 rimfire (I used to as well). But I went off the .22 because of the vagaries of rimfire ammo.
Bought an Anschutz 9015 (.177) and have had a lot of fun with it.
Big question now for you is ...what will you do for an air supply? Please don't say you will use a hand pump as you will find that entertaining for about 5 minutes of pumping and will look for something easier after that.

[MetallicSting]

Hi @Grey Kiwi Grey. Thankyou for taking the time to reply. Oh wow an Anschutz 9015 (.177), you got the goods stuff for competition shooting then. I've seen a few of them online between $5k - $10k. If I enjoy it enough I would look at that but for now I will try get an FX. I was looking at the Gamo Magnum for $999 from Gun City just to get me started, but think I might hold out for an FX as I want the bigger distance option and customisation.

As for pump, good question. I've been wanting to know if my Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Air Inflator would work or not. Ther person I spoke to at Gun City didn't know. This is what I have, https://www.ryobi.co.nz/products/air...ator-tool-only.

I also have a black ridge BR180D 2.5HP air compressor at home that I could probably use when I'm at home at least? Or are they no good also?

I see gun city sell these ones: https://www.guncity.com/pcp-air-comp...2v-250w-376381

Finally I could always buy a divers tank like I see a few people are selling with PCP on trademe.

What do you use?

[Grey Kiwi]

Firstly...you need HPA (High Pressure Air). My 9015 is filled to 200 bar (3000psi).
Your normal garage type pump will do maybe a max of 150psi. That FX requires 250 bar (3625psi).
Having a tank works as long as you have somewhere handy to fill it (dive shop or paintball outfit?), and depends on what they charge per fill. I looked at that idea but $30 per fill made me look at the long term side of things.
That Gun City pump will work, but it's air cooled and needs a rest during pumping to allow it to cool down. Not OK for filling tanks. Just OK for filling direct to rifle, and is not a long life item.
GX CS3 is a tad better (but still air cooled), or a GX CS4 (water cooled) is even better.
Now we are starting to get spendy...but compare the total cost to the price of a couple of years of competition shooting with a .22 rimfire. The PCP wins there.
I started with a CS4i (i = internal power supply...but same pump unit as the usual CS4).
Just last few weeks bought a Hill Evo-310 from the UK. Yes...it's spendy too but one day when I give up shooting I will have a nice pump to sell to recoup some costs.
I know of a refurb Coltri in Auckland for $1875. That's a good price for a decent pump that will last for years, and gives you some idea of the HPA costs involved.
But add that to a rifle, and a decent scope and it can be a tad daunting. Just grin, and grab the cheque book!
I will PM you so we can chat.

[flock]

Shooting a FX wildcat Mk3 sniper version longer barrel in 22 cal. Not as many adjustments as the Impact more suited to hunting but accuracy & power shooting pellets is good, played with slugs but not really set up for. There was an excellent deal a ways back for a 25 cal wildcat, see if I can find it PM you.

[MetallicSting]

@Grey Kiwi. Cheers for the advice. Will respond to your pm. Yeah I want to go down the pcp path as I figured once I’m set up I’ll save money on ammo eventually. Plus I can’t shoot a 22 in my back yard but with an fx m3 I can dial it down in strength for plinking in the back yard at least.
@flock thank you for your pm also with the link to the rifle. Very kind but looks like it’s sold. Got some decisions to make and a Minister of Finance to get past over the next few days lol

[Rushy]

Welcome aboard