PCP Questions
Printed From: Kiwi Airgunners
Category: Technical
Forum Name: Pauly's Technical Area
Forum Description: Technical information, Modifications and DIY projects are all in here
URL: www.kiwiairgunners.co.nz/forum_posts.asp?TID=1318
Printed Date: 02 Feb 2026 at 11:32pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.14 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: PCP Questions
Posted By: Kris
Subject: PCP Questions
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2026 at 7:50pm
Hey all,
I'm thinking of getting a PCP pistol, can anyone please give me a PCP for dummies explanation of why the need to adjust the hammer travel length,
Also what do most people use to charge up their guns
KrisNZ
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Replies:
Posted By: kruzaroad
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2026 at 8:54pm
Here's a animation of how a pcp rifle works. The auto dubbing is very robotic but the animation should give you a good idea of how the hammer works.
https://youtu.be/n8qrTADvK1A?si=dbWsTk4fsR-ymvvI
Im not a pcp shooter but from my understanding the harder the hammer hits the more time the valve is open to let the compressed air through to the barrel.. You can adjust the length/power of the hammer strike to adjust how much air gets through by how long the valve is open.
By being able to do this you can adjust the amount of power/air is pushing the pellet, allowing you to tune for best accuracy, speed/power of pellet.
Adjust it if you use a heavier or lighter pellet etc.
Someone more onto it can give you a better explanation but i believe thats the basic jist of it.
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Posted By: RangerPete
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2026 at 10:04pm
Hi Kris,
It is usually only the top end PCP’s that have adjustable hammer spring tension, or that you can tinker with the hammer weighs or transfer ports etc.
Most of the older PCP’s were not adjustable, the hammer weights and hammer spring tension etc were set from the factory, and usually shot very well just as they were, no adjusting necessary.
It’s only in recent years that manufacturers started adding all the adjustable “tuneable” features to guns, but honestly, the majority of air guns from decent manufacturers dont need to be fiddled with.
As far as refilling the gun, there are 3 options, and pros and cons to each.
1- manually pumping it up to 200, 230, 250 or 300 bar (depending on the make and model of gun)
I dont think there are any pros to manually pumping 🙈 other then its cheap. I wouldnt recommend it unless you were young, fit and stupid.
2- scuba tank. Get it filled from a dive shop, $5 or $10 for a top up, will last you months.
Pros- second hand dive tanks are not expensive. Portable. Cons- no good if you don’t have a local dive shop. Most scuba tanks are rated to 230bar, 300bar tanks are a bit more expensive. Most dive shops will only fill a tank to 220bar. Very few dive shops will pump to 300 bar. Having said that, very few guns can take 300bar, only newest/expensive models.
3- by your own compressor. Pros - some can pump up to 300bar. Cons- expensive and need maintence and services/filters etc. I think only the best/most expensive ones can dry the air so you don’t get moisture into your guns cylinder 🤔. Can only fill the gun if u have electricity.
Other guys will tell you their pros and cons to each system 👍🏻
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Walk quietly, but carry a big stick.
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