Airgun Elite

What is a PCP Air Rifle?

• A PCP Air Rifle stands for Pre-Charged pneumatic that refers to the way the rifle is powered.

• The Air Rifle itself is filled with compressed air.

• The Compressed air in the PCP cylinder is made of the same air you breathe in and out, but that air is compressed into a smaller size and kept under high pressure so that the projectile travels at that high velocity.

Is a PCP Air Rifle legal to own in South Africa?

Definition of Firearm: From the FCA website says:

The FCA adopts a broad definition of “firearm,” which includes any device that can “propel a bullet or projectile through a barrel or cylinder by means of burning propellant, at a muzzle energy exceeding 8 joules (6 ft-lbs.).
Anything with the capacity to “to discharge rim-fire, center-fire or pin-fire ammunition”.

Any device that can be “readily altered” to be any of the above-listed firearms.

Any device designed to discharge any projectile of at least .22 calibre at a muzzle energy of more than 8 joules (6 ft-lbs), by means of compressed gas; or any barrel, frame, or receiver of a device mentioned above.[14]

However, the FCA excludes various devices that would otherwise be considered firearms under this definition. Explosive-powered tools designed for industrial application for splitting rocks or concrete, or for application in the mining or steel industry for removing refractory materials, are not considered firearms.[15] Also not considered firearms are stun bolts used in slaughterhouses, antique firearms,[16] air guns, tranquilizer firearms, paintball guns, flare guns, and deactivated firearms.[17] In addition, the FCA authorizes the Minister of Safety and Security (the Minister) to exclude any other device.[18]

That states that you do not need any permit of license to purchase or own any caliber PCP Air Rifle.

How to fill your PCP Air Rifle

Compressor:

A High pressure compressor (200-300 Bar) Can easily fill your Rifle.
Most small compressors cannot fill you dive cylinder. Some small compressors are 220v/12V.

There are a few ways to fill your PCP:

Carbon fiber air cylinder:

The bottle is 4.7L/6.8L and is filled with compressed air to 300 Bar and you use a filling station that connects to the cylinder.
Not regulated so you must slowly open your cylinder and watch the gauge.
Hydro tested every 5 years
15-year lifespan

Hand pump:

Can fill a PCP with a tank smaller than 330cc

Bigger tanks are harder fill and need to rest pump to cool off.

The PCP that you have will come with a Fill probe that connects to the filling station then you plug it in to your PCP cylinder. Easily fill your PCP in minutes.

How to fill your magazine

Every PCP comes with its own Magazines and differs from size and number of pellets it can hold.

Different loading levers:

Side lever

Bolt action

Under lever

Regulated VS not Unregulated

Benefits of a PCP air rifle

• Lightweight

• Versatile adaptable

• Powerful

• No recoil

• Accuracy

• Constant

• Follow up shots

• Slugs/pellets

• .177cal-50cal

• Field target, Hunting, Pest control

What is a Big Bore air rifle?

Big Bores uses larger ammo than your standard PCP Air rifle. Their larger ammunition and brute force make them powerful hunting rifles. That is way most hunters prefer the bigger caliber. It is called BIG BORE for a reason.

Calibers .177 - .22
- Small game
(Rabbit)

Calibers .22Cal - .25Cal
– Small to Medium game
(Warthog, Springbok)

Calibers .30Cal – 50Cal
– Medium to Big game
(Impala)

Bullpup VS Full-length

The Bullpup is a compact design, and this makes it easier to carry in a field than your normal Full-length PCP. The Weight is more on your shoulders than your arms. Because it is compact it will maybe be difficult to shoot from a bench. Your scope must be seated perfect because there is not a lot of space to work with. Bullpups tend to have less accurate triggers, but all modern Bullpups now have exceptional triggers because of the advance PCP technology. Also, the Bullpup barrel length is the same as a Fully length PCP.

A Fully-length PCP works perfect with bench shots and is easier carry with a rifle sling If you carry your PCP in the field. It is more comfortable when loading the side lever than a Bullpup

PCP Detailed

Velocities VS Pellet-weight

To explain energy with a Golf ball and a ping pong ball they are both the same diameter but the golf ball weight is more than the ping pong ball therefore the weight of a 20 grain pellet and a 5 grain pellet travelling at the same velocities the 20 grain will have more damage.

Therefore, weight is a big impact on a pellet.

Can you use Helium for a PCP?

If you use Helium for your PCP your shot count will stay the same and will increase your power with 40%. You can also top up your tank with 100Bar Helium and from there 300Bar compressed air and will still get 30% - 35% more power.