Hey all,
I got out my Diana 34 the other day and done some shooting and realized how much I missed my air rifle sessions. I then started thinking about what it would cost to get into it. The airgun I would likely be moving towards is the Benjamin Marauder. Many seem to like them quite a bit and from the opinions I have read, they shoot pretty good as well. I won't be hunting with my air rifle, just target shooting in the back yard from 10 to 50 meters.
The part that I need to know about is the air tank. I don't know what PSI to get and at what volume. I have seen some of the smaller tanks that are 3,000 PSI and up to 4,000 or so, but they are small, as low as 60 cu/in up to in the 90's. I don't know how many fills tanks of this size would get me. Naturally I wouldn't want to have to drive down the dive shop to get the tank filled every time I wanted to shoot or have to stop in the middle and run down for a refill.
So, if you would be so kind as to give me some pointers, I sure would appreciate it. I can't afford the $300 tanks and so forth. I'll have to buy USED if and when I decide to get in the PCP game. I just don't know what specs to shop for or what tanks sizes would be a great choice when I run across tanks for sale at good prices on the USED market.
Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Thanks
Larry
A lot depends on how much shooting you do. More shooting means bigger tanks. As mentioned, nothing less than 4500 psi. You can find some calculators online that will give you an estimate of how many fills you can get from different tank sizes. You probably want at least a 30 min. sized scba. Note that this is for 3000 psi fill guns like the Marauder. With a 2000 psi fill gun like the Maximus, you can get by with a 3000 psi tank (like Scuba).
When buying tanks, especially used, there are a few things that you MUST keep in mind if you are having the tanks filled at a dive shop. 1) The tank MUST be DOT rated. The CE rated Chinese tanks can't be tested, or filled commercially in the US. 2) Carbon fiber tanks only have a 15 year life span. If you get a tank hydroed in year 14, it still can't be filled after year 15. 3) Any used tanks with exterior damage that cuts through fibers, will most likely be condemned with testing, and be destroyed (hole drilled in it.)
The Marauder has a 215cc tank and I get 60-80 .22 cal regulated shots on a fill.
I have a 44CF tank but dive shop only fills to 4200 and get 15-18 fills and this is the smallest I would go for.
Small enough to pack around and big enough to shoot a bit. The SCBA tanks have a 347 valve and the fill
station for it was about $50 plus $10 for a Male to Male for the dive shop maybe needed, mine does.
I got the tank from airtanksplus for about $140 and another for my son out of Canada, a 66CF for $140 US
Tanks are good for 5 years with currant hydo then aged out. DONOT get a new tank out of China as the dive shops wont fill them.
Here is a link for a calculator for fills
You can get a 4500 PSI carbon fiber tank on eBay for under $100. But you have to make sure the manufacture date is 2008 or newer, they expire in 15 years. You're looking for an SCBA tank carbon fiber 4500 PSI. A 3000 psi tank is worthless because you will get maybe one fill off it. You can get it Hydro tested at your local paintball shop or Fire Equipment Company for around $20. Then you can get an SCBA fill adapter on eBay for 40.00. If you're really into it then you can get a Yong Heng compressor for $300 brand new. SCBA BEST DEAL
There is another SCBA fill station that does not look like this, do not buy that one it does not work. The one I just put a link to up there is a CG347 which works
I know this may be off topic but in your situation maybe worth looking at. I have a .22 Marauder and this gun will group with it. Similar magazine and it also comes with a single shot tray. No need for bottles. Just a thought.
https://airgunwarriors.com/community/airgun-talk/nova-freedom-pcp-rifle-with-on-board-pump/
