Reliable, serviceable hand pump

Hey, I bought a hill pump mk4 because i heard that it was the most reliable and best pump. I do recommend getting it but after using it for about 1 and a half months it has started leaking air on the up stroke. This is mostly because I overheated it, so definitely stop pumping when it gives a hint of it getting warm. Feel free to try other pumps because I didn't see anything special in the design or making of the hill pump. Although it is made out of some hard metals. If you do buy the hill pump, definitely get a rebuild kit because more than likely if you've never used a pump before and can sometimes be a impatient person, you'll most likely overheat it and deform the O-rings. I was one of these people. 

I've beaten the snot out of my Benjamin pump and its still kicking. I was expecting it to die quickly because of all the dust in the environment I was shooting in but it's still going. I now have several backup sets of o-rings thanks to a generous forum member but haven't used any yet. It's been about 3-4 months of heavy use. 

I have an air venturi g6 pump that has worked great so far. The main difference I see between it and a hill pump is the location of the inlet. The g6 pulls air on through the grips and is filled with desiccant.

I second the benjamin pump. It's all I have to charge my rifle and I've been using it for over 2 months with no problems. It's also been exposed to dust and is handling pumping my Marauder for 1500psi worth of fill without stopping, as long as I pace myself and don't try to rush it.

 I am pumping the hell out of my Marauder and Disco with the Benjamin. It is important to give it a break after five minutes. And it works best it you stop for a second at the top and bottom. People complain about the short hose--but that is a safety feature to keep it from whipping around if it comes loose. 

I find the two FX pumps interesting--because one of them allows you to "change gears" at high pressure and push less air with less effort. You might want to check those out as well.

Been using the Hill MK3 for little over 8 months. 7 empty 350ct tins=2,450 pellets I have shot through a .25 caliber pcp where my only air source is the Hill. Highly recommend the MK3

CJ

 If buying a Hill pump several (okay 2) people I know say the latest greatest MK4 is NOT as good as the MK3 , mechanical issues/internal machining.???????????????

I do NOT pump (anymore, it isn't hard for anyone healthy though) but do own the hand pump flyingdragon sells for $160.00 , it was $140 when first released. I can only go by the pictures on PA's site bit it seems in every way to be the "G6" only $40.00 less costly. Same spare parts (comes with rebuild which is nice), wrench, airguage by "shark", same fittings, dead head-nice touch), folding legs, yellow plastic caps,........ .
Works well, does pump to 4,500 but I should say I could only get little lady to pump the hose w/dead head in place, she had no problem with that. I did also lend it to a friend just getting into airguns who had no air, he pot a bit of use on it w/out issue filling a couple of rifles.

I truly do believe the G6 IS the same pump, as long as that is the case "I" could recommend it. Though "I" would pay the lower price so I could get more pellets.

When pcp hand pumps were new (FX 1st, then Hill and no one else) to the market it WAS recommend by the manufacturer to "pump 50 strokes, then allow pump to cool" That's what I did with my first FX hand pump, left the handle in the up position for cooling, maybe 2 minutes often just one minute then 50 more pumps, every 100-150 pumps (as recommended by FX) open bleed valve fast to vent liquid build up in the glass beads. Filled several career 707's a career ultra, a "44 Big-Bore" and some others almost daily for over 4 years w/out a problem.
If there are no flaws in the machining, quality O-rings used, lube with sllycone grease (sparingly ) any of the should last.

Some years later "airforce" introduced the first hand pump that was junk. Thinking ot was a sunoptics pump, mot certain. Whom ever makes the "Benjaim" mhand pump was the first to recommend, in print on their site and in emails, lubing with flammable motor oil, a recommendation which was later, after more than one "minor" explosion changed- gee instills faith in them knowing whats what with HIGH psi.


Sorry to ramble.
The G6 or FD pump is good and comes with rebuild kit.

John

I was going to upgrade ,but I too also heard the Hill MK4 is junk vs the MK3. Filling 470cc reservior from 150 to 220 bar requires at least 3 cool down times to fill completly. I stop every now and then to check the warmth of the pump and if it's warm, that's when I stop and let it cool. I also lube the shaft with a very light coating of silicone grease after each session.

The best pump is HILL MK3 dry pack, other good option is FX 4T(have two speed charge)

MK4 base looks plastic? Tube looks similar. I want the longer hose for my MK3.

are there any Video on the Hill MK6 rebuild? 

I can't tell you which pump is best because I only have one. I have a Gehmann which is at least 6 years old. I pump three different rifles with it and have never had any issues. like many other things however, a pump is not a "free lunch". It does take some effort.

Love my Hill MK3. Its about 5 years old now, though not much use. When my Marauder is empty, I fill to 1000 psi or so, bleed and take a break. 2000 psi, the same, then 3000psi and i'm done. Works for me. Normal fill is 2200-2800, easily done without a break.

All I have had to replace was the dri-pac refills. Last I checked my air tube is rust free.

I should order a rebuild kit or two just to keep on hand. I want to get a tank at some point, but I'll always use my pump at the end of the day to fill it back up. I like exercise anyway