The "Ticking Time Bomb" Collection: How I'm Simplifying and Going Back to Basics

[PasadenaMike]

I know I've written some posts before about simplifying my collection, and I wanted to share the next step in that process. Like many of you, I jumped into the airgun hobby hard and fast, accumulating a bunch of gear in a short amount of time. I had a full PCP collection, which I've since sold, keeping only my Talon P. My current fill setup is a bit much for just one rifle: an 18 cubic foot air tank, a powerful Omega Trail Charger compressor, and a smaller GX 2 battery compressor.
Over time, I started to feel like I had a collection of "ticking time bombs." Not that they'd explode, but all that equipment had seals and parts that could fail. I was spending more time worrying about maintenance and hydrostatic test dates than I was shooting.
So, I made a tough decision. I got rid of all the guns except my Talon P. Now I'm thinking of going even further. My plan is to sell the big air tank and the Omega compressor. I'll keep the GX compressor for quick fills, but I'm seriously considering selling that too and just buying a high-quality hand pump.
The reason this feels like a real option is that I only fill my Talon P to 2000-2400 PSI, which is a much more manageable range for a hand pump. It's a great workout and completely eliminates the need for all the expensive, high-maintenance equipment. I'd be trading some convenience for ultimate simplicity and reliability.
Has anyone else gone through a similar process of downsizing their gear? What are your thoughts on using a hand pump for a powerful gun like the Talon P, especially with a lower fill pressure? I'm excited about this new, simpler path and am curious to hear what you all think.

 

[Texas Iggie]

A hand pump is not so easy to use and do have seals that go bad. I started with a hand pump and it is slow to use because they get hot fast and you need to go slow, also it put a lot of stress on my shoulders. A small compressor is nice to have even if only filling a small gun.

 

[PasadenaMike]

A hand pump is not so easy to use and do have seals that go bad. I started with a hand pump and it is slow to use because they get hot fast and you need to go slow, also it put a lot of stress on my shoulders. A small compressor is nice to have even if only filling a small gun.

Didn’t think about the strain on my elbows. I hand pumped 5 years ago. I was a bit better off physically

 

[Treefrog]

You make some good points, Mike. The Expected Service Life (ESL) of any piece of equipment should be considered ahead of time. Including our joints. Laying in the parts known to be necessary down the road is a wise thing to do.

The Sheridan no longer has the appeal that it once had because it's become painful to pump.

Cheers,

J~

 

[beerthief]

You make some good points, Mike. The Expected Service Life (ESL) of any piece of equipment should be considered ahead of time. Including our joints. Laying in the parts known to be necessary down the road is a wise thing to do.

The Sheridan no longer has the appeal that it once had because it's become painful to pump.

Cheers,

J~

I

only pump my Sheridan 3 or 4 times usually 3 but i do not hunt with it . 25 yards killing paper is al .

 

[rcarlisle]

I've been using a hand pump for my PCP guns for at least 12 years now. I've never considered filling any other way, but I have also avoided guns with bottles and stuck with tube reservoirs. I am on my second hand pump. My first was a Hill and I spent a lot of time fixing it every season. Once that thing completely bit the dust, I bought a much cheaper one (but still not the least expensive one available). I've been using that for almost 4 years and I haven't done anything to it but lube it once in a while. Fits in a corner of my closet.
If you're physically able, a hand pump is a good way to save a little money and stay fit. I'm 58 and the longer I stay fit, the longer I can enjoy shooting. I don't have a basement full of filling equipment and if I really wanted to, I can pack the dang pump for extended fun on the trail. I can understand wanting or needing a compressor for certain types of guns and/or shooting, but my small caliber, moderate power backyard shooting requires no such expense.

 

[Franklink]

I agree, I got rid of all my car tires cuz they might eventually leak someday.

On that note, I got rid of our vehicles too, went back to bikes, although I'm considering selling off the bikes because they could break too, and they've got tires that might leak as well.

Convenience sometimes has a cost. And often costs that I'm VERY willing to pay for.

Your hand pump is the first (and one of the best) examples. I hand pumped a low pressure gun, across a similar range of pressures for a couple years. It was my only PCP. Yes doable, but enjoyable or convenient it was not. I've enjoyed the airgun hobby much more easily and more fully after going to air tanks and compressors.

Everything will eventually break or wear out. Enjoy it while it's functional.

On a more general note, unless you're living off of credit cards and/or having a hard time making ends meet, it's okay to buy and use things that you enjoy.

 

[JimD]

I'd hand pump the Talon at least a few times before getting rid of the CS2. The GX CS2 should also last a really long time if you mainly fill with a hand pump using it once a week or so to keep things lubed. But if you don't love hand pumping you could also use the CS2 and keep the hand pump for a backup.

I still have my YH and 45 minute Scott air tank and I like it. I am not sure I need all 8 of the PCPs I have, however. I also fill with my CS2 sometimes. I am not planning on going up or down and PCP quantity significantly. I may give my kids a couple and buy another "expensive" one to try but I've definitely slowed down. They are fun but keeping them all sorted out does take some time - but generally I have the time.

 

[ChickenDumpling]

I don't mind simple, but if that was the case I could throw rocks, sling shot, bow and arrow, spears etc. I want what is most useful and reliable for my situation. In fire breathers, hands down the infamous black rifle and in handguns the glizzy. In air breathers has to at least have a magazine as single shot is not where its at for so many scenarios. It will be semi auto multi caliber configurable lego sytle platforms. When I look over the general offerings in air, I've seen all this play out before some where else. Oh, hand pumps ... ah "H" "E" DOUBLE Toothpicks NO way. I'll go back to a springer before working into a pool of sweat like that ever again. I will digress by saying, whatever floats your boat ... be happy

 

[Trucker3573]

Keep the cs2. They are 250 bucks brand new. That means you aren’t getting much money for a used one after you pay the likely 50 bucks to ship it. Just isn’t worth the effort and time in my opinion for the 100 dollars you might net in your pocket. In my mind these small compressors and cheap pcp guns are you buy it you are stuck with it kind of items. Not worth the effort to sell.

 

[RM100GUY]

I'm in the later stages of "down sizing" or "thinning the herd" simply for getting old and health reasons. I still enjoy shooting too much to get rid of everything...only going to keep one or two springers...My primary interest is with the Taipan Veteran type 1's...I don't lay awake at night worrying about an oring failure, I have five type 1's two standard and a compact .22 and two standard .177, the compact and .177's are relatively new to me and I'm having an absolute blast getting to know these platforms, doubt if I'll keep them all going foward but we'll see. Hand pumping is a "swear word" to me after spending two years with an Omaga Trail Charger...In fact I just had my first issue with it within two years to the month of ownership. The little internal circuit board failed...four screws and 55.bucks and maybe an hour to r&r the part...I don't know how I got along without a compressor for so long...I will quit shootin' before going back to hand pumping...can't do it anymore anyway. I'll keep a couple Vets and I still have a Bobcat .25 and a Wolverine .177 I would sell both but I'm out of shipping boxes. I still have too many pellets to quit shooting altogether!

 

[maxtrouble]

I know I've written some posts before about simplifying my collection, and I wanted to share the next step in that process. Like many of you, I jumped into the airgun hobby hard and fast, accumulating a bunch of gear in a short amount of time. I had a full PCP collection, which I've since sold, keeping only my Talon P. My current fill setup is a bit much for just one rifle: an 18 cubic foot air tank, a powerful Omega Trail Charger compressor, and a smaller GX 2 battery compressor.
Over time, I started to feel like I had a collection of "ticking time bombs." Not that they'd explode, but all that equipment had seals and parts that could fail. I was spending more time worrying about maintenance and hydrostatic test dates than I was shooting.
So, I made a tough decision. I got rid of all the guns except my Talon P. Now I'm thinking of going even further. My plan is to sell the big air tank and the Omega compressor. I'll keep the GX compressor for quick fills, but I'm seriously considering selling that too and just buying a high-quality hand pump.
The reason this feels like a real option is that I only fill my Talon P to 2000-2400 PSI, which is a much more manageable range for a hand pump. It's a great workout and completely eliminates the need for all the expensive, high-maintenance equipment. I'd be trading some convenience for ultimate simplicity and reliability.
Has anyone else gone through a similar process of downsizing their gear? What are your thoughts on using a hand pump for a powerful gun like the Talon P, especially with a lower fill pressure? I'm excited about this new, simpler path and am curious to hear what you all think.

Sounds drastic, I would keep your current gear. Why downsize? Already paid for and in good condition most likely.

You only live once, get a big stonkin' PCP and have some fun! Get a couple! Buy some pistols, join a club!

Carpe diem!

The only hand pump I recommend -

 

[steve123]

Over Simplifying, it's a thing, usually when you're old enough to wear a diaper again while in hospice.

 

[cavedweller]

I know I've written some posts before about simplifying my collection, and I wanted to share the next step in that process. Like many of you, I jumped into the airgun hobby hard and fast, accumulating a bunch of gear in a short amount of time. I had a full PCP collection, which I've since sold, keeping only my Talon P. My current fill setup is a bit much for just one rifle: an 18 cubic foot air tank, a powerful Omega Trail Charger compressor, and a smaller GX 2 battery compressor.
Over time, I started to feel like I had a collection of "ticking time bombs." Not that they'd explode, but all that equipment had seals and parts that could fail. I was spending more time worrying about maintenance and hydrostatic test dates than I was shooting.
So, I made a tough decision. I got rid of all the guns except my Talon P. Now I'm thinking of going even further. My plan is to sell the big air tank and the Omega compressor. I'll keep the GX compressor for quick fills, but I'm seriously considering selling that too and just buying a high-quality hand pump.
The reason this feels like a real option is that I only fill my Talon P to 2000-2400 PSI, which is a much more manageable range for a hand pump. It's a great workout and completely eliminates the need for all the expensive, high-maintenance equipment. I'd be trading some convenience for ultimate simplicity and reliability.
Has anyone else gone through a similar process of downsizing their gear? What are your thoughts on using a hand pump for a powerful gun like the Talon P, especially with a lower fill pressure? I'm excited about this new, simpler path and am curious to hear what you all think.

Less is more
but
i just create a maintenance schedule and follow it

 

[DARKHORSE1967]

I know I've written some posts before about simplifying my collection, and I wanted to share the next step in that process. Like many of you, I jumped into the airgun hobby hard and fast, accumulating a bunch of gear in a short amount of time. I had a full PCP collection, which I've since sold, keeping only my Talon P. My current fill setup is a bit much for just one rifle: an 18 cubic foot air tank, a powerful Omega Trail Charger compressor, and a smaller GX 2 battery compressor.
Over time, I started to feel like I had a collection of "ticking time bombs." Not that they'd explode, but all that equipment had seals and parts that could fail. I was spending more time worrying about maintenance and hydrostatic test dates than I was shooting.
So, I made a tough decision. I got rid of all the guns except my Talon P. Now I'm thinking of going even further. My plan is to sell the big air tank and the Omega compressor. I'll keep the GX compressor for quick fills, but I'm seriously considering selling that too and just buying a high-quality hand pump.
The reason this feels like a real option is that I only fill my Talon P to 2000-2400 PSI, which is a much more manageable range for a hand pump. It's a great workout and completely eliminates the need for all the expensive, high-maintenance equipment. I'd be trading some convenience for ultimate simplicity and reliability.
Has anyone else gone through a similar process of downsizing their gear? What are your thoughts on using a hand pump for a powerful gun like the Talon P, especially with a lower fill pressure? I'm excited about this new, simpler path and am curious to hear what you all think.

Same here, I never bought a compressor. My PCP guns are low power with small air vessels, so…..If you’re the same as me who hasn’t fired anything in over a year, then downsizing is the smartest move. I wish I could keep just 2 and I’m under 10; probably 8 with some Lego guns but I’ve given away parts to acquaintances and friends to dissuade myself from doing more builds.

I still like airguns, but my penchant for them is really more on beautifying and building them.

Anyway, the problem with posts such as yours is that some readers will think you’ve become an apostate, someone who has gone rogue

 

[bchannell]

This hobby just seems to sneak up on you and you get too much stuff. I like simple, so when at one time I had over 15 airguns, I decided to pare down. I sold my collection of six FWB 300 minis. Sold off my 10m rifles and all but four Pcps. Now those four may change from time to time, but that's enough to shoot and maintain. A Crown Mk2 w/8 barrels, A Wildcat Mk3 22, A Dream Tac 25 and a Brk Sniper HR 22.

Then I started going thru other equipment and sold off everything but three GX CS2 compressors and enough spare parts to do experiments I had in mind and keep me going for a long, long time.

I still hoard ammo, but I'll use it all.

Life now is much simpler and more enjoyable as I shoot each rifle enough to really get to know it, which makes me a much better shooter.

 

[Avator]

If I didn't have compressors I'd probably go back to shooting PB guns.

 

[PasadenaMike]

If I didn't have compressors I'd probably go back to shooting PB guns.

I am going back to pbs

 

[Chukar60]

PCP’s are complicated machines compared to a PB. You could go back to or switch to a springer, and there are some dang nice ones. But, for me I would always miss the accuracy at longer ranges. Not everyone wants what I want but if I was to give up my PB’s I would go back to PB’s and all the hassle of finding places to shoot and hunting where the power and range of a PB rifle can be safely managed.
I will keep with my PCP’s. Oddly, four years in and I have only had to replace a few breach O rings and had one Impact gone through because I had owned it and shot thousands of slugs through it. It wasn’t leaking and was still shooting well. Just figured an ounce of prevention……….
My other M3 is only a few months newer than the previously mentioned one. Not as many shots through it but I will keep it simple and fix it when it breaks.

 

[1handwill.gc]

Less is more
but
i just create a maintenance schedule and follow it

I’m with you I’ve been shooting air guns and Springers all of my life When I was in my early 30s I had an accident and lost my right hand so for a while I stop riding motorcycles and shooting guns then in 2003 I messed up my left arm and shoulder and I didn’t shoot anything at all for a couple of years then I decide You know what I might as well have fun while I’m here. I don’t have a lot of money just leaving on Social Security disability but what time I got a few more guys a couple of PCPs I try the hand pump and that only lasted me about five months but I wish you too much And I burned it out so I bought me $150 little compressor and I started shooting even more than above me a couple of good scopes, which I still need maybe one or two really good ones with higher power so I can start shooting competitively and yes, I spent a lot of time And maintenance but like you say set up a schedule learn what your equipment can do and enjoy what you can do because you might not be able to do the same thing later and what the heck we only live once right