Hand pumps

[Benmcrill86]

I recently bought an airforce air rifle. I already have a hand pump but it's a cheap Chinese model. I was looking into some of the Benjamin, airforce, and air avenger. So my question is should I get a new more expensive pump? Or should I stick with the Chinese model? I would like to get a mark5 but im still so new to the PCP world. Thanks for any advice!

 

[mochajoe]

Have a Mark 4 just bought a Mark 5 use it for a Marauder .177, Hatsan .22 and a Dream Tac .22 I don't mind a hand pump of course I don't let the pressure drop to low before refilling

 

[gunner001]

I have a Chinese model hand pump that performs very well, if you are not having any issues save your money. Just like mochajoe said don’t let the pressure get too low. I let my avenger go down to 1800psi before I pump it back up o 3000-3200psi

 

[Benmcrill86]

That sounds good to me. I don't wanna have to spend money if I don't have to. I just want to do things right. Thank you for youre input!

 

[Benmcrill86]

I agree with that. I don't mind pumping by hand, and I can always use the exercise. The tank is fairly small so it shouldn't be a problem, but since I'm new to PCP I just wanted to check with some people. Thank you for the advice

 

[Guest]

I can't speak for Chinese brands. I have a Hill pump. Good quality. The intake filter is bs but just get an output filter. It is okay, not a perfect solution. I don't mind hand pumping but that is just me. If you already have a pump use it until it breaks (should be soon) and switch to a Hill or tank 

 

[Ripper]

 Chinese hand pump has lasted me for years. Just don’t let it get too warm when you’re pumping. Take a break once in a while and bleed the screw at the bottom to let the moisture out. It’s also good to put a little silicone oil on the inner tube or rod to keep the O-ring Lubed.

 

[Micro]

If you replace your pump, buy the Hill - you will not regret it

 

[BeeGee11]

What kind of output filters are you guys using?

 

[PumaCarl]

I have had a Chinese handpump for years and never had a problem with it. Pump deliberately and hold the compression at the end for a second, don't let it get hot, and after bleed-off put a dead head head on it and pump it back up to 1000psi and leave it like that. Keep pressure in it like a pcp and for the same reasons. I have never had a problem with mine. I just bought another one on Amazon for $20.96 delivered. The o-ring kit to service the Hill costs more than that. l didn't need it but I couldn't pass up that price. Wait for sales, they happen all the time, and buy an extra one, just in case.

 

[Benmcrill86]

I think that's what I will do. I don't mind pumping by hand. 

 

[Benmcrill86]

I haven't used it to much and I know with proper maintenance things can last a long time. They gave me a complete rebuild kit with it as well.

 

[Benmcrill86]

Thank you for the information. I never thought to leave some pressure in it. How often do you chage the filter in yours? I live in town so I can't shoot all the time, especially with the weather here in Ohio. There is so much that goes into the pcps but I really like the hobby, and I love to shoot... I would also like to have a backup just incase. I really love this forum everyone is so helpful, thanks again

 

[qball]

Buy 2 chinese hand pumps and you are good! 

 

[PumaCarl]

I have a small filter on the end of my fill hose and I don't change it that often any more because I haven't seen the need. Always fill your gun with the hose going up, NEVER lay your gun down so that your hose is even with it. I rest my gun on an ottaman to keep it up. When you bleed the air, do it quickly with the hose still up to get any water out. Put a dead head on your hose and pump afew times with the bleeder still open to see if there is any water left in the pump/hose, then shut the bleeder and pump it up to 1000psi and leave it. Obviously try to pump your gun up in the dryest air possible, common sense stuff.

 

[Beezer]

FX invented the PCP hand pump. Hill sort of did a shady end run around FX's patent and Frederik Axelsson was not in the mood for a legal battle over it. That being said, I bought a 3-stage FX pump back in the day when I had to pay $275 for it from AoA. Nobody had them for cheap, and cheap meant problems back in 2010. Now you can get a 4-stage FX pump for $200, and it will be easier pumping than my pump or any of the Chinese pumps. The only problem I have had with my FX pump has been the o-ring on the poppet valve on the final stage. When it goes, the pump locks up as high pressure air is on the back side of the final stage chamber as well as the front side. It's a 5-minute fix if you have the part.

I have never tried any of the Chinese cheapo pumps, but I can tell from a video I saw on Youtube that their machining is inferior to the Swedish FX pumps, but that is to be expected. I need air away from electricity, like maybe in the Missouri Breaks boondocks. Otherwise, I would probably look into one of the cheap Chinese compressors like the one from Topa.

The Chinese hand pump is a good way to go if you don't mind pumping and you keep a spare pump on hand.....or plenty of replacement parts. I believe that Topa sends some replacement parts with their pumps.

 

[Benmcrill86]

I know that watter is one of the biggest issues and I will definitely take that advice. I need to get a bipod for it so I can prop it up. So far I have just pumped them up and bleed it out, so im thankful for that advice. I definitely dont want to pump any moisture into my air rifle! Thanks again

 

[Benmcrill86]

The pump I got was a HIRAM and it came with a full set of replacement parts but I dont need something that's not reliable. I prefer to not need electricity or to have to carry around a big tank. I don't mind pumping but the pump that I have is one heck of a workout, and it seems like it's cheaply made, and I just don't want a hassle. I prefer quality over quantity and I really didn't know much about pcps when I bought it. Thank you for youre input!

 

[Guest]

I would trust Hill being that pumps are pumps and they have been making them for ~150 years. They made bike and tire pumps hand pumps previously I believe. The English quality is good and the product support and ability to fix them is nice. Mine has been running solid for 2 years. I do dry nitrogen also, so mine has only half use so maybe 9months (it's a baby!!! Jk). Pumping is easy and I take my time and come and go when it is cooling off...easier than going to the gas or scuba shop

 

[Benmcrill86]

My wife told me to just spend the money on a good pump in the very beginning when I bought this Chinese one. I should have probably listened because if I get a new one then I ended up spending even more money. I appreciate all the advice!