Springer vs PCP accuracy?

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fe7565

fe7565

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Oct 13, 2015
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VA, United States
It's common belief that the average PCP is more accurate than the average springer, especially on longer distances (i.e. 50-75 yards). Of course there are exceptions to both.

Question: Why?

One factor is probably the regulated vs unregulated, but I think that's a small factor at those distances. Is the recoil of the springer that makes it harder to keep the aim and follow-through? Is the RECOIL (and the associated mechanical forces) the main culprit?
 
I was waiting for someone like Harry in oz to comment, but I'll put in my $.02. I'd theorize that it's the recoil and torque (twisting action) in springers that makes them not necessarily less accurate, but harder to shoot accurately at longer distances. The slightest of movements can send the pellet way off the mark, even at close range with a springer. Bear in mind that a healthy springer will shoot with very consistent velocity, especially compared to an unregulated PCP. I haven't had that much experience with the sledge style mostly recoilless springers like the RWS 54 or the FWB 150 and 300 rifles,in the hands of the right shooter they can be capable of PCP like accuracy. This type of springer has the barrel and action riding on a sledge, when the trigger is released the entire action slides while the stock stays motionless. I am perfectly willing to offer my services as researcher if anyone wants to loan me their recoilless springer!
 
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I would suggest that an average springer or an average PCP shoot identical in the hands of a skilled marksman that's highly experienced with both. PCP's are far, FAR easier to shoot accurately so in that instance, PCP's are more accurate for the average shooter. I struggle with my break barrel and because of that I'm always amazed at how well I shoot with PCPs. 
 
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No the simple mechanics of a springer won't allow it to shoot with a good PCP . It's the reason they don't compete directly with each other . I have an incredible springer that I frequently post pics of ( Bragging :) but it in NO WAY can shoot with my Cricket Carbine . It is a lot like comparing a good Crossbow against a Benchrest Rimfire rifle . It's tat big a difference. My springer will one hole it all day at 25 yards if I do my part . My PCP will do that at 50 yards
 
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This i s what a really good springer can do and bear in mind , this is a cherry picked recoilless rifle . I have a lot of pics of groups inside 40 yards ( it has to be very calm ) With a really good scope and rest a winning PCP can do incredible things past that distance . And yes it honestly is the mechanics of what happens when the trigger trips. With a springer a lot of violent stuff happens and most before the pellet leaves the barrel ..In a good PCP a light hammer trips a valve and pellet hole seriously seems to just appear
 
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Excellent shooting JoeWayneRhea!...and great illustrations of the capability of springers and PCPs both.

Thank you all for the inputs, seems like an easy answer: albeit the average springer and PCP have the same potential for accuracy, the springer has so much more recoil (movement/vibration/violence) that happens from trigger-pull to pellet-start to pellet-exit that springers require a lot more attention, skill/control. So for the average air gunner the PCP would be an easier option to keep on target.

As far as recoilless springers that JohnL57 mentioned, I used to have an RWS-54 Airking .177 and I was amazed at the ingenuity of it's slide action. I didn't even know about the recoilless feature until long after I owned it (I was much younger back then). The recoilless actually meant that the scope and the entire upper action moved back and forth, so it had two recoil directions that just canceled each other out (kind of...). The RWS-54 was quite accurate with the pellets of the 80s/90s (no JSBs were available back then) but even as recoilless it required still a lot of follow-through. 

One more question: what part of the PCP firing process that can affect the accuracy the most?

My guess is barrel harmonics. I would think trigger is also right next to it as far as impact but that one is controllable/adjustable. Barrel harmonics as a major factor in accuracy, especially with all the shrouds and LDCs added on in recent times, would be difficult to diagnose and/or neutralize. But is it such a major factor in accuracy that it should be paid closer attention to?

 
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Barrel harmonics I honestly think apply more to powder burners ....But I'm OFTEN wrong lol....Biggest thing affecting PCP Accuracy to me is regulated pressure , I mean you need good barrel , pellets, optics and so on ...But a good regulated pressure let's you avoid a bell curve and shoot all usable shots to almost identical velocity. I built a Marauder 25 that I take the 5th on how much money I socked into that gun , but biggest improvement was a regulator and better valve .
 
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The rifle hold seems to vary with rifle and/or person. The hold or lack thereof certainly seems to make a difference. But I do not think a certain rule applies to every rifle. There may be some types of springers that need a specific technique because of the "violent" recoil. I noticed significant accuracy changes with my PCPs when shooting using a stand vs. sand bags. I would try what works best in your case.
 
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For me if its a gun I gotta cross my toes and pucker up my Ahole I don't want it . I wanna have fun shooting , not get all hung up on some weird techniques to MAKE a gun shoot ....But that's probably why I dont like Magnum springers .
My shooting buddy has a magnum 25 and it is zero fun for me to shoot ...Best I can do is oil can size groups at 30 yards
 
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