To pump or not to pump

[Ente Leader]

Hi guys I'm in need of info about air guns and how long one will hold pressure. I have never been a real fan of CO2 but need data on them also. I have been looking at several air pistols in the $100. dollar range and yes I know I'll get what I pay for. With that being said can ya'll give me some help. :banghead:
Appreciate your help.
Bill

 

[GarySTL]

Not knowing your needs I'll offer a suggestion. A single stroke pneumatic might work for you. I have a Crossman that I keep loaded with a pellet, but the lever that works the piston is kept open. To shoot I just close the lever and take the shot. Never an issue with leakage. If course a multi pump stroke or CO2 would likely have more power.

 

[itsa pain]

Not knowing your needs I'll offer a suggestion. A single stroke pneumatic might work for you. I have a Crossman that I keep loaded with a pellet, but the lever that works the piston is kept open. To shoot I just close the lever and take the shot. Never an issue with leakage. If course a multi pump stroke or CO2 would likely have more power.

Any pump gun should be stored with some air in them because the seals can fail if stored with no air. Same is true for PCP guns I would think CO2 would be the same. Seals dry up with no air against them

 

[Ente Leader]

I would need it occasionally that's why having co2 doesn't make too much sense. I don't think they will hold air for a long period of time. Thanks for your input.

 

[PapaG]

Mach III (or) I, who does the "steroid" treatment on Sheridans recommends leaving pumpups with one or two pumps in the airchamber. I've been doing this with my Bennie, my Crossman and my Blue Streak for years and they all take and hold pressure just fine. Bennie is one I got in 8th grade. I'm 69 now.

 

[Loosenock]

What PapaG said. I have Benjamin, Sheridan and Crosman multi pump air guns. I always leave one or two pumps. Some of them will hold pressure indefinitely, others maybe only a couple of months so I check them a couple of times a year.

On CO2 same story. I put a single tiny drop on the tip of the cartridge before installing it in the AG. That tiny drop helps keep the internal seals soft and fresh. I found an old Hahn "45" CO2 bb gun that would not hold pressure. After lubing the tips it came around and began holding the charge. It now hold pressure for over a year. I still shoot it a time or two a couple of times a year though on the same cartridge.

The answer I can give is: It depends on how you take care of it/and/or how it was taken care of and stored by it previous owner it you buy a used one.

For what I understand your use is going to be I'd suggest one of the multi pumps. I like the versatility of regulating how hard I want it to hit. Two or three pumps for indoor target plinking or up to 8 pumps (or double that for ones with steroid mod) for garden pest and rodents.

'loose

 

[Geddinight]

I have had a Crosman 1377 for about 20 years. It is just as good as when I bought it. I liked it so much I picked up a 1322 when they came out.

I leave one pump in them after I am done shooting.

Good luck with your purchase. Let us know what you get.