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Tech Stuff. |
| 3. Hand pumps. |
| 4. Charging kits and accessories. |
Warning: It has come to our attention that some people have been filling their rifles with industrial gases in place of compressed air. This practice can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the case of compressed oxygen. We cannot state strongly enough that pre-charged air weapons must only be filled with compressed air. We have become aware of people trying to fit sling swivels or bipods to the front end of their S400/410 stock, and in the process accidentally drilling into the air cylinder. Any work on the stock should only be carried out with the action removed. As the cylinder is pressurized to 200 bar (3200psi) drilling into the surface is an extremely dangerous occurrence. Any surface abrasion is a potential stress point, which if deep enough, could cause explosive fracture which could result in personal injury. |
| About Compressed Air. |
| Air
guns using compressed air technology are becoming
more and more popular for both target and sporting use. The use of compressed
air by the general public has some safety issues and this synopsis is an
attempt to make people aware of some of these issues as well as explain
the misunderstandings surrounding the subject.
There are two main methods of obtaining compressed air, a SCUBA tank and a Hand Pump. SCUBA stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, so its intended purpose should be obvious. The mass of kinetic energy inside is ideal for use in pcp's, but this energy also needs to be treated with respect. The following abbreviations will be used from now
on. Tanks come in various sizes and pressure rating.
Most tanks are rated at 200 to 232bar (2900 to 3365psi) or 300bar (4351psi).
Which type to choose is a decision that only the individual can make.
Size, weight and cost are all factors in this choice, but the number of
times a cylinder can be refilled is also a major consideration and is
directly related to the size and pressure rating of the tank. At the start of the last paragraph the phrase 'In
theory' was used and that is because the calculations assume 100% efficient
usage of the decanted air, which will never happen. Just venting and disconnecting
the hose will waste air and this will effect the true number of fills
available from the tank. SCUBA: Airgun Cylinder:
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Knowing that we will get asked to recommend a pump, have a look at www.airriflepump.com. Some while ago a famous British pump manufacturer and Air Arms consulted on a pump that would address the kind of problems mentioned above. Eventually Hill Pumps came up with a product that , in our opinion, pumps better than any other but more importantly has an efficient, replaceable filter element. |
The image on the right shows a filter removed from a Hills Pump and aptly illustrates the need to use such an item. (Air Arms has no financial or other incentive to recommending this product.) |
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