What is a PCP Air Rifle? [Everything You Need to Know]

If you’ve ever asked, “What is a PCP air rifle?” you’re not alone. Whether you’re just getting into airguns or looking to level up your gear, understanding how PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles work, and why they’re favored by hunters and precision shooters, is essential.

Let’s break it all down, from how these rifles operate to their pros, cons, and how they compare to other airgun types.

What is a PCP Air Rifle?

A PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifle uses compressed air stored in a built-in reservoir to fire pellets. Unlike spring or CO2-powered guns, which rely on mechanical force or gas cartridges, PCP rifles use high-pressure air—often filled to 3,000 psi or more—to deliver powerful and consistent shots.

The air is pre-charged into the gun using a hand pump, scuba tank, or electric compressor. Once filled, the air stays pressurized and is released in controlled amounts with each shot, resulting in superior consistency and accuracy.

How Does a PCP Air Rifle Work?

Here's a simplified breakdown of how PCP rifles operate:

Fill the air reservoir using a high-pressure pump, air tank, or compressor (up to ~3500 psi, depending on the model).
Chamber a pellet using a bolt or side lever action.
Pull the trigger, which opens a valve and releases a small amount of pressurized air.
The compressed air propels the pellet down the barrel at high velocity—often 900 to 1000 fps for .22 and .25 caliber models.

Because the air is released in a controlled way, PCP rifles deliver shot-after-shot consistency with very little recoil.

PCP vs Spring, CO2, and Multi-Pump Rifles

Feature	PCP	Spring-Piston	CO2	Multi-Pump
Power Source	Compressed Air (PCP)	Coiled Spring	CO2 Cartridge	Manual Pumping
Recoil	Low	High	Low	Moderate
Shot Consistency	Very High	Moderate	Moderate	Variable
Refill/Firing Ease	Needs external fill source	Self-contained	Cartridge needed	Manual work required
Ideal For	Precision, hunting	Backyard plinking	Target shooting	Entry-level shooters

Benefits of PCP Air Rifles

So why go PCP? Here are the biggest reasons:

High Power: Most PCP rifles can easily exceed 900 FPS, making them ideal for small game hunting and long-range shooting.
Superior Accuracy: Consistent shot velocity leads to tighter groupings and better overall precision.
Low Recoil: Minimal vibration means a smoother shooting experience and improved follow-up shots.
Multiple Shots Per Fill: Depending on your rifle, you can get 30–100+ shots from a single air charge.
Quiet Operation: Many PCP rifles are suppressor-ready, making them great for backyard ranges and stealthy hunts.

Any Downsides?

As good as PCP air rifles are, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Initial Cost: PCP rifles are typically more expensive than other airguns.
Air Supply Required: You’ll need a hand pump, air tank, or compressor to fill your rifle.
More Complex: Tuning options are great, but they require some know-how to get the most out of your gun.

Still, for those who want maximum performance, the pros easily outweigh the cons.

Who Should Use a PCP Air Rifle?

Hunters: High velocity and accuracy make PCP rifles perfect for small game and pest control.
Precision Shooters: Consistency and tunability are key for competitive or long-range target shooting.
Tinkerers: If you love customizing and dialing in performance, PCP rifles offer endless options.

Two PCP Rifles Worth Checking Out

Looking to add a high-performance PCP to your lineup? We've got two standouts built for different types of shooters:

🔥 The 250z

Available in .22 and .25 caliber
Up to 1000 FPS with over 50 FPE
Adjustable regulator, hammer spring, and trigger
M-LOK compatible, modular grips, and threaded barrel
Veil Camo Cumbre and Tan finishes

The 250z is a tactical PCP powerhouse—perfect for shooters who want full control over their setup and serious performance for target shooting or hunting.

🔥 The 1100z Gen 2

Regulated for consistent velocity
3500 PSI max fill with upgraded air capacity
Extended 22” barrel for improved accuracy
Side lever action with tighter tolerances
Available in .22 and .25 caliber
Black and Veil Camo Alpine finishes

The Gen 2 takes everything people loved about the original 1100z and upgrades it—making it more powerful, more consistent, and easier to shoot.

Still interested in the Gen 1? We’ve got a few left—great if you're looking for a value-packed PCP with premium feel.

Final Thoughts

PCP air rifles deliver elite performance that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a hunter, precision shooter, or just want the best airgun tech available, going PCP is a worthy upgrade.

👉 Ready to elevate your shooting experience? Explore our full PCP lineup here and find the perfect rifle for your needs.