My favorite airguns – PCPs

I’ve already shared with you all what I consider to be some of my favorite spring airguns. Now it’s time to talk PCP airguns. Early on I was a typical PCP “hater” and focused on all the negatives; you have to pump them or supply 3000 psi via a scuba tank, they are more expensive, they are loud, etc.   However, when I finally got my first PCP I had to admit that the pros: no recoil, more power, more range, much easier shooting experience, multiple shots, etc. far outweighed the cons.

The Benjamin Discovery

Benjamin Discovery Rifle with Pump Attached

My journey with PCPs started in earnest with the Benjamin Discovery and it’s why it’s certainly one of my favorite PCPs of all time. The Benjamin Discovery was the first commercially available, out of the box ready to go, PCP airgun for the common man. They provided a turnkey solution to the “how do I fill my gun” problem by bundling a hand pump right with the gun. And, they kept it affordable at just under $400 for the complete package. The beauty of the Discovery is that it’s extremely easy to upgrade and customize, making it one of the best “first PCPs” for new airgunners.

The Benjamin Marauder & related variants

This is a very well thought out design with great flexibility.

The next logical step from the Discovery was the Benjamin Marauder. Once I had the hand pump, then I could charge any PCP from that point forward and the Marauder was the next gun on my list. The Marauder was more refined with a much better trigger and that all important barrel shroud, making it extremely quiet. It’s been through a few changes with the most recent being the Armada Configuration. The new Armada is simply awesome, especially if you are a fan of “black” guns. It leverages Magpul’s M-LOK system for the front hand rail, making adding accessories a snap. Although, I do wonder, just how many accessories you can get on one gun?

The Hailstorm?

Testing the AT44 .22 QE in the Arizona Desert

Back before Hatsan USA was importing directly into the states, Hatsan Airguns lived under many different names. The Air Venturi Hailstorm was one such product. Today it’s known as the Hatsan AT44. Today, this base platform comes in many different configurations such as the quiet energy, the long, the quiet energy long, the tactical, the quiet energy tactical, etc. This is like the Ford truck of airguns. It’s very reliable, powerful, and not very expensive. It may not be the best looking airgun, but for the price and performance, it’s one of my all-time favorite PCP guns. I own several of these variants and they all put lead right where I want them to. It’s a great platform.

The Evanix Tactical Sniper

Evanix Tactical Sniper Air Rifle – Available in 0.22, 0.25, 0.357, 0.45, 0.50

If “sexy” could be applied to an airgun, then the Evanix Tactical Sniper would take the cake for me. I have this gun in .45 caliber and I love every aspect of what it delivers. It’s simply beastly looking and it drives 200 grain hollow point pellets downrange delivering some 150 foot pounds of energy.   I really like to shoot round ball and it’s surprisingly accurate all the way out to 50 yards. The multi-shot capability of this gun, along with the looks and the power, puts it very near the top of my list of favorite PCPs.

The Air Arms S510 & related variants

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter

My all-time favorite PCP is going to be the Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter and of course the other S510 variants as well. I have the S510 FAC in .177 and the S510 Ultimate Sporter in .25. These guns are just works of art and airgun precision. The set of features that they bring to the table more than justifies their higher price point. A key feature for me with the S510 platform is the adjustable power. I can plink in the back yard, getting nearly 90 shots per fill. Or, I can turn up the power, take it out to the field, and drop small game out to 75+ yards. Beyond the function, they are just beautiful classic airguns.

So that’s the list…

Well, that wraps up my list of favorite PCP airguns. The list is always fluid so I’m sure there will be some shuffling around over time. Do you have a favorite PCP airgun? Let us know about your favorite PCP and why it tops your list down in the comments section. We are always eager to hear from our readers!