PCP Air Pistols

Which type of PCP air pistol do you need?

Advantages of PCP air pistols

• High precision: the absence of a moving spring reduces vibration and helps the shooter maintain control during the shot.
• Consistent shots: regulated models can provide highly consistent performance through a substantial part of the reservoir’s usable pressure range.
• Very low recoil: the pneumatic system provides a stable and controlled shooting cycle.
• Single-shot and multi-shot options: some pistols focus on pure precision, while others use magazines holding several pellets.
• Different calibres: depending on the model, PCP pistols are available in Cal. 4.5 mm, Cal. 5.5 mm and Cal. 6.35 mm.
• Adjustment options: selected models allow the trigger, grip, sights or power output to be adjusted.

Single-shot and multi-shot PCP pistols

Single-shot PCP pistols

Single-shot PCP pistols require a new pellet to be inserted after every shot. This system encourages a slower, more deliberate shooting rhythm and is common in pistols designed for precision, training and competition.

Multi-shot PCP pistols

Multi-shot PCP pistols use a magazine that holds several pellets. Depending on the design, the next pellet may be loaded by operating a bolt, sidelever or another manual mechanism.

Semi-automatic PCP pistols

Selected PCP pistols offer semi-automatic operation, allowing consecutive shots without manually cycling a loading mechanism between them. A multi-shot pistol is not necessarily semi-automatic, so this feature must be confirmed in the product specification.

Competition PCP air pistols

Competition PCP pistols are designed to provide precision, control and specialised ergonomics. They commonly feature highly adjustable triggers, anatomical grips, adjustable sights and pneumatic systems developed to maintain consistent performance.

Models such as the Feinwerkbau P8X are intended for precision shooters looking for extensive adjustment, control and a high standard of construction.

Before selecting a competition pistol, check that its dimensions, weight, calibre, sights and other technical characteristics are suitable for your chosen discipline.

PCP pistols for beginners and training

More accessible PCP pistols are also available for shooters who want to start using pre-charged pneumatic technology. Models from Arcea-Snowpeak, Diana, Zasdar and Stinger provide the advantages of PCP operation in simpler and more affordable configurations.

Before choosing, consider the pistol’s weight, shot count, filling system, calibre, single-shot or multi-shot operation and the availability of compatible accessories.

PCP air pistol brands

At CARBIN, you can find PCP pistols from specialist manufacturers including Hatsan, Diana, Feinwerkbau, Kral Arms, Reximex, Arcea-Snowpeak, Zasdar, Stinger and Benelli.

The category includes compact entry-level pistols, multi-shot models and pistols developed specifically for precision shooting or competition. Availability may vary according to stock and the versions currently offered.

How do you fill a PCP air pistol?

A PCP pistol needs an external source of high-pressure air to fill its reservoir. Depending on the model, reservoir capacity and working pressure, you can use:

• High-pressure hand pump: a self-contained option that may be suitable for smaller reservoirs.
• PCP compressor: designed to fill compatible reservoirs to the required pressure.
• High-pressure air cylinder: requires a suitable filling assembly and the correct adaptor.

Before connecting any filling system, check the maximum fill pressure, the remaining reservoir pressure, the type of connector and the fill probe or adaptor supplied with the pistol.

Regulators, pressure gauges and shot count

Regulated PCP pistols

A regulator controls the pressure of the air supplied to the firing valve. This can help provide more consistent velocity within a defined pressure range. However, not every PCP pistol is regulated.

Pressure gauge

Depending on the pistol’s design, the pressure gauge may show the reservoir pressure or the pressure at another point in the system. Always interpret the reading according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shots per fill

There is no universal shot count for PCP air pistols. The number of shots depends on reservoir capacity, fill pressure, calibre, power output and the air consumption of the individual model.

Which calibre should you choose for a PCP pistol?

Cal. 4.5 mm PCP pistols

Cal. 4.5 mm uses lighter pellets and generally provides a flatter trajectory at typical air-pistol distances. It is widely used for precision shooting, training and competition.

Cal. 5.5 mm PCP pistols

Cal. 5.5 mm uses heavier pellets. Depending on the pistol’s configuration, it may provide greater energy, although it can also use more air and produce a more curved trajectory.

Cal. 6.35 mm PCP pistols

Selected specialised PCP pistols are available in Cal. 6.35 mm. They use heavier projectiles and may require more air per shot, so the power, shot count and specification of each model should be checked carefully.

Calibre alone does not determine precision, power or shot count. Performance depends on the combination of the pistol, its configuration and the pellet used.

How to choose a PCP air pistol

Complete your PCP equipment

To use a PCP pistol correctly, you need compatible filling equipment, accessories and pellets:

• PCP accessories: adaptors, fill probes, seals, magazines, filling hoses and other components for PCP systems.
• PCP compressors: high-pressure equipment designed to fill compatible PCP reservoirs.
• JSB pellets: different ranges, weights and calibres for testing which pellet performs best in your pistol.

A compatible filling system and a suitable pellet can make a significant difference to precision, shot count and consistency.

Frequently asked questions about PCP air pistols

What does PCP mean on an air pistol?

PCP stands for Pre-Charged Pneumatic. The pistol stores pre-compressed air in a reservoir and releases part of that air with each shot to propel the pellet.

Are all PCP pistols multi-shot?

No. PCP pistols are available as single-shot models, manually operated multi-shot pistols and semi-automatic pistols. A magazine does not automatically make a pistol semi-automatic.

Do all PCP pistols have a regulator?

No. Some models use a regulator to control working pressure, while others operate without one. This feature must be checked in the product specification.

How many shots does a PCP air pistol provide?

Shot count depends on reservoir capacity, fill pressure, calibre, power output and air consumption. There is no figure that applies to every PCP pistol.

Can I fill a PCP pistol with any compressor?

No. You need a high-pressure compressor designed for PCP systems and fitted with compatible connectors. A conventional workshop compressor is generally unsuitable.

Is a hand pump or PCP compressor better?

A hand pump provides independence and may be sufficient for smaller reservoirs. A PCP compressor makes frequent filling easier, but it must be compatible with the pressure and connector required by the pistol.

Which pellets should I use in a PCP pistol?

Use only the calibre specified by the manufacturer. Within that calibre, testing different pellet designs and weights can help identify which produces the best groups with your pistol.