For the longest time, PCP airguns have been relegated to single-shot or multi-shot systems that required user intervention between each pull of the trigger. By contrast, CO2 airguns have taken advantage of semi-auto and fully-automatic operation for decades. Why has it taken so long for PCP airguns to catch up to CO2, and what are some of the best options for those who want to make the switch to PCP?
The Semi-auto PCP Challenge
There’s a good reason that it’s taken so long for PCP manufacturers to make the jump to semi-auto airguns. Most semi-auto firearms use the gasses from the cartridge to reset the hammer on the seer. This allows the shooter to simply pull the trigger to take the next shot. PCP airguns need all their air to drive the pellet down the barrel. Taking some of that air to reset the hammer against what is normally a fairly heavy spring, not only reduces shot count, but also power output. As airgunners, we value shot count and power so anything that shorts either, is a tough sell. Additionally, semi-auto actions are less accurate due to all the moving parts that go into making them work. When you look at a potential loss of shot count, power, and accuracy, you are not going in the right direction.
Pioneering the Change
Regardless of the potential pitfalls, the US airgun market has continued to demand manufacturers come up with some way to make semi-auto PCP airguns practical. One of the first offerings was from Hatsan USA with their Barrage PCP Air Rifle. It was a little rough around the edges, and suffered from a poor magazine design that could not keep up with rapid fire, but the system worked pretty well and did so without losing much in the way of shot count, power, and accuracy. Things were certainly looking good for the semi-auto PCP future.
What Options Do We Have Today for Semi-auto PCPs
After Hatsan released the Barrage, it seemed that everyone found their own solution to cracking the semi-auto PCP nut. Hatsan continued their push with an improved mag design and several models that realy deliver. The Hatsan Blitz is a ton of fun to shoot with a high shot count magazine and the ablity to fire not just semi-auto but also full auto. The .22 cal Blitz will send 21 rounds downrange faster than you can blink white maintaining decent accuracy and impressive shot count. For rapid fire fun, it’s ahead of the game.
Hatsan not only has the Blitz, but also the Invader Auto, Galatian Tact Auto, Bullmaster and the Sortie. All of these guns work on the same basic principle and utilize improved actions and magazines, making them not only reliable, but practical for everyday shooting.
Benjamin recently released a semi-auto version of the Benjamin Marauder. It’s available in traditional styling as well as the Armada Tactical design. Either way, the Semi-Auto Marauder uses a modified 10-shot magazine to deliver pretty decent results.
The most advanced semi-auto PCP we have on the site is the EDgun Leshiy 2. While the other offerings use a more traditional means of capturing some of the expelled high pressure air to actuate a hammer against a seer, the EDgun uses a hammerless design. This not only reduces moving parts thus decreasing reciprocal forces which can cause accuracy issues, but it is also vastly more efficient. Because there’s no heavy hammner to reset against a heavy hammer spring, all the extra energy can be spent pushing pellets down range. It’s a wonderful design that’s incredibly ejnjoyable to shoot.
Things to Look Out for When Picking a Semi-auto PCP
If you are in the market for a semi-auto PCP, then keep these few things in mind. Semi-Auto actions are prone to jamming and will always require more maintenance than single shot or multi-shot side lever or bolt action airguns. It’s the nature of the beast and you need to be ready to service your gear if you want to keep it in top operating condition.
From our experience, reliability usually comes down to how well the magazine can keep up with how quickly you are going to pull the trigger. Cheap plastic mags with weak springs are going to be less reliable than a heavier duty solution. For example, the Hatsan Blitz magazine’s spring is so strong that Hatsan includes a hand crank to help you load the mag. We’ve shot thousands of rounds, in semi-auto and full-auto mode, through our Blitz without a single jam.
We realize there is a lot to consider when picking your next semi-auto PCP. If you have questions or just need some advice, please give us a call. We are always here to help.
