Short answer: this page answers the questions we hear most at The Pellet Shop, covering fill pressure, tanks and compressors, regulators, maintenance, ammo, shipping and legality. Each answer is short and links to a deeper guide or the relevant products.
Fill Pressure and Air
What pressure do I fill my PCP to?
Fill to the pressure in your rifle's manual or on its cylinder. It varies by model. Examples: the Karma EQ lists 310 bar, FX's manual lists 250 bar for the Impact M4 single-regulator setup, the AirForce Texan SS lists 3000 psi (200 bar), and the AEA HP MAX MK2 lists 480 bar / 7000 psi.
What is the difference between bar and psi?
Both are units of pressure. 1 bar is about 14.5 psi, so 310 bar is about 4500 psi and 200 bar is about 2900 psi.
Can I fill with anything other than air?
No. Use only clean, dry air. FX warns never to use oxygen or any other gas.
Tanks, Pumps and Compressors
Do I need a compressor?
You need a high-pressure air source: a hand pump, a carbon fiber tank or a PCP compressor. See our compressors and tanks and our guides to filling a PCP and choosing a compressor.
Can I fill a tank with a portable compressor?
Only some models. Air Venturi says the Nomad Nano and RovAir will not fill large SCBA tanks. The Western Road Runner is approved for carbon bottles up to 9 liters.
Regulators
What does a regulator do?
It feeds the valve at a constant pressure, so velocity stays consistent shot to shot until tank pressure drops near the regulator setting.
Can I adjust my regulator?
Only as the manufacturer describes. AEA, for example, says to degas before decreasing pressure and to adjust no more than a quarter turn at a time.
Calibers and Ammo
Which caliber should I buy?
.22 is the best all-rounder. .177 suits targets, .25 suits longer-range hunting, and .30 and big-bore calibers are for larger game where legal. See our caliber guide.
Pellets or slugs?
Pellets suit most shooting at typical ranges. Slugs can excel at long range with enough power and the right barrel. Try a JTS sample pack to test pellets in your rifle.
Maintenance
How often does a PCP need service?
Do basic checks every session. Replace O-rings when they wear, and follow the maker's service intervals. Our policy treats breech O-rings as routine maintenance, not warranty items.
Do you sell reseal kits?
Yes, for several FX models, including the Maverick / Wildcat MK3 and Dynamic / King / Panthera.
Shipping and Ordering
How fast do you ship?
Our Shipping and Returns page says orders placed after 1 PM Eastern ship the following business day, and we ship Monday through Friday from New York.
Do you test rifles before shipping?
Yes. Our policy states airguns are inspected and tested before they ship. Our Terms of Service also note free mounting, sighting and accessory installation.
Can I return an airgun?
Our policy states all airgun and ammo sales are final. Report missing parts or shipping damage within 48 hours of receipt.
Legality
Is an air rifle legal where I live?
It depends on your state and city. Buyers must be 18, or 21 for certain products, and we cannot ship airguns to certain locations listed in our policy. See our article on air rifle laws and shipping. This is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first PCP?
A regulated, magazine-fed .22 from FX, Karma or AEA is a strong start. See our first-time buyer's guide.
Do you have a showroom?
Yes. Our showroom is in Westbury, NY. Call or text (718) 450-4146 before visiting.
Do you offer scope mounting?
Our Terms of Service note free mounting, sighting and accessory installation with rifle orders.
Do you ship to PO boxes?
No. We do not ship to PO boxes.
Always follow the manufacturer manual, wear eye protection, and know your local laws before buying, carrying or shooting an airgun.
Talk to The Pellet Shop
Have a question about a specific rifle, caliber or setup? Visit our showroom in Westbury, NY, call or text (718) 450-4146, or email info@ThePelletShop.com. You can also browse every airgun we carry online. Specs in this article come from our product pages and manufacturer documentation and can change, so check the current product page before you buy.