PCP air rifle

What is a PCP rifle?

The PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) rifle is a high-precision airgun powered by a pre-compressed air reservoir. Introduced in the 1950s by Crosman, the PCP rifle revolutionized sport and leisure shooting, offering long-range shooting without manual reloading. Today, brands such as Air Arms, GAMO and Snowpeak offer models to suit all levels of shooter.

What are the advantages of shooting with a PCP rifle?

1. Continuous, uninterrupted shooting: Thanks to its reservoir, the PCP rifle allows you to shoot smoothly, without having to re-cock between shots.
2. Reduced vibration: Unlike other types of rifle, PCP rifles produce less vibration when fired, increasing accuracy.
3. Silent shooting: The pre-compressed air system reduces noise, making PCP rifles ideal for discreet shooting sessions.

Powerful PCP rifles: Legislation in France

In France, PCP rifles with a power rating of less than 20 joules are sold over the counter and are accessible without a license. For models exceeding this power, such as powerful pellet rifles of 30 to 40 joules, the weapon is classified in category C and requires a declaration as well as a hunting permit or a sports shooting license. These powerful models, available at our gunsmith's, are particularly suited to experienced shooters.

What documents do I need to purchase a Category C PCP rifle?

To purchase a category C PCP rifle (over 20 joules), you need to provide :

• An identity document.
• Proof of address less than three months old.
• A valid hunting permit or shooting license.

These conditions are designed to ensure the safe and responsible use of high-powered weapons.

The advantages of a PCP rifle over other pellet guns

Shooting without reloading

Unlike traditional air rifles, PCP rifles enable you to fire several shots in succession without having to reload between each shot, thanks to their compressed air reservoir. This ensures a fast, fluid shooting experience, ideal for both sport and leisure shooting.

Shooting autonomy

With a pre-compressed air tank, a PCP rifle can fire between 50 and 80 shots before requiring a reload. A magazine holds an average of 8, 10 or even 12 shots, making it a practical choice for extended shooting sessions without interruption.

Power and accuracy

PCP rifles are often more powerful than other compressed-air models, enabling them to dispatch projectiles at distances of up to 100 meters. They guarantee optimum performance, even at long ranges, while remaining easy to use and control.

Design and discretion

Our models feature a realistic, tactical design that appeals to a number of shooters. PCP propulsion greatly reduces the noise and vibration associated with firing.

How to reload a PCP rifle with a hand pump?

How a hand pump works

Unlike CO2 rifles, PCP rifles can be reloaded using a hand pump. It fills the reservoir with pre-compressed air in just a few steps. The pump has several stages (= cylinders), each of which compresses a progressively smaller volume of air before transferring it to the rifle's reservoir.

To use it, you'll need to connect the pump's flexible hose to the rifle's reservoir, place it on the ground, fix your feet on the base, place your hands on the handle and pump up and down with the force of your arms until you reach the pressure you need for your shots.

You can also discover our powerful pellet rifle section, featuring our latest 40 joule pellet rifle models: GAMO Coyote Tactical 5.5 mm PCP Rifle, Gamo HPA Riser Punisher, Gamo Arrow