Pre-Charged Air Guns

Benjamin Marauder .22 from Crosman.com website.

There was a time when I thought these pre-charged air guns were only good for a few very serious air gunners.  This is no longer true for several reasons:

• Air guns are now "main stream," far more popular than they were a few years ago.
• Air guns are more accepted by a greater number of more serious shooters.  
• This category of air guns was once more exclusively custom or semi-custom guns. 
• Some very good quality pre-charged guns are now available at competitive prices.

These pre-charged pneumatic guns have many advantages:

• Ease of shooting
• No heavy pumping or cocking after the tank is filled 
• No recoil as is common in spring or gas piston guns
• Typically very good to great accuracy
• Little noise from noise suppressed guns
• Power level is usually adjustable
• Generally the most powerful air guns available
• Faster repeating shots with no heavy cocking or pumping

Benjamin Charging System

Some of the disadvantages:

Benjamin PCP Pump

Images from Crosman.com website

• Complexity! You will need a high quality pump or more likely a bulk tank, air regulator... 
• Cost! While much less expensive than in the past; they generally more than some other guns once you add the pump or tank, regulator, fittings... 
• Inconvenience! You refill the gun's air tank with hundreds of pumps or more likely from a bulk air tank which must also be recharged at a scuba shop or somewhere from time to time.
• Limited shots! You get only so many shots per charge depending on tank size and power level.

Serious air gunners often choose a pre-charged gun today.  Many consider these guns to be the best available air guns.  Some of these guns in larger calibers are capable of taking bigger game.