PCP Air Cylinder Size Guide: Which Bottle Should You Buy? (0.3L to 9L)
Choosing your first PCP air cylinder can feel confusing — sizes range from a tiny 0.3L pocket bottle right up to a 9L range tank. Which one is right for you? The answer depends on how often you shoot, how much you want to carry, and your budget. This guide breaks down every size so you buy the right cylinder the first time.
How cylinder size affects your fills
A bigger cylinder holds more air, which means more gun fills before you need to refill the cylinder itself. As a rough guide, a 3L cylinder charged to 300 bar gives around six to seven rifle fills. A 6.8L gives roughly double that, and a 9L more again. Smaller bottles are lighter to carry but need refilling sooner.
Size-by-size breakdown
- 0.3L to 0.7L — pistol and pocket sizes. Ultra-light and easy to slip in a bag. Best for PCP pistols or as a backup air source. Only a few fills per charge. See our carbon cylinders.
- 1.1L to 2L — compact all-day carry. A good balance of light weight and useful capacity for short to medium range sessions.
- 3L — the best-selling all-rounder. Enough for six to seven rifle fills at around 2.2 kg. If you are not sure which size to get, this is the one most Indian shooters choose.
- 6.8L — the big-capacity favourite. Many range sessions per charge. Popular in carbon SCBA form from trusted names like Scott.
- 9L — maximum capacity. A serious air reserve for shooters who fill often or run a small group. Heaviest to move, but the fewest refills.
Carbon fiber vs steel
Carbon composite cylinders are far lighter than steel — a 3L carbon tank is easy to carry, where a steel equivalent is much heavier. Carbon is the better choice if you take your cylinder to the range. Steel cylinders are heavier but cost less, making them a solid budget option for filling at home where weight does not matter. Explore both in our carbon composite and Drager steel and carbon ranges.
200 bar vs 300 bar
A 300 bar cylinder holds more air than a 200 bar cylinder of the same volume, giving you more fills between refills. 200 bar cylinders are usually cheaper and are a fine, affordable way to start. If your filling equipment or gun is 200 bar, a simple valve washer adapter lets 300 bar gear work with it too.
Our quick recommendation
- PCP pistol owner: a 0.3L to 0.7L carbon bottle.
- Most rifle owners (best value): a 3L carbon cylinder — or a 3L combo kit with valve and filling device included.
- Frequent or high-volume shooters: a 6.8L or 9L cylinder.
Every cylinder at MK Store is hydrotested and PCP-ready, with free shipping across India and a 1-year warranty. Still unsure? Tell us which rifle you shoot and how often, and we will recommend the ideal size.