FAQ - PCP Filling Equipment
Filling Methods | Cylinder Sizes | Cost & Frequency | Where to Refill in India | Fittings & Compatibility | Troubleshooting | Buying Advice | Legal (India) | Shipping & Orders
Filling Methods & Equipment
Can I fill a PCP air gun with a regular air compressor?
No. A workshop or tyre-inflator compressor tops out around 8-10 bar (115 psi), while PCP guns need 200-300 bar. You need equipment specifically rated for high pressure — a PCP cylinder or a purpose-built breathing air compressor like a Bauer.
Do I need a compressor, or is a cylinder enough?
A cylinder is enough for most shooters and far cheaper to start with — you fill it once, then use it to top up your gun many times. A Bauer compressor is worth it once refill trips become inconvenient, since it lets you fill cylinders and guns at home anytime.
Hand pump vs cylinder vs compressor: which is better?
A hand pump is the cheapest to buy but hard physical work and slow. A cylinder is the most popular middle ground in India — low effort, moderate cost. A compressor is the highest upfront cost but gives unlimited fills at home with no manual labour. Most Indian PCP owners start with a cylinder and add a compressor later as their shooting increases.
What's the cheapest way to fill a PCP air gun?
A hand pump has the lowest upfront cost, but the effort and moisture risk put many owners off after a few fills. For ongoing low cost with far less effort, a mid-size cylinder (2-3L) refilled periodically is the most practical budget option.
How long does it take to fill a PCP air gun?
From a cylinder, filling your gun takes seconds to a couple of minutes. A hand pump can take several hundred strokes from empty. A compressor fills a cylinder in minutes rather than the hours some low-cost imported units imply — genuine Bauer units are efficient by design.
Is a cheap PCP compressor worth it?
Be cautious with unbranded budget compressors — poor filtration lets moisture and oil into your air, which damages gun seals over time. We only stock refurbished, tested Bauer units for this reason; a genuine, serviced compressor costs more but protects the equipment you're filling.
Do you sell hand pumps?
No — MK Store specialises in cylinders, filling devices, valves and breathing air compressors. If you want to avoid manual pumping entirely, a cylinder combo kit is the easiest low-effort way to start filling.
Cylinder Sizes & Capacity
What size PCP cylinder should I buy?
A 3L carbon fiber cylinder is the most popular choice and gives around six to seven rifle fills at 300 bar. Smaller 0.3L-2L bottles suit pistols or light carry; 6L, 6.8L and 9L cylinders suit frequent shooters who want fewer refills. See our full size guide.
How many fills will a 3-4L cylinder give?
Our 3L cylinder at 300 bar typically gives six to seven rifle fills, depending on your gun's tube size and regulator setting. We don't stock a 4L specifically — the 3L is our closest and best-selling equivalent.
How many fills will a 9L (or 12L) cylinder give?
Our largest size, the 9L cylinder at 300 bar, gives roughly 18-20 rifle fills per charge. We don't currently stock a 12L; the 9L is our maximum-capacity option.
How much air does a pistol need vs a rifle?
PCP pistols have small onboard reservoirs and need far less air per fill than rifles, so a small 0.3L-0.7L cylinder can give several pistol fills. Rifles have larger tubes and use more air per fill, which is why 2L-3L cylinders are the common rifle choice.
What's the difference between 200 bar and 300 bar cylinders?
A 300 bar cylinder holds more compressed air than a 200 bar cylinder of the same size, giving more fills between refills. If your gun or filling equipment is rated for 200 bar, a valve washer adapter lets 300 bar gear work with it safely.
Cost & Refill Frequency
What does it cost to fill a PCP air gun?
In India, most owners invest once in a cylinder (roughly ₹4,300-₹23,500 depending on size) or a compressor (from around ₹1.6 lakh), then refill at low ongoing cost rather than paying per-fill at a shop, since dedicated PCP refill services are limited outside major cities.
How often do I need to refill?
This depends entirely on how often you shoot. A casual weekend shooter might refill a 3L cylinder every few sessions; someone shooting daily will refill more often or prefer a larger cylinder or compressor to reduce the frequency.
Where & How to Refill in India
Where can I get my PCP tank filled in India?
Dedicated PCP refill shops are rare outside a few major cities, which is why most Indian owners fill at home instead — using their own cylinder and filling device, or a compressor. This is the standard, reliable approach we recommend.
Can I use a scuba shop to fill my cylinder?
Some scuba/dive centres can fill high-pressure cylinders if the valve and fitting match theirs, but this isn't a common or consistent service across India the way it is in some other countries. Owning your own cylinder and filling device removes this dependency entirely.
Can fire stations or SCBA facilities fill my cylinder?
Some SCBA-style cylinders we sell (like our Scott 6.8L) use the same high-pressure technology as firefighter breathing air, but public refill access at fire stations isn't a standard or reliable service in India. We recommend a home cylinder or compressor setup instead.
How do I fill my PCP air gun at home?
Connect a filling device between your cylinder and your gun's fill probe, open the cylinder valve slowly, and stop at your gun's rated fill pressure. Full step-by-step instructions are in our beginner filling guide.
Fittings & Compatibility
What fittings do I need to fill a PCP air gun?
Typically an M18 x 1.5 cylinder valve on your tank, plus a filling device with gauge and hose connecting to your gun's fill probe. If refilling from a DIN-fitted source like a scuba tank, you'll also need a DIN G5/8 adapter.
Do all PCP guns use the same fill port?
No — fill probes and quick-couplers vary by brand and model. Check your gun's manual for its specific fitting, and confirm compatibility with your filling device before buying; message us your gun model and we can advise the right adapter.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Why is my gun not holding pressure after filling?
Common causes are the fill valve not fully seated, a worn O-ring at the connection point, or aging seals inside the gun itself. Check the connection first; if the leak persists after reseating everything, the gun's internal seals likely need professional servicing.
Can you overfill a PCP air gun tank?
Yes, and it's dangerous — always watch the gauge and stop at your gun's manufacturer-rated pressure, never the cylinder's maximum. Overfilling stresses seals and can damage the regulator or void your warranty.
What pressure should I store a PCP gun or cylinder at?
Follow your manufacturer's guidance; many recommend not leaving a gun at maximum fill pressure for long idle periods, easing it down slightly instead to reduce seal stress. Cylinders themselves are generally fine stored full, in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
My hand pump feels harder to use than before — what's wrong?
This is usually moisture inside the pump or worn seals as pressure builds. Using a pump with a good moisture filter and keeping O-rings in good condition helps; if pumping becomes consistently difficult, switching to a cylinder removes the physical strain altogether.
Buying Advice & Getting Started
I'm new to PCP — what do I need to get started filling?
Most beginners in India start with a cylinder, a valve (if not pre-fitted) and a filling device — our 3L combo kit bundles all three. The learning curve is short: most owners are comfortable filling confidently after their first one or two attempts. See our full getting-started guide.
Is compressor noise a problem for home use?
Breathing air compressors like the Bauer range are not silent — expect a noticeable running noise similar to a shop vacuum while filling. Most owners run them in a garage, balcony or utility area rather than a living space.
What's a good portable filling solution for travel?
A small, light cylinder (our 0.3L-1.1L Alsafe carbon range weighs under 1kg) is the most practical portable option, since compressors are stationary home equipment. Carry a filled cylinder plus your filling device for range days away from home.
Does the filling method affect shooting accuracy?
No — once your gun is filled to the correct, consistent pressure, it doesn't matter whether that air came from a hand pump, cylinder or compressor. Consistency of fill pressure between sessions matters far more for accuracy than which method delivered the air.
Legal (India)
Are PCP air guns legal in India?
Air guns of .177 caliber and under 20 joules of muzzle energy are generally exempt from licensing under the Arms Rules 2016. PCP guns above that caliber or power are treated as firearms and require a licence. See our detailed legal guide and always confirm with your local authority.
Shipping, Warranty & Orders
Do you ship all over India?
Yes, we offer free shipping across India on all orders, with tracking provided once your order is dispatched.
What warranty do your products come with?
All cylinders, compressors and filling equipment come with a 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Are refurbished cylinders and compressors safe to use?
Yes. Every refurbished cylinder we sell is hydrotested before listing, and refurbished compressors are serviced and tested for correct pressure output. We only sell equipment we would use ourselves.
Can I track my order?
Yes, use our order tracking page once your order has shipped.
Do you offer any discount for first-time buyers?
Yes, use code WELCOME7 at checkout for a discount on your first order.