TargetTalk

Hey Everybody!
I realize some may laugh at this one, but, we have a new pistol that shoots with compressed air. Where can I get a large volume tank that I can use to refill my cylinders? My pistol is an Anschutz LP. Thanks in advance.
BTW. I also realize that a Hand Pump is offered as an option. I'm looking for a small tank that I can attach the cylinder to an fill it up.

The best option is an SCBA tank -- they hold 4500psi (300bar). Since a tank is "empty" when it hits (say) 2700psi, a 3000psi (200bar) SCUBA tank is "empty" pretty quickly while the SCBA tank is good for many fills. That said, you must have someone around that can fill your 4500psi tank and not all SCUBA (Dive shops) can do this -- many can only do 3000 to 3300psi.

If weight is not a major criterion, then the Luxfer 4300psi 106cu ft tank is a bargain in my opinion. You can get one from http://www.absolutescubadivingequipment ... y_Code=LUX for $290 (I highly recommend getting the various caps and sleeves offered). Otherwise, go to http://www.airhog.com, they have excellent deals on tanks.

You will probably need some sort of fill adapter -- Airhog or most places can supply what you need.

Your next question will be about a regulator. Don't worry about getting one unless you have complete idiots filling tanks. As long as you fill your gun tanks slowly, it is very easy to close the main tank valve when the gun tank gets to its maximum (usually 3000psi or 200bar). A regulator is very expensive and not needed.

You are probably thinking that a compressor would be nice -- yes, but think a minimum of about $1500 -- that will fill a tank a lot of times (it costs me $4.50/fill and I fill about 1/month with a lot of shooting).

Best,

Joe

Check any local dive shops. They often will have used tanks for sale, just make sure thay have had a recent visual inspection. I got my tank for $60, it is a steel tank so it can not hold more than 200 bar. 200 bar will give me more shots than I would want to shoot in one session. I refill the tank about every three months, cost is $5.00.
You will need the adapter so you can fill your cylinders from the tank. Our host has them for sale at: http://www.pilkguns.com/yoke.htm

a 3000psi (200bar) SCUBA tank is "empty" pretty quickly

that was about a year and 2 sleeves of pellets for me.

a 3000psi tank is about $130 new and the yoke is $50, the fill adapter is the brass coupling that came with the gun.

3000psi fills the cylinder to the junction of the red and green lines, I would NOT fill it with a 4500psi tank, unless there is a regulator to keep the gun cylinders at 3000.

Poole

Douglas,

I agree with Bill. A 3000 PSI SCUBA tank is the most common method of refilling and is far safer than a 300 BAR (4500 PSI) tank. I would not want to hook up an AP cylinder to a source that is capable of catastrophic results but for a proper working regulator.

I get at least 3 months worth of air out of my 3000 PSI tank before I need to fill 'er up and I shoot 3-4 times per week. The last two months you will start to notice that you are not getting a full fill up but that's really of little consequence. Just before I take the tank in for a fill up, I deep clean some of my guns and use the remaining air to blast some parts clean and dry.


It's really up to you to weight the risks and benefits.


Most SCUBA stores wont fill up a tank for you unless you can show them you have a dive certification. So, when you find one who will do so knowing that you are using it for AP, be real nice to them. Remember that from the store owners perspective, you are only going to spend $3-5 for the fill and are unlikely to buy any of the dive accessories which really is where the store makes its money.



F. Paul in Denver

regular scuba tank filled to 3000psi lasted me a year and a couple sleeves of pellets. New aluminum tank cost me about $125. Fill ups cost me $5. Some dive shops will want you to sign something that says the air is for non-diving use only. Some will want you to put a sticker saying so on your tank.

Fortunately, I'm a certified diver, so I haven't had much trouble (although strangely, I've never used my tank for diving...just easier to rent a tank wherever I go.)

sparky wrote: Some will want you to put a sticker saying so on your tank.

Fortunatly there are enough paintball shooters using compressed air that the local scuba shop was happy to sell me a used tank and supply fills here in So Cal.

If you need "no breathing" stickers for your tank, Pilkington's has them for cheap and the look pretty cool.

Charles

I am almost 72 years old, and I use a pump to refill my air cylinders.
I have no problem pumping the cylinders (I have 2) to 200 bar.
I refill them after every match. My wife uses my pistol, too, and I do the filling for her, too.

I suggest you get a pump, and have a bit of a work-out. the excersize is good for you, and the pump is a lot cheaper than having a big tank to fill from!

The pump can go with you anywhere, where as a big cylinder must be left home.
I travel around to various Open competitions, and I know that few clubs have refill facilities.
Every time you fill from a cylinder, the pressure in the cylinder will decrease, therefore after a while you will not have the required air pressure.
With the hand pump, I can always regulate the correct pressure.

Yes, I agree the Air cylinder will probably provide clean, filtered air, but, don't forget - after a few years the cylinder will have to be tested and re-classified. There are aluminium or stainless steel tanks, and you also need a regulator, which needs constant checking, to make sure it is not damaged.
Make sure you fill your pistol cylinder straight after shooting. This way you will be able to see if there is a leaky valve, when you check the pressure before you go shooting.
Regards, Alex L.

Hey Sandor
Does that mean you'll pump mine up as well at the next open. You did me by six points at the MISC Open. I need the advantage.
Regards Colin C

You know what they say about "age and trechery" over youth and ability...
Sounds like he is on to something. :-))