PCP and Temp?

[dw33]

Can a PCP (Marauder) operate in 28 degree weather?  Does the temp affect performance?  I will be going to the mountains, so wondering about altitude as well.  Would it be better for me to bring a springer (RWS 48)?  Thanks.

[daved]

I don't think you have anything to worry about, David.  I've shot my PCP's many a time in sub freezing weather, I've even been known to leave them in unheated shops and cars in the winter.  And around here, winter means COLD, overnight temps in the single digits aren't at all uncommon.  Probably a better choice than a springer, spring tar and piston seals can get pretty stiff in cold weather.  And I don't think you need to worry about altitude, either.  Later.

Dave

[Jaymo]

I can see where your pressure may decrease as the gun gets a lot colder. However, just like the Coleman lanterns that use gasoline/Coleman fuel, you can just pump it up some more until you get the pressure you want/need. If you pump the rifle up outside in the cold air, with the rifle being cold, you should get a good dense air charge. I've never had a problem with a PCP or MSP in the winter.
Air pressure is air pressure. As long as you have the needed pressure in the tube, you're good to go.

[thatguy]

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but while we're on the subject; is there little or no chance of condensation where temperatures are low and or changing from one environment to another? It sounds like it's not a problem but it seems possible. Just thought I'd ask.

[ray1377]

This is why I leave all my airguns in the garage where there is no heat.
I left one in the house one night and ran out the next morning to dispatch a squirrel.
Only to be surprised to look through a scope that was so fogged up it was awful.
And then I got to looking at the gun and noticed a small film of condensation all over the metal parts.
This doesn't happen when I leave them in the garage.
As far as the pressure goes, I've asked that question before, and yes when you fill at a warm temp and then the gun sits and the temp drops it will cause a "slight" pressure drop.
Somebody here figured out the difference of how much pressure per degree of temp somewhere.
Hope this helps.
Ray

[dw33]

Thanks guys, I guess I will be taking my Marauder.  Watch out cottontails.

[Bhawanna]

colder air is more dense thus having less expansion.  try this.....put the gun in the heated house and let it "normalize" for 24 hours  then pump it up to a given pressure.  then put the gun in the garage where the air temperture is cooler and check the air pressure on the gauge after 24 hours.  there should be a drop in pressure.  my disco usually drops about 200 psi.

[Jaymo]

Like I said, just pump it back up to full pressure.
If you use dry, scuba air, condensation in the tube should not be an issue. If you pump it up in a warm, humid environment and then take it outside to hunt, yes, you will have moisture condense in the tube as it cools.

[dw33]

I use a scuba tank, so I should be good to go, thanks guys.