How to Fill a Precharged Pneumatic Airgun

There are three types of pneumatic air guns --- multi-stroke, single-stroke and pre-charged. Multi-stroke air guns usually require between two and 10 strokes of the pump lever to achieve the pressure required for shooting. A single-stroke pneumatic obtains the required pressure with just one stroke of the pump lever. Pre-charged pneumatic air guns have an air reservoir that stores 60 to 80 shots worth of pressurized air. Unlike the multi- or single-stroke air guns, pre-charged pneumatic air guns need to have the reservoir filled when it is empty either by a manual air pump or by a Scuba tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Manual air pump (rated at 3,000 psi or above)
  • Scuba tank
  • Air adapter for scuba tank or manual air pump
Show More

Instructions

  1. Manual Air Pump

    • 1

      Check the air gun to ensure that it is not loaded.

    • 2

      Tightly connect the air adapter. The air adapter will either be attached to the air reservoir or the pump depending on your make and model of air gun.

    • 3

      Connect the adapter to the pump. Close the air bleed screws.

    • 4

      Pump air into the air reservoir until the pressure gauge reads the desired pounds per square inch (PSI). Air guns typically require between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI.

    • 5

      Slowly open the bleed screws to relieve the pressure in the pump. When air is no longer exiting the bleed screw, disconnect the air reservoir from the pump.

    Scuba Tank

    • 6

      Check the air gun to ensure that it is not loaded.

    • 7

      Tightly connect the air adapter to the Scuba tank.

    • 8

      Connect the air reservoir to the air adapter.

    • 9

      Slowly open the release valve on the Scuba tank.

    • 10

      When the air reservoir obtains the required air pressure, close the valve on the Scuba tank.

    • 11

      Disconnect the air reservoir from the air adapter just enough to bleed off the high pressure stored between the tank and the air reservoir.

    • 12

      When the pressure has been relieved, disconnect the air reservoir from the air adapter.