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I wrote about modern airguns before and whether PCP air rifles are worth the money. One topic was whether these rifles have adequate power to humanely harvest small game. This criteria rules out most air pistols, especially springers. For those who missed it, heres a rehash of each design.

Regarding springers, many of todays adult-type .177 or .22-caliber pellet guns are barrel-cocking designs. Upon discharge, a piston driven by a compressed spring generates a blast of pressurized air to expel a pellet. Inherent to the design, achieving sufficient power for humane small game hunting usually requires a large rifle. Like others, this stalwart springer is simple and reliable. But, it finally saw a time-out due to a temporary medical weight restriction. The 40-pound cocking effort became a problem.

Its discharge also creates a unique reverse-recoil impulse which can destroy a non airgun-rated optic. These dynamics can result in a hold-sensitive gun that requires consistent techniques for optimum accuracy. Greater power also requires substantial cocking effort – and the spring shouldnt remain compressed, which complicates hunting.

The latest gas-piston barrel-cockers solve the latter concern, but power still translates to size – and some advertised velocities are optimistic. On a positive note, a springer is a self-contained system.

Most of the drawbacks associated with springers disappear through pre-charged airguns. Their projectiles are expelled through release of high-pressure air from an onboard reservoir. Some big-bore .45 or .50-caliber types only provide a few shots before refilling becomes necessary.

But, a useful .22/800 fps small game hunting benchmark is easily attainable from a 6-7 pound gun capable of providing 25 shots or more. Today, many are even repeaters that feed from rotary magazines. Pricing of some PCP guns now rivals mid-grade springers. But a PCP gun does require extra gear, dependency on a fill-source, and the added expense of necessary equipment.

PCP advances aside, for those seeking a non-complicated, affordable, and self-contained airgun capable of pest control or small game hunting, a springer is still a good bet. Humane harvesting of gray squirrel-sized quarry requires a rifle with some heft and cocking effort, but many springers can achieve 800 fps (or more) using standard-weight .22-caliber pellets. With careful shooting (actually true of all airguns) thats enough punch to do the job inside 40 yards or so.

However, many serious shooters seek maximum performance and enjoy the associated technical aspects. To scratch those itches the PCP field offers an intriguing new frontier. And heres another twist; one I just encountered. While recovering from a recent surgery I was in need of some therapeutic backyard plinking.

Normally, Id just grab a hassle-free springer. Trouble was, a temporary 10-pound weight restriction rendered it useless due to the necessary cocking effort. Same story for a trusty pump-up pneumatic. No worries though. Two fully charged PCP rifles were on hand, along with an easily accessible scuba tank.

After a rejuvenate 45-shot session spent ringing small steel targets from the back deck out to 100 yards, the gun was easily recharged through a twist of the tanks knob. Operation of this intermediate-sized side-lever cocking .22-caliber PCP 10-shot repeater is nearly effortless. Its 2900 PSI reservoir provides around 40 recoil-free shots when adjusted to 800 fps. Downsides include cost and dependency on a separate air source. Pre-charged Air Rifles – The Basics

First up, pre-charged pneumatic guns operate at some serious pressures! Even the lower-pressure types hold 2000 PSI. More are charged to around 2900 PSI (often expressed as 200 BAR), but some now run at 3650/250 BAR – or even higher! Air reservoir capacities also vary, but their volume is typically expressed in cubic centimeters, which could range from 100 to 500 CCs.

Larger reservoirs and higher pressures translate to more shot per fill. Repressurizing such a gun is accomplished via a special PCP hand-pump, a scuba tank, or an airgun compressor (see below).

Usually, a short length of high pressure air (HPA) hose provides the necessary connection between the gun and its air source. The fittings can vary, depending upon the air source and the gun. This can create some confusion for new shoppers (more to follow).

As for the guns, many can be pressurized by connecting the hose to a common Foster air-tool nozzle. Using this system, a female QD fitting on the end of the hose simply snaps on to the guns male nozzle (via a spring-loaded collar). Others are filled through small port that accepts a male probe.

My Air Arms guns employ a proprietary brass collar with a corresponding fill-port. For this reason most pre-charged guns ship with the necessary fill adapter. Fortunately, nearly all utilize the common 1/8 BSPP thread pattern. How to Fill PCP Air Rifles

A PCP guns operating pressure and air capacity can have a bearing on the air source, something worth considering prior to finalizing a PCP purchase. Heres why Hand Pump

As noted in the previous post, the special PCP hand-pumps closely resemble a heavy-duty bicycle pump. The difference is their performance! They do provide total air independence, but lots of exercise will be a byproduct, making smaller-CC guns are better choices.

Accumulating water can be another concern although some incorporate moisture traps. Recently, complete PCP gun and pump packages have appeared, often priced to attract newer shooters. For more casual use in smaller guns theyll suffice, but higher-performance guns will probably need more. Especially when dealing with the latest 3500+ PSI guns, the final stages of pressurization require lots of effort.

The Hill Hand Pumps are longstanding favorites and some are now rated to deliver 4500 PSI/310 BAR! Given this level of performance, a Hills $270 price isnt that far above average costs of around $200. Most also come with a properly matched HPA hose set up for a female QD fitting and the batter ones can be rebuilt using replacement parts. Sale FOUR UNCLES High Pressure Hand Pump 4500 Psi PCP Hand Pump PCP Air Rifle (Black) ?Efficient Design?This pcp air pump with sleek stainless steel construction smooth upward and downward motion. 8mm copper female quick connector allows to withstand over 10,000 times of tear and wear, giving it an extended life.?HPA Pump with safety?The air rifle pump provide high pressure air up to 4500 psi or 40MPA. While the flexible micro-bore hose provides best performance, can bear up to 80MPA, safeguarding your safety with superior quality. $67.99 Buy on Amazon

Charging: Typically, a short length of HPA hose is connected to the pumps outlet at the bottom of the pump. The other end is attached to the gun. A pressure gauge on the pump then monitors the charging process, which is accomplished through deliberate strokes.

The idea is to use the entire upper body while flexing at the knees probably with a break or two thrown in. Recharging an empty gun could be brutal but, more often, partial depletion of shooting pressure results in less exertion. Either way, upon reaching the guns desired pressure level, a crucial step remains! Before disconnecting the hose, a small bleeder-valve must be cracked to vent potentially dangerous residual pressure.

The bleeder is usually a small brass knob located near the pumps outlet and pressure gauge. After the hose is vented it can be safely disconnected from the gun. If the hose remains attached to the pump, it can be covered with a plastic bag to ward off dust.

The pumps advantage is air independence in a reasonably-ized package (some folks also use one to augment a scuba tank when its pressure subsides). Its downside: Not everyone is up to the physical requirements. Even a smaller-sized PCP gun will probably require two or more pump-strokes per shot. Scuba Tank

My larger-volume .22-caliber Air Arms 400 FAC offers 45 useful shots at 920 fps when fully charged to 2900 PSI/200 BAR. That translates to lots of hand-pumping. Given the price of the gun and pump-related moisture concerns, for me, a tank became the logical alternative. A well-used 80 CF aluminum tank hooked up to refill this 2900 PSI/190 BAR Air Arms .22 single-shot. Each fill is good for 45 useful shots at 900+fps.

Scuba tanks come in various sizes (50-150 CF), and are built from three main materials; aluminum, steel, or carbon-fiber. The more common flat-bottom, 63 or 80 CF aluminum versions are practical corrosion-free choices, the latter weighing around 35 pounds when filled to 3000 PSI (an equivalent steel version is actually lighter due to its thinner walls).

I bought a standard aluminum 80 cubic-foot tank used at a local dive shop and eventually snagged two more, the last one for $150 (I also brought the airgun to allay liability concerns). Most metal tanks including mine employ a threaded-in K-Valve. Beyond a main on/off control knob, this part is designed to quickly connect with dive regulators. But, by attaching a different manifold (known as a yoke), an HPA hose can be connected to this part.

Carbon-fiber tanks are surprisingly light but also quite expensive. These (and fire-fighting SCBA versions) typically employ a different-type DIN-valve; a threaded heavy-duty stem. Nevertheless, most well-stocked airgun dealers inventory the necessary PCP gun adapters.

Because they have a finite DOT-regulated 15-year life, a new CF tank is the best bet. Recently, reconditioned CFs became DOT-approved, however they require 5-year inspections via a specialized Colorado-based source (which for most of us will involve shipping). Lightweight CF tank shown with a yoke and HPA hose assembly.

All-metal tanks need an annual internal visual inspection, and a more in-depth hydro-test every five years. A further concern for aluminum tanks involves its manufacture date. Those built in the U.S. after 1988 use stronger alloys to prevent neck cracking. For this reason, mine all came from a trusted dive shop with current tests.

Speaking of dive shops, assuming one is in your area, it may be well worth a visit prior to investing in a gun. Some might not be equipped to handle every fill option. Because my shops compressor cant reach the highest gun pressures (of 3500 PSI or more) any future gun shopping will be limited to 200 BAR types. But, thats adequate for me and works with my existing tanks, some of which are now quite old.

If one finally flunks its inspection, well, good enough. Meanwhile, refills cost just a few bucks and, when pressurized to around 3200 PSI with pure, moisture-free breathing air, numerous gun refills are available. Thats because I often dont shoot through the guns entire air supply. Assuming I consistently did so, Airguns Of Arizonas handy tank calculator indicates I should be good for around 13 refills from my 80 CF tank.

Since each top-off provides 45 useful shots, thats more than a tin of 500 pellets. At that point, within moments, I can transfer the yoke/hose assembly to a fully-charged spare tank. The empty can head to the dive shop when time permits. One kicker though: Right now Ill need help carrying it!

Consult the tank fill calculator before filling. K-valve and yoke assembly, ready to attach. The bleeder-knob is to the left of the pressure gauge. Note the inspection label on the tank. Yoke assembly attached. The gauge shows some pressure.

Charging: Using a common K-valve aluminum tank as an example, attachment of the necessary yoke is easily accomplished using its thumb-screw. The yokes housing also makes the perfect spot for a pressure gauge and bleeder valve. My hose is threaded into the yoke, but I couldve used a QD system identical to the fitting on its opposite end.

The male Foster-type stem of my proprietary Air Arms collar will snap into the hoses QD female fitting. The collar then slips over a nozzle on the gun where a 90 degree twist will securely lock it in place under a T-bar. Next, the knob on the scuba tank is slowly cracked to decant air. The yokes pressure gauge is carefully monitored and, since even slow filling generates heat, a short cooling pause is followed by a final top-off.

Actual fill-time is still nearly instantaneous, so the tank is opened with caution. Upon reaching (never exceeding) the operating pressure, the tanks air supply is turned off. The bleeder valve is then cracked (emitting a tell-tale hiss), and the hose is disconnected from the gun. I Leave the yoke/hose assembly connected to the tank and cover it with a plastic bag. The proprietary brass gun fitting has been attached to a QD female Foster hose fitting. It’s ready to lock onto the reservoir. Ready to refill with HPA air. The gun has been filled and the tank’s air supply has been shut off – but note the remaining pressure in the hose! Cracking the small brass bleeder knob will safely vent it prior to disconnection of the hose from the gun.

The charging accessories will add another $100 but, in my case, thanks to used tank pricing, the systems cost was comparable to a decent pump. Compressors

The standard shop-types wont work, but an airgun model will do the job for those willing to incur the expense. So far Ive resisted one, although some aficionados own a compressor because its possible to a fill scuba tank as well as a PCP gun. A few newer types are also fairly compact and easier to handle than a full-size dive tank. Umarex ReadyAIR HPA Portable Air Compressor Pump for PCP Air Rifles and Airguns The smartest portable airgun compressor in its class; Engineered and built with robust quality componentsElectronically controlled with a digital display; Programmable fill pressure allows you to fill your air rifles to their unique recommended pressure $669.99 Buy on Amazon

Prices have also decreased and some now start at around $650 but, of course, others cost much more. Some will run on AC or DC power so, ss long as you have a compatible power source, an infinite supply of filtered HP air will be available. Fill-time for an average airgun is several minutes but, of course, a tank can take longer.

Charging: The process is similar to scuba. Compressing large volumes of air can generate considerable heat which could damage the unit, so overload protection is usually incorporated. Necessary Connections

Do you need male adapters or female types, and what about fittings? The choices are a bit daunting. I wound up buying the properly matched yoke and hose from the local dive shop that sold me the scuba tank. We assembled the parts in the well-stocked store and made sure everything worked before I left.

This happened 13 years ago when PCP technologies were still obscure. Given the various tank designs, rated pressures and valve systems (K or DIN), its still not a bad approach for those contemplating the scuba route. Or, if you do your homework first, another option is a well-stocked dealer who specializes in airguns. This Air Arms system is a bit unusual. Fortunately, the necessary brass collar-fitting came with the gun. Tech Support

Today, several on-line airgun dealers make great starting points. Among them is Pyramid Air. Scrolling through their website, youll see pumps, various tanks, and compressors. Youll also see all kinds of HPA fittings and hoses, including some preassembled on pumps or scuba yokes. For what its wort, they also have an extensive airgun inventory so a phone call should point you in the right direction.

Some airgunners run multiple guns off one charging system. By using the correct QD hose fittings they quickly snap on different fill adapters. If assembling your own fill system, use Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks. Also, a very short hose can be inconvenient. Other Factors

Remember, the highest-pressure guns require air sources up to the task. A gun can work if charged below its maximum pressure, but its performance will be hamstrung. As mentioned above, a few hand-pumps and some compressors can get there. Todays lightweight carbon-fiber tanks can also take some serious pressure like 4500 PSI –  but youll still need a way to fully charge one.

Not all dive shops have that capability, but some fire stations may. A few airgunners even use high-pressure SCBA tanks after adding an adapter to the valve. However, beyond the gun, fittings and hoses must also be properly rated! Cautions and Concerns

High-pressure air is serious stuff. Forgetting to bleed a hose can be a memorable event. A dropped tank can turn one into a rocket; a hot trunk into a bomb! The gun wrong lubes can produce similar effects due to pressure-related heat ignition. Alternate gasses are also dangerous (some serious airgunners use nitrogen but Im staying with air). Over-pressurizing a gun is bad and can even be counterproductive.

For me and many others, velocity becomes much more consistent at a bit below maximum safe pressure. Todays increasingly popular regulated guns offer a consistent velocity spread throughout their useful charge, but even simpler non-regulated versions like mine can deliver sustained accuracy once optimum pressure parameters have been established.

A guns built-in pressure gauge (manometer) is the normal refill indicator. However, people in the know advise regulating the process using a fill sources separate gauge. There can be disparities like the fill lag Ive seen in one of Air Arms rifles. The gun’s BAR-rated gauge says it’s time for more air. The safe upper limit is 200 BAR (2900 PSI). Use the air supply’s gauge for a more accurate reading.

Dust and debris are enemies that can cause slow leaks so its best to leave pressure in the gun. I store mine fully charged (or near that level) BUT the gun remains un-cocked! Inherent to the design, determining a PCPs load status is difficult. The safest bet is to point it a safe backstop (absent a magazine for repeaters), cock it, and shoot. Unlike a springer, an occasional dry-fire (still dangerous at close range due to the HPA blast) wont damage the gun. Also, be sure to observe muzzle discipline while performing refills!

As for bore cleaning, most folks including me use a flexible pull-through system. I just use a patch lightly moistened with Break-free CLP after every tin of 500 pellets or so. The gun is inverted to prevent introduction of foreign materials into the barrels air-transfer port. The same lube will also handle exterior metal surfaces. The O-rings that mate with my fill adapter receive a sparing film of divers silicone.

Lastly, at some point, a PCP gun may develop a leak. A weak point is the internal O-rings which, despite scrupulous maintenance, could eventually dry out. Ive had that happen, but full function was restored thanks to the properly equipped dealer who sold me the gun. Much of the expense related to shipping, which can be the biggest hassle. Conclusion

At this point, a springer could sound a whole lot more attractive! That said though, the quiet and recoil-free performance of a PCP gun, coupled with typically uncanny accuracy, can make for some fascinating shooting. Quarter-size (or smaller) 50-yard groups are the norm. Ive experienced blips of inconsistent accuracy from powder-burning guns, but my air-powered pre-charged wonders always seem to be spot-on. Why? No barrel-heating or fouling perhaps.

The absence of firearms-related stigmas and hassles is also refreshing. The Feds dont regulate airgun purchases so we can even have em shipped to our doors.

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Science

A Planet with a Death Wish: How HIP 67522 b Is Forcing Its Star to Explode

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A Planet with a Death Wish: How HIP 67522 b Is Forcing Its Star to Explode

Scientists have caught a planet with a death wish, which is an alien world, orbiting very near to its star, and so speedy that it is causing the star to go to its death with bursting explosions. HIP 67522 b is the planet, and it is of the same size as Jupiter with a seven-day orbit around its host star. These orbits are disturbing the magnetic field of the star and causing enormous blasting eruptions to blow back the planet and make it wrinkled. This is the first time that a planet is influencing the host star, as the astronomers reported in a study published on July 2, 2025, in the Journal Nature.

A Planet with a Death Wish: HIP 67522 b’s Fiery Orbit

As per the study by NASA, Ekaterina Ilin, the first author of the study and an astrophysicist at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, said that the planet was observed to trigger the energetic flares. It has been predicted by the scientists that the waves are setting off explosions that are going to happen.

Magnetic Chaos: Planet Triggering Star’s Explosions

Stars are burning plasma, gigantic balls with charged particles or ions that move on their surface to form strong magnetic fields. Since the magnetic fields cannot cross each other, sometimes these field knots suddenly snap to launch flares of radiation known as solar flares, which are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections, also known as surface plasma.

As many planets have a magnetic field, scientists have long wondered whether the planets, having close orbits near their stars, might disturb these strong magnetic fields and trigger the explosions. For years, scientists have observed whether the planets can influence the magnetic behaviour of their host stars, especially the ones that are close to their orbits.

A New Era of Star-Planet Relationship Studies

A planet with a strong magnetic field orbits around a star which has a delicate magnetic field, then it might be bombarded with solar radiation. These interactions helps int he study of star and planet bond and further the evolution of atmospher and magnetic field.

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US

Vladimir Putin tells Donald Trump he will not back down from goals in Ukraine, Kremlin says

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Vladimir Putin tells Donald Trump he will not back down from goals in Ukraine, Kremlin says

Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump he “will not back down” from Russia’s goals in Ukraine during a phone call today, the Kremlin has said.

The Russian president spoke to his US counterpart for almost an hour, and Mr Trump “again raised the issue of an early end to military action” in Ukraine, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.

In response, Mr Putin said “Russia will not back down” from its aims there, which include “the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs,” Mr Ushakov said.

The phrase “root causes” is shorthand for Moscow’s argument that it was compelled to invade Ukraine in order to prevent the country from joining NATO.

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Trump and Putin’s latest call on Ukraine

Ukraine and its European allies say this is a pretext to justify what they call an imperial-style war, but Mr Trump has previously shown sympathy with Russia.

At the same time, Mr Putin told the US president that Russia is ready to continue negotiating, the aide said.

The Russian president said any prospective peace deal must see Ukraine give up its NATO bid and recognise his country’s territorial gains.

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Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands June 25, 2025. Pic: Reuters
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seen with Mr Trump in June, is pushing for Ukraine to join NATO. Pic: Reuters

He also briefed Mr Trump on agreements made last month, which saw Russia and Ukraine exchange prisoners of war and dead soldiers.

Specific dates for the third round of peace talks in Istanbul were not discussed – nor was the US decision to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine.

Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s call came after the Pentagon confirmed some weapons due to be sent to Ukraine have been held as it reviews military stockpiles.

The paused shipments include air defence missiles and precision-guided artillery, two people familiar with the situation have said.

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The decision led to Ukraine calling in the acting US envoy to Kyiv on Wednesday to underline the importance of military aid from Washington.

Kyiv also cautioned that the move would weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against intensifying Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances.

Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s phone call was the sixth they have publicly disclosed since the US president returned to the White House in January.

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UK

Diogo Jota’s joyous final weeks make his death even more devastating to comprehend

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Diogo Jota's joyous final weeks make his death even more devastating to comprehend

The joy that filled the final weeks of Diogo Jota’s life makes his death even more devastating to comprehend for his family and millions of fans worldwide.

The most illustrious title of his career was won in May, when he paraded through Liverpool with his teammates and the Premier League trophy.

More success came with Portugal as he won the Nations League for a second time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in June.

And then came the bliss at marrying his childhood love Rute Cardoso, watched by their three children.

Latest: Liverpool players pay tribute to Jota

Just yesterday Jota posted a video from the ceremony on social media alongside the message “a day we will never forget”.

The happiest of days was remembered before the tragedy that killed Jota and his brother Andre Felipe in northwest Spain.

Diogo Jota and wife Rute
Pic: rutecfcardoso14/Instagram
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Diogo Jota and wife Rute. Pic: rutecfcardoso14/Instagram

Brothers – whose careers both developed at their hometown club, Porto – so tragically dying together.

“Football has lost two great men,” Porto president Andre Villas-Boas said, as fans descended on the club’s stadium to mourn.

At Anfield, Liverpool fans are grieving the versatile forward who was so often in the shadow of Mohamed Salah, as he was under Ronaldo at Portugal.

But he knew how to sacrifice stardom to contribute to the squad.

Liverpool's Diogo Jota holds the  Premier League trophy with Wataru Endo and teammates.
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Diogo Jota holds the Premier League trophy with Wataru Endo and teammates. PIc: Reuters

The last of his 65 Liverpool goals was the winner in the Merseyside derby against neighbours Everton in April – helping the club become the record 20-time champions of England.

A Premier League winners’ medal joining those from the FA Cup and League Cup, won by the 28-year-old after he joined the Reds in 2020.

It was Wolverhampton Wanderers who gave Jota a platform to shine in England after he joined from Atletico Madrid.

Promotion was gained to the Premier League in 2018, and they more than just avoided relegation, but secured back-to-back top-seven finishes.

Jota was a reason why.

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Fans react to Jota death

He was also why Wolves could embark on such a memorable European campaign, and scored two hat-tricks in the run-up to the Europa League quarter-finals in 2020.

“The memories he created will never be forgotten,” Wolves said.

For the football world, the loss of such a talent so young will be hard to comprehend.

And so many are reflecting on the fragility of life as football grieves from Liverpool to Portugal – and beyond.

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