Last updated on February 27th, 2021
PCP pistols and air rifles can be easily filled using a scuba tank or a hand pump. Hand pumps are a great way of filling up a PCP gun, however, they do require a bit of upper body strength to work.
You may be wondering what’s the point in using a hand pump or any other additional pumping method when there are usually pumps already built into multi-pump rifles. The answer is simple; why use a dainty little pump that can take up to an hour to pump 3,000 psi, when you can use all your upper body strength to pump and get the job done much faster? Hand pumps are controllable and straightforward, perfect for PCP guns.
Scuba Tank VS Hand Pump
Scuba tanks may seem like the easy option, there is little to no physical effort required to fill the PCP air rifle, and it takes just a fraction of the time. The downside of using a scuba tank is that the air pressure rises so quickly, that you are unable to control the psi, and getting it to a precise pressure is nearly impossible.
Hand pumps are easy to control and can fill equipment up to the right pressure measurements very precisely every time. Scuba tanks can not put more pressure into an item than is available in the tank, which means that you may need to fill your PCP more times if you use a scuba tank than you would be using a hand pump.
Here are the best hand pumps on the market right now along with an in-depth evaluation of their top features, pros, and cons. We hope that by the end of this review you’ll know what pump you want to get for your PCP rifle.
Top Tip: when using a hand pump to fill a PCP air gun, never let the reservoir get below 1,000-1,500 psi. This will make refilling the gun much easier for you as the first 1,000 psi is always the hardest.
Our Best PCP Hand Pump Reviews and Comparisons
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| EDITOR’S CHOICE |
1. Umarex SuperFill PCP Air Rifle Hand Pump
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| RUNNER UP |
2. Benjamin High Pressure Hand Pump
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3. 4Yang Four Stage High-Pressure Air Gun Rifle Pump
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4. Advanced Elements Double Action Pump
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5. MXBoaheng High-Pressure PCP Hand Pump
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6. Intex High-Output Air Pump
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7. Qiilu High Pressure 3 Stage Hand Pump
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8. LXYYY Manual PCP Hand Pump
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9. Zouminy High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinder Air Pump
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1. Umarex SuperFill PCP Air Rifle Hand Pump
Product Highlights
PCP air pump with a filling capacity of 4500 psi.
Features
- Up to 4500 psi
- Comes with hunting slingshots
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- All parts included
What We Like About Umarex SuperFill PCP Air Rifle Hand Pump
This is a great pump that does the job with relative ease. It takes about 150 strokes to fill the PCP tank which can be done in under 5 minutes. Using the lubricant that comes with the pump allows it to work with very few hiccups.
What We Don’t Like About Umarex SuperFill PCP Air Rifle Hand Pump
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a water desiccant remover, and there isn’t a pressure gauge attached to the pump. Not being able to see the pressure is a bit of an inconvenience to say the least.
PROS
- Lubricant included
- Reliable
- User friendly
- Feels solid
CONS
- No pressure gauge
- Long pumping time
2. Benjamin High Pressure Hand Pump
Product Highlights
Specifically designed for PCP air guns, it is a 3- stage high-pressure pump with a universal adaptor.
Features
- Three stage high pressure pump
- For PCP air guns
- Can be used for the Pioneer Air bow
- Has a universal adaptor
- Stable
- Easy to grip
- Includes a pressure gauge
What We Like About Benjamin High-Pressure Hand Pump
The Benjamin hand pump very rarely overheats. The pressure rises really easily after the first 1,000 psi and may only take you 100 pumps or so to reach 3,000 psi.
The pump is sturdy and very obviously well made and designed with the user in mind. Once you have been pumping for a few minutes, your hands get sweaty and your body gets heavy, the Benjamin hand pump’s handles are easy to grip and are strong enough to hold your weight.
What We Don’t Like About Benjamin High-Pressure Hand Pump
If for any reason the pump does overheat, you must leave it to cool for at least 5 minutes. If not, it could explode and that is a major health and safety hazard for yourself and those around you.
There is some assembling required out of the box. Someone inexperienced may damage the pump during assembly, so spending a few extra dollars to get it assembled professionally is a good idea.
PROS
- Feels professional
- Robust
- Easy to use
- Rarely overheats
CONS
- Some self assembling required
- Not for beginners
3. 4Yang Four Stage High-Pressure Air Gun Rifle Pump
Product Highlights
Multi-purpose pumps that can be used for bicycles, PCP rifles, motorcycle tires, and more.
Features
- 4,500 psi
- Made of stainless steel
- 4 stage pump chambers
- 4 stage pump chambers
- Water separation function
- Easy to store
- Flexible micro-bore hose
- Durable
What We Like About 4Yang Four Stage High-Pressure Air Gun Rifle Pump
The whole of the hand pump is made of high-quality metal making it durable and feels very sturdy in action. Only the handlebars are made of plastic, which is to be expected as metal wouldn’t hold your grip properly while you pump.
The pump comes already lubricated and doesn’t need to be lubricated again for a while. It’s really easy to use and you can tell that it is built to last by its weight and durability.
What We Don’t Like About 4Yang Four Stage High-Pressure Air Gun Rifle Pump
You must be very careful when tightening as the threads will strip very easily if you are not paying attention. The handlebars could be a little more slip-proof, however, if you suffer from sweaty palms, just wear gloves while you pump.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Built to last
- Comes lubricated
- Durable
CONS
- Hard to grip
- Takes a while to fill the air rifle
4. Advanced Elements Double Action Pump
Product Highlights
Lightweight, durable, and easy to use hand pump suitable for PCP rifles, bicycles and other sports equipment.
Features
- High flow inflation
- Inflates and deflates
- Multiple adaptors
- Has a pressure gauge
- Light weight
What We Like About Advanced Elements Double-Action Pump
This is a much better pump than most electric pumps in the market. It fills the equipment to maximum capacity and gives a precise air pressure measurement. You won’t get worn out pumping either as it pumps air during both downward and the upwards strokes.
What We Don’t Like About Advanced Elements Double-Action Pump
The pump is rather lightweight, so if you are pumping with force and using your upper body weight it will move around and be a nuisance. Sometimes the air gauge is a little bit off and inconsistent, because of this you can never be certain that you’ve pumped enough air into your PCP rifle.
PROS
- Multi-purpose
- High psi capacity
- Easy to use
- Long lasting
CONS
- Unreliable air gauge
- Flimsy
5. MXBoaheng High-Pressure PCP Hand Pump
Product Highlights
The MXBoaheng is a high-pressure pump suitable for topping up air pressure or pumping from 0 psi.
Features
- Durable
- 4,500 psi
- Made of metal
- Rust proof
- Portable
What We Like About MXBoaheng High-Pressure PCP Hand Pump
It has a very simple design that is easy to operate. The pump is lightweight enough to take on trips and holds a lot of weight while you pump. It won’t move around and irritate you while you pump either.
What We Don’t Like About MXBoaheng High-Pressure PCP Hand Pump
The handlebars don’t have enough grip to them, and as your hands get sweaty, it will be more and more difficult to reach the maximum psi level you need for the rifle.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Holds a lot of weight
- Portable
- Perfect for PCP air guns
CONS
- Inappropriate handlebars
- Uncomfortable to use
6. Intex High-Output Air Pump
Product Highlights
Professional and high output air pump with multiple nozzle attachments that fit most valves.
Features
- High output air pump
- Durable
- Easy to store
- Portable
- Pumps on upwards and downwards strokes
What We Like About Intex High-Output Air Pump
Its compact size makes it really easy to take on shooting trips and ensures you won’t be out of the air in the middle of your trip. You will get a lot of use out of having it in your home too, inflating blow-up beds and bike tires take less than 5 minutes.
What We Don’t Like About Product Name
Once the ‘O’ ring starts to wear out, the whole pump is completely useless. This happens rather quickly with the Intex hand pump, unfortunately. If you want to use the pump on a regular basis, you will probably be disappointed in its quality. The pumping quality decreases with every use and becomes harder and harder to pump with.
PROS
- Fast inflation
- Useful to have in the house
- Good quality
- compact
CONS
- FNot suitable for frequent use
- Gets damaged easily
7. Qiilu High Pressure 3 Stage Hand Pump
Product Highlights
3 stage, high-pressure hand pump for motorcycle tires and PCP air guns.
Features
- Reaches 4,500 psi
- Smooth to pump
- Has a precise pressure gauge
- Safe
- Made from high grade stainless steel
- Anti-rust
What We Like About Qiilu High Pressure 3 Stage Hand Pump
We love that the Qiilu pump doesn’t rust and has been coated with tungsten for a more durable and long-lasting product. It can withstand natural elements so taking it on shooting trips during rain or sunshine is not a problem.
What We Don’t Like About Qiilu High Pressure 3 Stage Hand Pump
Due to the pump being majority metal, it is quite heavy. The pressure gauge is on the bottom of the pump and can be a little hard to read.
PROS
- Folding footplate
- 3 stage pump
- 4,500 psi
- Weather resistant
CONS
- Not for beginners
- Heavy
Qiilu 4500psi High Pressure 3 Stage Hand Pump Motorcycle Tungsten Steel Tire Inflator for PCP Air Gun Boat Tire Ball” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>
8. LXYYY Manual PCP Hand Pump
Product Highlights
A great pump for all sports equipment includes a water-oil separating feature and has double filtration.
Features
- Double filtration
- Water-oil separation
- Non-slip grip
- Pressure relief screw
- Heat resistant pressure pipe
- Anti-skid base
- Base folds for easy transportation
- 62 cm tall
- Made of stainless steel
What We Like About LXYYY Manual PCP Hand Pump
The pressure pipe does not overheat in the middle of pumping, allowing you to pump from 0 – 100% without stopping. The non-slip grip on the handlebars is a lifesaver and makes a very uncomfortable job that much easier.
The non-skid base stops the pump from sliding about as you work. I particularly like how the base folds away to make transportation easier. You do not need a lot of space to store it away in your home and it fits nicely in the boot of your car too.
What We Don’t Like About LXYYY Manual PCP Hand Pump
During upwards strokes the pump struggles to come all the way up, this might be due to a lack of lubrication, however, it is very irritating and disturbs your pumping flow. A squeaking sound comes from the pole while pumping and gets worse and worse if the pump isn’t coated with oil.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Professional
- Built to last
- Precise pressure gauge
CONS
- Squeaky
- Doesn’t pump smoothly
9. Zouminy High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinder Air Pump
Product Highlights
For high air pressure items such as scuba gear and PCP guns.
Features
- Made with stainless steel
- Rust-proof
- Oil-water separation abilities
- Easy to pump
- Practical
- Portable
- Comes with a pressure gauge
What We Like About Zouminy High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinder Air Pump
It pumps clean air into the equipment which is important if you intend on using it for scuba diving. The pressure is high enough for a PCP rifle and has a reduced pumping time than lower pressure pumps.
What We Don’t Like About Zouminy High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinder Air Pump
It is too hard-core for everyday items such as bike gyres and inflatable mattresses. You won’t get much use out of it as it isn’t a multi-purpose pump.
PROS
- Pumps quickly
- Easy to use
- Pumps clean air
- For high pressure equipment
CONS
- For specific items
- Not for everyday equipment
Final Verdict
We like the Benjamin high-pressure hand pump, it is the most reliable and consistent in performance when compared to the other reviewed pumps and can be used on more than just your PCP pistol or rifle.
Alain is Cartbig’s managing editor, in charge of the research, production and editing of all content.
He has a BA in Journalism from Cornell University and is passionate about photography and technology.
He loves travelling but he lacks orientation so he never leaves home without his GPS. Really.
