This is a very good question. I’m not sure I can answer correctly. As I understand, some matches will shoot 4 cards, each with 25 bulls plus however many sighters. The top shooters refill after every card. I haven’t been to an Airgun match yet and may be overthinking this.

Checking this address "Two Men and a Truck" comes up and no dive shop. Can you provide more info like a name?

Update: I think I found it . . . Shark Side Dive Center

After reading this thread I am confused and have what might be a stupid question from a non competitive air gun owner. This whole air compressor and C02 tank thing seems needlessly complicated and expensive. Why not just use an air gun like mine. I have a Gamo break barrel.177 caliber air gun that works great, no air compressors or tanks needed. Simply break the barrel at the hinge, insert the pellet, and close the barrel. When the barrel is closed the gun autonomically fills the air chamber. It couldn’t be easier or more simple. Why aren’t these types of air guns used or even mentioned? Since the contributors to this thread seem very knowledgeable, I’m sure there is a good reason I’m missing. Is it because the PSI in the air chamber can’t be regulated with this type of system ?

In my case, I’m going for precision. PCP guns are typically more accurate. I don’t even know if there are different classes. I have a custom rifle being built, it is designed strictly for benchrest. Hope that helps.

As a non competing air gunner I'll give my opinions as well:
 

1. this opinion is like most of them and is worth what you are paying
2. wait until you get here and see the "lay of the land"
3. if you want to be a "top notch" competitor you MUST have a match grade rifle
4. if not, you don't need a PCP rifle, a pump but can get a match grade side lever rifle from a club member at a "reasonable" cost. Most people start here with a CMP used Daisy rifle that EXCEED the shooter's ability.

I have a Thomas coming. I may not be a "top notch" competitor, but it won't be because of equipment. For the 2021 season at my club I was 4th in Unlimited and 2nd in Factory. That's ARA Rimfire Benchrest. Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to this.

You may already know this but the PCP (pre charged pneumatic) tank is filled to 3,000 psi so it requires a special air compressor. It's easier to just use a scuba tank.

Joe

You can do this but it requires picking the gun up off of the rest, cocking the gun (with the barrel or with a lever depending on the gun), then resetting the gun back in the rest and getting back into position.

It's simply easier to stay in your position and move your right hand to reload the gun. Less moving, less work, less getting your heart rate and breathing up. I know it doesn't sound like much but it adds up.

I was about 1/2 9's and 1/2 10's with my lever action daisy 853 in 2020-21 (190ish for 20 shots), with a PCP gun I was able to average about 197 for 20 shots in 2021-22

Joe

Thanks for explaining, stuff a non competitive shooter wouldn’t think about. The only time I ever use the Gamo is to pop a squirrel on the bird feeder or to take out a porcupine so the dog doesn’t get quilled. Never bench shot before, free hand only.

Phone disconnected. Still trying to find a place to fill my brand new tank. I think I'm going to try the Amazon $300 compressor.

Accuracy and repeatability.

Yes, I know, I’m not willing to spend $500. Plus to charge my PCP. I just use dirty air Co2 88 grams and can cut staples in to holding target at 12 yards. But, that’s with scope and bag rest, which most shoots don’t allow scopes? I can’t shoot without scope anymore.

You Gamo fine for hitting half dollar targets, but competitive shooting usually group less than dime and even red hot size bullseye. Gamo could never consistently group that small. Most shoots has FPS and energy limitations also.

The 10 is the little dot in the middle at 10 meters using only iron sights, top shooters in TV are hitting that spot 19 out of 20 shots.

Joe

Joe,
I’m looking forward to the first match, so I can see what kind of equipment is being used. As in rest, bags, etc.
Gene