Used scuba tanks (30cu – 3,000 psi) okay for Talons….
… and Condors? I found these Genesis (used) tanks at Leisure Pro, and was wondering. The prices seem pretty good, too. I’m trying weigh my options if I buy either one of these rifles.
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This says it all for me as well Bodhisdad, either i’m gonna sell my 80 cf ali, or keep it for a backup, but at some point I have to get a steel tank. I saw one at the Chalet that went to 3400 I believe. My current tank barely makes it through a weekend with 3-4 decent shooting sessions.
So, to anyone here thinking about going scuba, learn from this and spend the extra few bucks for a tank that holds at least 3200 psi, or more if you can, believe me, you’ll be glad you did. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth it here. Gas isn’t cheap either, so with a lesser tank, you’ll be burning alot of it getting fills as well. But again, I guess it all depends how much you shoot
OK, I tried the tank fill caculator deal on that link, but something doesn’t seem right, or I’m just not doing something right. It said I should get 15 fills to a 490 cc talon bottle to 2800 psi from a 80 cf tank @ 3000psi. This can’t be right, but I wish it was! I’m lucky to get 7 fills before it hits 2500 psi, where shot count gets bad and my POI goes to s**t.
The benefits of the pump are that it is smaller to store and you are independent of filling, hydrostating, whatever. It’s actually pretty good exercise you can do while you watch TV.
It takes a LOT of effort to fill the Talon bottle all the way from zero psi. But after shooting all day, I have only gotten it down to about 2500 from 3000 psi starting pressure. (I haven’t used it above setting number “5” on the dial yet.)
I can fill it up 500 PSI in three five-minute pumping sessions. Letting it cool is best. It does not pump as efficiently once the seals inside the pump get hot.
Also, I wonder how much moisture is getting inside. Bleeding between pumping sessions cuts down on this and only requires a few more pumps.
I’m going to get some silicon grease with graphite or moly for it if I can. It seems to want more lube.
Thanks Mike! I certainly can see the use for a pump. And, like you say; good excercise. I wasn’t sure how much pressure would be depleted after a day of shooting. This is all very new to me. (as you can tell :))
Another good tank would be Steel tanks rated at 3442 kinda steep new, but they are out there used, just make sure of the psi rating. US steel scuba tanks range from 2400-3442 psi. They are only slightly heavier than aluminum and last forever.
Rusty
Oh yes! ‘Love Google! 😀 And, earlier I was googling the hell out of scuba tanks! Ha!! I will check further into the tanks you mentioned, Rusty.
Appreciate it!
Yeah I hear you on the price/convenience thing if you don’t take the tank anywhere.
The benefits of the pump are that it is smaller to store and you are independent of filling, hydrostating, whatever. It’s actually pretty good exercise you can do while you watch TV.
It takes a LOT of effort to fill the Talon bottle all the way from zero psi. But after shooting all day, I have only gotten it down to about 2500 from 3000 psi starting pressure. (I haven’t used it above setting number “5” on the dial yet.)
I can fill it up 500 PSI in three five-minute pumping sessions. Letting it cool is best. It does not pump as efficiently once the seals inside the pump get hot.
Also, I wonder how much moisture is getting inside. Bleeding between pumping sessions cuts down on this and only requires a few more pumps.
I’m going to get some silicon grease with graphite or moly for it if I can. It seems to want more lube.
Google is you friend.
Another good tank would be Steel tanks rated at 3442 kinda steep new, but they are out there used, just make sure of the psi rating. US steel scuba tanks range from 2400-3442 psi. They are only slightly heavier than aluminum and last forever.
Rusty
I’m listening Mike. How much trouble is it to use the handpump with one of these Talons? And, how many shots are you getting under full power between fills?
I’m wondering about this since I just finished watching a filling video w/ both a scuba tank, and the AF hand pump.
The thing is; these hand pumps are about $200. So; if a scuba/dive shop is nearby, it seems to me that buying a used scuba tank would be less money than a new hand pump. And, since 99% of my shooting will be on my 1.7 acres, I’m really not concerned about toting the scuba tank around.
Am I the only one here who just uses a hand pump?
No need to guess fills, check this
I’m getting the idea now, that I might be better off going w/CO2 to get started.
If I go with a Talon SS, I would hope I can do it all for $650 w/scope.
How easy is it for you to get a scuba filled? If it is a short trip and hassle free a standard scuba tank will suffice. I have used one for years. But I can get it filled easily locally for $5
There is a scuba shop within 15 miles of my office. If a standard tank will do 15-20 fills, that might work, if you get around 35 shots per fill.
I need to give them a call tomorrow and see how much one of these tanks sells for. And, I’m all for pre-owned. 😀
I’m getting the idea now, that I might be better off going w/CO2 to get started.
If I go with a Talon SS, I would hope I can do it all for $650 w/scope.
How easy is it for you to get a scuba filled? If it is a short trip and hassle free a standard scuba tank will suffice. I have used one for years. But I can get it filled easily locally for $5
Good information… And, much appreciated! How much are these 3200psi tanks like you are referring to? 😀
I’m getting the idea now, that I might be better off going w/CO2 to get started.
If I go with a Talon SS, I would hope I can do it all for $650 w/scope.
How much is that 80 ali tank?? I have one rated for 3000psi and get 3-4 full topoffs and that is it. Its 2900 and down from there which is fine i guess. Be better if you got a steel/ali tank rated at least 3200 you’d be a much happier shooter. The steel tanks go up to 4350psi i believe, that is the route i’d go if i had it to do over again. a 3000psi tank is just not enough, even the 80 leaves me short on fills. I’d go for the highest psi rated steel/ali tank i could afford. I was pricing the steels at my dive shop and for a $100 more i’d have gotten a 3200psi, which would have given me enough fills to make it worth the investment. Learn from my mistakes, and others as well 3000psi just doesn’t cut it with these guns.
Consider what the hydro date is, as it can add $15-$30 of expense. Hydro is required every 5 years on most scuba tanks. Take your tank to hydro facility yourself instead of working through a dive shop to save some $$. I pay $15 or so for my hydros.
Also look out for Luxfer aluminum tanks with an original hydro older than 1987. They have problems with what is called sustained load cracking (SLC) and many shops will not fill them. YMMV
Rusty
Okay…. So; If I get an AL80 scuba tank, and say, a Talon SS with the adapter, I’ll be all set.
And, the standard Talon SS tank can be filled around 15-20 times from a full AL80 tank?
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Please consider a 4500PSI Carbon Fiber tank. It is the ONLY way to go. I used my buddies SCUBA tank for quite some time, then went with a used 66 Carbon Fiber from MAC1. Trust me……you won’t be sorry.
Harry