Even without electronic fire controls, PCP airguns are now capable of sub 0.5 MOA groups, and have velocity extreme spreads of less than 1 ft/s. With the electronic stuff, like what Daystate is putting into the various "Wolf" guns, these capabilities are just easier to obtain.

There are now semi auto PCPs and even full auto ones as well which are more capable in the precision realm than the best guns of just 10 years ago.

In addition, power has increased to the point where it is closely approaching .22 standard velocity in .22 caliber, and has met standard pistol velocities and energies in the "big bore" rifles.

Obviously, as the current technology is better refined companies will be able to lower prices of guns which are capable of these current top level ones.

With this in mind, what areas still need improvement? And, what kinds of competitions will drive innovation in that direction?


Note:  I've been attending the Extreme Benchrest matches since 2013, and have been watching the progress of the technology.  Those matches have been a driving force for many of the improvements we now enjoy.  But, I'm beginning to think that marked improvements may be waning. I hope folks can give insight on things I may be overlooking.

Projectile design.
Materials design for lighter weight.
Advances in airgun optics.

Built-in chronographs,  double regulated.
Consistent weighted pellets.

How do requirements for optics for air guns differ from those for centerfire?

I read the title and thought you meant the brand Airgun technology

Springer guns recoil different and are hard on scopes not rated to handle it

But, any scope that is designed to handle a larger caliber with a brake will handle any spring gun. The forces are very similar.

Personally I'd like to see more high capacity semi auto PCPs. Like a higher quality Sig MCX PCP but blowback.
I'd also really like to see micro PCP tanks develop. Something a bit bigger than a CO2 cartridge, that would fit in a pistol. You could charge up a few and go shoot.

Nope, the double recoil of a spring gun will kill the best of em' if not designed to take it.

So will a AR10. The heavy bolt carrier is hard on optics.

The negative acceleration of a muzzle brake on a magnum rifle are very similar to that of the piston being stopped by air compression.

I recently got my kid started in 3PAR, and I’d love to see more CMP accepted sporter class rifles with improved performance.

Maybe become more affordable, around $3k or more for a top PCP and then several hundred for the compressor, then the scope.
It adds up quick.

There are many sub $500 guns out there that would have been quite competitive in the Extreme Benchrest game just 8 years ago.   The current $3000 guns are for those who wish to be competitive now in those games, plus those who demand the latest and greatest.  They are not for everyday pesting, though more than capable of that.

Now I’m wondering what kind of abuse an AR10 with a muzzle brake dishes out?
Now back on topic. People also seem to overlook the scope bases on spring power air rifles. The screws sure take a beating. A tig welded base would be an improvement on some spring power air rifles. I wonder if the gas piston power plants will see some improvement?

Whats a good entry  level pcp? I got the itch.

I like my BSA Buccaneer better than my Umarex Origin. If I had it to do over I think I would choose the Air Venturi Avenger over the Origin. But when I dipped my toe into the PCP world you couldn’t find an Avenger or a Benjamin Marauder.

I started with entry level Crosman Challenger ten meter gun then Benjamin Akela and Walther Reign then FX Dreamline and now Impact M3 in less than two years.  It's a deep deep hole!