Kral High Pressure Airgun Pump

OK; manual airgun pumps are not for everyone and require some physical effort, which can be too much for some of us. Conversely pre-charged pneumatics (PCPs) have taken us down the path of dependency for an external and heavy air supply, at least with a pump, we can remain self-contained.

Several makes of pump now exist, and a new model from Kral of Turkey. It consists of the main body tube and block assembly, handle bars, flexible air line, screw pack, metal base, liquidfilled pressure gauge, spanner, and an impressive selection of spare O-rings. With an instruction booklet included, first impressions are of a professional and well thought out product.

Assembly

Pumps are easy to assemble, but here how with the Kral. Using the two longest screws fit the handlebars to the top of the main tube assembly, and then attach the metal base with the four small screws, making sure the protruding feet are pointing away from the gauge side! Screw on the air line into the tube block- lower hole, then the pressure gauge into the top one. Tighten both gently with the spanner provided; and the pump is now ready for use! I had a Cometa Orion SPR PCP in for review, and this was a perfect candidate to ascertain the Kral’s ability. I own a Hill pump so could also run a comparison test.

Top Up

Pumps are mainly used to just top up a PCP, after a shooting session, so my test was to charge the Cometa from a typical residual 130bar up to the fully prescribed 200bar. For the record, the Hill pump managed this in 78 full downwards strokes, against 94 for the Kral, but this technicality should take nothing away from the newcomer’s competent, reassuring feel. In use, the Kral felt solid and smooth to operate, and with a Foster-style quick connector as standard, it’s versatile too. This type of connector will snap onto many rifle’s air valves as they come. However, for other designs of valve such as push-probes etc, I would always advise a set of quick change end fittings from Best Fittings, which makes connections extremely easy and quick -even between different makes of airgun.

Irritations concern the way the pressure gauge didn’t sit fully the right way up, and doesn’t spell out pressure in bar! However, markings are clear and there is a scale in psi and MPa (Megapascal). With MPa= to 1/10 bar, it’s easy to read the scale i.e. 20MPa = 200bar, I’ve just got used to seeing it in bar.

Conclusion

My nit-picking aside, this Kral high pressure pump has to be one of the most solid and well built that I have come across, and compares very well with the highly popular Hill design.

Which is praise indeed! The sturdy design allows for super smooth, assured operation, and the effort required for each stroke is manageable! Where it also scores is the comprehensive troubleshooting guide, and the inclusion of that O-ring set to enable home repair. Overall, a great addition to the Kral product range, for those independent-minded airgun enthusiasts among us.

PRICE: £185
CONTACT: Range Right, 01423 881919,www.range-right.co.uk