GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Topic started by: avator on June 28, 2021, 12:21:22 PM
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A little research on the forum will show you that the Fortitude began with me having a low opinion.
Admittedly, I did have high hopes for it but I was a bit confused.... for some reason I imagined it as a 1077 upgraded to HPA and a regulator... :-\
Then I realized what it was to be. So, I waited, and waited and finally lost interest. So many sub $300 options were hitting the market at that time.
By the time the Gen2 came about I had owned a Disco, a Marauder and a couple Maximus'. I upgraded and dumped money into all of them eventually turning them into something more appealing to my style. But something was missing the mark for me with each. I wanted something more like a mix of all three. Something light weight, 3k fill, 10 shot repeater, regulated, wood stock, nice adjustable trigger and something I didn't need a honkin' beer can sticking out the front end of it.
I did the "lego" thing so many times that I could build one in my sleep. Endlessly chasing that dragon.
Oh yeah, something I didn't have to refi the farm to afford.
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A week ago, a .22 Forti Gen2 came up on the GTA classified. It was unmolested with original box, docs and accessories.
It also came with a LDC adapter and the original end cap. I contacted the seller and made the purchase. $230 shipped? I think?
Anyhow, fast forward to today (4 days later) and the gun was in my hands. (Thanks Gunner1985)
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I checked the gun over...
Great condition and fully charged.
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I filled a mag and sent some lead downrange...
Then went straight to the work bench to make it mine.
First was the plastic trigger.... that needed to go.
That was replaced with an adjustable aluminum trigger.
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I also realized how quiet this gun was. I didn't need no stinking moderator.
Off with the adapter and on with the original end cap. Clean and compact.
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Next up... where's the wood?
Yeah, I get it... you want to drag it around in the woods and plastic don't rust, bust, collect dust, chip, rip, tear, bend, whistle or break.... have at it, I like wood.
Some time back there was another GTA classified gem that came up....
A Boyd's nutmeg rimfire stock... $80 I think... I snagged it...
PREFECT !!!
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And finally (so far) the glass....
This RWS AO adjustable fits the bill nicely.
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So, what happened to the other guns?... you might ask.
The disco and marauder have long been gone.
The .22 Maxi turned into Maximus Scopus Woodus Repeatus... and you may remember seeing that adventure elsewhere in the forum.
The .177 Maxi got a make over with a Boyd's green thumb hole stock, power adjuster and brass trigger setup. That was Betty Lou's gun.
Ok, here's where it gets a bit confusing.
The .22 Maxi with upgraded trigger, tp, ACCustoms repeating breech and power adjuster went into the Boyd's thumb hole stock.
The .177 went back to stock form, with an upgraded tp and power adjuster and will go to the classifieds.
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So, what do we have now...
First of all..
A light weight wood and metal gun like the Disco.
The look and feel of the Maxi and PCP.
The shrouded barrel and repeater breech with 3k fill of the Mrod.
Nice adjustable single stage trigger.
Kinda like I tossed all three in a bag, shook it up and this fell out.
Then it got regulated.
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Now for the fun stuff...
Imma go shoot this thing... ;D
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10 shot group at 25yds.
Things are looking real good.
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If it meets your power requirements, the Fort is a great little gun. Very manageable with a wood stock. Most of those Boyd's stocks you can mix and match with your guns. :) Enjoy!
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Thanks FG... yep.. I like it alot.
As you can see, that's a pretty healthy pellet... thereby bringing the power level up to a formidable backyard pester/small game hunter.
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Very nice. What kind if velocity/ fpe with those jsb monsters?.
I like that aluminum trigger. Is that specifically for the fortitude or does it fit other benjamin pcp's as well?
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I've always wanted one. People complain about the power but, it is regulated to give you 60 or so shots on that little tube, so you can't have it both ways. Hi early as long as it is accurate, and it is, and the velocity is modest, and it is, you can't get better for the price. Top it off with 5 year warranty and made in the USA pride, you will be enjoying that far longer than people do other similarly priced rifles.
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It got a bad rap here because it couldn’t be hot rodded and the stock trigger not worthy. The trigger issue is easy to fix. Sometimes it's better to use things the way they were intended. I love mine, super accurate.
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Very nice. What kind if velocity/ fpe with those jsb monsters?.
I like that aluminum trigger. Is that specifically for the fortitude or does it fit other benjamin pcp's as well?
I ain't got to the numbers yet... that's coming. I got 4 guns now that I need to chrono.
I'm not sure which Crosman/Benjamin gun that trigger group came from, it was on one of the Maxi's when I bought them from another member. But yes, it's a plug and play for all.
Might be the 1701 trigger group? Maybe the 2260? Not sure.
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That MAP trigger blade is not a perfect match for that particular Boyd’s stock, as it is an odd angle and quite far even if you have a long trigger finger.
Tried mine on a 2260 stock, and it was uncomfortable.
I have an all aluminum housing MAP and stainless steel blade with MAP Super Sear on mine—I specified for a stainless blade when I ordered it.
Works very well on my Boyd’s Barracuda stock though because the orientation of the grip positions your shooting hand closer to the trigger.
I wrapped my trigger blade with multiple O-rings, so it works like a trigger shoe of some sort and is very comfortable.
IMHO, that stock is better off with a setback-type Baker brass trigger blade, although I avoid brass for its easy-to-tarnish-and-scratch qualities.
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Very nice. What kind if velocity/ fpe with those jsb monsters?.
I like that aluminum trigger. Is that specifically for the fortitude or does it fit other benjamin pcp's as well?
I ain't got to the numbers yet... that's coming. I got 4 guns now that I need to chrono.
I'm not sure which Crosman/Benjamin gun that trigger group came from, it was on one of the Maxi's when I bought them from another member. But yes, it's a plug and play for all.
Might be the 1701 trigger group? Maybe the 2260? Not sure.
Cool. I am curious about the velocity those monsters come in at. I'll follow.
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The MAP trigger blade also works well on a Boyd’s Evolution stock.
Believe me, it is not shaped well for other stocks.
I would have preferred a straight blade.
I really wonder why most trigger blades are curved.
IMHO, a flat straight one is the best shape.
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That MAP trigger blade is not a perfect match for that particular Boyd’s stock, as it is an odd angle and quite far even if you have a long trigger finger.
Tried mine on a 2260 stock, and it was uncomfortable.
I have an all aluminum housing MAP and stainless steel blade with MAP Super Sear on mine—I specified for a stainless blade when I ordered it.
Works very well on my Boyd’s Barracuda stock though because the orientation of the grip positions your shooting hand closer to the trigger.
I wrapped my trigger blade with multiple O-rings, so it works like a trigger shoe of some sort and is very comfortable.
IMHO, that stock is better off with a setback-type Baker brass trigger blade, although I avoid brass for its easy-to-tarnish-and-scratch qualities.
Well.. if that proves to be the case, I have options....
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Either one is better than the plastic that came stock on the gun.
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I hate plastic, Mr. Bill ;D
Would like to get another MAP assembly, but they are just too expensive.
The machining, fit, and finish are exemplary though.
Because of its tight tolerances, it can be fine-tuned so that it breaks like a comp trigger—yes, it is that great, no BS.
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Yes Sir Mr. Rick..
That plastic was going away regardless.
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OK guys...
Here is a short 9 shot string over the chrono with the Jumbo Monsters.
I'll do the shot count with a less expensive pellet... :o
I didn't hesitate between shots.. just cock and fire, repeat.
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I find that quite acceptable.... some power mongers out here may argue... ;D
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After I cool down a bit I'll refill the gun and load up some mags with the CPUM 14.3 grainers.
We'll see what we get until it drops off the reg.
Remember, as far as I know... this is a straight out of the box gun... no power tunes... if that is even possible.
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60 or 70 regulated and accurate shots per fill would make me a happy boy.
Then I'll buy more mags. I like to match my mags to the number of shots I get per fill.
When the mags run out, it's time to reload and refill. I think I have 3 .22 mags on hand.
This also gives the compressor plenty of cool down between fills. If, in fact, it needs it.
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Beautiful stock 😍.
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Thanks Matt... she's a bit sexier than she was when you boxed her up.... ;)
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16FPE is right where it should be. 60 shots should be achievable.
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John.... I hate to say it but I think I'm smitten.
I have a feeling this little girl is gonna spend a lot of time sitting right near the back door.
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Oh, and just for the record... I do notice the lighter cocking effort than that of the Maxi or MRod.
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I find that quite acceptable.... some power mongers out here may argue... ;D
For close shots that should be great .long distance though would be quite the drop.
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After I cool down a bit I'll refill the gun and load up some mags with the CPUM 14.3 grainers.
We'll see what we get until it drops off the reg.
Remember, as far as I know... this is a straight out of the box gun... no power tunes... if that is even possible.
[/quote
bet that gun shoots very well with that grain pellet.
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Oh, and just for the record... I do notice the lighter cocking effort than that of the Maxi or MRod.
I remember the cocking effort reduction and the trigger was the focus of the gen 2. Glad to hear it is better
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Yep.... that should better solve some of the distance shooting...
But then again, like I always say.... if the gun I am shooting is not up to the task at hand, I'll simply go in the house and get one that is.
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OK, let's go fill 'er up and get some shot count numbers.... it's gettin' hot out there and I'm gettin' mighty thirsty... remember, I am on vacation.
stay tuned..
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John.... I hate to say it but I think I'm smitten.
I have a feeling this little girl is gonna spend a lot of time sitting right near the back door.
Bill, would you say it is as quiet as the Marauder?
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I filled a mag and sent some lead downrange...
Then went straight to the work bench to make it mine.
First was the plastic trigger.... that needed to go.
That was replaced with an adjustable aluminum trigger.
Bill,
I got the prior Fortitude G2 sold here on GTA
What trigger is your silver color replacement from, I am using the plastic one with a couple coils cut off return spring.
The gold trigger - what is it - On the Baker website the 2260 replacement trigger states it doe not fit on the G2.
Thanks, Robert
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Hang on guys... let me post these attachments on my outside chrono laptop then go inside on my other laptop where it's cool... :o
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John.... I hate to say it but I think I'm smitten.
I have a feeling this little girl is gonna spend a lot of time sitting right near the back door.
Bill, would you say it is as quiet as the Marauder?
Tommy... It's much quieter than I remember the MRod being.
I am shooting under the covered deck just outside the window where Betty Lou was sitting.. She just came out and asked why she only hears the gun and not the target being hit....
Umm.. Hunny, you got that backwards. What you are hearing is the target being hit.. not the gun.... lol
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I filled a mag and sent some lead downrange...
Then went straight to the work bench to make it mine.
First was the plastic trigger.... that needed to go.
That was replaced with an adjustable aluminum trigger.
Bill,
I got the prior Fortitude G2 sold here on GTA
What trigger is your silver color replacement from, I am using the plastic one with a couple coils cut off return spring.
The gold trigger - what is it - On the Baker website the 2260 replacement trigger states it doe not fit on the G2.
Thanks, Robert
Robert.... I must apologize..
I cannot answer your question. See, I bought these 2 Maxi's from another member. They were already modded with these trigger groups put in respectively.
I contacted that member this morning before I began this thread and asked him that exact question. It's been several months since I bought them from him and he does not remember those details. As far as I can see... the blades and the added adjusting screws are the only differences in the 3 groups.
I'm pretty sure someone more familiar with the variations will be along to identify them better.
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OK... let me begin by saying... again, I am impressed.
The one thing that impressed me the most is that 70+ shots could have gone into the same dime sized hole. Matter of fact, I had to change my POA every mag because I thought I would blow a hole in the back of my trap.
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Numbers...
From 3000psi down to 1600psi where, as far as I can tell, it came off the reg.
I would venture to say that happened at around shot 70.
Have a look at the graph.. I noticed the second mag dropped in velocity. I realized I needed to slow down just a bit and let the reg keep up.
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John.... I hate to say it but I think I'm smitten.
I have a feeling this little girl is gonna spend a lot of time sitting right near the back door.
Bill, would you say it is as quiet as the Marauder?
Tommy... It's much quieter than I remember the MRod being.
I am shooting under the covered deck just outside the window where Betty Lou was sitting.. She just came out and asked why she only hears the gun and not the target being hit....
Umm.. Hunny, you got that backwards. What you are hearing is the target being hit.. not the gun.... lol
Now that is my.kind of quiet.
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Now the numbers....
70 accurate shots in the neighborhood of 16fpe. That should answer the distance questions out to, say 40yds?
Remember Boys and Girls, accuracy is great but, shot placement brings home the bacon... ;)
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Numbers...
From 3000psi down to 1600psi where, as far as I can tell, it came off the reg.
I would venture to say that happened at around shot 70.
Have a look at the graph.. I noticed the second mag dropped in velocity. I realized I needed to slow down just a bit and let the reg keep up.
That is a nice looking graph after that drop
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Sure, I have bigger TPs and power adjusters laying around the work bench and I can do all that junk.
But, I ain't gonna... Imma leave it just where it is and shoot it.... ;)
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I agree... and I could have posted better numbers (stats) had I realized and slowed down from the git go... ;)
The thing is... nobody will rapid fire like that under normal circumstances.
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Remove that 7 shots and that would put the entire string within the power factor of 10 and cut the spread virtually in half..
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I filled a mag and sent some lead downrange...
Then went straight to the work bench to make it mine.
First was the plastic trigger.... that needed to go.
That was replaced with an adjustable aluminum trigger.
Bill,
I got the prior Fortitude G2 sold here on GTA
What trigger is your silver color replacement from, I am using the plastic one with a couple coils cut off return spring.
The gold trigger - what is it - On the Baker website the 2260 replacement trigger states it doe not fit on the G2.
Thanks, Robert
Page 1 of this thread answers your question.
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https://onlinestore.magnumairpower.com/products/custom-rifle-trigger-kit-7075
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I seem to remember, at some point, the FD-PCP Gen1 was dubbed "boringly accurate". I think this one may qualify.
And this is with run of the mill Walmart purchased Crosman Ultra Mag Domes... unsorted.
Cheap guns shooting cheap pellets.... I'm all over that.
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https://onlinestore.magnumairpower.com/products/custom-rifle-trigger-kit-7075
Rick... I didn't even open the group up to verify what trigger it may be... I just dropped and swapped the whole group.
I'll have a closer look next time under the hood.
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Just realized... I didn't notice any ping or hollow noise either. Of course, the wood stock would take care of any hollow noise. But no ping like the Mrod had.
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Rick67
Thanks for the trigger info.
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Rick... any idea what the gold trigger might be?
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I opened it up and snapped a pic...
Is that the Baker kit?
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Be back soon Guys, Betty Lou wants to make a store run and keeping Betty Lou happy makes all this possible.. ;)
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Rick... any idea what the gold trigger might be?
Yes, that should be a Baker trigger, sir.
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On this Baker listing - scroll down and it states does not fit Fortitude G2
https://www.bakerairguns.com/product/discovery-triggers/ (https://www.bakerairguns.com/product/discovery-triggers/)
Maybe just the two adjustment screws do not fit ?
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On this Baker listing - scroll down and it states does not fit Fortitude G2
https://www.bakerairguns.com/product/discovery-triggers/ (https://www.bakerairguns.com/product/discovery-triggers/)
Maybe just the two adjustment screws do not fit ?
FWIW: I did contact Baker about what the issue was and their only response was "It don't work". ::)
I confirmed with John (crosman engineer) that there was not any changes to the trigger assy from G1, or for that matter disco.
The only thing I could think of, was the G2 uses a softer hammer spring which might make the Baker trigger "not safe".
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The Baker brass trigger has been discussed here in the past. If I remember right the brass trigger is too heavy to use with the reduced sear or trigger or hammer spring of the G2 and can make for a dangerous trigger. Aluminum should be fine.
I just re-contoured the plastic trigger myself. Adding a third sear adjustment screw is what makes the trigger group light, crisp and safe. http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?p=56061 (http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?p=56061)
Well.....If John from Crosman said the sear and trigger springs have not changed then the only spring left is the hammer.
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All good info but none of it matters in my situation...
I took the complete trigger group with the aluminum trigger already in it from the .177 Maxi and stuck it on the G2. Seems to work great.
The complete group from the .22 Maxi with the gold Baker kit will go back on the .22 Maxi in the green lam thumb hole stock. This gun has the ACCustoms repeater breech kit on it.
The stock G2 group with the stock plastic trigger will go on the .177 Maxi and be sold....
Life is good.
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I do have another question for those of you in the know...
Are the red colored valves something special or are they stock?
I do know the red TPs are aftermarket... just wondered about the valves.
The original owner has CRS like me and can't remember what upgrades he did.
Obviously he upgraded the trigger and the TPs on both guns and added power adjusters.
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All good info but none of it matters in my situation...
I took the complete trigger group with the aluminum trigger already in it from the .177 Maxi and stuck it on the G2. Seems to work great.
The complete group from the .22 Maxi with the gold Baker kit will go back on the .22 Maxi in the green lam thumb hole stock. This gun has the ACCustoms repeater breech kit on it.
The stock G2 group with the stock plastic trigger will go on the .177 Maxi and be sold....
Life is good.
just on the paranoid side... did ya give it the old bump test..?
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The stock Fortitude valve is red. Not aware of any aftermarket valves for it.
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All good info but none of it matters in my situation...
I took the complete trigger group with the aluminum trigger already in it from the .177 Maxi and stuck it on the G2. Seems to work great.
The complete group from the .22 Maxi with the gold Baker kit will go back on the .22 Maxi in the green lam thumb hole stock. This gun has the ACCustoms repeater breech kit on it.
The stock G2 group with the stock plastic trigger will go on the .177 Maxi and be sold....
Life is good.
just on the paranoid side... did ya give it the old bump test..?
I did not Kirby... I wasn't aware of this issue... I sure will though... thanks.
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John... I find it strange that both Maxi's I bought used some months ago from the same member both have red valves in them.
Wonder what's up with that?
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I installed a Challenger trigger in mine. WAAAYYYYY better than the modded stock trigger.
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WOW... after some serious sleuthing...
I did a search on my Paypal account to get the date. then went to the GTA classified archives to find the original classified add from when I bought the pair of Maxis. It was in May of 2019. No wonder Paul couldn't remember... lol
Anyways... here is a quote from the original classified ad that lists the upgrades.
"One in .177 and one in .22. Both have similar upgrades which include upgraded hammer springs, bolt probes, SS Valve Retention Screws, triggers and power adjusters. The .177 has a mount for a bipod and the .22 has a sling. Both also have a rubber butt pad."
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I do have another question for those of you in the know...
Are the red colored valves something special or are they stock?
I do know the red TPs are aftermarket... just wondered about the valves.
The original owner has CRS like me and can't remember what upgrades he did.
Obviously he upgraded the trigger and the TPs on both guns and added power adjusters.
Maxi valves have always been red.
As for transfer ports, they go in, based on smallest hole, red, silver, then blue.
At least that is what I have on my 17xx and PROD guns.
I use red TP coz I like low power ;D
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I see...
Hmmm... knowing the original owner I would have thought that he would have went with more power... meaning the blue ones. Well I guess you just don't know everyone.
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I bought the .22 Maximus in June 2017, and the .177 in August 2017 when Walmart was clearing them at really good prices! The aluminum trigger group came from Magnum Airpower, as did the hammer springs. The Brass trigger came from Baker Airguns. I sent you the receipts I could find. As for any other mods (i.e. TP, etc), I couldn't find anything to either confirm or deny if any were purchased for either Maxi, so those may be stock! I think the power adjusters were purchased from eBay, who knows from whom! So, yes, it has been awhile! LOL! And, I definately suffer from CRS!
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I see...
Hmmm... knowing the original owner I would have thought that he would have went with more power... meaning the blue ones. Well I guess you just don't know everyone.
AR, AR, AR... More Power! ;D
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LOL Paul...
Thanks for jumping in. We've definitely got our money's worth out of them... and still are.
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I bought the .22 Maximus in June 2017, I couldn't locate the receipt for the .177, but it was probably sometime in 2018, it was when Walmart was clearing them at really good prices! The aluminum trigger group came from Magnum Airpower, as did the hammer springs. The Brass trigger came from Baker Airguns. I sent you those receipts. As for any other mods (i.e. TP, etc), I couldn't find anything to either confirm or deny if any were purchased for either Maxi, so those may be stock! I think the power adjusters were purchased from eBay, who knows from whom! So, yes, it has been awhile! LOL! And, I definately suffer from CRS!
Looks like the guys here were spot on with the source of both triggers.
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Paul... which trigger group did you like best.... if you can remember.
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Mr. Bill, I am not sure if the 17xx/PROD TP's share the same specs as the Forti's---they probably do.
Probably yours is OEM.
As I recall, the 1720T comes with both red and silver.
They are pretty cheap, around $4 to $5 from Crosman.
Blue = 2220-014
Silver = 1720-014
Red = 1700-014
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Paul... which trigger group did you like best.... if you can remember.
When did you say you bought them? 2019? I have a hard time remembering which air gun I shot last, let alone 2 years ago! LOL! I think I liked the feel of the brass trigger, but the aluminum was probably the better trigger since it was purchased as the entire trigger group, not just the trigger. Since you pulled both groups, it should be pretty simple to swap them out and try both to see which one works best on the Forti!
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Thanks...
I think I like the aluminum one better because of the shape of it. The curve on the brass one feels too extreme.
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The Fortitude TP's are unique. Taller than Prod, due to taller breech, but shorter than Mrod. The Fort G1 TP had a rounded end at barrel. The one in my G2 looked more like Prod but think it was polymer/black.
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Interesting... I haven't been that deep into it... yet.
I know I said I was happy with it the way it is but... I'm not known for leaving well enough alone. I have 13 more days of shutdown left... anything can happen... lol
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Wow all caught up here :o Seems Bill has time on his hands, good thing ;) From what I have read, and assumed from past Forti post, the gun does what a modded 392 can do for power, with out pumping every shot, does not need a ldc adapter, scope mount, great back yard gun as is and can be fancied to suit the owners taste. just add a handpump and shoot the day away :)
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LOL.... I won't be hand pumping this.... or anything else, for that matter... ;)
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Bill,
Regulators stop the ping.
I have both ends of the power spectrum, but enjoy just slightly less power than what your running,in my much customized p-rod and Skyhawk.
Fun to follow your mods.
Regards,
Roachcreek
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Thanks RC... this only my 2nd regged gun and i don't know all there is to know about them.
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I've really enjoyed the thread guys. I'm just posting to follow along.
Hunter
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Gonna have another look at shot count today. I'd like to get it closer to 60 per fill. I believe if those 7 shots would have been slowed and let the reg recover I might be a bit closer to the mark. 60 shots at a solid 16 fpe looks to be quite doable with the CPUM. Accuracy is certainly there.
Then maybe stretch it out a bit and see what's up at 35+ yards.
After that I'll get the Maxis back together... tinker with the the .22 and have a look at the Bstaley to flatten that one out some.
Then I'll see what's left for the .177, set a price and post it in the classifieds.
I noticed yesterday that I have the tubes swapped on the Maxis.. Somehow I got the .22 tube on the .177 and vise versa. I'll get that right so the new owner ain't confused. I now have 3 synthetic stocks to choose the best from. 2 of them I had to clear some plastic from to make clearance for the PA knobs that I made. On the Fort and .22 I'll use the original Allen type adjustment grub so I won't need to modify the wood stocks.
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A couple notes to remember... some probably already knew.... I didn't.
1) A power adjuster bought for the Maxi and other "lego" guns won't work on the Fort. The breech has 2 screws that secure it to the tube and end cap. The 'lego' end cap does not. It only has the one centered and the screw goes through the breech and tube into the end cap.
2) Forget about note 1. The Fort already has a power adjuster.... just reach in there with an Allen and adjust it.... :o
I'm going to add a grub to lock it.
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The G1 Fort did not have the adjuster. Just a very heavy hammer spring that had zero preload. G2 added the adjuster and lighter spring, I think mainly to fix hard cocking and heavy trigger pull. Valve spring changed too. The prod/1720 adjuster would fit with slight stock mod, but the spring was too heavy for any preload.
If you are currently flat from 3K to off reg at 1.6K, or below, I'd leave the adjuster alone. It will tilt the curve and also might end up with large peak off reg.
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Got ya... 'preciate it.
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Ok, all 3 guns back together and running good.
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Forti in a green dress...
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Forti in a green dress...
Wow beautiful
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Very, very nice. I love the Fortitude!
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Nutmeg has understated elegance, and is not prone to inconsistent dyes that laminate colors seem to suffer from.
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I hear ya Rick...
After playing with it yesterday, I've decided to go back to the nutmeg. The thumbhole stock has about a 3/4" shorter lop and I really notice it. Feels a bit awkward for me.
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After further review.... even minus the regulator.... I still like my GAMO Urban better.
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After further review.... even minus the regulator.... I still like my GAMO Urban better.
Why?
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I like my Urban.... best $200 I spent on an airgun.... and trust me, I spent $200 on alot of them.
I like the feel, I like the smooth action, I like the quietness of that ugly pickle, I like the power and I love the accuracy.
YMMV... but I like my Urban.... but then again... remember, I'm the guy that likes his Avenger too.... ;)
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I like my Urban.... best $200 I spent on an airgun.... and trust me, I spent $200 on alot of them.
I like the feel, I like the smooth action, I like the quietness of that ugly pickle, I like the power and I love the accuracy.
YMMV... but I like my Urban.... but then again... remember, I'm the guy that likes his Avenger too.... ;)
Haha had me laughing at that last part. Well you can't beat enjoying the oldie but the goodie!
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It's hard to argue with the BSA barrel on the Urban. The dang thing shoots just about anything you stuff in it.
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I had a CDT trigger laying around and stuck it on that Urban..... real nice. And that's all I've done to it.... besides shoot it.
For those who hand pump.. the Urban with it's small tube is ideal. I get 3 good 10 round mags per fill.
But anyhow.... I don't want to take too much away from the Fortitude. I like the way mine turned out. And like I said at the beginning of this thread... I feel like it took the best of those 3 guns and put them all into one. Nice light weight, regulated wood and metal repeater. Plenty for 35 yd. plinking and pesting.
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I had a CDT trigger laying around and stuck it on that Urban..... real nice. And that's all I've done to it.... besides shoot it.
For those who hand pump.. the Urban with it's small tube is ideal. I get 3 good 10 round mags per fill.
But anyhow.... I don't want to take too much away from the Fortitude. I like the way mine turned out. And like I said at the beginning of this thread... I feel like it took the best of those 3 guns and put them all into one. Nice light weight, regulated wood and metal repeater. Plenty for 35 yd. plinking and pesting.
I love small tanks. I don't typically do 100 shots anyway. As a Dad I am lucky if I get 30
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That's the great thing about regulated guns...
You don't have to pump to max to enjoy consistent accurate shots. 60 shots at 3k is nice but, 30 shots only hand pumping to 2k or so is very doable with the Forti.
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^^^
This is why I like my Fortitude so much. Out of all my regulated guns, it's the flattest and most predictable shooting gun I own.
I really wish they would make a .25 cal... I'd be all over it like flies on you know what...
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I really wish they would make a .25 cal... I'd be all over it like flies on you know what...
Unfortunately, I think that is very unlikely. :(
You could mod one though. Mine is getting 14 shots on reg and 2 off. 40fpe. Brought it to camp this year for raccoon duty, but they have only triggered the cameras very late/early, so far.
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Old thread revival...
Got the urge to get the Fortee out this morning.
I really like this gun. Really nice looking in that Boyds nutmeg Rimfire stock.
And shooting the Crosman heavy domes at 19gr put a slap on the target at 35yds.
I'm also using the Beeman 1358 mags. Easy to load. 10 rounds in .22 and cycle very smooth.
I have 4 of them.. plenty for a full fill.
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Beautiful stock Bill, what a difference!
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I will soon have a pseudo Fortitude, Bill sir ;D
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A 30 - 40 fpe gun is nice to have but for plinking and target shooting getting 70 - 80 accurate regulated shots on a 3k fill is hard to beat.
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I have the Fortitude out today.
I was shooting and noticed that it was a little louder and 'throatier' than some of my other shrouded/baffled guns.
Recently I've been hearing about vent holes in shrouds so I reached out to Hajimoto. I know he has experience with making air stripper/baffle systems for guns such as the Gauntlet.
Haji always takes the time to educate.. and such was the case this morning.
Haji mentioned that he hadn't worked his magic on a Fortitude yet but that is soon to change... ;)
I took all the required measurements of the Fortitude and sent them to him and he will make the kit.
I will installed the kit and report the results here.
Here's the thing..
Loud guns make me happy and I have no reason that requires backyard friendly.
We live at Plumb and 40... Plumb out in the woods and 40 miles from nowhere. ;)
But, I like to tinker and apparently, Haji does too. So we are going to join forces and bring this info to y'all.
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For starters..
The difference between an unmodified Fortitude and a vent hole and defuser in the shroud is about 5 db. by my findings this morning.
However, today was the first time I ever d/l a db app on my tablet and I know I didn't use it right. Instead of setting the tablet out ahead of the muzzle, I let it sit on my bench near the breech.
Once the baffle/air stripper parts from Haji arrive I will plug the hole in the shroud and get all new numbers.
The numbers I got this morning were 72db before and 67db after the vent hole and defuser.
Now, if those were the actual numbers ahead of the muzzle I don't think anyone would need it any quieter.
Stay tuned...
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I like quiet guns, Bill sir :-*
When I was still in Asia, I did prefer shooting my PCP guns at the open range suppressed.
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One other thing to point out..
I will be reporting the pellet type and weight because report will change with different types and weight pellets.
Also, being a regulated gun, numbers should remain consistent.
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This sounds interesting Bill, I too like quiet guns. What size vent hole did you use? I'm guessing it is placed on the under side of the shroud near the breech?
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Thanks Rick..
It's a 1/8 hole. We see others use 2 and even 3 holes but this being a regulated gun and not tuned for max power I figured one would be enough.
And yes, it's on the bottom of the tube and can't even be seen unless you know it's there.
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In my expierence with venting the shroud, (Prod and Liberty), it changed the tone but the db level stayed about the same. Adding length and baffles in front of the muzzle was more effective. On the Fortitude, the least bang for the buck, would be just moving the shroud forward a few inches and adding 4 baffles to make it equal to the Mrod, total of 7. You will even notice a difference with just an additional 2. It does make a long gun longer, though. Alternatly, you could switch to a Mrod barrel, and keep the same length. But don't let this keep you from doing your own experiements. ;)
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In my expierence with venting the shroud, (Prod and Liberty), it changed the tone but the db level stayed about the same. Adding length and baffles in front of the muzzle was more effective. On the Fortitude, the least bang for the buck, would be just moving the shroud forward a few inches and adding 4 baffles to make it equal to the Mrod, total of 7. You will even notice a difference with just an additional 2. It does make a long gun longer, though. Alternatly, you could switch to a Mrod barrel, and keep the same length. But don't let this keep you from doing your own experiements. ;)
Yes, Bear Air did something like this to his Forti with a 20" MROD LW barrel.
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Hey Guys
Here's another option that you might consider
https://buck-rail.com/product/marauder-fortitude-armada-suppressor/
just adding this to the end, really quiets the db down
What's also nice about this buckrail product,
I just unscrew the end cap and install, or reverse to uninstall
Only downfall is the extra length
Pretty well pleased with their products and support
Bill
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Thanks Bill..
Guys.. like I said, I really don't have any need to silence any gun. This is purely for the tinker experience and to share the outcome with others. One of the things we are doing here is incorporating a stripper into the baffle system as Hajimoto has done with other guns such as the Gauntlet. We are adapting that same system to the Fortitude and will be reporting the results.
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Exactly how mine ended up. Mine is super quiet.
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Well, I did it, I ordered another Fortitude. I haven't had time to shoot my other PCP's and just put together a bottle fed 2400 and have most of the parts to put together a 2300 with a drop block but I ordered one anyway. Yup, I have a problem! But it's okay because I admit I have a problem, besides, it's Bill's fault. :-X
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LOL Rick... It's a phase that will pass but I think you have to hit that 100 gun mark first. That don't include the ones you sell or trade away.
Enjoy the new Fortee.
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FWIW: The tests I did included much improved air strippers. While I live rural, maybe not as "deep" as you, and still prefer quiet, even though there are plenty of powder burners around. Have fun with your expierments. Having fun is what matters. :)
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Thanks John..
Just for further tinkering while waiting for Hajimoto's stripper/baffle test pack, I decided to have a look inside Betty Lou's modified Maximus.
I say modified because this gun has the following upgrades...
Boyd's green laminate thumbhole stock
Baker's trigger
GMAC repeater breech
Fortitude shroud tube and associated parts.. minus the spring and baffles.
The reason no spring and baffles is due to the 3" longer barrel in the Maximus.
So I was really getting no benefits from adding the shroud other that it looks much better. The shroud fill alot of that gaping space between the tube and barrel after adding the much higher sitting GMAC breech.
Well, let's just say, not anymore....
I spent yesterday evening doing some research and deciding on one of 3 options..
1. I could order a Fortitude barrel.
2. I could used a new 362 take off barrel I have on hand and order a couple more baffles to add to the 3 that the Fortitude uses and I also have on hand.
3. I could cut and crown the stock Maximus barrel.
I chose door number 3....
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So simple a caveman could do it.... and that's a good thing because basically, a caveman would be doing it..
So the stock Maximus barrel is 26". Don't believe anyone that tells you it measures 26.25".. My tape said 26". The Fortitude barrel is 23.3x".
Enter the caveman...
Being that this is Betty Lou's gun and I didn't want her to see it go under the hacksaw.. I slipped out to the Red Shed while she was still cleaning the cobwebs out... 6:00am. And I went to work.
I stripped her gun down to the barrel then measured and marked it at 23 3/8". I dug out my plumber's pipe cutter and was surprised how well it began cutting the barrel... A nice true, square score all the way around. I cut it about 1/16" deep. I broke out the hacksaw and started slowly cutting. The blade followed the 1/16 groove perfectly.
Once cut I took it to my fine wheel on the bench grinder and took off the burrs and made a nice bevel on the OD. Then to the wire wheel to polish things up real good.
Next I took out the Dremel and 3 grains of cone bits and worked the ID of the crown until it also had a nice polished bevel.
I checked it with a qtip and it didn't grab any fibers. Good enough for a caveman. ;)
I drilled the vent hole in the back end of the tube and put things back together along with the scratch pad defuser, the spring and 3 baffles.
So now it's just as quiet as the Fortitude. They both still have a little pop but nothing like and unsilenced gun. As quiet as most other factory shrouded guns before some of us take measures to quiet them further.
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To the bench... let's see if I have a complete failure on that shade tree cut and crown job...
Let's just say Bob the builder would be proud... after a few tweeks on the scope turrets, we're right back to 1/2 groups at 35yds... just alot quieter.
And Betty Lou ain't gonna beat me with a rolling pin. ;)
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In my expierence with venting the shroud, (Prod and Liberty), it changed the tone but the db level stayed about the same. Adding length and baffles in front of the muzzle was more effective. On the Fortitude, the least bang for the buck, would be just moving the shroud forward a few inches and adding 4 baffles to make it equal to the Mrod, total of 7. You will even notice a difference with just an additional 2. It does make a long gun longer, though. Alternatly, you could switch to a Mrod barrel, and keep the same length. But don't let this keep you from doing your own experiements. ;)
Yes, Bear Air did something like this to his Forti with a 20" MROD LW barrel.
Yep, I could have done that... even cut a section of tubing to fill the gap it left in the rear of the shroud.
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And Betty Lou ain't gonna beat me with a rolling pin. ;)
Just wondering how that went, "Honey, something is wrong with my gun. Its allot quieter, must be shooting slow." ;D
Yea, the shroud wasn't on right and I fixed it. ::)
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Oh, my bad... kinda left it hangin'
Nope, no failure. It's now as quite as the Fortitude...
And it's as accurate as it was before the chop.
It really likes the Crosman Heavy Domed 19gr at 35 yds.
It gets 3 10 round mags per 2k fill and it's easy enough for Betty Lou to cock.
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I shot Betty Lou's WSMRS over the chrono this morning with the Crosman Heavy Domes 19gr.
I topped it off to 2k and loaded 3 10 round mags. The chrono must need batteries because it didn't read 5 or 6 shots throughout the string.
But the basic results were..
First shot was 636 @ 16.x FPE
The bell peaked at 687 @ 19.x FPE
Then back down to 630.
From 2k to 1k.
I know I can flatten that curve with some hammer spring adjustment but I don't want to change the cocking effort. I want Betty Lou to enjoy this and she don't if the cocking effort makes her hand/wrist sore. I could also install a regulator if I wanted to invest in one.
This gun shoots very accurate with the 19gr. pellets at our 35yd. range and that too will keep Betty Lou happy.
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Betty Lou made her way out to the Red Shed and ran a 10 round mag through her gun.
I got the little giggle of approval. ;D
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So now the wait is on for the stuff from Haji for the Fortitude.
Meantime I'll just move on to something else.
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The second Fortitude arrived last week in somewhat rough shape. It looks to have traveled a lot! The cardboard box supports wore thru the finish in a couple spots and even caused some worn spots on the plastic stock. But that's not a big deal since this will be a woods gun to take when I don't want to scratch up my favorites. After cleaning the barrel I charged to 3000PSI and let it set over night without any air loss, verified operation with a magazine of Crosman HP then went after the trigger. The sear was heavily rusted so I'm assuming this rifle wasn't stored in a good environment, at least for some of it's travels, but the rest of the internals looked good. Put a spare 4-12x Simmons adjustable paralax scope on it so now I need some spare time and decent weather.
Like my sons' Fortitude, it's extremely quiet already so I'm interested how this new stuff works out.
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Sorry to hear Rick.. that would just wet me off.
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I was a little disappointed Bill but like I mentioned, the plans for it will be in the woods and it's a Crosman so I already had another sear and toggle already polished up to go in the trigger group anyways. 8)