Is a Steroid 392 right for me?

[limbshaker]

Hey guys I was looking to get another 392 after selling my last one, and was looking at the options from Tim at Mac1. I know I'll be getting a 392 from Tim, and getting a Billet Lever, but I'm not sure if I need the whole Steroid tune. I'd be open to everyone's opinion. This gun gets thrown in my canoe, and hauled on my mountain bike and goes on every camping trip, so it sees a lot of use.
 
I used the gun for everything from shooting sparrows in the yard at 2 pumps, to hunting squirrels and rabbits during season on 8 pumps, and on all other critters and targets in between. All with the Williams peep. I never felt like I needed more power, and I'm pretty sure I'd hardly ever pump a Steroid to 14 pumps. I guess my question is the extra efficiency alone (Example: less pumps=more power) with the Steroid worth my investment? As you can see, I take full advantage of the variable power and wouldn't want to lose my low power/close quarters option for hunting in my yard in the city. On the other hand, an extra pump or two when hunting in the woods couldn't hurt. Based on my uses, what are your thoughts?

[amb5500c]

I dont see a down side to getting it steroid tuned.
Richard

[limbshaker]

 Thanks Richard, I'm actually kinda starting to think the same way. The only downside I'm seeing is a little more money for the tune.

Does a Steroid still perform well at really low velocities? At say, 3 pumps or so? I'm just worried that it would sacrifice some of the low end consistency since its pretty much tuned to be a hotrod. Bear in mind I've never shot one, so I don't know what to expect. Thanks in advance for any info or opinions!

[VAFarmer]

I am a Steroid advocate.

It is the ultimate, self contained mid-high power gun. 

Yes the more power-fewer pumps is worth it.   Take for example, campsite plinking at 25 yds......would you rather pump 3 times to get that distance or 5 times........

Keep the thing lubed properly, and you get a lifetime warranty from Mac-1, at least they used to offer this....
Hard to beat for the price.

Not the gun that I shoot the most, but by far and away the gun I take for serious hunting at ranges up to 50 yds.   Power is there when you need it.   Great turkey guns.
If you want a cool looker, and high performer...I THINK they steroid the older ones as well.   

God bless,

Farmer

[BALLISTIC1]

I have two 392's and two Streaks, three out of four are 'Billet Steroid' modded by Tim At Mac1.. Tim built my 'C' model more than twenty years ago... Big power when you need it, proven reliable perfomance all of the time... The added cost of the complete Billet Steroid is a very small price to pay now for a lifetime(or more) of dependable service... Don't forget the INTEGRABASE the best scope mounting base that has ever been manufactured for the Crosman produced Benjamin and Sheridan rifles... Greg
 
 
 
 

[limbshaker]

Hahaha it looks like Steroid for the win! Great looking guns there Greg! I like the Integrabase; it looks solid. What is your pumping procedure for a gun with a scope mounted on an Integrabase? I was thinking of doing a scout mounted setup, but I know it has it's downfalls. 

[BALLISTIC1]

Since I invented the INTEBRABASE 12+ years ago I had almost always grabbed my rifles by the wrist to pump. Two of my rifles have custom stocks that are about 4" longer at the pump handle making them much easier to pump. Also the Steroid versions are easier to pump than a stocker.... On one of the Forums a satisfied customer commented that the INTEGRABASE offered such solid mounting that he held his rifle by the scope... That is what I have done ever since... I don't think that it has any bearing on accuracy because my rifles normally shoot inch groups at 50 yards...  I am right handed, I hold the scope with my left hand, set the butt in the joint between my leg and hip and pump with my right hand.. Sometimes shooting long distances and extended shooting sessions(more pumps) I get tired and pump left handed.. As far as The Scout mounting system goes.. I am in the process of developing a Scout style base for those diehard 'Scoutmounters' but I really think that conventional mounting of the scope is MUCH better.... Greg
 
 

[oleman]

Be careful - steroids could result in an investigation and ban.   

[RGTools]

I know this is an old thread. But I have the same question, sort of.

Do I have to send it in for the steroid tune or can I buy the parts from Mac1?

[Habanero69er]

I know this is an old thread. But I have the same question, sort of.

Do I have to send it in for the steroid tune or can I buy the parts from Mac1?

Send it to Tim. That way you get the full Steroid treatment.

[johnboy]

He does much more than just swap parts.