Calling All Benjamin maximus owners

[RecurveBoy]

In the next few months i am looking to get a new Airgun, was mainly concerned about power and quality, with an estimatedspending budget of about $300-$350. I Was really liking the diana 34P, until i did some research and discovered ot only makes about 650fps with standard 14gr .22 pellets. Not quite enough power for my tastes. I also really liked the looks of the cometa fenix 400 in .22, rated a bit higher, but was concerned about quality

I then discovered the new inexpensive benjamin maximus, and have always been interested in PCP's, but because of the cost of the rifles, and their need for foreign sources of power. Just too expensive, and in a survival situation i am not going to carry around a large and heavy air tank.

So i am interested in the maximus, have read a ton of reviews and watched a lot of videos reviewing and shooting it.

I realize the trigger isnt that great and it is fairly loud, and there other features that dont compare to a $400+ air rifle, but it is made in america and seems of decent qualty for the price. My main concern is the cost of the pumps, and how long they last. I think $180 for a hand pump is quite rediculous, but for a total cost of about $400 it is a great deal for an entry into the apcp realm.

So i would like to ask opinions of any Maximus ( or even newer discovery) owners, what do you like about the gun, what do you not like, is it worth the $200, do you feel it will last you for several years, are the hand pumps worth the cost?

I really wanted a .25, as that is what my current springer is, and is absolutely nasty on small game even at only about 565fps with my JSB 25gr. But .22 pellets are much cheaper, much more available, and because of the faster velocity have a nicer flatter trajectory, whicj will be useful.

Any tips or inputs are appreciated

[Randy Jaco]

I'm new to pcp air rifles and just got a Maximus. I found it for $341 with pump, pellets and a target on Pyramid air. Just pick the rifle by itself and then do the bundle. I added the two screws on the trigger and changed out the trigger spring with one out of a ball point pen. Not sure trigger pull but a lot better that's for sure. I ended up getting a .177 and it doesn't seem that loud to me but maybe other pcp rifles are a lot quieter or I'm just that deaf. Can't comment much on the pump. It is fairly easy to pump up and really fun to shoot.

[dcorvino]

Hi
This might help you out. Joe just picked one up also likes it.
Here is a link to his thread on it
http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=114690.msg1100368#msg1100368

Hope this helps

Dave

[56S]

I got my combo for $300.21 delivered using a discount code.  22, pump, target, pellets and glasses.  Very pleased with mine in all repects with the exception of the bluing.  You need to keep it oiled.  I do this anyway so no big deal.  I have good luck with the cheap Crosman pellets and have since tried some JSB with testing underway.  I am now looking to buy one in 177.
These guns are tools.  A bit rough in form but excell in function.

[Bicycleman]

Addison, you could do worse than the Maximus.  Those of us that have a Maximus are all new owners (it first became available in June, 2016).  Not many of us have done much hunting/shooting/testing with this new introduction into the world of PCP. 
It is strongly based on the Discovery platform that has been around since 2008 (I think).  It shared most of the same parts and shoots very similar in power and accuracy.  I have both and plan to start the Squirrel Season with the Maximus this year.  My Discovery has taken 120 squirrels since 2013 and I will give it a little rest.  I love it and plan a similar love affair with the new Maximus.  Both of my rifles are .22 caliber for the extra energy they deliver.  They both shoot the inexpensive Crosman Premier pellets with acceptable energy and very nice and consistent accuracy.
Buy the combo [rifle and pump]; and try to wait for the discount code that also offers free shipping (Pyramyd Air).  Crosman also offers nice deals if you shop wisely.
Good luck and good shooting.

[RecurveBoy]

I appreciate the input so far. I need to decide if a maximus and hand pump would be better for me or a RWS 350 in .22
I am thinking the RWS 350 would be better suited for me, probably more durable and a better survival/off the grid type gun.Being completely self contained

[56S]

Just shot some JSB 15.89 Diabolo in 5.52 and I'm getting sub-1/2" groups at 40 yards.  The Walmart Crosmans do this but on occasion toss out a flier.  Velocity is 785 with these for an energy of 21.75 Lbs/Ft at 10 feet.  Not bad at all.

As far as the RWS 350, these are very large and heavy.  Also like taming a Tiger to be your pet puddy-tat.  They are very hard on scopes, hard to cock and not fun to shoot in my opinion.  The Maximus is very light weight, can be carried with a sling, uses any scope, isn't hold sensitive or pellet picky and gets around 30-40 usable shots with 15-20 in the high velocity sweet spot.

I was worried the hand pump might be a chore but turns out to be much, much easier than I thought.  One reason is you get one shot for every 1.5 pumps, give or take and the max pressure is only 2,000 PSI.

Coming from someone who has had both the 350 and the Maximus, there is no comparison between the two.  Another real positive for the PCP is that springers seem to wander in their POI as weather changes, the gun warms up and the planets align.  I also own a HW95 and owned a Walther LGU that did this to a smaller degree.  They were accurate when they wanted to be.  My Maximus is accurate when I want it to be.  If the PCP is too loud, there are cures for that.  A magnum springer going off sounds like a hammer hitting an anvil.

Good luck with whatever you choose. 

Edit:

Addison,  Do you ever get this far east?  If so, you are more than welcome to stop by and help me empty pellet tins.

[RecurveBoy]

Just shot some JSB 15.89 Diabolo in 5.52 and I'm getting sub-1/2" groups at 40 yards.  The Walmart Crosmans do this but on occasion toss out a flier.  Velocity is 785 with these for an energy of 21.75 Lbs/Ft at 10 feet.  Not bad at all.

As far as the RWS 350, these are very large and heavy.  Also like taming a Tiger to be your pet puddy-tat.  They are very hard on scopes, hard to cock and not fun to shoot in my opinion.  The Maximus is very light weight, can be carried with a sling, uses any scope, isn't hold sensitive or pellet picky and gets around 30-40 usable shots with 15-20 in the high velocity sweet spot.

I was worried the hand pump might be a chore but turns out to be much, much easier than I thought.  One reason is you get one shot for every 1.5 pumps, give or take and the max pressure is only 2,000 PSI.

Coming from someone who has had both the 350 and the Maximus, there is no comparison between the two.  Another real positive for the PCP is that springers seem to wander in their POI as weather changes, the gun warms up and the planets align.  I also own a HW95 and owned a Walther LGU that did this to a smaller degree.  They were accurate when they wanted to be.  My Maximus is accurate when I want it to be.  If the PCP is too loud, there are cures for that.  A magnum springer going off sounds like a hammer hitting an anvil.

Good luck with whatever you choose. 

Edit:

Addison,  Do you ever get this far east?  If so, you are more than welcome to stop by and help me empty pellet tins.

I appreciate your opinion and experience. I have made my decision however on a RWS 350 or 48 in .22
The PCPs need for externally supplied air just kills it for me. That and the cost of the darn hand pump itself.

I actually live in cincinnati, and am i think about 4 hours south of you. If i ever plan to go up that way, i will contact you and i will take you up on your offer. I am trying to find a used 350 or 48 to keep cost as little as possible, but luckily i have a nice side job coming and will make really good money, and my birthday is coming soon so i am going to treat myself to a birthday present in the form of a german airgun. No kids or wife, young, luckily i can pretty much do what i like. And sometimes that involves wasting my hard earned money on "toys".

But this will be an invaluable hunting amd survival tool. I am not worried about weight or cocking effort, as i am small yet extremely strong. My current hatsan 95 has a cocking effort of about 38lbs and is a breeze for me.

Have a good one though, once i get my diana a will shoot it for about a week and post an initial review