Darkside decision?

[jaraxle1zx]

Welcome to the darkside!

You ever put a scope on that 72 Benjamin?
That was better than some pcp guns I've had.

Well hit target better, wasn't bad on pumping either.

[Hoosier Daddy]

As a matter of fact ... yes.
The scope rail and a 4 X 32 CP is now on the '15 year 392PA and the 392P is back to iron sights... Both are darn good shooters configured that way.
The 342 is now wearing a Benji Peep but I have not sighted it in. Tonight the wind is dying down and the Honey-Do list is almost complete...
HOWEVER at 80 deg and calming, I have the CO2 powered AR2078-B set up on the bench... 

[aceflier]

I should bring the mrod up and let you squeeze a few off. I can bring the Tex also if you want to get serious  lol.

YES... Yes you should!
Maybe not, I have drooled over Airforce Guns way too long. A Texan would push me into the poor house.   

Buy a Tex 3 shot 300FPE gun with a benjamin pump.   I give you 2 days before you buy a Carbon Fiber tank

In 308 it's more a 9 shot. 2 shot in .457 with heavy slug and 9 or 10 with round ball. Yeah wouldn't want to pump 490cc's.

[aceflier]

Funny you should mention "Maximus".
One of our fine Members PM'ed me he had an extra one that he is willing to part with. Proven good shooter, only 100 shots so like new, and in the Price range I was looking for.
 "ABOUT FACE!"
Took me totally by surprise... I have since done a little research on that AG now and so far like what I see.
I can get that kind of Funds in short order, and maybe get the Hand Pump for Fathers Day if I tell all the kids I want ebay gift cards. (somebody will get me a tie)
In preparation to the darkside I think I'll start shooting with a welding helmet on. 

This place is friggin awesome.

Enablers! Welcome to the rabbit hole. In a year you will either go deeper or start digging out lol. I'm good with my 2 PCP's but would like a .308 and a maximus for my son to borrow lol.

[RAJOD]

Funny you should mention "Maximus".
One of our fine Members PM'ed me he had an extra one that he is willing to part with. Proven good shooter, only 100 shots so like new, and in the Price range I was looking for.
 "ABOUT FACE!"
Took me totally by surprise... I have since done a little research on that AG now and so far like what I see.
I can get that kind of Funds in short order, and maybe get the Hand Pump for Fathers Day if I tell all the kids I want ebay gift cards. (somebody will get me a tie)
In preparation to the darkside I think I'll start shooting with a welding helmet on. 

This place is friggin awesome.

Oh nice score on the Maximus!

If you buy the Maximus you must watch the obligatory video clip



You will here it this when ever you saddle up with the new Maximus!

[Smaug2]

So, did you decide on anything yet?

If you can find a lightly modded one for not too much, a Benji Discovery or Maximus might be a good option. Easy to hand pump and plenty powerful.

Now you SHOULD go into this with the right expectations:

• You're going to go through a lot more ammo than with springers. If you get a repeater and a tank, doubly so.
• You will start to lose some technique, if you don't keep shooting the springers anyway. PCPs will spoil you.
• Pumping will get old, but you'll get muscles to show for it, and better cardio health. It'll also slow you down a bit so you're not shooting 2 tins of pellets per week, which you could easily do with a tank and repeater.
• If you get a Disco or a Maxi, you'll probably want a moderator at some point. They can have quite a bark,
   otherwise.

[Ribbonstone]

Finding a nearly new, pre-tested, Maxi would certainly influence me in that direction as a first PCP.

Maybe I'n not quite like other PCP owners.  Have some muchymore expensive rifles, but the simple "started" PCPs get much more use than I expected....so no matter how many or how fancy I buy, still go out with the simple ones much more often (esp. if it's raining, or I know I'm going deep into some sloppy/brushy woods, etc.).  I've added to the herd, but haven't really "outgrown" any of them.

If allowed to give unasked for advice, it would be this:

Shoot it.  Shoot it alot, at least 7 or 10 refills worth.  Shoot targets, shoot blocks of wood, shoot rows of full water bottles, shoot close, shoot far...basically shoot it in every way you normally shoot an airgun.  Would be nice in the bingining to clean the barrel every 2nd recharge to keep things even.

Then really think.

How loud is it for your situation (you'd likely know that by the 2nd or 3rd shot).  Living out in the countery is different from subrubia, but if you want quiet, there is a whole custom part/ cottage industry dedicated to that.

Does the trigger need to be better? (about 74 out of 75 times the answer is "Yes"...but once in awahil Crosman accidently lets one though with a pretty nice trigger).

Do I need more power (which will cost shot count) or do I need more shot count (which will cost some power).  Often a reduction in power of 10% can earn 33% more "good" shots (seems unfair, but it's waht I've found pharting around with several Crosmans).



Any way, I actually shoot fewer shots with playing with PCP's than I do with springers.  Not uncommon to spend an after noon plinking/shooting a springer for 200-300 shots...and have been days where I emptied a 500 count tin.

As for repeater vs single shot...there is no law saying you have to shoot a repeater at any faster pace than you do a single shot.  Probably better off re-playing a poor sot in your head for a moment or two to figure out if you did something to make that happen than it is to just cycle the rfile and pop another one off without thinking about it.

Will give repeater this: it's the best/cleanest way to carry spare ammo I can think of...but it doesn't make me shoot at a faster pace.

[Hoosier Daddy]

So, did you decide on anything yet?
If you can find a lightly modded one for not too much, a Benji Discovery or Maximus might be a good option. Easy to hand pump and plenty powerful.

Yep Jeremy, solidifying the deal on the lightly used Maximus at this time.
 


Guys, there is no "unasked advice" to me.. please feel free to share!

How loud is it for your situation

I live out in the country, and hunt in my own woods, so technically Db is a non issue.
But stealthyness is what drew me to AGs from my PBs. That and ammo price. 
I can not imagine the "crack" of a PCP to be as loud as my .177HMR and I like the idea the pellet should not travel outside my 25 acres compared to a mile and a half + from the PB in similar size projectile.
 But my 2300KT with a TKO is down right spooky quiet... so I will be looking into that upgrade eventually.

Does the trigger need to be better?

I have done trigger work on almost all of my Crosman guns. The PC77 is the best I have tuned, but the CDT GRTIII on the Genesis is down right perfect. The lawyer spring mod on the Beeman Kodiak was a wash to me.
So this Maximus should be next eventually

Do I need more power (which will cost shot count) or do I need more shot count (which will cost some power).

I have already researched the Challengers Power Adjuster and other custom bits for this gun. Being my first PCP I think it will be a test-bed for springs, spacers and other bobbles.
I LOVE TO TINKER!

As for repeater vs single shot...

Everything I own is a single shot. I had one CO2 repeater and was not impressed so I sold it off.
 One at a time is what I am used to and perfectly satisfied with.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Giddy as a School Girl once again!

Earlier I snuck in that I was leaning towards the Winbest PCP Hand Pump by Barska. LINKY
I have not had any feed back on it here. If I need to start another thread on that topic I will.
Does anyone who is on this thread have experience with it ?

[Hoosier Daddy]

Alright , let me just say the group here is awesome.
Ok, it's been said before... but this sequence of events is over whelming generosity.
First I get a PM from a member who won a .22 Maximus in a raffle.
He shot it about 10 times and proved it functional and accurate and and is willing to sell it to me for a significantly reduced price from MSRP.
 On my word he put my name on it, boxed it up, and it is NOW paid for and ready to ship tomorrow.
Next another member offered me a NIB Winbest hand pump he had. He bought two and never even opened this second one that he had kept it for a spare.  "Don't need it, sending it now, pay me when you can"
 
I am now about to plunge into the Darkside for $275 all in.... All by Fathers Day!

Imagine the look on that Bastage 'Coons face that has learned to stay just out of my 30yd springers range.

I need more pellets...

[aceflier]

Good deal indeed. Let me know how you like the Max. Looking into one for my boy for Nutter season this year. The springers are just a bit to much for him to cock yet. Might even sell the XL1100 to get one.

[39M]

Luke! NOOOOO!!!

[Privateer]

Good deal Scott!
 

[Smaug2]

Good deal indeed. Let me know how you like the Max. Looking into one for my boy for Nutter season this year. The springers are just a bit to much for him to cock yet. Might even sell the XL1100 to get one.

A couple things on the Maximus. I just shot one yesterday for the first time:

+ The stock is light, but doesn't feel cheap. It's well-made.

+ The barrel was good. 1" groups at 40 yards is no sweat.

- The action was terrible. Just gritty and draggy. The bolt has a lot of side-to-side play inside the receiver. It was so bad on this one that the owner broke the original bolt trying to pull it back one time. Maybe some deburring on the corners of the bolt would help? Even if this was done, I have to give the Maximus/Discovery action about a 3/10. When the action is working right, it's still QUITE a heavy hammer spring to pull the bolt back against. It takes a strong hand. (you pull with your thumb braced against the back of the receiver, with fingers on the bolt)

- Even after the brass trigger mod, it was still too heavy for my taste. Maybe 3-4 lbs? But shootable, as long as you're not after MoA groups.

- Single shot: This won't get old until you try your first PCP repeater, so forget I said it. The bolt doesn't come back far enough to easily load a pellet. It takes a bit of finagling, which you'll get used to quickly.

- They're quite long, once moderated properly. This is not a fault that's limited to Benjis; my Air Arms S510 is a 52" long beast and my PCP Hammerli 850 is probably 50".

Since Hoosier Daddy doesn't mind tinkering, I think he'll like it. I wouldn't recommend one to someone who doesn't like tinkering or a heavy trigger and hammer spring.

I'm sure you'll come back and let us know how it panned out.

By the way, did you go for .177 or .22?

[Privateer]

OK. Who's in charge of sending Scott some cookies?
 

[anti-squirrel]

I want cookies and a Maximus!


Jeremy- that little bit of verbiage you put up is a perfect amount of detail for anybody wanting to take the plunge.  When it comes to a "first PCP", the 2 best choices for a novice are likely the Max and the PP700, as both are relatively accurate and offer tons of value for the monies.

[Rat Sniper (AKA: PaulT58)]

Good deal indeed. Let me know how you like the Max. Looking into one for my boy for Nutter season this year. The springers are just a bit to much for him to cock yet. Might even sell the XL1100 to get one.

A couple things on the Maximus. I just shot one yesterday for the first time:

+ The stock is light, but doesn't feel cheap. It's well-made.

+ The barrel was good. 1" groups at 40 yards is no sweat.

- The action was terrible. Just gritty and draggy. The bolt has a lot of side-to-side play inside the receiver. It was so bad on this one that the owner broke the original bolt trying to pull it back one time. Maybe some deburring on the corners of the bolt would help? Even if this was done, I have to give the Maximus/Discovery action about a 3/10. When the action is working right, it's still QUITE a heavy hammer spring to pull the bolt back against. It takes a strong hand. (you pull with your thumb braced against the back of the receiver, with fingers on the bolt)

- Even after the brass trigger mod, it was still too heavy for my taste. Maybe 3-4 lbs? But shootable, as long as you're not after MoA groups.

- Single shot: This won't get old until you try your first PCP repeater, so forget I said it. The bolt doesn't come back far enough to easily load a pellet. It takes a bit of finagling, which you'll get used to quickly.

- They're quite long, once moderated properly. This is not a fault that's limited to Benjis; my Air Arms S510 is a 52" long beast and my PCP Hammerli 850 is probably 50".

Since Hoosier Daddy doesn't mind tinkering, I think he'll like it. I wouldn't recommend one to someone who doesn't like tinkering or a heavy trigger and hammer spring.

I'm sure you'll come back and let us know how it panned out.

By the way, did you go for .177 or .22?

Jeremy, thank you for posting this!  Like Scott, I just stepped over the edge and ordered the Maximus/Benjamin Hand Pump combo from Crosman.  I took advantage of their 25% off promo and free shipping on Friday.  I'm looking forward to getting and trying this rifle. 

Scott, looking forward to hearing your impression of the Maximus, and that's for starting this thread, it's almost like you were inside my head!  Scary place!

[Rat Sniper (AKA: PaulT58)]

So, living in a humid state like Florida, do I need to get one of those desiccant thingies for my hand pump?  Just wondering if it's actually needed or just one of those items they sell to get more money from ya?  I see they are available as a direct fit item for the Benjamin Pump on Amazon, but also available from Harbor freight with a needed adaptor.  Is one better than the other?  Thanks...

[jaraxle1zx]

Alright , let me just say the group here is awesome.
Ok, it's been said before... but this sequence of events is over whelming generosity.
First I get a PM from a member who won a .22 Maximus in a raffle.
He shot it about 10 times and proved it functional and accurate and and is willing to sell it to me for a significantly reduced price from MSRP.
 On my word he put my name on it, boxed it up, and it is NOW paid for and ready to ship tomorrow.
Next another member offered me a NIB Winbest hand pump he had. He bought two and never even opened this second one that he had kept it for a spare.  "Don't need it, sending it now, pay me when you can"
 
I am now about to plunge into the Darkside for $275 all in.... All by Fathers Day!

Imagine the look on that Bastage 'Coons face that has learned to stay just out of my 30yd springers range.

I need more pellets...











if your hand pumping don't worry about extra pellets.
Your not going to shoot anymore pellets with a hand pump over a true break barrel gun.

When I had a Benjamin np2 I burned through some pellets, with the Benjamin 72 I sold you, it can save on pellets with its multy pump.

Big bore guns you'll run out of air before pellets/bullets.

Now my flex 25 will eat up some pellets.....I still haven't did a shot count on it but it's over 40 shots and maybe over 50.  I kinda loose interest in counting that many shots and I just shoot em.

[jaraxle1zx]

Think I goofed that up, it put my reply in with that quote. I didn't fix but was able to put space between your reply I quoted and my reply.