.177 Benjamin Phoenix NP - Anyone have one, and are they any good?

[c801tfd]

First off I am a fan and user of vintage pumpers and springers, my youngest son convinced me a year to get him/us a Ruger Impact Max Elite to checkout and to plink around with in colder conditions due to the gas piston, well it is what it is and I am glad he likes it, I will stick with my older models. Now on to the topic at hand:

A person at work bought in a .177 Benjamin Phoenix NP with Centerpoint scope to check over, it belonged to her late husband who passed away2 years ago and was the only user of this air rifle. She said he bought it to protect their chickens  from predators and not scare the neighbors.

Initial inspection indicated cap covers for scope were missing (not a real issue) and safety was on, and it was covered in dust. Breaking it open to make sure it was not loaded I noticed there was no resistance at all, and I verified it was not loaded.

Wanting to make sure it was safe and avoid a dry fire situation, I took the gun off safe and held barrel in one hand and pulled trigger with other releasing piston, once done I was able to control the barrel back to lockup. The good news the piston worked the bad news it appears to have been left in the cocked position for 2 years.

I unscrewed the barrel shroud and noticed oil on the actual barrel and threads, I do not know if this is normal.
I then asked her how it was stored to which she stated the standard in a corner, butt end on the floor so I am not sure how to explain the oil except for how it was transported to work - laying flat on rear seat of pickup. Would this oil indicate an issue with piston?

I asked her if I could take it home and check it further, currently getting an average of 968 FPS with 7.8 gr Sig Match pellets. It kicks like a mule with artillery hold and I am sure scope was killed long ago.

I told her if I liked it I would make her a fair offer, any thoughts or input on this air rifle model from issues to watch for to what a fair price would is welcomed.

I will not be getting it for me but maybe give it to my youngest son as a second pinker.

[ER00z]

Late to reply...

The Phoenix is a NP2 rifle. Essentially the same as a the newer Benjamin Ironhide and very similar to the Trail NP2. Having been stored cocked isn't a big issue for gas rams. Seems to still have ok power. Eventually, you may notice velocity climb a bit, but its shooting in the ballpark of what it should be (1000fps with 7.9's give or take 50fps based on various factors)

I would take a NP2 gun over any standard Nitro Piston any day. More power, generally more accurate and nicer triggers. The only downside to the early NP2 rifles, was no open sights (Excluding the Crosman Summit Ranger, not to be mixed with the Benjamin Summit). Parts still available from Crosman if need be.

Oil may have been from cleaning/ oiling the barrel without removing the shroud (?).
I wouldn't worry about it too much. The NP2 based guns should be stored muzzle up to keep seals in good shape (in theory). It was the older models (standard NP) that they say should be muzzle down in storage (not the Phoenix).

Fair price could vary greatly, on occasion you can find new NP2 or NP Elite guns for $100-$150...

I know this is an older thread, but I'd buy an 'older" NP2 gun if the price was right.

[c801tfd]

ER00z,

Thank you for the information, you addressed my concerns and your price suggestion is in line with what I was thinking for an appropriate and fair offer. Now I have one more to add to my list to think about and does it fit my tastes enough to pursue.