I've been toying with the idea of buying a PCP for at least half a dozen years but I've just never pulled the trigger. I own pumpers, CO2, and springers in just haven't found the right excuse to buy a PCP yet. I even own a Benjamin hand pump that's never been used. I saw I could get a Benjamin Fortitude for around $220 shipped to my door so that price really intrigues me. I'm considering the 177 if that matters. I don't currently own a 177 (except my son's BB guns).
First let me go over my intended use. I'd say 99% will be either walking through the woods plinking or back yard plinking with my son. Mostly shooting unsupported using just a sling (or any natural features nearby) for stabilization. Expect my son to have 50% of the trigger time. A point in the plus column for weight of the Fortitude. Not sure about the length of pull. He's 11 and can't safely cock the springers. My only pumper is the 1322 and he can manage it but it's an effort for him after about 3 pumps and the LoP is a little long for him. 95% of the shots will be less than 25 yards. I will probably tune it for low FPE to maximize shot count since we will be hand pumping. 177 over 22 for the FPS v FPE trade-off at those low energies. right now 5 pumps and ~400fps on the 1322 fits most of our shooting needs. 600-700fps out of a cheap Crosman dome might be perfect. If I need to do some kill'n I normally reach for a 22 cal springer so hunting isn't a consideration right now. Quiet is good and the quieter the better but not a necessity. I doubt I will do much in the way of modifications except get the trigger to where I would want it for a field gun. I historically like ~3-4lbs for a rifle with a shoulder strap but 5lbs would be acceptable. Over 5.5# will have me tinkering on the gun.
So far I've only researched one bullet point and that is the Fortitude. I think it would fit my needs and seems like a good amount of gun for $220ish. I like that I can call up Crosman at any time to get spares. Can't say I've had the best of luck getting parts for my Umarex guns. But I've only looked at one data point I really don't know what's out there to compare. Maybe the Umarex Gauntlet at first glance? Lots of Chinese stuff I know little to nothing about. Needs some enablers to give me some feedback. Push me over the edge to hit that "complete order" button.
First let me go over my intended use. I'd say 99% will be either walking through the woods plinking or back yard plinking with my son. Mostly shooting unsupported using just a sling (or any natural features nearby) for stabilization. Expect my son to have 50% of the trigger time. A point in the plus column for weight of the Fortitude. Not sure about the length of pull. He's 11 and can't safely cock the springers. My only pumper is the 1322 and he can manage it but it's an effort for him after about 3 pumps and the LoP is a little long for him. 95% of the shots will be less than 25 yards. I will probably tune it for low FPE to maximize shot count since we will be hand pumping. 177 over 22 for the FPS v FPE trade-off at those low energies. right now 5 pumps and ~400fps on the 1322 fits most of our shooting needs. 600-700fps out of a cheap Crosman dome might be perfect. If I need to do some kill'n I normally reach for a 22 cal springer so hunting isn't a consideration right now. Quiet is good and the quieter the better but not a necessity. I doubt I will do much in the way of modifications except get the trigger to where I would want it for a field gun. I historically like ~3-4lbs for a rifle with a shoulder strap but 5lbs would be acceptable. Over 5.5# will have me tinkering on the gun.
So far I've only researched one bullet point and that is the Fortitude. I think it would fit my needs and seems like a good amount of gun for $220ish. I like that I can call up Crosman at any time to get spares. Can't say I've had the best of luck getting parts for my Umarex guns. But I've only looked at one data point I really don't know what's out there to compare. Maybe the Umarex Gauntlet at first glance? Lots of Chinese stuff I know little to nothing about. Needs some enablers to give me some feedback. Push me over the edge to hit that "complete order" button.
