my brother wants one, he said no more than $ 300.00 so I'm the one on charge to buy it he doesn't know anything this is going to be he's first pcp.. I need help what do you guys think what's the best choice?
Gauntlet or fortitude
- Thread starter Eddy1840
- Start date
Honestly for $300 I would add this BSA to the list
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/BSA_Buccaneer_SE_Air_Rifle/3589#6918
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/BSA_Buccaneer_SE_Air_Rifle/3589#6918
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Suggestions:
1. Consider the Gamo Urban. I gave one to a friend so he could enjoy a pcp and rotary magazine vs his break barrel single shot. We shoot together and the Urban shoots on par with my fx royale 400. The big retailers all have the Urban for $300.00
2. Avoid the Gauntlet unless the retailer will inspect and check its operation. I needed a pcp loaner so I ordered a Gauntlet from the Arkansas distribution center. The price was great plus a free shipping special. I never bothered to mount a scope after it arrived. It was almost impossible to cycle the bolt. I had to hold the rifle vertical with the stock resting on a hard surface and pull down on the bolt. I called Umarex in AK and asked if we could exchange and would they check the replacement rifle's bolt for more reasonable operation. They were very upfront that I was welcome to return the Gaunlet (with a 15% restocking fee) and then order a replacement. They do not inspection the rifles in any way before shipment. Off the shelf and shipped out.
3. Try to be patient. A quality used pcp might show up in the classifieds.
Good luck.
1. Consider the Gamo Urban. I gave one to a friend so he could enjoy a pcp and rotary magazine vs his break barrel single shot. We shoot together and the Urban shoots on par with my fx royale 400. The big retailers all have the Urban for $300.00
2. Avoid the Gauntlet unless the retailer will inspect and check its operation. I needed a pcp loaner so I ordered a Gauntlet from the Arkansas distribution center. The price was great plus a free shipping special. I never bothered to mount a scope after it arrived. It was almost impossible to cycle the bolt. I had to hold the rifle vertical with the stock resting on a hard surface and pull down on the bolt. I called Umarex in AK and asked if we could exchange and would they check the replacement rifle's bolt for more reasonable operation. They were very upfront that I was welcome to return the Gaunlet (with a 15% restocking fee) and then order a replacement. They do not inspection the rifles in any way before shipment. Off the shelf and shipped out.
3. Try to be patient. A quality used pcp might show up in the classifieds.
Good luck.
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That BSA under $300 shows the crazy times we airgun in. Seems a value to me but I can live with a short sweet spot & it seems your "friend" wants a regulator and warranty- otherwise buy used- .
My Gauntlet is great. I hope to get a fortitude one day. Crosman had time tested factory support and isnt the newer warranty 3 years?
Box stock both should be good enough with the gauntlet more a target rifle due mostly to stock design & weight.
John
My Gauntlet is great. I hope to get a fortitude one day. Crosman had time tested factory support and isnt the newer warranty 3 years?
Box stock both should be good enough with the gauntlet more a target rifle due mostly to stock design & weight.
John
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I would also say give the urban a shot
u will get a true box to field rifle without having to tweak this or adjust that just mount scope clean barell fill and sight in
mines been fantastic not ever any issues and it’s bone stock The bsa barell is lights out accurate and the gun is quiet it factory trim
pretty good value pcp the urban is Fill probe will require an adapter to what ever fill connector u use but that’s a minor issue and easy fix
pcpfan37
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There are several companies coming out with guns in the 300 dollar range. Gamo, BSA, Hatsan, Umarex, Benjamin/Crossman it really depends on what type of shooting your going to do. If hunting I would go with the fortitude its lighter and quieter then the gauntlet.
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The BSA and Gamo are the same gun, both not regulated with a definite shot curve. Get the BSA if you like the prettier but heavier wood stock and the Gamo if you want it lighter with plastic stock and quieter with the epoxied on silencer. The BSA does not come with a silencer for the cheaper price so that will be another determining factor if you can shoot it loud then that would be fine to get the BSA. Interestingly enough, the silenced BSA cost $250 more than the unsilenced one. Better off getting the unsilenced one and putting a more effective one yourself and it will be much cheaper and more effective. Another interesting fact is that there are conflicting video reviews about the quietness of the silenced Gamo Urban if you watch AEAC and PA videos.
If you want it better shooting then install a HUMA regulator in either and IMO the trigger will be the weakest link after that which I would think GRT could take care of if its available for this application.
You have to also note that the Fortitude is a lower powered regulated gun with a heavy cocking effort with the worst trigger you can imagine with the best warranty in the business if you don't mess with the gun. This is a gun which appears as though it can't be modded aside from the trigger
available watching trigger mod AGD video (Airgun Depot).
You have to also note that the Gauntlet which is also regulated has its share of quirks too and lower powered but not as low as the Fortitude but Hajimoto videos and your DIY mindset will take care of all of that which he confidently challenges to shoot side by side with the best. This is a gun that even Allen Zasadny sells and mods for his customers so that must tell you something. I don't think he would waste his time messing with guns that aren't worth tuning. He had mentioned he got (I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT) nickel sized groups at 80 yards with the Gauntlet after hes done working on it and tried to convince me to buy one. NO, I DID NOT BUY ONE YET. They can be had for $240 new if you do your research online.
I have a couple of Benjamin Discoverys with B&M Multi shot breeches with bull barrel shrouds which are not regulated with Marauder triggers that I am content with that shoots like regulated guns which require only 2000 psi to fill. The reason I am holding off in buying a new Fortitude is because it would have less power than mine and have a higher fill pressure. These builds cost more than the Fortitude but thats part of the fun right?
I am thinking of buying my next Benjamin PCP- Maximus Euro in 177 based on AEAC video review. Something you should consider IMO.
Use the 25% off AGN discount code. Copy the trigger mod on the AGD video on the Fortitude.
CA
If you want it better shooting then install a HUMA regulator in either and IMO the trigger will be the weakest link after that which I would think GRT could take care of if its available for this application.
You have to also note that the Fortitude is a lower powered regulated gun with a heavy cocking effort with the worst trigger you can imagine with the best warranty in the business if you don't mess with the gun. This is a gun which appears as though it can't be modded aside from the trigger
available watching trigger mod AGD video (Airgun Depot).
You have to also note that the Gauntlet which is also regulated has its share of quirks too and lower powered but not as low as the Fortitude but Hajimoto videos and your DIY mindset will take care of all of that which he confidently challenges to shoot side by side with the best. This is a gun that even Allen Zasadny sells and mods for his customers so that must tell you something. I don't think he would waste his time messing with guns that aren't worth tuning. He had mentioned he got (I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT) nickel sized groups at 80 yards with the Gauntlet after hes done working on it and tried to convince me to buy one. NO, I DID NOT BUY ONE YET. They can be had for $240 new if you do your research online.
I have a couple of Benjamin Discoverys with B&M Multi shot breeches with bull barrel shrouds which are not regulated with Marauder triggers that I am content with that shoots like regulated guns which require only 2000 psi to fill. The reason I am holding off in buying a new Fortitude is because it would have less power than mine and have a higher fill pressure. These builds cost more than the Fortitude but thats part of the fun right?
I am thinking of buying my next Benjamin PCP- Maximus Euro in 177 based on AEAC video review. Something you should consider IMO.
Use the 25% off AGN discount code. Copy the trigger mod on the AGD video on the Fortitude.
CA
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Just realized you mentioned FIRST PCP and around $300. Not specifying the method of filling being the FIRST PCP, I could only recommend the Benjiman Maximus Hunter or EURO specifically only those models because of the threaded barrels to add on your LDC which the regular non Hunter and non Euro do not have. Depending on what power and caliber and what he needs it for. Only needs 2000psi to fill which is easier to PUMP than 3000psi. Also uses a lot less air when filling from a tank which does not need to be a 4500psi Carbon Fibre tank.
If your primary need and usage is for accuracy and target shooting I would go for the 177 Euro version. Could be used for feather and short to medium range critter with good shot placement.
My reasoning for MY wanting a 12fpe EURO 177 is because its NOT REGULATED and based on Steve's AEAC video review of his getting better groups with the 12fpe EURO version because it has a FLAT shot string as compared to the full power FAC version with power curve which he also reviewed. Plus the 2000psi fill pressure and 1/2 unf threads at the muzzle and you know what that is for. I would most definitely follow the trigger mod from the Airgun Depot Fortitude video too or replace it with a Marauder trigger. And probably get the B&M multishot breech without having to spend the extra on the bull barrel shroud combo kit this time around.
It must be crazy accurate if AEAC got good groups with the terrible trigger.
I hope someone can chime in who owns both in 12fpe Euro and a full power Maximus or Discovery.
I would prefer to have a consistent NON REGULATED gun if at all possible because it is one less thing to go wrong and ALL REGULATORS sooner or later will fail and will require servicing and/or replacement and if you are not mechanically inclined to take apart your gun, you will have to pay to send it out to have a professional charge you to repair or replace it plus the shipping back and most importantly the WAIT TIME.
Just imagine you shoot your regulated gun every day good fun huh? Then one day out of the blue it shoots fliers at any given moment possibly causing a dangerous situation by not even going on paper or backstop and the stray pellet hits an unintended target (well NOT TARGET)
with consequences which can't be undone. I state this not to scare you away from buying regulated PCPs but it is based on first hand experience.
One can tend to be really comfortable and complacent with an accurate regulated gun but it can fail at any day at any time and it will get worse.
I put a hole in the wall when shooting 25 yards indoors because of that one instance of regulator failure which missed the pellet trap completely
fortunately no one was in the other room at that time. Gun was boringly accurate until that regulator failed. Really shocked it completely missed the pellet trap. What if it had been further distance outdoors how far off would that stray pellet go? Certainly NOT at the intended target.
I have been reading this forum and am noticing that even $2000 brand new high end guns have their share of problems.
I would be upset if I paid $300 for a new regulated gun that had to be sent it in for warranty. Warranty is good but its being WITHOUT YOUR GUN FOR A LONG TIME during the warranty repair process is the major bummer in my book.
I do own regulated guns but after that experience I am extremely vigilant and careful when shooting them but on the other hand, have more added piece of mind shooting my unregulated guns to be honest and tend to look into buying non regulated guns.
If you back the power down on unregulated guns the shot curve can be pretty sweet and after careful tuning can be made very consistent.
CA
If your primary need and usage is for accuracy and target shooting I would go for the 177 Euro version. Could be used for feather and short to medium range critter with good shot placement.
My reasoning for MY wanting a 12fpe EURO 177 is because its NOT REGULATED and based on Steve's AEAC video review of his getting better groups with the 12fpe EURO version because it has a FLAT shot string as compared to the full power FAC version with power curve which he also reviewed. Plus the 2000psi fill pressure and 1/2 unf threads at the muzzle and you know what that is for. I would most definitely follow the trigger mod from the Airgun Depot Fortitude video too or replace it with a Marauder trigger. And probably get the B&M multishot breech without having to spend the extra on the bull barrel shroud combo kit this time around.
It must be crazy accurate if AEAC got good groups with the terrible trigger.
I hope someone can chime in who owns both in 12fpe Euro and a full power Maximus or Discovery.
I would prefer to have a consistent NON REGULATED gun if at all possible because it is one less thing to go wrong and ALL REGULATORS sooner or later will fail and will require servicing and/or replacement and if you are not mechanically inclined to take apart your gun, you will have to pay to send it out to have a professional charge you to repair or replace it plus the shipping back and most importantly the WAIT TIME.
Just imagine you shoot your regulated gun every day good fun huh? Then one day out of the blue it shoots fliers at any given moment possibly causing a dangerous situation by not even going on paper or backstop and the stray pellet hits an unintended target (well NOT TARGET)
with consequences which can't be undone. I state this not to scare you away from buying regulated PCPs but it is based on first hand experience.
One can tend to be really comfortable and complacent with an accurate regulated gun but it can fail at any day at any time and it will get worse.
I put a hole in the wall when shooting 25 yards indoors because of that one instance of regulator failure which missed the pellet trap completely
fortunately no one was in the other room at that time. Gun was boringly accurate until that regulator failed. Really shocked it completely missed the pellet trap. What if it had been further distance outdoors how far off would that stray pellet go? Certainly NOT at the intended target.
I have been reading this forum and am noticing that even $2000 brand new high end guns have their share of problems.
I would be upset if I paid $300 for a new regulated gun that had to be sent it in for warranty. Warranty is good but its being WITHOUT YOUR GUN FOR A LONG TIME during the warranty repair process is the major bummer in my book.
I do own regulated guns but after that experience I am extremely vigilant and careful when shooting them but on the other hand, have more added piece of mind shooting my unregulated guns to be honest and tend to look into buying non regulated guns.
If you back the power down on unregulated guns the shot curve can be pretty sweet and after careful tuning can be made very consistent.
CA
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Nova Freedom. A suggestion but haven't received it yet. No tanks or external filling device needed. No need to spend more money for filing set up.
Someone posted it could be had for $300 new from some place.
I just bought a used one for that price. Waiting for its delivery.
Motivation for buying it was the most accurate 177 he owned
according to the seller's ad.
CA
Someone posted it could be had for $300 new from some place.
I just bought a used one for that price. Waiting for its delivery.
Motivation for buying it was the most accurate 177 he owned
according to the seller's ad.
CA
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Sorry I forgot to mention that it's going to be just for hunting small game and filled with a hand pump also he would like something easy and simple to fix ..
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"Sorry I forgot to mention that it's going to be just for hunting small game and filled with a hand pump also he would like something easy and simple to fix .. "
Ganuntlet.
Certainly is a simple basic easy to strip down design w/few seals/orings and except for the firing valve you can get all your parts at Ace Hardware or such. IF the ninja reg went out you can just remove the bottle® and screw in a new one. I've had a ninja reg rebuilt local for $5.00 ( very simple job but didnt want to order parts so I paid the paintball shop, not on a gauntlet). And a great trigger. It's basically a QB and a time proven design.
Fortitude,
Not really well know.
John
Ganuntlet.
Certainly is a simple basic easy to strip down design w/few seals/orings and except for the firing valve you can get all your parts at Ace Hardware or such. IF the ninja reg went out you can just remove the bottle® and screw in a new one. I've had a ninja reg rebuilt local for $5.00 ( very simple job but didnt want to order parts so I paid the paintball shop, not on a gauntlet). And a great trigger. It's basically a QB and a time proven design.
Fortitude,
Not really well know.
John
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Out of curiosity have you tried the Crosman Premier Hollow Points, the cheap ones from Walmart CPHPs?
How did they do?
CA
How did they do?
CA
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If the choice is between a Gauntlet and Fortitude, I'd say...…….. Wait and see how the fortitude comes together, but waiting was never my best skill.
Unfortunately, the folks with gauntlets, including Ted and Hajimoto complained bitterly about the stiff bolt and lack of lube from the factory. I don't like buying project guns that may or may not work out of the box. I want to shoot. So far, the initial results for the Fortitude seem to be a bit better and it's US Made and serviced. Gauntlet is made, I think, in China, shipped and sold & Serviced by not the manufacturer. Kind of a different ball game. My experience with Crosman has been very good
As for a first PCP and being a budget gun, you might think of the Maximus, especially if you plan on pumping to fill. That 2000 fill vs 3000 PSI fill makes a real difference and if you keep it sub-12 foot pound (Euro) you get something like 65 shots per fill, and it's easy to refill.
With the reviews I've seen so far on the Gauntlet, I'd be hard pressed to recommend it as the frustration levels could be very high.
OK, so you posted while I was typing this post. Good choice, keep us posted on how it shoots.
Unfortunately, the folks with gauntlets, including Ted and Hajimoto complained bitterly about the stiff bolt and lack of lube from the factory. I don't like buying project guns that may or may not work out of the box. I want to shoot. So far, the initial results for the Fortitude seem to be a bit better and it's US Made and serviced. Gauntlet is made, I think, in China, shipped and sold & Serviced by not the manufacturer. Kind of a different ball game. My experience with Crosman has been very good
As for a first PCP and being a budget gun, you might think of the Maximus, especially if you plan on pumping to fill. That 2000 fill vs 3000 PSI fill makes a real difference and if you keep it sub-12 foot pound (Euro) you get something like 65 shots per fill, and it's easy to refill.
With the reviews I've seen so far on the Gauntlet, I'd be hard pressed to recommend it as the frustration levels could be very high.
OK, so you posted while I was typing this post. Good choice, keep us posted on how it shoots.
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Thank you, the gun is not mine! It's my brothers first pcp.. he saw how accurate my guns are now he wants one but he's budget is $300, I took him to New England Airguns and he picked this one also John installed the scope and let us shoot it before we took it home..
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Hi for a $300 budget you have the Hatsan Flash QE, Gamo Urban, n Umarex Guantlet. My buddy has a Maximus n Urban, both shoot well, but the Urban is way smoother.
I shoot a Flash QE, had to adjust trigger from 5lbs to 3lbs way better. They're all .22 n hit hard. My Flash was spitting CPHP's out at 950fps, so I'm guessing 26-28fpe.
IMO the Urban is legit, cocking, safety, n trigger are smooth. Where as my Flash had to break it in .The Urban's a great field carbine light n has a shrouded barrel, it's quiet.
My Flash is light as well, n has a shrouded barrel, but I put a Donny FL Ronin on it barrel length increased by 6inch no biggie, it's ultra quiet. Both rifles are very accurate n powerful. I hit a pigeon @ 102yrds today with my Flash n CPHP, square in the back he folded like a lawn chair .
My other buddy ordered a Guantlet in .22 we'll field test in a week or so. Can't give you any info on that .
Choices choices, good luck on your purchase. Keep on shooting.
Jon86
I shoot a Flash QE, had to adjust trigger from 5lbs to 3lbs way better. They're all .22 n hit hard. My Flash was spitting CPHP's out at 950fps, so I'm guessing 26-28fpe.
IMO the Urban is legit, cocking, safety, n trigger are smooth. Where as my Flash had to break it in .The Urban's a great field carbine light n has a shrouded barrel, it's quiet.
My Flash is light as well, n has a shrouded barrel, but I put a Donny FL Ronin on it barrel length increased by 6inch no biggie, it's ultra quiet. Both rifles are very accurate n powerful. I hit a pigeon @ 102yrds today with my Flash n CPHP, square in the back he folded like a lawn chair .
My other buddy ordered a Guantlet in .22 we'll field test in a week or so. Can't give you any info on that .
Choices choices, good luck on your purchase. Keep on shooting.
Jon86
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Ahhhh just read the last post, he bought the Gauntlet . If it's his first he'll be happy. I wldve bought the Urban second choice Flash QE. Have him find the rt pellet n scope practice, practice, practice n have fun. This is a great time to be in this AG sport .Good luck to him .
Jon86
Jon86
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