I've got a non-pal .22 phantom but I want to upgrade to a pal version of the same size and weight. Had this gun for about 10 years and been quite happy with it, but it just needs a little more power. I had an Xisico .25 cal that I bought new around the same time, but it was too hard to ####, heavy, and seemed inaccurate unless held very firmly. I'd like another .22 preferably under $400, that could be scoped. I don't understand how the under levers are loaded, maybe a hinged model is still best for me. What are my options?
Crosman Phantom replacement?
- Thread starter Hush07
- Start date
Nice to see another long time owner of a Crosman Phantom. These guns seem to oftentimes be underappreciated. I had mine for 14 years until I sold it just a few weeks ago (not because there was anything wrong with it but I needed one spot in the safe in order to get a new purchase). the Phantom was pretty accurate out of the box, which included a Crosman fixed 4x32 scope. The only thing I didn't like it about it since day one right up until the day I sold it was how hard I would have to slap the barrel to get it to break. None of my other airguns over the years required such force of smacking (and with my bony hands, it was never the great experience) - even my Gamo Hunter Extreme I didn't need to do that.
The problem with springers that are PAL rated is something you alluded to - the weight. I have owned several .177 and .22 PAL air rifles, and each one I sold due to the weight, or in some cases, the force to break the barrel was too much for me. So it was a bit of a tradeoff, and through all the air rifles over the years, that Crosman outlasted all of them. I used it to train new shooters, and it was my son's first gun he used to shoot anything. Definitely sentimental value.
Perhaps an option for you in .22 is the Gamo Roadster 10x IGT G2. It comes in both .177 and .22 and and .22 version is something like 900fps, and it's under 7lbs. Cabela's has it currently in stock and on sale for 30% off last I recalled looking at it a couple of days ago. I believe it comes with a 10-round rotary magazine.
Not sure what your budget is but FX Airguns has some nice .22 models but they are something like over $1500.
If you like pneumatic .22s, the Benjamin Cayden may be a good choice. 1000fps. Close to 8 lbs. I think Umarex has the Gauntlet which is PCP and about 900fps, but I personally don't like the look of it. Airforce Talon also a pneumatic - but it looks wicked. I don't remember what the FPS is for .22, but I would guess 800-1000.
The problem with springers that are PAL rated is something you alluded to - the weight. I have owned several .177 and .22 PAL air rifles, and each one I sold due to the weight, or in some cases, the force to break the barrel was too much for me. So it was a bit of a tradeoff, and through all the air rifles over the years, that Crosman outlasted all of them. I used it to train new shooters, and it was my son's first gun he used to shoot anything. Definitely sentimental value.
Perhaps an option for you in .22 is the Gamo Roadster 10x IGT G2. It comes in both .177 and .22 and and .22 version is something like 900fps, and it's under 7lbs. Cabela's has it currently in stock and on sale for 30% off last I recalled looking at it a couple of days ago. I believe it comes with a 10-round rotary magazine.
Not sure what your budget is but FX Airguns has some nice .22 models but they are something like over $1500.
If you like pneumatic .22s, the Benjamin Cayden may be a good choice. 1000fps. Close to 8 lbs. I think Umarex has the Gauntlet which is PCP and about 900fps, but I personally don't like the look of it. Airforce Talon also a pneumatic - but it looks wicked. I don't remember what the FPS is for .22, but I would guess 800-1000.
I'd like to suggest you check on airgunforum .ca and other sites. I believe those models can be upgraded with a stronger piston assy OR perhaps with a Nitro-cylinder. I have the Crosman Blackhawk .177 which I believe is the same mech as the Phantom with a diff stock? I chose to keep mine in 495 (sorta quiet, I live in Bann-town) and bought a PAL Crosman Vantage in .177, which is their Nitro-piston model. It is a bit harder to #### than the 495, but I've become used to the 'slap' that gazelle refers to. It does have a different recoil than the standard springer, and I regret getting the .177 as it loses accuracy (with only a 4x scope) when I get out to 25+ yds. I believe the .22 would hold groups a bit tighter, but I haven't tried one to see. My prob may just be the scope (can't be me 
) since I saw a YT vid showing a very accurate Vantage ( http s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OIRvxsIs5w ) and I'm not getting that sort of targets ! ( BTW - that reviewer has lots of airgun vids on his channel )
I, too, have thought about an Under-lever to get a longer sight plane, but I have a few thou in arms already and need to wait until I get tax money back - Maybe then ?? Or I'll find a good deal on EE or GP ?
) since I saw a YT vid showing a very accurate Vantage ( http s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OIRvxsIs5w ) and I'm not getting that sort of targets ! ( BTW - that reviewer has lots of airgun vids on his channel )I, too, have thought about an Under-lever to get a longer sight plane, but I have a few thou in arms already and need to wait until I get tax money back
- Maybe then ?? Or I'll find a good deal on EE or GP ?Probably the easiest air rifle to upgrade for free... depends on the specific year and model, but you can add a couple pennies to the piston, epoxy fill the hole and sleeve the piston tube with pop bottle plastic... gets you to about about 650+ with a .22. or your can buy a 'vortec spring kit' and the 'charlie da tuna' trigger is pretty good..
as stated check airgunforum .ca and others, tonnes of info out there!
those things shoot the Crosman premier hollow point pellets like a champ. Pretty accurate guns for what they are if you know how to shoot a springer.
as stated check airgunforum .ca and others, tonnes of info out there!
those things shoot the Crosman premier hollow point pellets like a champ. Pretty accurate guns for what they are if you know how to shoot a springer.
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I had the same rifle, pre-PAL. I have since parted with it however the guy who got it apparently tuned it up to an astonishing velocity. Not sure how but I'm sure it can be done relatively simply.
Just read the other comments, I'll see myself out.
Just read the other comments, I'll see myself out.
those phantoms most accurate for the money, on older version have to chop the piston and cut longer slot, on a newer just thread and plug the hole at the front of the piston, it brings power to 830fps with 7,6gr pellet (in .177cal)
longer screw at the back of the trigger (or 2mm or 2,5mm can not remember) reduces trigger travel, thinner trigger spring from the safety clip to reduce the trigger pull
ask umarex if they just have a new piston for pal model as an option, do not forget debur and lube tune the gun
all my phantoms went to tropics with me for vacations, was shooting butts of beer cans from 50 meters with open (plastic crappy) sights
maybe it is a time to find another one on sale
google, there are tons of info about them
I'm looking at the Gamo Speedster or Fastshot on sale at Cabela's, not sure if there is any difference other than the stocks. I'd like to leave my Phantom the way it is for the grandkids to learn on. The Diana 34 intrigues me. Would the Diana be comparable to the Phanton in size and weight?
if Phantom can be compered to LADA car
Diana 34 is a Toyota Corolla, best break barrel gun on the planet, big period
quality, info, aftermarket support
it is must to have
with a tune spring and seal and lube my shoots one rugged hole from 10 meters (indoor)
better (from springers) only HW97 as accurate as PCP, reason many people do use it for a field target, apparently HW77 loses accuracy due to the barrel length
just HW pretty heavy
Own a Benjamin Classic 22. (495 fps original). Did the piston mod (plug hole) and improved velocity. (650-695 fps). There were/are many questions regarding the spring and if it is the same as US versions. Decided to order the spring listed for the “stronger” version and it is longer by 2 coils. Changed it and it fires pretty good. 850-900 fps now. Trigger modded and removed the imitation muzzle in barrel. Sharp looking air rifle now and very accurate.
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