Air Gun Home :: View topic - Crosman getting on my "good side"- Phantom .22cal

AirGunEric · Site Admin

They have brought out another .22 caliber version of the B18/B19/Quest platform.

This one is the "Phantom 500"- which so far is a Canadian "big box" store item that has apparently been detuned to a maximum of 495fps.

Once the Quest 800 was discontinued a few months ago- the only .22 in that style they had- it looked as though Crosman's days in the .22 springer market might be getting numbered. Then, along comes this one.

Don't know what this means for other markets- i.e. the US and the UK- perhaps Canada is being used as a "test market" for it. Of course, other versions of the gun will probably be called the "800" again- so we'll see.

I was disappointed when the Quest 800 .22 was discontinued. Now, I'm feeling a bit better about Crosman. Very Happy

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Well, got one of these and tested it out a bit earlier today.

Did some chrony testing after shooting about 20 pellets to eliminate some of the factory "Chinese special lube" that causes incessant dieseling and a rather "gummy" feel to the rifle (will get it apart to remedy this soon):

476.2 fps
486.8 fps
477.1 fps
482.5 fps
489.4 fps
490.1 fps
484.0 fps
484.4 fps
488.1 fps
483.9 fps
477.7 fps
486.5 fps
487.0 fps
487.7 fps
485.6 fps
492.3 fps
487.9 fps
482.0 fps

If I eliminate the highest and lowest shots, the remaining average velocity is 485.04 fps. This was using Crosman Wadcutters at about 14.3gr. So the rifle is outputting about 7.47 fpe, or 10.13 joules. I think that's pretty fair for a 'detuned' gun. It also means it has the potential with relatively standard modifications to output 12.5fpe/16.82J if one were so inclined to try (and of course license/register it in countries where this is above the "firearm" threshold).

As it is, the rifle is pretty darn close to the stated "maximum" of 495fps (it's actually only 2.01% less, which is far better than most of the Crosman Co² and pumper guns- which can be as much as 20% off their stated maximum velocity). Honestly I didn't think Crosman had it in them to be this accurate, especially so on what is a "detuned" gun.

As for accuracy- using the sight as it was straight out of the box- it was doing 3" groups at 35m/100ft, I adjusted a bit and got this down to 2" groups- and then stopped as I had to do a few other things. But these shots were offhand and in a pretty good (and variable) breeze- so I don't think I can blame the gun-yet. Further testing is required.

StevieLaner7777 · Moderator

Hi Eric

Sounds like Crosman are finally trying to get back onto the 'good side' with their customers, It's about time they made an effort! I wonder if they might add a Quality Control section to their factory soon Very Happy

Have fun with your new AirGun, Eric! and don't forget to post a novel/brief review of it when you get to know the Gun a bit better.

Stevie Thumb Up!

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

"Who's got a new pop gun then".
That will keep you busy for a while Eric, what are you going to do with it, "throw it at the Ground Hog like the rest of your guns" Crazy LOL

Seriously through, the fps figures are pretty consistant, I wish Co2 was as good, what have you got this one earmarked for then target shooting, vermin or just plain plinking.

Al

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Being a .22, I will use it primarily for vermin. Going to take it apart and get it lubed up properly, install a GTX-III trigger, and I need to take pictures for people to finally have visible "proof" of what differs between it and a 1000fps .177/800fps .22 B1x series gun. Then we'll see. Winter's coming- so no more Co² guns for awhile!

leadman · Veteran Member

whats the price tag on one of these??

thanks

Eric

airbuddy3 · Member

The Phantom is a B18/19/QUEST In .22 with a synthetic stock .
A real good value from Crosman after years of not haveing a decent offering in .22 cal ..this one sells at wally world for $97.95 comes to $111
after tax ! It shoots side by side with guns costing 2-3 times as much .
Not hold sensitive ... , and very easy cocking and easy to shoot .The stock even though it looks very ugly IMHO ..has very good ergonomics ..that with its lack of hold sensitivity ...makes this an easy gun to shoot accuratly ...even for a first time neophyte .

Will keep you posted as it breaks in some more .

Frank

AirGunEric · Site Admin

Uh-oh, I think Frank got ripped off- Wally World price should have been $97.79! Mr. Green

Get back over there and demand that 16 cent difference to be returned! Razz

But seriously. If someone were to install one of your tune kits on the B1x/Quest/Phantom, Frank- where should the spacers be placed? Behind the detent pin (at the rear of the tube) on top of the rear spring guide, behind the rear spring guide? Or, would spacers be best installed behind or around the front spring guide? Do you even keep the factory detent pin installed? You certainly tuned yours well- and I'm wondering what you've found to be the optimal location for the small spring spacers?

under500fps · Veteran Member

I just got back from the new Wal*Mart in Dartmouth N.S.
And my wallet is $111.48 lighter.
I got the Phantom 500 Model CS5M22,
the only one that they had in a sealed box behind a Crosman 795 on their display shelf.
Talk to you later after i put a few pellets through it.
AirGunEric, it is you fault that I got this rifle.
Rene.

airbuddy3 · Member

Hi Eric ,
The spacers go inside the piston between the top hat and the piston , It adds both spacing and more importantly mass to the piston
creating more kinetic energy which will overcome the piston bounce and be transferred to the pellet as more velocity .
The washers also allow the spring to Torque while decompressing , without passing that on to the piston and the gun ... thus reducing any hold sensitivity . so you can appreciate how important these little washers are !
Over all is a great little gun for the money ..with a little elbow grease you can get a great shooter for little cash ..and in .22 ..with enough impact to take out backyard /farm /feeder pests .

AirGunEric · Site Admin

under500fps · Veteran Member

First 10 shots right out of the box, no cleaning or adjustment.
Standing offhand 33'
I think it is going to be a nice shooter for the price. Wink

airbuddy3 · Member

Hi Rene ,
good shooting there !!
It is a very nice shooter for the Money , I like its ergonomic synthetic stock ..much more than I thought I would .
and it handles really well , very accurate too as you have noted , the trigger becomes very nice with some cleaning and some molly and molly /oil mix ...and use .
The groups tighten up more with use ..as the seal becomes less tight and the gun starts to break in ...a great value for $97.79 ! $111.47 with tax !!

Frank

StevieLaner7777 · Moderator

AirGunEric · Site Admin