Yep...after a ton of research the last few weeks on springers vs, gas piston, vs. pneumatic, i picked up a Benjamin 392 at Academy Sports today. With a 90 day return or money back policy i decided i couldn't go wrong.
Had just enough daylight left to shoot outside for a few minutes when i got to the gfs house. I need glasses bad for iron sight shooting, but despite a fuzzy front sight, the first 4 shots were in a about a 1/4" group and the 5th stayed in 5/8" at 15 yds. with 4 pumps and 14.3 gr. discovery hollow point 22 cal. pellets.
Got off a couple of 8 pump 5 shot groups in the half inch to 5/8" range before it got dark.
The bore was very dark when shining a light through the chamber area and looking down the barrel from the muzzle end before shooting.
After shooting, it was very bright except the last 3/8" at the muzzle. I think there may be a bit of paint overspray at that point, but it shot very well despite that....nothing a little non chlorinated break cleaner won't take out.
Normally i would have cleaned the bbl. before shooting, but i was in a hurry to try it out before dark lol.
I brought it inside and shot about 30 more rounds down the hall at about 8 yds. after dark, and it continued to give tight groups considering my (by then) blurry eyesight with the irons.
I think it's going to be a ragged hole shooter for sure with a scope or good peep sight...or lol...a pair of glasses that i've been needing anyway.
VERY HAPPY with it so far.
Looks like i may have found a good pellet for it right off the bat. The discovery's were all they had in 22 cal.
BTW, after all the negatives i've read about "hard" triggers on the 392 and 397 rifles, i have to say this one can't be more than 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. and breaks like glass with just a hint of over travel...nice!
I just may be doing more squirrel hunting than deer hunting this fall.