Benjamin Discovery .22 Air Rifle
Popular in Europe but relatively uncommon in the United States, the pre-charged-pneumatic (or PCP) rifle has been given a boost in this country through the introduction of the new Benjamin Discovery. Pre-charged-pneumatic rifles, based on a system of operation that dates back to the 16th century, offer advantages over other more-common types of air rifles. As compared to spring-piston powered air rifles, which must be cocked for each shot, PCP rifles provide a string of shots powered by a charged air reservoir (either from a hand pump or a high-pressure air tank).
There are potential disadvantages to PCP rifles that have kept them primarily in the hands of motivated enthusiasts and out of those of beginners and younger shooters. First, they are significantly more expensive than comparable spring-powered air rifles. In addition to cost, PCP air rifles can require the strength of an adult to fully charge them through the use of a hand pump. The other option is using a high-pressure air tank, which can be difficult to locate or expensive to use.
Just forward of the trigger-guard on the stock’s bottom is a pressure gauge (top) for the Discovery’s air reservoir marked for both compressed air and CO2 use. The reservoir is filled through a nipple that is located just below the barrel’s muzzle (lower) and is protected by a plastic cap.
The new Benjamin Discovery PCP pellet rifle, however, aims to change that. Available in either .177 or .22 caliber and made here in the United States by Crosman, the bolt-action single-shot Discovery sells for roughly one-third less than a comparable European PCP rifle. But the reasonable cost is not the only reason beginners and young shooters may want to consider the Discovery.
Whereas most conventional PCP rifles require 3,000 p.s.i. of pressure to perform effectively, the Benjamin Discovery requires only 2,000 p.s.i. to power a .177-cal. pellet up to a claimed 1000 f.p.s. and a .22-cal. pellet up to 900 f.p.s. The result is that the Discovery can be charged through the use of the optional hand pump. Roughly 70 to 100 manageable strokes yield 25 to 35 powerful shots before recharging is required. In addition, high-pressure air tanks can also be used with the Discovery.
The Discovery offers another innovative take on the PCP design, namely something referred to as “dual fuel” capability. In addition to being powered by compressed air through the use of either a hand pump or a high-pressure air tank, the Benjamin Discovery can also be powered with CO2. Employing an optional adapter, the Discovery can be powered up from a standard paintball tank, although only up to 900 p.s.i. While velocities are reduced, it can shoot for roughly 100 shots before needing a refill. This is due to the unique nature of CO2 and that it continues to expand as it turns from a liquid to a gas. Compressed air and CO2 should not be combined, and a degasser tool to empty the Discovery’s reservoir is also available.