Mention air rifles to some members of elder generations, and they’ll wax nostalgic about shooting their buddy in the butt with their first BB gun. But now, we’ve got a new generation of shooters…and a second-generation Benjamin Fortitude for them to check out. The Fortitude, and air guns like it, isn’t exactly kid stuff: With the velocities this air rifle can achieve, small-game hunters can absolutely ethically and humanely take their prey. The Fortitude was introduced some time ago, but the engineers at Benjamin couldn’t rest until the Fortitude was packed with the most highly desired features and technologies that modern airgunners demand.
Like its predecessor, this pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air gun is available in both .177 and .22 calibers, and the form of the gun is very similar. However, it features a 34 percent reduction in the effort you’ll need to expend to cock the gun. Speaking of ease of use, the trigger pull weight has been reduced by 20 percent for a crisper feeling and better accuracy.
There’s also a better balance hammer and valve-spring setup. That hammer spring is adjustable, by the way–you can adjust the gun for velocity or shot count, depending on what you’d like to do with it today. Want to knock down some squirrels? Crank the velocity up. Want to put holes in paper on your back 40? Dial it back down again so you can shoot longer.
Specs:
| Hammer Spring Preload | Velocity | Shots count |
| 0 turns (No Preload) | Up to 650 fps (.177) and 600 fps (.22) | Up to 200 |
| 4 turns (FactorySetting) | Up to 850 fps (.177) and 750 fps (.22) | Up to 90 |
| 6 turns (Maximum) | Up to 950 fps (.177) and 800 fps (.22) | Up to 60 |
The Fortitude is a multi-shot repeater with a regulator that uses interchangeable 10-shot rotary magazines for bolt-action firing. The Fortitude features a lightweight all-weather ergonomic stock. The regulator built into the 3000 PSI reservoir controls the output air pressure for shot-to-shot consistency, making the Fortitude the best option for backyard plinking, target shooting, pest control, or small-game hunting. All of these features will be available at the remarkably low price of a $299.99.
“The Benjamin brand has always provided premier airguns that are unmatched in performance and value,” said Phillip Guadalupe, Product Manager. “Our consumers told us that they wanted the Benjamin performance they’ve always relied on, but with the added benefit of being able to take more shots and extend the time between refills. We developed the Fortitude to deliver on what they were asking for.”
Want one to call your very own? Click here for more details!
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Robert Thomas says
Airforce Talon SS in 22cal with some nice glass on it. Squirrel dirt naps with ease. And quiet enough.
WILLIAM RAMSBURG says
HOW QUIET IS IT!!
Fred R Philibert says
This is an interesting Air Gun, similar to the Girandoni repeating air rifle carried by Lewis & Clark, but… the article didn’t discuss the fact that as a PCP rifle, it requires a source of compressed air to pre-charge it. That source is not a trivial expense, ranging from a $200 hand pump to a $4k compressor. So, the entry price is closer to $600 than it is to $299. The hand pump is the only option for those considering survival use, while a $300 to $700 compressed air tank may make the most sense for the average user.
Definitely NOT Daddy’s Air Gun!
Charles Kimberl says
I couldn’t believe the first lines of the article. I got my first BB gun when I was ten (1954). I did shoot my buddy in the butt with it and have remembered that all my life. Boy, was he mad. I do like what I am reading about this new Benjamin and actually am in the market for a new gun. I will definitely check this one out.
Frank Vazquez says
I still favor the older pump airgun in .20 caliber. I have one that I think needs some new valves or seals, but even thought I can fix it, I was thinking of maybe buying another one. The problem is I have to purchase it in .22, which is a caliber I have come to like more than .177 just for the fact that even with great dexterity, it’s easier to manipulate the pellets plus it’s a much better size for pest control. The .20 is easy to handle and offers good downrange power. I feel the .20 caliber should remain in their lineup so us buyers can have a few choices other than .177 or .22 less we go up the price ladder to a whole different animal of airgun. I thought that .20 and .25 were considered common calibers along with the .177 and .22? I’d like that to be the case.
In regards to the Fortitude it sounds like a nice package ignoring all that crap about what “airgun shooters want or demand” and talk about “latest technology”. There are so many airgun models out there now and the power levels are all over the scales. Of course those who really understand airguns realize that feet per second is not the main consideration in choosing an air rifle or pistol. There are plenty of potent models available. Since not everyone can afford the expensive and pricey PCP or other high dollar fare, the manufacturers luckily still offer lower priced yet powerful (More powerful than airguns from the previous decades) air rifles. Pistols I notice have stayed about the same in terms of power, features and prices.
I would consider a higher end air gun, but I am content with pneumatic pump or spring piston models and even Co2 repeaters.
Jethro says
Try hitting a hanging golf ball at 100 yards with a springer like you can with a pcp
Jethro says
Accuracy!
Russ says
This looks like an interesting airgun. I will need to check it out, since I will be in the market to purchase one soon for my backyard range.
CaptTurbo says
Quite unremarkable. Why go with this PCP model when it doesn’t even outperform gas piston break barrels?