After a little research, I found that David A Rogers of Addicted2airguns had been performing such conversions However, I haven't been able to contact him.
This being the case, I'm trying to find an airgunsmith, stock-maker or someone else that would be willing to perform this task for me. And, what might the cost for your efforts be?
If you wait just a little bit for the release of Benjamin Fortitude you'll be able to drop it straight into the challenger stock without any modifications.
Only thing, will need to add marauder trigger group, but that's easy.
? Why not buy a Bullpup style? I have a Marauder and while it's not a bad gun at all it seems like a lot of work to go through when there are over the counter options available that will out perform a Marauder and fit your size needs.
I would not have believed it until I pulled the tape out. I measured several Bullpups and most were around 14"lop. I would have sworn a Mutant Shorty would have been less. Marauder, Mutant Short and a Leshiy...
Talk about an optical illusion. Here is the Marauder above a Challenger. Triggers look even.
When I pulled out a tape there was a 2" difference on lop.
I don't know. If it were me I'd probably cut 2 inches off the Marauder stock and screw the rubber butt back on.
If you are going to look at bullpups, I just want to mention a bud of mine does great things with his older Tiapan Mutant Shorty in 22.
He is getting about 23 foot pounds with 16 grain JSB's (he reduced velocity a little bit) and uses Strelok Pro to make hits on pests at 80 yards & makes it look easy.
From what I've read the trigger on these is supposed to be great, one of the best triggers on a bullpup. I believe the new versions are called "Veterans" and have a few new touches, but I'm telling you, his older version is impressive. They are regulated and his is a real performer. He has me thinking about selling some airguns to get one. Some had LW barrels I think, but they also have CZ barrels.
Look on youtube for videos where they put the Taipan Mutant thru it's paces.
There has been a standard model in 22 (only a few inches longer than the Compact, adjustable to a bit higher velocity) for sale by a known airgunner on classifieds for awhile now.
Wished it was that simple ... judging from the taper of the butt.
Looking at it I think it would work. The holes for the butt pad go into the stock a ways. Look straight in line as well. Even just putting a thin plate on the end of the stock would give you a 13" lop. Pretty simple modification.
If you are going to look at bullpups, I just want to mention a bud of mine does great things with his older Tiapan Mutant Shorty in 22.
He is getting about 23 foot pounds with 16 grain JSB's (he reduced velocity a little bit) and uses Strelok Pro to make hits on pests at 80 yards & makes it look easy.
From what I've read the trigger on these is supposed to be great, one of the best triggers on a bullpup. I believe the new versions are called "Veterans" and have a few new touches, but I'm telling you, his older version is impressive. They are regulated and his is a real performer. He has me thinking about selling some airguns to get one. Some had LW barrels I think, but they also have CZ barrels.
Look on youtube for videos where they put the Taipan Mutant thru it's paces.
There has been a standard model in 22 (only a few inches longer than the Compact, adjustable to a bit higher velocity) for sale by a known airgunner on classifieds for awhile now.
They are also very quiet from the factory.
Some testing at 45 meters:
I have a couple Mutant Shortys. Unmodified the performance and accuracy is very impressive. There is a pigeon landing zone 78 yards from where I shoot. I'd put money on hitting them. As you say, quiet, great trigger and accuracy is as much as one can ask for.
This was out of the box first day I got it.
Sorry for the thread derail. Just had to give a shout out for the Mutant. ?
Looking at it I think it would work. The holes for the butt pad go into the stock a ways. Look straight in line as well. Even just putting a thin plate on the end of the stock would give you a 13" lop. Pretty simple modification.
Hmmm, that’s something to keep in-mind.
I was also looking at the Crosman Armada. An almost ideal fit because of the adjustable stock. According to Crosman, in the collapsed position the stock has a 12 1/2 LOP. However, the Custom Shop regulated Marauder action will not fit. The regulated gauge is located differently. And, no Lothar Walther barrel.
Also, trying to find someone to shorten a stock and/or modifiy a Challenger stock has come-up with no-one willing to undertake the task.
I have modified Challenger stocks before and also built my own for FT from mahogany. (Identical weight to factory but customized for cheek weld). Inletting is not overly difficult. I have also built custom stock parts for a CZ200 to account for a friend's need to shorten LOP while achieving good cheekweld. I can send pics to you if you want. Email me: alance2002 at yahoo
the CZ T200 is a small rifle almost for junior shooter. they can easily be adjusted for more power. but the guy that said get a fortitude which will fit in a challenger stock is good idea
Bullpuppyness doesn't really change the length of pull, and some are set up for pretty long arms. From a bench, can likely shoot nearly any length of pull, but for other uses/positions, it's nice to have the stock fit your arm length/face height.
Folks have built them on the Challenger stock...it's not a simple job to get an M-Rod into one.
the AA/CZ 200's are a great option, just wanted to note on the fortitude, it won't be a drop in fit,
will still need to add the gauge hole but definitely a good option, there is also a carbine option with a 1720T for a LW barrel
or a .22 prod with hammer forged barrel add a AR stock adapter and your good to go and with an easy takedown carbine as well
My Prod is out on loan to a co worker who has/had a rat problem so I can't measure the LOP. I put a Marmot Militia barrel on it and it went from this....
To this,
A dramatic improvement that made the gun worth shooting again. I also put a TKO LDC on it that made it pure stealth quiet.
I prefer it over the Mrod. But I like short light guns.
Contacted Discos R Us and Joe responded that his company would be willing to undertake the task(s) of inletting some Challenger stocks for me.
Right now, my first consideration will be a Crosman Custom Shop regulated Marauder. Next, might be a Marauder Pistol or 1720T. Ideally, I’d like a carbine verion of the Marauder Pistol - except, I don’t need a .22 for defending the backyard birdfeed. A .177 would be my perference. I recall Citirus Air had been performing .22 to .177 conversions. But, Citirus Air nolonger has an active website.
I don't know why I've taken such an interest in your quest. For backyard bird feeder the stock Challenger is perfect. That's what mine is used for. However, based on now knowing that and you want with more power I would suggest a FX Verminator. It's over your intended budget but by the time you source out your Frankenstein gun it might not be that far off. Plus resale would be for a mainstream gun.
These are amazing shooters and the best part for you is the stock is adjustable from 12" lop to over 16". Simple single set screw on the stock allows it to slide up and down the air tank. Super shot count as well as a fantastic trigger.
With the stock slid up it's only 31 inches long.
I promise you without custom barrels you will not get a Marauder base gun to out shoot a Verminator. I have one in a .22 as well with the same performance as my .177.
Since we are adding choices . My AF rifles with a 13 ci regulated tank have a 13 1/4 LOP . LW barrels in .177 ,.22 , and 25 caliber .As well as several lengths of barrels . GL Marvin
Since we are adding choices . My AF rifles with a 13 ci regulated tank have a 13 1/4 LOP . LW barrels in .177 ,.22 , and 25 caliber .As well as several lengths of barrels . GL Marvin
Hey Marvin, I'm curious what your 13 ci set up looks like. I found this shot on the web. Looks long to me.
My SS has a regulator that extends the bottle off a couple inches. With the stock air tank it's a 16" lop.
On my Talon I have I put a carbon fiber tank that's an inch and three quarters shorter than stock. Unregulated it gives it a under 13" lop.
Since we are adding choices . My AF rifles with a 13 ci regulated tank have a 13 1/4 LOP . LW barrels in .177 ,.22 , and 25 caliber .As well as several lengths of barrels . GL Marvin
Hey Marvin, I'm curious what your 13 ci set up looks like. I found this shot on the web. Looks long to me.
My SS has a regulator that extends the bottle off a couple inches. With the stock air tank it's a 16" lop.
On my Talon I have I put a carbon fiber tank that's an inch and three quarters shorter than stock. Unregulated it gives it a under 13" lop.
Just to make sure I re measured it and it is still 13 1/4 LOP . Marvin
For backyard bird feeder the stock Challenger is perfect. However, based on now knowing that and you want with more power I would suggest a FX Verminator. It's over your intended budget but by the time you source out your Frankenstein gun it might not be that far off. Plus resale would be for a mainstream gun.
Unfortunately for me, I'm not on a Dodge Viper or GM Corvette budget. I'm more apt to afford a nice domestic 6-cylinder Camaro. LOL
So far, the projected cost of a modified Challenger stock is about $100, inletting maybe $75 and the Custom Shop regulated Marauder with a Lothar Walther barrel is $700 - very cost effective in my eyes.
As far as accuracy is concerned, I wouldn't expect a LW Marauder to be the equal of a $2000 FX. However, for my purposes a regulated Mrod with a LW-barrel should serve-me well-enough.
I understand. They are $1,400. The "Extreme" package with a arrow shooting barrel is over $2,400. You are welcome to PM me if you are interested in a used one. Keep us posted on how your project works out. Rick
Since we are adding choices . My AF rifles with a 13 ci regulated tank have a 13 1/4 LOP . LW barrels in .177 ,.22 , and 25 caliber .As well as several lengths of barrels . GL Marvin
Hey Marvin, I'm curious what your 13 ci set up looks like. I found this shot on the web. Looks long to me.
My SS has a regulator that extends the bottle off a couple inches. With the stock air tank it's a 16" lop.
On my Talon I have I put a carbon fiber tank that's an inch and three quarters shorter than stock. Unregulated it gives it a under 13" lop
I looked at some AirForce models, the lack of regulation and that a seeming need for fiddling to keep the rifle shooting accurately bothered me.
I’d prefer not having to tinker with my air rifles.
I believe we have shown you that they can be regulated several ways . And as far as fiddling I have no problem with having to do more than spray dry slide in the hammer chamber every 100 or so shoots . As well as putting lock tight on the top hat allen screws once I have the TH adjusted were I want it . Some just can not leave well enough a lone and create there own problems on a daily bases .
But back on the stock . I think mad dog is doing custom stocks for about every thing now according to video he and Adventure a Field has out . GL Marvin
I had Joe of Discos-R-Us to order me a 1720T Field Target PCP Pistol and a Crosman Challenger stock.
I gave instructions for Joe to fabricate a carbine similar to Ray Apelle's Field Target Rifle. Except my version will not have the balance-weight-arm. And, will not have a longer barrel or extended reservoir. However, an extended shroud will be added. Along with a Marauder trigger-group. My 1720 will be regulated to generate 12fpe.
Also, I ordered a .177 Gauntlet from New England AirGun. John Swenson is trying to select a rifle from his stock that shoots to his stanards with non-lead (alloy) pellets.
When he finds a suitable candiate he performs some mods for me. The trigger will be reworked, the bolt cocking effort will be reduced with a spring kit and more baffles will be added to the shroud.
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