Over or Under cocking on VSC?

[RhoXi]

I played pump for the very first time this past weekend and I've got to say it was a blast. I was shooting a 2k+ right feed 'cocker with an Inception pump kit and was very pleased with that setup. Now that I've taken the plunge, I've been looking at finally taking my VSC Phantom out next time.

Now, just fiddling with it at home, I think I prefer the 2k's under cocking setup vs the VSC's overbarrel pump handle but I can't be quite sure. There's pros and cons to both I'm sure but I'd like to hear some of your experiences with either or both. Probably overthinking it but that's what we do here, right?

[flyweightnate]

The undercocking setup is popular, especially coming from a Sniper. Three drawbacks are cost, the loss of a thumbscrew up front, and the risk of the jam nut dragging on the barrel. Plus side is you can run a 1" OD barrel.

Over barrel is smoother/ more stable, in my opinion, than two of the three UC designs. And is cheaper.

[trashcollector]

Which is the smoothest UC kit?

[Chuck E Ducky]

Over barrel is generally smoother I agree

[iamthelazerviking]

If you search deeper into the CCI sub forum here you will find answers to this. It's personal preference, over the barrel stock pump handle is cleaner looking, more classic, and you can use both quick strip thumb screws. Under cocking will typically help most players aim better, but more expensive, you lose the front thumb screw, assembly/disassembly isn't as easy.

Personally I prefer UC, but I also prefer snipers

[RhoXi]

Ah yeah, I always forget about the search function. I did go back a couple years of threads and didn't see much. Thanks for the insight.

[Fossilhead]

Im an over barrel bored to 1" fan.
Specifically that.
Reason being, I can put a little glide tape inside the pump easily to reduce any front end wobbles.

Combined with a brass bushing (drilled 22 shell) chef's kiss.

[Jonnydread]

I was awful with a Phantom until I got an undercocking kit, then I suddenly was able to get regular elims. It's weird because my first full size pump was a hammer which is also OTB, but with the phantom specifically I feel like the pump handle blocked my aiming view.

[Brandon]

I was always the guy who said" the phantom was designed as it is and should be used that way" then Melrosejedi let me play with his phantom which was an undercocker and I was sold on it. It just feels better, more natural imo. Still prefer a cocker pump but the phantom has its own draw.

[RichM]

When I had my phantom I ended up going to UC, it felt more natural and as stated above I found the sightlines better. For me cocking the gun with the UC let me keep the gun on target better than with the over-barrel setup.

[Impactfour]

The best set up in my experience is the dual rod UC kit with a shimmed pump rod.

There's something about the thin body and barrel contrasted with the beefier pump handle that disturbs some people's line of sight. I think there could be something to difference in the connection of the pump to the bolt as well that makes the pump strokes different when comparing the phantom to other Nelson's like a bushmaster or tigershark from my experience.

At the end of the day, there's people who swear by both for their own valid reasons, but I'm a UC kinda guy

[Chuck E Ducky]

Phantom in general aims slightly different then a Sniper setup. I tend to shoot slightly high when switching between the two the first few games.

I do prefer the UC kit particularly the newer Dual Rod Vendetta kit. It gives you more options for barrels and Cocker threaded bodies.

But honestly if you are new Stock Class just get the feel for the game and run what you got. I was always a Phantom user when it came to Stock Class but lately I really like my Snipers I converted to play Stock Class.

The Phantom is great for figuring out what setup works best for you because it’s so modular. VSC with a Stock is definitely my preferred way to use the Phantom but if you look in the CCI Phantom Show off page you will see there are unlimited possibilities to set them up to fit your style.

Run what you got then decide if you want to change things. Careful they multiply because you’re going to want a fancy pistol one.

[RhoXi]

Run what you got then decide if you want to change things. Careful they multiply because you’re going to want a fancy pistol one.

As suspected, I was overthinking it. I'll run it stock then decide if I want changes. Also, ngl I was already eyeballing a pistol setup 👀. The Phantom builder is addictive.

Thanks everyone for the replies! Can't wait to try it out and probably get humbled in the process.

[Chuck E Ducky]

100%

Only thing I highly recommend if you don’t already have it done is the ASP detent mod. It’s very helpful for today’s dodgy paint especially when it’s to inconsistent to keep a bore match.

If not, I printed up some finger detent rings your welcome to try shoot me your address in a PM and pay for the ride I will send you some.