Benjamin Trail Nitro Piston Elite Hardwood (22) Review

The Benjamin Trail NP ("Nitro Piston") serial by Crosman has enjoyed great popularity, and includes some of the most well-loved gas-piston air rifles available.

Nevertheless, each of the current three versions of the Benjamin Trail, the original NP, the NP XL, and brand new NP2, are quite different, and each has its ain distinct advantages and disadvantages that anyone contemplating a "Trail" should consider.

To help you sort this out, we've provided our ain review of each model, based on their respective pros and cons, and then you lot can be improve informed before dropping your difficult-earned dollars. For the sake of discussion, we will compare each model in the .22 caliber.

At the conclusion of the article, nosotros will give you our two cents every bit to our personal favorite Ben Trail.

Table of Contents

• one) The Original – the Benjamin Trail NP
  • The Good:
  • The Bad:
  • The Verdict
• ii) The Beast – the Benjamin Trail NP Twoscore 1100/725
  • The Good:
  • The Bad:
  • The Verdict
• 3) The Adjacent Generation – The Trail NP2
  • The Good:
  • The Bad:
  • The Verdict
• So Which is Our Favorite Benjamin Trail?

1) The Original – the Benjamin Trail NP

The Proficient:

• Good Hunting Ability. As far as punch, the NP brings enough, and by our estimates (based on manufacturer velocity ratings) is likely to evangelize around eighteen-20 ft-lbs of energy ("FPE") in the .22 caliber. This is really good by whatsoever measure, and makes the NP a very solid small game hunting rifle for those interested in pursuing anything from starlings to squirrels.

• Easy Cocking/Pocket-sized Recoil. Moreover, despite striking hard, this nitro piston mechanism is quite easy to cock. Besides, this pellet rifle fires smoothly with modest recoil and a moderate level of "hold sensitivity." This is good, considering these are two of the quintessential "benefits" of the gas-piston compared to an equally-powered spring piston air rifle in the starting time place.

• 

  Click for larger view!

  Quiet Report. Another thing that users will notice is that the NP is fairly repose compared to a springer. Thus, for situations that crave more than "discrete" shooting, we think the NP will meet or exceed well-nigh users' expectations, particularly in light of the very good muzzle energy delivered by this gas ram.

• Decent Scope on Combo. As far as eyes, the combo comes included with a CenterPoint three-ix×twoscore AO (parallax adjustable) scope, which in reality is pretty decent past all objective measures. Yep, you lot will hear some people wail on about how mediocre to poor information technology is, but for the nigh role, that is a typical gripes with just most any combo scope. In fact, all things considered, the telescopic is OK – what else can you ask for in an affordable combo?

• Nice Fit & Finish. Finally, the NP is a prissy looking air rifle with a clean fit and terminate (many appreciate the keyhole stock); it'south also quite manageable, too with an overall length of but over 44″ and a weight of just a tad over 7 pounds.

The Bad:

• Regrettable Trigger. By far the biggest weak spot of the NP is the trigger. It's not simply heavy, it has a very long 2nd stage as well. Can you get past with it? Sure, but you will have to be a very patient person and really master the artillery hold to do so. The problem is that this trigger is not just annoying, it can and volition pull you off your target if not careful. In fact, to the extent that people have trouble with accuracy at all, nosotros suspect that it's related to the trigger pull, rather than anything else about the burglarize itself. Many who buy the NP knowing about the trigger issue either buy an aftermarket trigger (the GRT 3 "Charlie-da-Tuna" trigger is pop) or try i of diverse DIY fixes, for which y'all tin can no doubt several tutorials on the web. Just remember that tampering with the trigger will void the warranty, and so tread advisedly.

• Long Interruption In Menstruum. Another gripe that we hear also often to dismiss is the lengthy break in period often required. What are we talking nigh? In some cases, users report needing to push a few hundred rounds before the NP before settles down. The proficient news is that once it does intermission in, this thing is a tack driver!

• Very Picky Most Pellets. Besides the woefully strong trigger and lengthy break in menstruum, y'all may struggle initially to find the best pellet combination with your detail gun. Getting the right pellet is always a bit of trial and error, but unlike other rifles, there seems to be no default best brands for this gun, you are simply going to accept to experiment to come across what your rifle "likes." To that stop, nosotros suggest you buy a good pellet sampler pack, get into a comfy bench balance position, and make an afternoon out of it!

The Verdict

The original Trail NP is well-balanced and combines impressive power, good accurateness (one time you go past the trigger), a modest cocking endeavor and a manageable size and weight. This makes information technology a adept entry-level gas ram for more inexperienced users, but one that requires some modification (especially the trigger) and lots of patience before more advanced shooters tin really take reward of the accuracy this rifle is capable of.

2) The Animate being – the Benjamin Trail NP Twoscore 1100/725

The Proficient:

• Huge Power! The NP 40 is a existent monster that generates truthful "Magnum" type ability. What are we talking virtually? This burglarize in the .22  – the "40 1100" – is reported to generate only under thirty ft-lbs of energy at the cage! Although user reports put the actual FPE closer to 25 FPE. The .25 caliber version (the XL 725) will hit even harderbut will have a more challenging shot trajectory as velocity will drop in the larger bore. Users consistently report amazement at just how hard this rifle hits. For example, one user reported that his XL actually punctured a 2-human foot tall fire extinguisher…and this was from a distance of 25 yards! Needless to say, if yous are a small game hunter that likes to take game at the larger stop of that spectrum (e.g., woodchuck, raccoon, large opossum, etc.), the NP Forty will put your quarry down –  and do and so in convincing fashion.

• Passable Scope & Trigger. While you lot won't be diddled away by it, the included CenterPoint 3-nine×40 AO (parallax adjustable) scope is definitely passable with fairly clear, bright optics. Likewise, the trigger on the 40 is not actually good (and some volition probably hate it), but information technology is comparatively much better than that on the NP, so from that betoken of view, it'due south a plus. At the very least, we don't think you can legitimately blame your wandering groups on either. Now, the reliability of the scope after a scrap of use is some other story nosotros'll discuss after….

• 

  Click for larger view!

  Fairly Repose Shooting. While not as quiet equally the NP, the NP XL is actually pretty darn stealthy relative to a typical spring-piston air rifle that is capable of generating this much power. In addition, the gun will tranquility down considerably after break in. Oh, please don't be 1 of those people that complain that this is a "loud" rifle when you are firing lightweight alloy pellets that break the sound barrier! Keep your velocities (especially if opting for the .177 caliber) nether 1000 FPS and your accurateness will meliorate – and we won't have to hear yous mutter that your Trail is "as loud as a rimfire"!

• Corking Accuracy. Users consistently note very skillful accuracy with the NP Forty, with reports of i″ groups at considerable distances, up to l yards, being mutual. Indeed, y'all tin expect even more laser-like shooting with upgraded eyes and perhaps an aftermarket trigger. In add-on, the 40 seems to have a faster break in period than the NP, so y'all tin can start enjoying tack-driving accuracy much sooner.

• Quality Fit & Finish. The construction of the XL is very robust and solid, albeit perhaps a little too robust for some users. The detailing on the wood stock models is also quite squeamish, and the rifle is all around very handsome and masculine looking.

The Bad:

• Big and Heavy. Did we mention this was a fauna? With an overall length of 49″ and a total weight approaching ten pounds when scoped (information technology's viii.five lbs lone), this burglarize looks and feels more like a rimfire than an air rifle. The added weight does have some stabilizing effect as far as mitigating recoil, but the Forty can be a bit of a deport to lug around or maintain a concur on when not demote shooting. Definitely not a rifle for young or female person shooters.

• Hard to Cock. Consistent with its massive power is the considerable endeavor needed to cock the XL, which is somewhere between 45 and l lbs. This is nothing to exist trivialized either. Even if yous are in shape, you may brainstorm to lament having to crevice the barrel on this critter. The longer barrel does starting time this to some degree (by giving you a better lever), merely if you are young, slightly built and/or female, you lot might want to try another rifle. Respect your limitations.

• A Telescopic-Eater. While the CenterPoint telescopic on the philharmonic is decent, it may not concord out for as well long on the back of this honking gas-ram. Despite existence a gas-piston rifle, the XL generates impressive "double" recoil typical of high-powered spring-piston rifles. In case, you don't know, this dual-recoil is very difficult on scopes, and many report that information technology renders the CenterPoint useless later a few dozen to several hundred shots. Your mileage is likely to vary, and y'all may enjoy lots of use from yours, simply we suggest you get a canteen of loctite and tighten all of the screws/adjustments to get the almost out of it.

The Verdict

The Trail NP Xl is a existent scattering, and is not the kind of air burglarize that suits new, young or inexperienced users. It also has a lackluster trigger and can really dish out a chirapsia on your optics.

Nevertheless, it offers the kind of big-time power reserved for PCP and much more expensive Magnum rifles, and tin can evangelize the kind of accurateness and accept downwards power (that is, if you lot can erect this bad boy!) downrange that more than seasoned air rifle hunters will appreciate.

We strongly recommend sticking with the .22 or .25 calibers. This rifle in the .177 is like putting bicycle wheels onto a Lamborghini.

3) The Next Generation – The Trail NP2

The Good:

• Swell Power. The Trail NP2 uses Crosman's revamped gas-piston power constitute, which, according to Crosman, makes the NP2 shoot 15% faster and "double the effective shooting range of the original Trail series." Based on the reported velocities in the .22, this doesn't seem far off. Benjamin reports thatNP2 delivers around 25 ft-lbs. at the muzzle; although again acute readers have indicated this is probably inflated and put information technology closer to 20-22 FPE. Either way, a very hard-hitting gas ram rivals the power of the XL 1100. Consequently, whatever you can hunt with the XL, you should be able to tackle with the NP2.

• More Compact. Despite coming close to the power of the Forty, the NP2 is a more than compact and slightly lighter burglarize, measuring 46″ in full length and weighing eight.three pounds without the scope.

Click for larger view!

• Reduced Cocking Effort. I of the benefits of the next-gen nitro piston is supposedly easier cocking. Crosman reports a 10-pound reduction in fact. This may be a flake exaggerated based on what we're hearing; however, the cocking effort does not seem near as bad as that required for the XL, which is at least an improvement.

• Quieter/Smoother. Again, if you compare this gas ram with other models that bring comparable ability, the new Trail NP2 is likely to sound fairly quiet and produce a fleck less vibration than one would otherwise wait. Although, this may exist minimal in an accented sense – this gun will still kicking.

• Gimmicky Expect. There's no denying that the NP2 is a precipitous-looking air rifle, with an interesting stock configuration and all-around sleek attribute to it.

The Bad:

• Inconsistent Ratings. Although it's normal to accept a fraction of users reporting seemingly contradictory experiences regarding things similar functioning and build quality, the NP2 has had particularly mixed reviews, especially around its debut. For example, one user hates the trigger, calling it the worst always; some other says it's pure joy – the best ever. Some praise its accuracy; and just as many merits they can't go on their groups together no thing what they do. Nevertheless, the NP2'southward reviews have grown consistently more positive over time and most sources at present requite this model a four out of five star rating. We are not sure if there were a lot of production or QC bugs that have been since ironed out or what; in any upshot, nosotros are happy to see this positive trend.

• Shoddy Construction? While nigh acknowledge the superficial entreatment of this rifle, at that place take been some complaints about its build quality. For example, 1 reviewer likened the finish of the forest stock to the veneer you'd detect on Walmart article of furniture – something the user didn't desire to scratch for fearfulness of finding what lay beneath it! Others merely had things break off prematurely, or received rifles that failed or came with defects, such every bit butt cracks or loose-fitting, poorly manufactured components.

• Spotty Accuracy/Questionable Trigger. Even though some found the NP2 very accurate and liked the "new" trigger, many users only couldn't get the NP2 to settle down, and lots of the reviews blame the trigger for not beingness much different than that used on the original Trail NP.

• Over-Hyped? Every bit mentioned, when the NP2 debuted there were many users who were more than disappointed – they actually appeared downright hostile to what they viewed as an over-hyped model that did non live up to its marketing material, and the myriad of so-chosen "proficient" reviews on the web. This user in particular seemed to sum up much of this frustration quite eloquently:

"This gun, as the other reviewer stated, is the most over hyped…product I've seen in a smashing while. It'south kickback is ridiculous, the trigger, much worse, un shootable, the mountain fell off in the first few shots (supposed to be welded to the barrell). The accurateness was horrific, could exist the trigger which is like pulling a loaded semi a few inches closer to you on a rough gravel road via the bumper. The cocking try was the aforementioned as all other nitro's, the racket, comparable at least, and the stock is rough and poorly designed, unless you similar hard sharp lines everywhere and have extremely small-scale easily. The stop is similar they used wood glue, smooth but murky, so you can't even see the grain of the cheap fruitwood."

Once more, now that things have calmed downwardly and the NP2 has been in production for some fourth dimension, such criticism in our feel is fairly uncommon and the NP2 has since proven itself to be a pretty solid offering, at least relative to the other Ben Trails.

The Verdict

While the NP2 may fall short of the hype surrounding its release, the NP2 does meet the bones claim of providing more power in a relatively smaller gas ram.  Moreover, many of the harsh criticisms levied against the NP2 when information technology first came on the scene – such as poor build quality and wildly inconsistent accuracy – seem to take largely prodigal. And although we are not sure why this is, we are glad to see it considering the NP2 is clear step in the right direction, notwithstanding possible bugs and/or production issues that may have plagued it initially.

And so Which is Our Favorite Benjamin Trail?

The NP2 has come out of the gates a little wobbly; notwithstanding, information technology has since demonstrated that information technology does evangelize reliable operation and a fairly solid construction.  As such, if yous are looking for a powerful and relatively more compact gas-ram, the NP2 is the obvious choice since it packs considerably more than FPE than the original NP, without the weight and bulk of the XL.  However, the NP2 comes with a significantly stiffer toll tag than the NP too, and many still consider the NP2 to be somewhat cheaply made.

If you are looking for maximum value with a preference for power, we'd accept to say we are most addicted of the NP XL (specifically, the .22 and .25 quotient versions, the XL 1100 and Twoscore 725). If you lot are strong and able-bodied, and are interested in offset-rate air rifle hunting, you just can't vanquish its massive ability, solid build, and relatively modest intermission in period.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more user-friendly, entry-level gas-ram, i.e., one that is easier to erect and handle, the original Benjamin Trail NP is likely the amend choice – just remember that you volition need to put a lot of rounds through information technology at offset, and volition take to tame (or modify/supercede) the stiff trigger to actually take advantage of the tack-driving accuracy that the NP is inherently capable of.

shoerous1957.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.thebestairrifle.com/review-benjamin-trail-np-xl-np2/

Share this post