Planning purchase. A few questions

[rjw1991A1]

I have been giving some thought to an air rifle, mostly for some backyard shooting practice. But as of late I have the opportunity to hunt on the land of a private club I have joined. Weekend hunting, which I would be doing with my son, is restricted to air rifles. A little advise from him, and a lot of on-line research has led me to two candidates. Both gas piston models, but caliber, and make are still up in the "air"
We will be hunting squirrels in wooded areas. My first question is caliber. At the risk of opening a can-o-worms I have to ask. 177, better trajectory, more speed, or 22, more energy, velocity below super sonic so no 'crack", but more drop at longer distances making range estimation more difficult.
As mentioned, I have decided that a gas piston would  be better than a spring powered model so here are the two I am choosing from.
Benjamin Trail NP Weatherproof. Around $250 at Cabela's (Although with a gift card, and rewards points I have the price out of pocket would $100 less.
Crosman Nitro Venom. Around $150 at Wally World ( Approximately the same out of pocket cost)
What say you?

[grizzlyadams1874]

if your main quarry is to be squirrels i would by all means go with the trail in 22 caliber. 177 tends to "ice pick" a squirrel, with anything less than a head shot resulting them running a bit. i hunt exclusively with air rifles for small game and it is the caliber i use the most. realistically, the ranges that you will be able to hit a squirrel (properly for an instant kill) at first are going to be shorter than you think. once you are used to your rifle and it's capabilities, 700 fps muzzle velocity with a standard lead domed pellet is a reliable killer out to 50 yards if you can do your part. also, i know you said you are leaning towards gas piston, but in the price range you are looking, i would seriously consider the rws model 34 in 22 caliber for about 200 bucks. it's german made, nice adjustable trigger, built like a tank. the quality is waaaay better than the trail as is the accuracy,and it will long outlast you and your son with proper care. i know the trail comes with a scope, but the packaged combo scope deals are usually garbage and you wind up having to replace it later. however, all that being said, if your only two choices are the ones you mentioned, the 22 caliber gets the nod.

[Victor3]

rjw,


If you get either of the rifles you mention, you might want to replace the trigger. The Gamo-style trigger they come with is awful. Fortunately there's a good $30 aftermarket one...


http://charliedatuna.com/GRT-III%20Trigger%20New.htm


Personally, I don't recommend inexpensive break-barrel airguns (spring or NP) to anyone who doesn't want to "fiddle" with them because many will need fiddling of some sort. This often means tearing them apart to do something or other. The RWS guns I've had in the past were very good but recent reports indicate that quality isn't near what it used to be.


Break-barrels also require a break-in period where up to 1000 shots need to be fired before they start shooting consistently. Many guys lose interest in them pretty quickly because they're not as easy to shoot well if one is used to firearms or other types (pneumatic/CO2) of airguns. They can also be difficult to cock for kids or ladies.


The least expensive break-barrel rifles that I've had zero problems out of the box with are those made by HW. They're not inexpensive, but they're high quality all around and very accurate. This is one that would do what you want, and most likely would be problem free for a very long time...


http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Weihrauch_HW50S_Breakbarrel_Rifle/2152#sSpec


I always find it illogical that guys I know who would never settle for a cheezy firearm (no matter how inexpensive) think nothing of spending money on a crummy airgun. 


By the way - If you're open to a CO2 rifle and don't want to spend a lot, these are impressive guns for the money. I'll be ordering another soon...


http://www.archerairguns.com/QB78-Deluxe-Chinese-Air-Rifle-p/ibqb78d.htm

[rjw1991A1]

Now a third contender. In my research I have also found a Gamo model that is in the same price range. the Silent Stalker whisper IGT. Again, a gas piston model, but reportedly with an excellent factory trigger negating the need for aftermarket parts, and working on the gun. So now, what is the word on Gamo quality. Better, worse, or about the same as Crosman/Benjamin?

[Mckie Hollow]

Just my opinion, but I would'nt touch any of your choices. I would go for a RWS 34 or the tuned Chinese clones offered by Flying Dragon.

[rjw1991A1]

I decided on the Benjamin Trail NP All Weather. Lots of informative videos, and good reviews helped me decide. I ordered an upgrade replacement trigger from Charlie da Tuna because the one, and only complaint I heard was about the rough factory trigger. Also I have ordered some J-B bore paste for lapping the barrel as described in a video on arigunweb.com, and a variety of pellets to find what it likes the best. I know there are many who suggest the RWS, but I want a gas piston, not a springer. So, it's the Benjamin Trail NP All Weather 22 cal. I had to order it on line from Cabela's because they don't have one in stock at my local store. Yes, Wally World, and other on-line places have it listed cheaper, but with a gift card, and Club Cabela's points it comes to $170 out the door for my pick up at the local Cabela's. Now the anxious wait!!!

[JonnyReb]

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the gun, remember to allow for a several hundred shot break in period, that you may have to try some german made pellets to acheive top accuracy and if your finding accuracy hard to come by, suspect the factory scope. Don't ask me how I know this:-).  Jeff

[rjw1991A1]

I picked up the Trail NP the other day  Installed the scope, and cleaned the barrel as suggested on an arigun forum with Goo Gone to remove the manufacturing, and storage gunk that was in it. I centered the scope reticles as I do with any new scope by running them to each extreme, then back to center (half the clicks from each extreme). My first three shots were about 6" high, and 6" right @ 10 yards. With some adjusting I got my shots to dead center, and about 1" high. Most of a 5 shot group makes a ragged hole, with a couple flyers that are a combination of me, and the mile and a half second stage trigger pull. Along with not being able to really feel where the release point is. I've only got about 25 rounds through it, but as I get closer to the 100 round point I'll replace the trigger with the GRT III from Charlie da Tuna I have already bought. So far I am very happy with my choice. When I get everything worked in, and get some groups worth bragging about I'll post some pictures. For now it's just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. At least it isn't at fifty cents or more per round like some of my other toys!   

[keith44]

So did you get the .22 or the .177 version?


My Beeman .22 took about 300 shots to settle in fully.  Experiment with different brands and pellet shapes and weights.  RWS 14.3 grain SuperDome pellets are what mine shoot best.  Drink cans within 60 yards are easily hit.  I also get good short range groups from Beeman Crow Magnum hollow points, but these are best kept to 30 yards and under for hunting.

[rjw1991A1]

Trail NP All Weather 22 caliber.

[keith44]

a version of this?? ( http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_Trail_NP_Nitro_Piston_Realtree_Stock/2466  )


good choice!!  950 fps w/ lightest pellets should put you around 800 fps with real pellets and once it settles in make a fine rabbit and squirrel rifle.

[rjw1991A1]

a version of this?? (http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_Trail_NP_Nitro_Piston_Realtree_Stock/2466  )

Yep, but the all black model. Goes good with my "Evil Black Rifles" LOL
Kinda busy around here for the past few days, daughter's wedding tonight! Also a trip next week, but I'm trying to get it broken in and dialed in ASAP. I'll probably install the GRT III trigger next week.

[White Foxx]

You could use a 177, but I would go with a pre-charged, like a Marauder.  Most of the spring guns you are talking about would be like buying an SKS for deer hunting....

If you much have a spring gun go with an R9 or TX200 or at least something in that price range, and caliber is less important that accuracy any day of the week.  I have been into shooting air guns just as long as I have shot firearms, 50 plus years.  If you must go cheap, get a modified QB that has been converted to HPA, or a Disco in 22 caliber, or 177 for that matter,  With the Disco, you will want a replacement trigger.

I know it sounds pricy, but what would something like a top of the line savage/remington/ruger go for in 22 LR?

White Foxx