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Category: Benjamin/Crosman

Which is Best? Our Benjamin Trail NP, XL & NP2 Review
The Benjamin Trail NP (“Nitro Piston”) series 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 own distinct advantages and disadvantages that anyone contemplating a “Trail” should consider.

To help you sort this out, we’ve provided our own review of each model, based on their respective pros and cons, so you can be better informed before dropping your hard-earned dollars. For the sake of discussion, we will compare each model in the .22 caliber.

At the conclusion of the article, we will give you our 2 cents as to our personal favorite Ben Trail.

1) The Original – the Benjamin Trail NP

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The Good:
- Good Hunting Power. As far as punch, the NP brings plenty, and by our estimates (based on manufacturer velocity ratings) is likely to deliver around 18-20 ft-lbs of energy (“FPE”) in the .22 caliber. This is really good by any measure, and makes the NP a very solid small game hunting rifle for those interested in pursuing anything from starlings to squirrels.
- Easy Cocking/Modest Recoil. Moreover, despite hitting hard, this nitro piston mechanism is quite easy to cock. Likewise, this pellet rifle fires smoothly with modest recoil and a moderate level of “hold sensitivity.” This is good, because these are two of the quintessential “benefits” of the gas-piston compared to an equally-powered spring piston air rifle in the first place.
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  Quiet Report. Another thing that users will notice is that the NP is fairly quiet compared to a springer. Thus, for situations that require more “discrete” shooting, we think the NP will meet or exceed most users’ expectations, particularly in light of the very good muzzle energy delivered by this gas ram.
- Decent Scope on Combo. As far as optics, the combo comes included with a CenterPoint 3-9×40 AO (parallax adjustable) scope, which in reality is pretty decent by all objective measures. Yes, you will hear some people wail on about how mediocre to poor it is, but for the most part, that is a typical gripes with just about any combo scope. In fact, all things considered, the scope is OK – what else can you ask for in an affordable combo?
- Nice Fit & Finish. Finally, the NP is a nice looking air rifle with a clean fit and finish (many appreciate the keyhole stock); it’s also quite manageable, too with an overall length of just 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 just heavy, it has a very long second stage as well. Can you get by 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 will pull you off your target if not careful. In fact, to the extent that people have trouble with accuracy at all, we suspect that it’s related to the trigger pull, rather than anything else about the rifle itself. Many who buy the NP knowing about the trigger issue either buy an aftermarket trigger (the GRT III “Charlie-da-Tuna” trigger is popular) or try one of various DIY fixes, for which you can no doubt several tutorials on the web. Just remember that tampering with the trigger will void the warranty, so tread carefully.
- Long Break In Period. Another gripe that we hear too often to dismiss is the lengthy break in period often required. What are we talking about? In some cases, users report needing to push a few hundred rounds before the NP before settles down. The good news is that once it does break in, this thing is a tack driver!
- Very Picky About Pellets. Besides the woefully stiff trigger and lengthy break in period, you may struggle initially to find the best pellet combination with your particular 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 have to experiment to see what your rifle “likes.” To that end, we suggest you buy a good pellet sampler pack, get into a comfy bench rest position, and make an afternoon out of it!
The Verdict

The original Trail NP is well-balanced and combines impressive power, good accuracy (once you get past the trigger), a modest cocking effort and a manageable size and weight. This makes it a good 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 can really take advantage of the accuracy this rifle is capable of.

2) The Beast – the Benjamin Trail NP XL 1100/725

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The Good:
- Huge Power! The NP XL is a real monster that generates true “Magnum” type power. What are we talking about? This rifle in the .22 – the “XL 1100” – is reported to generate just under 30 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle! Although user reports put the actual FPE closer to 25 FPE. The .25 caliber version (the XL 725) will hit even harder but 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-foot tall fire extinguisher…and this was from a distance of 25 yards! Needless to say, if you are a small game hunter that likes to take game at the larger end of that spectrum (e.g., woodchuck, raccoon, large opossum, etc.), the NP XL will put your quarry down – and do so in convincing fashion.
- Passable Scope & Trigger. While you won’t be blown away by it, the included CenterPoint 3-9×40 AO (parallax adjustable) scope is definitely passable with fairly clear, bright optics. Likewise, the trigger on the XL is not really good (and some will probably hate it), but it is comparatively much better than that on the NP, so from that point of view, it’s 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 bit of use is another story we’ll discuss later….
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  Fairly Quiet Shooting. While not as quiet as 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 quiet down considerably after break in. Oh, please don’t be one 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) under 1000 FPS and your accuracy will improve – and we won’t have to hear you complain that your Trail is “as loud as a rimfire”!
- Great Accuracy. Users consistently note very good accuracy with the NP XL, with reports of 1″ groups at considerable distances, up to 50 yards, being common. Indeed, you can expect even more laser-like shooting with upgraded optics and perhaps an aftermarket trigger. In addition, the XL seems to have a faster break in period than the NP, so you 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 nice, and the rifle is all around very handsome and masculine looking.
The Bad:
- Big and Heavy. Did we mention this was a beast? With an overall length of 49″ and a total weight approaching 10 pounds when scoped (it’s 8.5 lbs alone), this rifle 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 XL can be a bit of a bear to lug around or maintain a hold on when not bench shooting. Definitely not a rifle for young or female shooters.
- Difficult to Cock. Consistent with its massive power is the considerable effort needed to cock the XL, which is somewhere between 45 and 50 lbs. This is nothing to be trivialized either. Even if you are in shape, you may begin to lament having to crack the barrel on this critter. The longer barrel does offset this to some degree (by giving you a better lever), but if you are young, slightly built and/or female, you might want to try another rifle. Respect your limitations.
- A Scope-Eater. While the CenterPoint scope on the combo is decent, it may not hold out for too long on the back of this honking gas-ram. Despite being 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 hard on scopes, and many report that it renders the CenterPoint useless after a few dozen to several hundred shots. Your mileage is likely to vary, and you may enjoy lots of use from yours, but we suggest you get a bottle of loctite and tighten all of the screws/adjustments to get the most out of it.
The Verdict

The Trail NP XL is a real handful, and is not the kind of air rifle that suits new, young or inexperienced users. It also has a lackluster trigger and can really dish out a beating on your optics.

Nevertheless, it offers the kind of big-time power reserved for PCP and much more expensive Magnum rifles, and can deliver the kind of accuracy and take down power (that is, if you can cock this bad boy!) downrange that more 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

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The Good:
- Great Power. The Trail NP2 uses Crosman’s revamped gas-piston power plant, 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 that NP2 delivers around 25 ft-lbs. at the muzzle; although again astute readers have indicated this is probably inflated and put it 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 XL, the NP2 is a more compact and slightly lighter rifle, measuring 46″ in total length and weighing 8.3 pounds without the scope.
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- Reduced Cocking Effort. One 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 bit 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 power, the new Trail NP2 is likely to sound fairly quiet and produce a bit less vibration than one would otherwise expect. Although, this may be minimal in an absolute sense – this gun will still kick.
- Contemporary Look. There’s no denying that the NP2 is a sharp-looking air rifle, with an interesting stock configuration and all-around sleek aspect to it.
The Bad:
- Inconsistent Ratings. Although it’s normal to have a fraction of users reporting seemingly contradictory experiences regarding things like performance 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 ever; another says it’s pure joy – the best ever. Some praise its accuracy; and just as many claim they can’t keep their groups together no matter what they do. However, the NP2’s reviews have grown consistently more positive over time and most sources now give this model a 4 out of 5 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 event, we are happy to see this positive trend.
- Shoddy Construction? While most acknowledge the superficial appeal of this rifle, there have been some complaints about its build quality. For instance, one reviewer likened the finish of the wood stock to the veneer you’d find on Walmart furniture – something the user didn’t want to scratch for fear of finding what lay beneath it! Others simply had things break off prematurely, or received rifles that failed or came with defects, such as barrel 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 just couldn’t get the NP2 to settle down, and lots of the reviews blame the trigger for not being much different than that used on the original Trail NP.
- Over-Hyped? As 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 not live up to its marketing material, and the myriad of so-called “expert” 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 great while. It’s kickback is ridiculous, the trigger, much worse, un shootable, the mount fell off in the first few shots (supposed to be welded to the barrell). The accuracy was horrific, could be 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 effort was the same as all other nitro’s, the noise, comparable at least, and the stock is crude and poorly designed, unless you like hard sharp lines everywhere and have extremely small hands. The finish is like they used wood glue, smooth but murky, so you can’t even see the grain of the cheap fruitwood.”

Again, now that things have calmed down and the NP2 has been in production for some time, such criticism in our experience 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 basic claim of providing more power in a relatively smaller gas ram. Moreover, many of the harsh criticisms levied against the NP2 when it first came on the scene – such as poor build quality and wildly inconsistent accuracy – seem to have largely dissipated. And although we are not sure why this is, we are glad to see it because the NP2 is clear step in the right direction, notwithstanding possible bugs and/or production issues that may have plagued it initially.

So Which is Our Favorite Benjamin Trail?

The NP2 has come out of the gates a little wobbly; however, it has since demonstrated that it does deliver reliable performance and a fairly solid construction. As such, if you are looking for a powerful and relatively more compact gas-ram, the NP2 is the obvious choice since it packs considerably more FPE than the original NP, without the weight and bulk of the XL. Nevertheless, the NP2 comes with a significantly stiffer price 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 have to say we are most fond of the NP XL (specifically, the .22 and .25 caliber versions, the XL 1100 and XL 725). If you are strong and able-bodied, and are interested in first-rate air rifle hunting, you just can’t beat its massive power, solid build, and relatively modest break 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 cock and handle, the original Benjamin Trail NP is likely the better choice – just remember that you will need to put a lot of rounds through it at first, and will have to tame (or modify/replace) the stiff trigger to really take advantage of the tack-driving accuracy that the NP is inherently capable of.
August 4, 2014
Crosman Nitro Venom – Deal or Dud?

The Crosman Nitro Venom air rifle is a gas-piston breakbarrel that comes in an especially affordable combo that puts it in direct competition with other value-oriented gas rams, such as the Benjamin Titan. But how does the Nitro Venom perform? And what are the big tradeoffs lurking behind all of this apparent value, if any?

Please read on as we discuss both the good and the bad, as we see it, so you can decide for yourself whether the Nitro Venom is a good deal – or an unfortunate dud.

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Crosman Nitro Venom – The Good

The Benefits of Gas-Piston Technology

Rather than a coiled spring, the Nitro Venom is powered by a sealed volume of inert nitrogen gas, which compresses and expands during the cocking/firing cycle. The benefits of this gas-piston technology are numerous. The first thing you’ll notice (especially if you’ve shot springers before) is that the Nitro Venom cocks more easily than a spring-powered counterpart, and shoots more smoothly. Without all of the large spring mass uncoiling and then recoiling after the shot, there is much less vibration and considerably less “kick” with this gas ram too. In addition, after this rifle is broken in, you will also enjoy comparatively quiet shooting – again, largely a result of the fewer moving parts in the power plant.

But that’s not all, unlike a spring, which if left cocked for extended periods can ultimately loose some of its explosiveness and power, the gas piston can be left cocked pretty much indefinitely (although I wouldn’t advise this). Consequently, you can leave the rifle cocked and ready to shoot for a full day of hunting, if need be, without fear of spring fatigue. Finally, gas rams also have the edge over their spring-powered kin in terms of low-temperature operation. Cold weather can significantly affect spring power, whereas nitrogen gas is relatively temperature insensitive (unlike CO2) and gives the shooter more consistent power despite temperature variation.

Good Velocity & Power

The Nitro Venom is reportedly capable of sending lead pellets up to 1000 feet per second in the .177 and 800 feet per second in the .22 caliber, which translates (assuming typical grain weights) into a rifle that produces 17 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and about 20 FPE in the .22. Although we haven’t tested this ourselves, based on the information we’ve gathered, this could be overestimating the Nitro Venom’s power. Indeed, one source puts this rifle closer to 13 and 14 FPE in the .177 and .22 calibers, respectively. Sufficed to say, in either case, the Nitro Venom packs more than enough power for target shooting, plinking and comfortably clears our minimum 12 FPE bar for use as small game hunting air rifle.

Solid Fit & Finish

This is a very handsome air rifle, and feels and looks better than what you’d expect from a gun in its price range. It comes with an ambidextrous, hardwood stock that is nicely checkered along the grip and fore. The overall 44-inch length and 7.4 pound weight makes this a larger, yet only moderately heavy rifle that most users should feel comfortable shooting.

Capable Scope and Included Weaver Rail

Most scopes on affordable air rifle combos get slammed mercilessly; however, the Centerpoint 3-9×32 model that is easily installed on the included weaver rail (nice touch) is surprisingly decent. Yes, many people will call this “trash” or “junk”, but the consensus from the vast majority of users is that it is considerably better than one would expect.

You will also hear that it’s essentially worthless because it is not an “AO” scope and therefore cannot be parallax-adjusted, but that’s not entirely true. This scope is factory-set with a parallax setting optimized for about 15-20 yards, which is the shooting distance that most casual users are likely to be comfortable with. However, you can re-set this for more distance shooting.

To adjust the parallax, take off the retaining cap that is on the objective bell (furthest from your eye) by unscrewing it (counter clockwise). You will now notice a ring seated within the rim of the inner scope tube – this is the parallax adjustment. You can turn the ring in a clockwise direction to set parallax further out, and turn it counterclockwise to come back. It’s recommended to set the scope to 9x while doing so and to use an image located at the desired distance and adjust until you’ve achieved visual clarity – for example, place an object at 35 yards and, while looking through the scope, turn the ring clockwise until it comes in clear, then simply put the cap back on and tighten. You shouldn’t need more than a complete turn of the ring to dial things in.

…And The Not So Good

Stiff, Creeping Trigger

If there’s one obvious weak spot on the Crosman Nitro Venom, it would have to be the trigger. This is a two-stage adjustable trigger with a stiff first stage and a regrettably long and rough pull for a second stage that does not get significantly better regardless of adjustment. In our opinion, this no doubt greatly contributes to reported problems with this rifle maintaining accuracy, but the good news is that with a bit of patience this trigger can be tolerated. I’ve used cheapo triggers for most of my life, and the Nitro Venom’s is not so bad really, especially considering this rifle’s price point. If you feel the need to upgrade, we don’t blame you, but it is definitely not necessary in our view.

Spotty Accuracy

Reports on the Nitro Venom’s accuracy are generally positive, but there are some reviews indicating that it can’t hold a group much beyond 10 yards. We don’t dispute that this could be an issue for many users, but we do recommend that these accuracy complaints be taken with a grain of salt. The vast majority of reviews confirm that the Nitro Venom can be very accurate, at least withing typical shooting ranges (up to 25 yards) if the rifle is working properly and the scope is zeroed in correctly. As with most combos though, there is just so much that can go wrong – bad pellet choice, improper/faulty scope mounting/zeroing, poor use of the “artillery hold,” etc. Consequently, we would caution a prospective buyer to be wary of any sweeping conclusion about this rifle’s reported accuracy limitations, because on average this rifle appears to perform very well.

Quality Control Problems?

Likely related to the issue of accuracy are reports of apparently malfunctioning/defective rifles. It’s difficult to say that cases where, for example, experienced users could not zero in the scope, or maintain groups despite trying to optimize pellets are a direct result of some “dud” piece of hardware or slip somewhere in the manufacturing process. However, you should be aware that some very divergent user experiences have been noted. Some may find this rifle to deliver outstanding accuracy right out of the box with the stock scope and despite the awkward trigger. On the other hand, some may find that, despite their best efforts, they just can’t get this rifle to shoot accurately, and repeatably.

For the most part though, and consistent with this rifle’s fantastic user satisfaction ratings, you are more likely to get a “good” gun, but you should be aware of possible defects in the event your rifle seems incurably “off.”

The Verdict

Barring the unlikely misfortune of receiving a “dud” rifle, we think the Nitro Venom is an outstanding, low-cost deal in the wonderful worlds of gas rams. This rifle brings good power for most users (including small game hunting if opting for the .22 caliber); looks and feels great; is equipped with a weaver rail and decent scope for the price; and can be a very accurate rifle – once you learn to live with the mushy trigger and take your time getting a feel for the scope.

Of course, nothing is perfect and the same applies to the Nitro Venom. We would simply caution you to put as many rounds through it as possible upon receipt so you can try and determine if there are accuracy issues that are not simply a result of user inexperience or improper scope installation. Fortunately, amazon.com (if buying through them) typically has a very generous return policy in the event defects are found.

>>Buy the Crosman Nitro Venom at The Lowest Price!<<

June 12, 2014
Maximum Value PCP Rifle – Benjamin Marauder

No, it’s not cheap, but for the money we have to say that the Benjamin Marauder fairly easily wins the top value spot among the PCP crowd for us. Indeed, what you get for your money in the Marauder (or “Mrod” as it’s affectionately referred to by forum junkies) is not just a capable rifle, but near match-grade accuracy right out of the box and the power to maintain tight groups out to 50/60 yards easily. And if you are an air rifle hunter, pay close attention – this thing is an ultra-quiet killing machine!

Of course, there are some sacrifices that one must make when optimizing value (aren’t there always though?). However, we are happy to say that these are pretty minor in the case of the Marauder. Please read on as we tick through what we love about this rifle, and what we don’t.

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What We Love About The Benjamin Marauder

Here’s what we think are the key features of the Marauder, and why you might want to consider this rifle among other PCPs.

Laser-Beam Accuracy Out of The Box

Yes, you could spend several hundred dollars more than the cost of the Marauder and might get a slightly more accurate rifle, but in its price class the Marauder’s high-quality factory barrel delivers near competition-grade accuracy. Moreover, you don’t have to struggle with “tuning” it for this type of precision either.

What do we mean? We are talking about punching very tight groups out to 50 or 60 yards repeatably, with the capacity to make 100 yard kills with just a bit of practice and a good air rifle scope. For our money, there is really nothing else that comes close to its one-hole accuracy anywhere close to its price class.

A Multi-Shot Killing Machine With Huge Power

If you are like the many that are concerned with purchasing the best air rifle for hunting they can afford, you will be delighted. Not only can you place numerous pellets (magazine size varies by caliber) with nearly surgical precision and get anywhere from 17-30 shots per fill (depending on caliber), but they will have the downrange knock-down power that air rifle hunters dream about.

In fact, sources report that the .177, .22 and .25 versions of this rifle produce up to 21, 32 and 45 FPE respectively! And as far as the .22 and .25 caliber models are concerned, this makes the Marauder powerful enough to go after larger game and pests, including turkey, fox and even coyote! Tip: I would definitely pick the .25 if dispatching coyote!

The .177 with a heavy pellet can also be used for hunting, but in our view is best suited for those looking to brag about their groups at 100 yards, and/or hunters who want a truly devastating, long-range bird rifle. As between the .25 and .22, go with the .25 if you are dealing with bigger game (e.g., fox, coyote, raccoon). However, for those primarily hunting squirrel, rabbit, woodchuck, etc., the .22 is more than adequate and has the advantage of having a larger shot magazine, cheaper ammo, and greater pellet selection. Here is a good forum thread discussing the .22 vs. .25 debate.

The Quietest Shot Around

There has been a lot of talk on the forums about “quiet air rifles,” and the consensus from the most reputable sources in our view is that the Benjamin Marauder is one of quietest – if not the quietest air rifle you can buy. Indeed, the Marauder’s integrated resonance dampener and full barrel shroud produce shots so stealthy that you’d think you were firing an underpowered pneumatic rifle. This allows you to play with your rifle closer to home without irritating the wife or the neighbors and, if you are a hunter, it may allow you to get several shots off and enjoy multiple kills without sending your quarry running for cover. Please note, however, that the .25 caliber is significantly louder than the .22 and .117 models.

Don’t believe us? Check out this Crosman video showing the .25 caliber Benjamin Marauder (the loudest of all Marauders) quietly devastating prairie dogs at 70 yards. Note: the real action starts at 4:30.

Match-Grade Stock Trigger

The Marauder uses a match-grade, two-stage adjustable trigger that is outstanding and has plenty of leeway to please the vast majority of users without any further modification. And if you’re one of those who want an even lighter pull, you can find many cheap “tips and tricks” on the web that should suffice to get things just where you want it. For most airgunners (even more experienced ones), we suspect this would be the nicest trigger they’ve ever used. No need to drop $$ for any trigger upgrades here!

Rare User Friendliness & Lots of Tuning Opportunities

This is a big point. Given the numerous aspects that allow for user-adjustment, and Crosman’s legendary support, the Marauder is easily the easiest PCP to use and dial in for most users. In addition, unlike other highly-acclaimed PCPs, parts are much more accessible for the Marauder, and there is certainly a ton more information on the web to help even newbies get the most out of this rifle, or tune it to their precise specifications.

Unbeatable Value!

Quality PCP rifles are generally among the most expensive of the lot, which is why most would agree that the Benjamin Marauder’s roughly $500 price tag gives you more bang for you buck than any other PCP rifle you can get. Even the Benjamin Discovery, which is also one of the best value PCP rifles out there, still would require some costly upgrades to match the performance of a stock Marauder, and the “Disco” is only a single shot rifle.

What’s Not to Like About the Marauder?

It’s actually quite difficult to find any fault with this extremely high-quality and affordable PCP rifle. Some may complain that the stock is nothing special and that it could have deeper bluing, etc. However, beyond these relatively insignificant gripes, there is one real issue to keep in mind in our view.

The Risk of Receiving a “Wild Shooter”

Unfortunately, there has been several instances where users received rifles that – for some reason or another – are just off and don’t shoot accurately or reliably. These apparent “duds,” some say, are less likely to be noticed with the .25 caliber (which reportedly has a barrel that is made outside of the Crosman factory); however, the truth is that no one can be sure just what is underling this apparent quality control issue. We don’t think this risk is serious enough to avoid a purchase, but one should be on the lookout for poor accuracy out of the box, regardless of the caliber involved.

Concluding Thoughts & Recommendations

>>Buy the Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Rifle!<<

It doesn’t matter whether this is your first PCP rifle or your 15th, the Benjamin Marauder is an insanely-accurate, quiet and high-quality killing machine that has no true weak spots that we can identify, besides some possibly spotty quality control issues in the manufacturing process.

Moreover, this potent, sophisticated weapon just happens to be selling for what we believe is a steal when you compare its features and performance relative to other, much higher-priced PCPs. Yet, what ultimately puts this model over the top for us is its sizzling power and accuracy right out of the box, and its unusual ease of use and capacity for simple user-adjustment. No need for fancy tuning, or burning tins of ammo, to get this rifle purring. Indeed, the factory settings are probably perfect, as is, for even the die-hard “tinkerer.” As we say, why mess with something that doesn’t need fixing!

As between all of the calibers, we would probably recommend either the .22 or .25 versions. For an all-around plinking and blistering small game hunting rifle, the .22 is ideal, with the .25 being better suited to taking down larger quarry like coyote and fox. Of course, you can also hunt smaller game with the .25, but you will pay more for, and have fewer choices between, your ammo. The .177 caliber fails to take advantage of this rifle’s hitting power in our view, but if you are most concerned with one-hole groups and/or are doing a lot of long-range, small bird hunting, the .177 caliber is hard to beat! In that case, just remember to use the heaviest .177 pellets you can find to keep velocities under the speed of sound for accuracy’s sake!

June 5, 2014
Benjamin Titan Nitro Piston – A Good Deal!

If you are looking for a quiet, powerful and accurate gas/nitro-piston air rifle that is suitable for hunting, plinking and eliminating pests around the home, one model to strongly consider is the Benjamin Titan. This air rifle not only brings all of the benefits you’d expect from a “gas-ram,” but is currently available for roughly $150, making it one of the best buys in the nitro-piston category.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and the Titan is no exception. Please read along as we take a critical look at this model so you can decided for yourself whether it’s the right pellet rifle for you.

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What We Love About It

Hard-Hitting Power

Whether you are into small game hunting, or are more interested in getting rid of vermin/pests around your home or business, you’ll be happy to know that the Titan hits hard – very hard. Specifically, by using Crosman’s reported velocity of 800 fps with standard lead pellets, and assuming those lead pellets to weigh about 14.3 grains, our FPE calculator gives us an estimated 20 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This is the kind of power you’d expect from an elite spring-rifle (and some PCPs), and far exceeds the 12 FPE minimum we always preach about for humane hunting. As such, you should have no problem at all bagging everything from wood rats to woodchucks with this puppy!

Good Accuracy

Notwithstanding the issues surrounding the questionable scope included in this combo, the Benjamin Titan is a tack-driver at heart, and most users of this rifle confirm that it can achieve very tight groups that are likely to surprise you. In addition, the ample power produced by this rifle helps maintain a relatively flat trajectory for a .22 at longer ranges, compared to less capable gas rams. Consequently, with a bit of patience, practice and after this rifle’s short break in period, you should be nailing your targets consistently.

Remember, don’t complain that this rifle isn’t performing when using cheap ammo – as we always say, buying quality pellets is the very first step to ensuring repeatable accuracy! FYI: this rifle seems to deliver great results with Crosman Domed Premier Ultra Magnum Pellets (14.3 grains).

A Very Quiet Air Rifle

More and more, we see people searching for a quiet air rifle – one that they can use closer to home or around more densely populated areas without drawing complaints. This is often a challenge for most springers, especially more affordably-priced, powerful models. And even nitro piston rifles that purport to be designed for quiet operation (e.g., the Gamo Whisper series) often turn out to be far from quiet in reality.

However, without any hype whatsoever, the Benjamin Titan manages to deliver smooth, very quiet shots that are surprisingly stealthy and with minimal recoil (another advantage of the gas-piston). Indeed, one user characterized the noise as being less noticeable than “breaking wind.” All kidding aside though, after the break in period (during which noise levels are elevated), this rifle settles down fantastically and is one of the quietest high-powered gas rams you can get, particularly for under $200!

Nice Fit & Finish

For an approximately $150 air rifle, we have to admit that the fit and finish of the Benjamin Titan is remarkably good. The hardwood stock is solid, and the rest of the rifle is reassuringly sturdy. We also like the keyhole grip, but preferences vary. Moreover, at a modest weight of 6.75 pounds and total length of just under 44 inches, you can carry this one around and hold your sights without lots of fatigue. An all-around quality-feel and good looks throughout.

What We Don’t Love About The Titan

Honestly, it’s a bit hard to really complain about this rifle, considering what you get for your money. But one can find fault in just about anything. Here are the two most notable “issues” you are likely to encounter with the Titan.

A Cheapo Scope

We normally don’t expect much from scopes on affordable combos like this, and were not surprised with the lackluster performance of the 4×32 CenterPoint Scope included with the Titan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than nothing; and if you locktite the screws and are patient with it, you can do pretty well under 25 yards with not too much trouble. Nevertheless, to really take advantage of this rifle’s accuracy and downrange power, you will want to eventually consider an upgraded air rifle scope.

Awkward Trigger

The next most obvious issue with the Titan is the two-stage trigger. With a pull rated at 4.75 and lots of travel, you may struggle a bit to get a sense of exactly when this thing lets go. Yes, the trigger is adjustable, but there is only so much adjustment can do. One user reports being able to improve the pull by adding a couple of washers onto the trigger sear pin. However, most people looking to get the most out of this rifle may want an upgraded trigger at some point.

User Ratings & Reviews

Not surprisingly given the Titan’s long list of virtues and low price tag, many users have praised it. But what are people really saying about it?

In short, users glow about the Titan’s tremendous knock down power, good accuracy out of the box, and remarkably quiet report for such a high-powered gas ram. They also appreciated the sturdy feel of the stock and overall quality of the fit and finish. However, the most often-cited benefit of the Titan was its value. Users consistently commented that this rifle felt and performed well above its price class.

As far as the relatively few negative reviews, these were limited primarily to the somewhat shoddy quality of the scope and fittings, which made it difficult for some users to sight in the rifle, as well as the excessive play in the trigger. Some other reviewers indicated that the wood finish looked a little flat compared to product images.

Concluding Thoughts on the Titan Nitro Piston

While there may be no true “free lunch” when it comes to air rifles, the Benjamin Titan Nitro Piston gas ram comes pretty darn close. This rifle has excellent stopping power, is very accurate (especially with an upgraded scope), fires very quietly after breaking in, and looks and feels like a rifle that costs twice as much.

Given its power and stealthy nature, this is an ideal hunting air rifle, and is also perfect for dispatching pests around the home without getting the attention of curious neighbors. And finally, you reap the general benefits of nitro-piston technology – such as the dramatically reduced recoil, lower cocking effort, superior low-temperature performance, and the elimination of spring fatigue due to leaving the rifle in the cocked position.

What else can you ask for in an air rifle selling for about $150!?

>>Buy the Benjamin Titan NP Air Rifle!<<

June 4, 2014
Crosman Optimus .22 – Extreme Value Pick

There are many air rifles that provide great value for their respective price point, but what we wanted was a model that provides rare, unusual…no – truly extreme value relative to the field.

To clear this high bar, the rifle had to be exceptionally affordable, yet still provide good power, accuracy and a build that can hold up to routine use. Moreover, we wanted to ensure that model was capable of typical small game hunting and pest elimination, as well as target shooting and plinking.

The result?

The Crosman Optimus .22 Break Barrel Air Rifle.

>>Check Price, Ratings & Availability!<<

Why is this our “extreme value” pick you ask? Let me explain.

Extreme Power in the .22

There’s no getting around it, power does matter, particularly if you want to take down small game effectively and humanely. In addition, ample power also supports accuracy, especially if you are doing much shooting beyond 35 yards, since more power results in greater pellet velocity – and a faster pellet has a relatively flatter trajectory.

But as we’ve said many times before, don’t get bogged down with velocity figures in the abstract, however. Do the math and calculate FPE (foot pounds of energy).

Crosman reports a velocity of 950 feet per second using alloy pellets. Using this figure, and assuming a standard weight of 9.8 grains for such an alloy pellet, our FPE calculator indicates that the Optimus .22 generates a sizzling 20 FPE at the muzzle!

To put this into perspective, we typically recommend that any hunting air rifle produce a minimum of 12 FPE for basic small game hunting. The Optimus (in the .22) absolutely blows this figure out of the water, meaning that you can hunt just about any game or pest that you might with a powerful “elite” springer.

Now, the Optimus in the .177 is no sissy either, but if air rifle hunting is what motivates you, we always recommend sticking with the much harder punch of the .22. If you don’t understand all the fuss about the difference, check out our article on air rifle hunting.

Surprisingly Good Accuracy

What good is FPE without being able to hit your target consistently?

Fortunately, the Crosman Optimus also does very well on this score. Yes, the CenterPoint 4×32 mm scope that is included with the combo is nothing to get excited about, but it’s workable and can deliver some pretty tight groups if you’ve got some patience when sighting it in and give it half a chance. Besides, it’s essentially a throw-in and can keep you going until you decide on purchasing a better air rifle scope. If you do get a scope, keep in mind that you must get one that fits on a 3/8″ Dovetail rail.

Of course, if you’re like me, you may even take the scope off altogether if you are struggling with it. This model’s rear adjustable and fiber optic front sights are very good and might be all that you need, particularly for shooting at closer ranges.

Fantastic Fit and Finish

Weighing in at a fairly modest 7 pounds and coming with a very nice hardwood (ambidextrous) stock and comfortable butt pad, the Optimus just feels right when shooting, and looks and handles as well as air rifles that are hundreds of dollars above its price class.

Decent Trigger

The two-stage adjustable trigger will not be winning any awards, but is crisp, functional and is actually better than many (including those in some much higher-priced rifles)!

Great Price

While there are some air rifles that are even more powerful, accurate and well made – we can think of none that also come close to its remarkably low price!

Indeed, at its current sales price (as of the date of this article), the Crosman Optimus .22 air rifle combo is in our opinion offers some of the best bang for your buck all around hunting/plinking pellet rifle you can buy.

In fact, if you can find a better value air rifle for this price, please let us know!

Impeccable User Ratings

Not surprisingly given all of this performance and extreme value, the Optimus .22 has received outstanding praise from users. This combo has earned high satisfaction ratings by the air-gunning community. Users rave about this rifle’s big time power and good accuracy. Many indicated successfully bagging various game with no problem. Others marveled at how easily it would penetrate inanimate objects, and make other air rifles look like “toys” by comparison.

In terms of negatives, the only two complaints that arose consistently were that the rifle is a bit difficult to cock, and that it can be a bit loud when fired. Both of these issues are common to most high-powered spring rifles. With respect to the cocking issue, while the gun will likely get easier to cock over time, we do suggest that prospective users be fairly strong/mature to use this model. For that reason, we think it may be a bit too much for more slightly-built and/or female users.

Concluding Thoughts

>>Buy the Crosman Optimus .22 Combo Air Rifle!<<

The Crosman Optimus .22 combo presents one of those rare cases where something that seems too good to be true actually is for real. This air rifle is unusually powerful, comes with a decent scope and great fixed sites, has a quality look and feel, and is available for a tad over a measly $100 bucks!

And with that $100 bucks, you can do just about anything with it. Whether you want something for plinking, or are serious about getting into small game hunting for sport or survival preparedness – this rifle is perfect and will leave more money in your pocket to buy high quality ammo or an upgraded scope.

June 2, 2014
Benjamin Discovery .22 Review

The Benjamin Discovery .22 caliber air rifle has set a new bar in the industry, and may well be the hottest, affordable PCP air rifle on the market right now in terms of combining great long-range power, accuracy and unusual value. This PCP air rifle will be probably be the one to convert many die-hard springer owners into fans of PCP. It’s really that amazing.

Let’s take a closer look at the Benjamin Discovery so you can see exactly what all the fuss is about.

Benjamin Discovery .22 Specifications and Key Features

>>Check Price, Availability & User Reviews!<<

Power – Lots of Power

This is a dual fuel PCP air rifle that can accept CO2 cartridges (for indoor shooting/plinking) or be charged up to 2,000 PSI with a scuba tank or hand pump (which is often sold together with this model). Fully charged, this rifle can send a 14.3 grain, .22 caliber pellet up to 900 feet per second. This works out to approximately 26 FPE at the barrel!

With this kind of velocity and power in a .22, the Benjamin Discovery makes an outstanding hunting rifle that can hold a relatively flat trajectory at long ranges, and still have absurd power left at the end of those shots to take down all sorts of small game and even larger pest species. This is much more power than your average springer, even very good ones. And best of all, it comes without the recoil of a springer, which greatly improves the Disco’s accuracy. Likewise, you don’t need to be a muscular shooter to cock this rifle, as you would if it were are spring-piston model. You may spend a bit of time pumping it up, but just about anyone can do it, making it perfect for male, female and younger shooters.

Laser-Like Accuracy

Beyond bone-rattling power, the next most impressive thing about the Benjamin Discovery is just how accurate it is. It’s deadly accurate out of the box, but if you couple this rifle with a good air rifle scope (it has 11 mm. dovetail mounts), this thing is a freaking laser beam! And not only can you shave the hairs off a flea’s rear at close ranges, but with good optics and a steady hand, reports are coming in that you can expect under 1″ groups consistently at 50 yards. This is something you’d be more likely to see in expensive and high-powered .177 caliber rifles; the fact that you can enjoy such tight groups with a much heavier .22 pellet is simply unheard of when it comes to air rifles that the average consumer can afford.

Further, unlike springers, there is no annoying recoil with the PCP power plant, just smooth power that releases in a controlled manner thanks to a well-balanced 3.75-pound trigger pull. Consequently, even relatively inexperience shooters can quickly become adept at nailing seemingly impossible targets. Needless to say, if you are looking for a hunting air rifle that gives you tremendous range, this is a no-brainer outstanding choice for newbies and veteran shooters alike that I would put up against anything on the market.

25-Shot Capacity

This is a single-shot, bolt action rifle that, when fully charged, can fire off up to 25 shots on a single fill before power begins to wane. This is yet another great convenience over spring-piston rifles, which can fire only a single shot with each cocking, and cannot be held it the cocked position for extended periods as this can cause the spring to set and lose power. The Benjamin Discovery, however, can be charged and left in this state for the entire day. This is great if you want to charge it for another shooter and leave it ready to fire when pests or game present themselves.

Light Weight

Yet another startling statistic is just how light this rifle is, notwithstanding it’s first-class power. Because there is no large spring-mass to weigh it down, the Benjamin Discovery is able to clock in at roughly 5 pounds in total weight (without a scope). This lightweight design is great for minimizing fatigue and keeping your sites on the target for as long as necessary until a clear shot becomes available. Again, it’s also another reason why this rifle is also great for younger, more slightly-built shooters.

Top-Notch Quality and Accessories

Let’s not forget that the Benjamin Discovery .22 is a beautiful air rifle. The rifle has a total length of 39 inches (24.25 inches of which is barrel) and is handsomely-clad in a luxurious walnut stock. The bolt action mechanism and full-body design, necessitated by the compressed air reservoir, also gives it a very rugged, no-nonsense look that we can appreciate. It is fitted with a high-quality pressure gauge and front/rear fiber optic sights. An adapter to use with CO2 cartridges is sold separately.

The most important accessory that comes with certain packages is the hand pump. Although we often frown on these as they can be difficult to use, the model thrown in with the Disco is outstanding. Most people are surprised that they can fully charge the rifle in minutes. Some indicate that it took about 70 pumps to charge; some say more. Also, the pumping effort needed is minimal, allowing younger, weaker shooters to charge the rifle with relative ease. Consequently, unlike many other high-powered PCP rifles, you actually don’t need a scuba tank.

Any Downsides to the Discovery?

The user reviews of the Disco are predominantly 5-star, with most users praising the extreme power, ridiculous accuracy, high-quality, and shocking value delivered by this PCP air rifle. They also confirm that it is easy to charge with the included hand pump.

So what didn’t they like? As usual, a few took issue with the trigger pull, but the most consistent note is about the sound produced by this rifle. Make no mistake: this is a relatively loud air rifle. If that is going to be an issue, you should either consider something else or a silencer to bring the decibels down – especially if you were planning to use it near a quiet suburban area. Nevertheless, most people are able tolerate the noise and it did not significantly detract from the model’s satisfaction ratings.

Extraordinary Price and Value

Yes, this is going to be more than most decent entry level spring-piston air rifles. However, if you buy the Disco with the hand-pump included, it is a veritable steal in the PCP market. Indeed, as of the date of this writing, the Benjamin Discovery .22 rifle with the hand pump is under $400, making it just about the best-value single shot PCP air rifle you can get.

The Verdict

We have always loved the recoil-less power and accuracy of good PCP rifles, but are often hesitant to recommend them to most consumers due to price. – not only the price of the rifle itself, but the additional cost of a scuba tank, which is often the only feasible way to charge many PCP rifles.

The Benjamin Discovery has changed all of that. Not only can this rifle be charged with a hand pump, but the rifle/pump combination is remarkably affordable – and is in the same price range as many good quality springer rifles. However, unlike those springers, just about anyone can charge the Disco. Further, the smooth, recoil-less power, coupled with truly big-time power and a flatter pellet trajectory, makes the Disco a much easier rifle to shoot, and we are confident that even inexperienced users will be stunned at how tight their groups will remain out to 50 yards.

In a nutshell: whether you are into long-range plinking or dispatching annoying pests, like raccoons, rats or fowl; or are instead looking for the perfect hunting air rifle to take down rabbits, woodchuck, squirrels, and other weary quarry, the Benjamin Discovery will not disappoint.

>>>Buy The Benjamin Discovery .22 With Hand Pump Now!<<

March 21, 2014
Benjamin 392 Bolt Action Variable Pump Review

While many feared that Crosman’s acquisition of Benjamin would affect the quality of this model, we are happy to say that the Benjamin 392 Bolt Action Variable Pump Air Rifle still lives up to its reputation as a timeless and rugged American-made pump-action rifle that is on par with some of the best rifles out there in terms of hitting power and accuracy.

Please read on for more information on this very affordable and well-built bolt action air rifle.

Why We Like The Benjamin 392

There are many, many reasons to love this relatively short and robust bolt action air rifle.

First, it’s very hard-hitting, especially for a multi-pump rifle. The 392 model in the .22 caliber is capable of sending a traditional lead pellet at 685 fps (alloys around 800fps) and is rated at an impressive 14.9 FPE. This of course well exceeds the rule of thumb minimum 12 FPE for a serious hunting firearm. As such, the Benejamin 392 can easily take down a variety of small game, as well as dispatching larger, grouchier pests as well. This of course requires you to pump the rifle up fully, which requires around 35 lbs of effort (something younger and/or more slightly built shooters may struggle with). Moreover, with its multi-pump design, you can also plink and target shoot to your heart’s content while using less compression: just a handful of pumps is enough to mess around in the back yard and at closer ranges.

As far as accuracy, any old-school user of the 392 will tell that it’s accurate – deadly accurate. Because they use compressed air, these rifles don’t suffer from springer recoil and are typically very straight, consistent shooters right out of the box, although in some cases you may need to work on the windage/elevation a bit. And if you are really looking for laser-like kills, you can pair this air rifle up with a decent scope and really take your game to the next level. The great thing about scoping this model is that you don’t have to be concerned with heavy recoil beating on the scope itself, or the barrel misalignment issue sometimes associated with break barrel springers. Just remember this rifle requires dovetail style mounts.

Other benefits of the Benjamin 392 are its compactness, light weight and near-legendary durability. Although its only around 5 pounds and has a comparatively short (37-inch) barrel, there is nothing dainty about this rifle. In fact, thanks to its outstanding construction and the use of high quality components, this is one of the most robust, abuse-tolerant models you’re going to find, with many praising them for lasting for decades with only minimal attention.

Finally, in case you haven’t noticed, these rifles are beautifully-clad in a hardwood fish, and are veritable steal at their current price point in the neighborhood of $150. We can hardly think of an all around better and more durable option in this range.

Anything Not to Like?

So what’s not so great about the Benjamin 392? Well, it’s really hard to nitpick the quality and value you get with this rifle, but some will likely find the open sites a challenge to dial in. Not sure why, but this is invariably a complaint. In addition, while we can appreciate a firm trigger, it may be a little too firm for some. Beyond that, however, there are few issues that a user is likely to encounter. Just remember that pumping this will take a bit of work, but is definitely worth it once you see how well this inexpensive air rifle performs when fully pressurized.

Recommended Uses

In addition to target shooting, with it’s hard-hitting .22 caliber power, outstanding accuracy and low recoil, this would make an excellent hunting rifle, especially when paired with a good scope (compare top-rated scopes here). Likewise, if pests around the home are a problem, this rifle is well-suited to clear them out in convincing fashion. Our only caveat would be to try and keep your shots within 30 yards or so, since the .22 pellet will arc and be a bit more difficult to sight in at longer ranges. If you are looking to consistently take down game much beyond 50 yards very accurately, you’ll want a gun with a bit more FPE in our opinion to keep pellet trajectory flatter.

Check Price, Reviews & Availability on Amazon!

January 20, 2014
Crosman Optimus .177 Review
For a screaming good deal on a powerful .177 caliber air rifle that’s selling for a tad over 100 bucks, there’s hardly a better deal going right now than the Crosman Optimus .177 Caliber/1200 FPS Break Barrel Pellet Air Rifle in hardwood stock. But let’s take a closer look at what this rifle brings to the table, and whether this value is real or merely perceived. Please keep reading for much more information and our concluding thoughts & opinions.

General Specifications

This is a .177 caliber spring rifle that uses a breakbarrel cocking action. It’s well balanced in size/weight with a total length of 45 inches and a 7-pound heft. The barrel is rifled steel and this model uses a front fiber optic sight and fully adjustable rear site for greater flexibility. This particular rifle does not come with a scope but there is a .22 caliber combo that is equipped with a 4 x32 mm scope currently available. If you plan on getting your own scope, the Optimus uses a 3/8″ dovetail optics rail.

In addition to these basic but very solid specifications, the Optimus comes adorned in a very nice hardwood stock, which certainly does not look like the type you’d expect on an air rifle with such a modest price tag.

Click Here for a Price Check!

Muzzle Velocity and Power

The Optimus is a great example of how powerful even inexpensive spring air rifles are today. According to Crosman, the Optimus can generate a muzzle velocity of 1000 FPS with lead pellets and 1,200 FPS with alloy pellets. Although we can’t be sure of the actual pellets used, if we assume that the lead pellets tested were a typical 7.9 grains in weight, by plugging this and the reported 1000 FPS into our FPE calculator, we arrive at an air rifle with 17.5 FPE at the barrel!

This is outstanding power for any air rifle, much less one in this price class. Consequently, this is not only enough power for field target shooting, and plinking, but it easily meets the 12 FPE minimum requirement we like to see in potential small game hunting air rifles.

Price & Value

At the moment, the Crosman Optimus has a list price of about $165 but is on sale for roughly $106 – this is simply an outstanding deal given this air rifle’s features and specifications. And as we discuss below, it’s unusual value is one of the reasons why it’s received so much praise from consumers.

Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle Reviews

As of the date of this writing, the Crosman Optimus has a nearly perfect average user satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on amazon.com based on 21 reviews. This is extremely high user approval, a score we rarely see in any air rifle with a decent number of reviews. But let’s dig deeper into these reviews to find out exactly what people liked and didn’t like. Here are the pros/cons as actual Optimus owners characterized them:

PROS:
- Lots of Power – users were consistently impressed by the power of this springer, with several reviewers noting that this rifle broke the sound barrier when fired, especially if heavier pellets weren’t used.
- Great Accuracy – although some reports indicated that it took some time to break in properly, many reviewers praised the fiber optic sighting and the overall precision of this air rifle.
- Relatively Easy Cocking – a powerful springer like this is never too “easy” to cock, but most people indicated that it was far easier than they expected, particular compared to other rifles with this much power.
- Great For Air Rifle Hunting – with its power and precision, several owners stated that they were successfully using this rifle for small game hunting.
- Not Too Loud – spring rifles are notorious for being loud, but the consensus was that the Optimus was “not too loud” and therefore quite tolerable relative to others.
- Great Overall Quality & Value – beyond everything else, the big theme among the reviewers was their amazement at how well-made, powerful, accurate, and attractive this air rifle is – especially for one in it’s price range.
CONS
- Noise? – with only 5 and 4 star reviews, there were really no “cons” per se; however, one reviewer stated that he brought the rifle back because it was too loud. Of course, this was a minority view, since the other reviewers reported that noise levels weren’t that bad. In any event, spring-piston rifle are always going to result in some noise, particularly if you are breaking the sound barrier with fast alloy pellets.
Read the Full Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle Reviews Here!!

Concluding Thoughts & Opinions

Like those who have purchased it, we too are extremely impressed with the quality and unbelievable value that the Crosman Optimus .177 Caliber Breakbarrel brings. Not only does it have small game hunting power, but it’s fiber optic sighting and overall construction make it a very accurate air rifle as well. Furthermore, it’s also a very handsome rifle, with an attractive wood stock that will last for years with only minimal care. As a result, this would make a great target shooting, plinking or small game hunting air rifle for both new users and more experienced air rifle enthusiasts alike.

Buy The Crosman Optimus .177 Air Rifle With Secure Shipping!!
June 28, 2013