The Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle is a multi-shot, break barrel air rifle. It features Gamo’s Whisper Fusion technology, which reduces noise levels, and a 10-shot magazine that allows for quick and easy follow-up shots. The rifle has a synthetic stock with a rubber recoil pad and a scope rail for mounting a scope. It also has a manual safety and a single-stage trigger. It has a .22 caliber and an Inert Gas Technology (IGT) power plant which uses a gas piston instead of a spring for increased accuracy and power. It has a velocity of up to 975 feet per second (fps) with PBA Platinum ammo. It’s a perfect rifle for small game hunting and plinking.
Product reviewers generally have positive things to say about the Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle. Many praise its accuracy and power, noting that it is capable of taking down small game and pests with ease. The 10-shot magazine is also seen as a major plus, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
The Whisper Fusion technology is also well received, with reviewers noting that the rifle is quieter than other air rifles in its class. The synthetic stock is also seen as a plus, as it is durable and easy to maintain.
Some reviewers have noted that the trigger pull can be heavy, and that the rifle can be difficult to cock for younger or weaker shooters. However, these are minor complaints in comparison to the overall positive feedback on the rifle’s performance.
Many reviewers report that the Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle is good for hunting small game, such as squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Some reviewers also note that it is powerful enough to take down larger pests, such as raccoons and coyotes. The rifle’s accuracy, power, and 10-shot magazine make it well-suited for taking down small game at close to medium ranges. The Whisper Fusion technology which reduces noise levels, is also a plus for hunting as it reduces the chance of scaring off game. However, It may not be the best choice for big game hunting, as the caliber and power of the rifle may not be sufficient for taking down larger animals.
Overall, the Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle is seen as a high-quality, powerful, and accurate air rifle that is well suited for small game hunting, target shooting, and pest control.
The Umarex Octane nitro-piston air rifle easily makes it onto our Editor’s Best Value List with a combo that exemplifies the amazing level of quality and performance that today’s air rifles can deliver – all at a price point that would be unheard of just five years ago. OK, so it is obvious that we are big fans of the Octane, but so are many other commentators. The real question is what do prospective buyers need to know before “pulling” the trigger on a potential purchase? This beast is not perfect, much less for everyone, regardless whether it falls within your budget. Please follow along as we, in typical unbiased fashion, tick through the features and issues that matter to arm you with the facts.
The Umarex Octane may have its critics – but none of these could in good conscience deny that this is an insanely powerful break barrel that is pushing the boundaries of gas-strut technology. Yes, you are going to hear inflated velocity ratings by Umarex; this unfortunately is the norm with air rifle marketing. Umarex reports that the .22 caliber will reach 1250 FPS with alloy and 1050 FPS with lead; the .177 caliber supposedly hits 1450 and 1250 with alloy and lead pellets, respectively. Field reports, however, suggest that the .22 for example is generally capable of more like 920-950 FPS with a 14.3 grain pellet. This is by no means disappointing though, since these figures plugged into our FPE calculator confirm that the Octane .22 produces roughly 27-29 FPE at the muzzle!
That is pretty ridiculous power for a break barrel, much less for an affordably priced nitro piston. To give you some idea, the Octane has more than two times the 12 FPE minimum we recommend for a small game hunting air rifle. This means that you can hunt just about any air-rifle-suitable small game and pests, such as starlings to squirrel, rats and woodchuck. Even larger pests species like raccoon are no match for this kind of power, at least in the .22 bore. In addition, this muzzle energy means that you are able to engage targets at ranges exceeding 50 yards fairly easily.
Unusually quiet shooting for any air rifle
We are frankly numb to manufacturer hype about how great their noise suppression technologies are reputed to be. So we were beyond impressed when we realized that the Umarex Octane may just be one of the quietest high-powered break barrel air rifles on the market – particularly for a break barrel that delivers so much punch at a reasonable price point. The ReAxis gas-piston and SilencAIR integral silencer are a winning combination in our book that makes the Octane a backyard-ready cannon. Indeed, some reports have this rig producing the report a single shot Red Ryder! The biggest sound produced by a well maintained Octane is more often going to be the sound of a pellet doing violence on a hard target! Assuming you are complying with all applicable laws and regulations, this makes it absolutely ideal for knocking anything from pigeons to coons into last week without drawing undesired attention from the neighbor or community busybodies in the process.
Having said that, please be fair: don’t send us nasty comments that this rifle sounds like a rimfire just because you are using lightweight alloys. We said it before and will keep saying it: if you crack the sound barrier (around 1100 FPS) you are going to make a lot of noise. Period. I don’t care what rifle you are using. And this rig is going to easily deliver a loud report if you are using alloys, especially in the .177 which needs a heavy lead pellet to avoid going supersonic. Folks, if you are using alloy with this rifle in the .177, you deserve to be slapped like a rented mule! Oh, we should also add that the first few dozen shots are going to be loud; this is part of the initial break in and the rifle will continue to settle down. Cleaning the dirty barrel that you are likely to encounter (more about that later) will also reduce break in noise and a lot of dieseling that would otherwise occur.
Decent combo scope and fantastic out-of-the-box accuracy
The bundled 3-9×40 AO scope (with parallax adjustment and duplex reticle) and mount that comes with the Octane is not going to compete with a solid upgrade; however, it is a very good scope for a combo that is fairly easy to sight in out of the box and can give you outstanding accuracy after a short-break in, so long as you are properly using an artillery hold.
Reports from the field are extremely positive, with users achieving dime sized groups at 25 yards and quarter to nickel groups at 50 yards. We are not surprised and feel that this rifle’s accuracy is limited mainly by the quality of the scope and technique of the user. As we will get to later, one must also to some degree make peace with this rifle’s lackluster trigger before getting the most out of it. The Octane seems to perform well on a steady diet of H&N Barracudas, among other pellet choices.
Incredibly sturdy construction and good finish
You know how some air rifles can feel cheap – light and inexpensive parts that just scream mass produced? This isn’t one of them. The Umarex Octane is a veritable Sherman Tank of the nitro piston world and is built to possibly withstand a direct RPG hit! In all seriousness, there is a real comfort to this rifle’s very solid build and clear favoring of all steel parts. As we discuss later though; this means that it may be a real POS if you plan on covering a lot of ground on a hunt, for example.
On the sex appeal factor, there are plenty who would disagree but we feel that the Octane is a pretty sharp-looking gas ram that, while a bit angular in some respects (especially the stock), is put together nicely enough and look a hundred bucks better than its modest price tag would suggest.
Smooth firing with modest recoil
With this kind of Magnum power, one would expect a bone-jarring recoil and a generally rougher ride than that delivered by the Octane. A springer with equivalent power would be even worse. However, these new-generation gas struts are making real progress in this area and we are pleased to see that in this case, you can have your cake and eat most of it too!
Better than average warranty
With a three-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, this air rifle is a good bet that you can afford to properly test-drive.
With an overall length of nearly 49 inches and weight of 10 pounds, this is not the kind of air rifle you want to be hiking around with all day. With a proper sling (wish it came with one), most adults will have no trouble carrying it around but is something to consider if you value covering a lot of ground when hunting, for example.
Hard to cock
Although the gas-piston cocks smoothly, it is hard to cock (42 pounds) by most standards. No, you don’t need to be over six feet tall or more than 200 pounds to do so, but you probably need to be an adult male in good shape. Again, this is not so big a deal really, especially if you are hunting and being judicious with your shots. Conversely, if you are interested in this rifle for plinking, you are going to cursing the Octane for making you work for your kicks!
Stiff two-stage trigger
Yes you can try and do a home trigger mod on this, but if you aren’t comfortable with either that or an upgrade, be ready for a somewhat challenging trigger. Although rated at 3.5 pounds of pull, the trigger feels noticeably stiffer than that and is sadly not terribly smooth either. If you haven’t fired many air rifles, this is likely to contribute greatly to some inaccuracy when getting used to the Octane. Nevertheless, the trigger is not quite as bad as some people make it out to be; overall, the trigger is at least well-constructed and can be managed with some patients and practice.
Struggle to hold zero
While the combo scope is pretty decent, many complain that it’s easily rattled off zero. This is unfortunately to be expected, especially with the inevitable recoil this rifle generates. We recommend keeping a jar of loc-tite handy and using it liberally on all main scope/mount screws to help with this.
Hold sensitive
The Octane is definitely as hold sensitive as a Magnum spring-piston rifle; still, if you cannot properly use the artillery hold (a very “light” hold technique) you are going to get some ugly groups.
Filthy barrel
This is another not-so-big-problem. Yes, your Octane is likely to arrive with a downright messy barrel and your first rounds through this rifle are going to diesel like crazy with terrible accuracy – that is if you don’t clean it will first before firing.
Do I get the .177 or .22 caliber?
Both the .177 and .22 caliber options are screamers. The .22 bore is by far the better choice if you want to hunt furred animals at any distance for reasons we’ve already discussed and the Octane in this caliber is a very serious small game air rifle in our book. The .177 is also capable of hunting of course, although this caliber is best suited to feathered game such as starling, pigeons and the like. As we mentioned earlier, the key is to keep pellets from going supersonic – for the .177 in particular this means that you are going to want a heavier, not lighter pellet. We will say it again: if you are using alloy .177 caliber pellets in this rifle, you are badly misguided.
Price and value
So this could have been put into the things we “love” about this air rifle but it deserved its own section. Make no mistake, this is probably the best value new combo we’ve seen lately and is an unbelievable deal. It is difficult to find anything in its current price class that provides more power, accuracy and ultra-quiet shooting than the Umarex Octane. In addition, the gas-strut does in fact make this a relatively newbie-friendly air rifle for a model approaching 30 FPE at the muzzle. In fact, the Octane is a very good alternative to the Benjamin Trails. Benjamin, are you listening!?
Concluding thoughts on the Umarex Octane
If you are an adult male who doesn’t mind a heavy, hard-to-cock air rifle, the Umarex Octane is almost too good to be true. This model delivers Magnum-level knock down power and shockingly stealthy shooting, in addition to excellent out-of-the-box-accuracy, all for a price tag that blows away the competition in the bang for the buck department. Yes, you will have a word or two with the mediocre trigger and you will need to keep a close eye on your stock scope adjustment, but who the hell cares!?
It’s understandable to want to absolutely love the BSA GRT Lightning XL SE. After all, BSA has a great track record with quality spring piston rifles and now, with the GRT gas strut, the Lightning XL should be unstoppable, right? Well, in our opinion, it depends. Please read on as we elaborate.
The GRT Lightning XL SE is a breakbarrel, single shot gas-piston air rifle that is available in .177, .22 and .25 caliber versions. Remember that this model comes with no open sights, so if purchasing you should already have or plan on purchasing a good scope compatible with the rifle’s 11 mm dovetail-type rail.
This is a very compact and fairly lightweight (at 6.6 pounds) carbine, with a shrouded barrel that tops out at a mere 14.5 inches and overall rifle length of 37.5 inches. The trigger is adjustable (2-stage) and is reported to require around 2-lbs of pull. The safety mechanism is manual. Like most, it features a ventilated rubber butt-pad. The rifle stock is made of stained beechwood.
What We Like About the GRT Lightning XL SE
A show-stopping first impression and top quality fit & finish
Probably the most impressive thing about this rifle is how great it looks and feels. The beefy proportions of this gun, along with its rich beechwood stock, detailed checkering and high-quality bluing throughout really makes this one of the best-looking air rifles we’ve seen in a while. Indeed, in terms of its curb-appeal, we’d put the GRT Lightning up against the likes of many more expensive Diana, Hawke or AirAirms rifles.
And its appeal is not only “skin deep” either. In part due to its compact size and manageable weight, this rifle is very comfortable to draw on the fly and hold, and also boasts great balance that allows the shooter to really get comfortable before taking a shot. If you are not typically bench rest shooting, these are qualities you will soon learn to appreciate!
Finally, with the exception of the trigger, most will find this rifle to be extremely well-put together and solid, with just enough heft to remind you that you are holding a high-quality weapon.
Quiet, unusually smooth shooting
The GRT gas strut delivers remarkably smooth firing that you might not appreciate if you haven’t had much experience with springers. Nevertheless, shooters of just about any experience level are likely to enjoy the very fluid shot cycle and very limited kick with this model. But perhaps more impressive is how very muffled the report is. Rather than the twangy notes delivered by most spring-piston rifles, the GRT Lightning simply gives you a dull “thud” that is very quiet – in fact, it’s so stealthy that we’d consider this a classic backyard type of gun (watch your local laws on this, however).
Great stock 2-stage trigger
You’d expect a decent trigger on a an rifle approaching $400, and the good news is you get one. And while it may not be the best stock 2-stage trigger out there, it is very light (around 2 lbs-pull) and breaks cleanly, making it better than many others in this price class. As with most triggers, some have criticized certain aspects of its travel – namely, the rather long second stage, but we think most will be more than happy with it out of the box, and never need or even consider upgrading this trigger.
Impressive Accuracy (with a caveat)
The high-quality rifled barrel (manufactured in the UK) does not disappoint, and most users should enjoy very tight groups from the GRT Lightning. However, due to the relatively modest muzzle energy produced by this model (13-14 FPE), this may not be the case with the .25 caliber version, which simply cannot retain sufficient pellet velocities (especially when using standard lead pellets) to battle pellet-drop downrange, resulting in a very bowed trajectory. Unless you enjoy lots of range-finding, in our opinion, this makes the .25 caliber suitable only for close-range target shooting, plinking, and pest elimination (i.e., shooting within 25-30 yards).
What We Don’t Like
The “GRT” Logo on the stock
GRT is a great company, but many agree that their logo doesn’t belong on the otherwise flawless beechwood stock on this rifle.
Indeed, the laser-engraving is hard to miss, in addition to being permanent. Of course, this does little to detract from this model’s overall beauty, but it is clearly something we (and many others) would have preferred was omitted from the finish.
Underwhelming power
The .177 caliber generates roughly 13 FPE and the larger calibers around 14 FPE, give or take. In the case of the .22, for example, you can expect velocities in the neighborhood of 650 FPS or so when using standard lead pellets. We haven’t tested it but you’d be lucky to get close to 500 FPS with lead in the .25 caliber if not using some gimmicky PBA round.
This is not what we’d consider an underpowered air rifle in the .177 and .22 calibers; however, it’s by no means impressive either, and as a consequence we would not recommend the .25 caliber for anything beyond very close range shooting/pest elimination (within 25-30 yards). As we’ve explained before, while heavier pellets pack more FPE, even when fired from the same gun, they fly slower than lighter calibers all other things being similar. And the slower the pellet travels the longer mother gravity can pull on it – this is why you need more power for the larger calibers; it’s not for added knock down, but rather to keep sufficient pellet velocity so shot trajectories are not unreasonably bowed.
This is why .177 rifles are not optimal for serious small game hunting (because their lighter projectiles carry less FPE and knock-down power) yet are the easiest caliber to shoot accurately at respectable distances; their pellet trajectories are simply the flattest and therefore require little to no range-finding. This doesn’t mean that you cannot shoot larger calibers accurately of course; but in this particular case the lack of power is likely to make the .25 caliber especially challenging.
Stiff cocking
Normally, a rifle that requires significant effort to cock rewards you with lots of FPE in exchange. Not here. While not outrageous by any means, the GRT Lighting is no walk in the park either, and despite being a very modestly-powered air rifle is fairly stiff to break. To BSA’s defense, this could be a result of this model’s compact dimensions, which may limit the mechanical leverage available to facilitate cocking.
Price and Value
This model is currently approaching $400, which is not unreasonable for its quality. Nevertheless, it seems a bit pricey compared to other popular gas rams and certainly compared to the many quality spring-piston rifles in this price class.
Concluding Thoughts
The BSA GRT Lightning XL SE is a stunningly beautiful and very well made air rifle with excellent, smooth performance out of the box. And if you want a rifle that is quiet enough for backyard shooting (laws permitting, of course), this is an excellent choice.
But, unless you are keen on the .177 model, the very modest power of this rifle makes it difficult to shoot accurately downrange in the larger calibers, and the .25 caliber should be considered only for very close range shooting. Thus, while fine for plinking, spinning and pest-elimination, we would not recommend this rifle for small game hunting – where accuracy over a range of distances is vital for achieving humane kills.
Finally, although this rifle is very high quality and can deliver outstanding accuracy when its limits are respected, for the money we think there are many other gas-rams that offer similar or superior performance. And if you are open to spring-piston powerplants, you have still more options, such as for example the less-expensive RWS 34 and similarly-priced RWS 48.
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 ownreview 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Ruger Yukon is one of the more feature-oriented and budget-friendly gas-piston air rifles, but is definitely up against some very stiff competition in its price class. Consequently, if you are considering this as your first “gas-ram,” you will want to pay close attention to this model’s strengths and weaknesses before deciding if its the right air rifle for you.
With reported velocities using lead of 1050 and 850 FPS for the .177 and .22 caliber versions, respectively, this is a powerful gas ram. In fact, based on these velocities and assuming standard weight lead pellets, we estimate that this rifle produces approximately 20 foot-pounds of energy (“FPE”) in the .177 and 22 FPE in the .22. This makes the Yukon as powerful – if not a bit more powerful than most other popular gas-piston and spring rifles under the $200 mark. Given this power, you should therefore have little trouble using the Yukon for small game hunting or eliminating pests around the home or business. We suggest you opt for the harder-hitting .22 caliber version in such case.
Relatively Quiet Shooting
Many people want an air rifle that don’t wake up the neighbors and can be used in relatively urban settings without causing needless disturbance. The good news is that the Yukon’s rifled steel barrel, which is fitted with Ruger’s SilencAIR integral silencer, makes it a pretty quiet air rifle, comparatively speaking. This quiet report is definitely one characteristic that is routinely praised by users. As such, this is a very good choice for backyard plinking, target shooting or hunting/pest elimination.
Fantastic Trigger
Finding an air rife for less than $200 that comes with a good trigger is actually quite challenging, and even very expensive rifles are often plagued by awkward, heavy triggers that draw numerous complaints. That is why we were so pleased to learn that the Yukon was fitted with a very crisp, light two-stage adjustable trigger that is rated at just 3.3 pounds of pull. A predictable, light trigger like the Yukon’s really does help you maintain a good hold and facilitates repeatable accuracy – a very big perk in our book.
Decent Scope on the Combo
Aside from trigger complaints, most people are very unhappy with combo scopes included with more affordable air rifles. Yet again, however, the Yukon delivers better than expected quality. Now don’t misunderstand – the 3-9×32 scope (which comes with a duplex reticle and 35-yard parallax setting) is not one we’d recommend to buy separately of course, but hey, it’s definitely workable and considerably better than most we see on air rifle combos under $200. The picatinny optics rail is also good. Overall, this is a capable scope if shooting within around 30 yards or so.
We should add that if you are into open-sight shooting, you will like the fiber-optic front sights – you may even prefer them over the scope!
Solid Build and Great Fit & Finish
This is a beautiful air rifle that comes with a rich wood ambidextrous stock adorned with detailed checkering along the trigger grip and under the barrel. It has a rubber butt/recoil pad. In addition, the rifle has that “quality” feel that is evident in the heft of the model when first picked up. Overall, we have to applaud Ruger for using such a bold, attractive design on the Yukon!
Moderate Cocking Effort
If you’ve only used underpowered and inexpensive pump/spring guns, you may find the Yukon a bit challenging to cock. However, relative to the very impressive muzzle energy this rifle produces, we think the 30 pounds (rated) cocking effort is actually quite modest. Try cocking a powerful metal-spring rifle! Nevertheless, we suspect that younger/female users are likely to struggle with it, particularly during the initial break-in period.
Good All-Around Value
When you consider this rifle’s quiet report, above-average power, impressive build-quality, light trigger, and the usable scope on the combo, its current price tag of roughly $180 shipped is very good in our view. This is definitely a lot of rifle for your money, and would make a great first gas-ram for users interested in giving them a try.
Things We Don’t Like
Too Heavy?
This is actually a minor issue, since we tend to like heavier rifles. But, the 9.0 pound weight coupled with the rifle’s overall nearly 45-inch length could be a bit much for some users. In particular, we could see some people getting tired of carrying and holding this rifle for a long day of shooting.
Scope Insufficient for Distance Shooting
Unless you upgrade to a better scope, the model included with the combo will largely limit your shooting (if you care about accuracy) to within about 30 yards. Beyond that, your shots may start wandering and/or you could have some issues trying to keep it zeroed in. Of course, this may not be problem for you… and we happen to think that most shooters should limit their shooting to within 30 yards anyway – especially if small game hunting and one-shot humane kills are desired. But just keep in mind that this is an optics issue; the Yukon has plenty of FPE to keep even the .22 version shooting relatively flat, so the rifle has the capacity for delivering tight groups at 50 yards. Of course, as we always say, make sure you are using quality air rifle pellets, since even the most expensive scope cannot overcome a cheap/poorly-matched pellet.
Quality Control
We’ve heard some reports of users having triggers that won’t adjust, parts falling out, or faulty mounts or other hardware issues. This happens to varying degrees with just about any rifle, but be sure to inspect your rifle carefully upon receipt, and make sure to tighten any screws (particularly around the trigger and scope mounts) that appear loose before shooting.
We can’t say that the Ruger Yukon is necessarily better than other sub-$200 gas-piston air rifles, such as the Benjamin Titan or Crosman Nitro Venom, for example. However, it does have its virtues and is an unusually solid offering for the price. In particular, we think its quiet report, impressive muzzle energy and surprisingly good trigger make it an outstanding backyard rifle that is perfect for close-range hunting and pest elimination, right out of the box. Just remember that if you really want to tap into this rifle’s longer-range shooting capability, give it good pellets and an upgraded scope for maximum impact!
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.
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!?
The Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT is a very popular new rifle that seems to have it all – power, quiet operation, good looks and accuracy. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a critical look at this rifle and see what actual users are saying about it.
General Specifications
This is a gas-piston rifle that uses a nitrogen-gas strut instead of a spring. As a result, it’s already much quieter and easier to cock than a comparably-powered breakbarrel spring rifle. In addition, this model comes with noise dampening system that is reportedly capable of reducing firing decibel level by 52%.
As far as trigger mechanism and recoil, the Silent Stalker Whisper IGT comes with a convenient adjustable 2-stage trigger (“Smooth Action Trigger” or “SAT) and Gamo’s Shock Wave Absorption system that they state can eliminate 74% more recoil. The rifle is equipped with a 3-9×40 scope complete with mounting hardware and uses an interesting skeletonized stock.
Muzzle velocity & Power
Gamo reports muzzle velocity to be 1300 FPS for the .177 caliber version using PBA Platinum pellets and 975 FPS for the .22 rifle. Assuming that these pellets weigh 4.7 grains and 9.7 grains, respectively, using our FPE calculator give us muzzle FPE estimates of 17.6 and 20.5 foot-pounds of energy for the .177 and .22 caliber models.
This is a lot of power and, together with its accuracy, makes this rife an excellent choice for hunting, particularly in the .22 caliber option.
Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT Reviews
This rifle’s outstanding performance is evident in its very high users satisfaction ratings. We’ve done the leg work of combing through these reviews and here are the pros/cons of this rifle as real users see them:
PROS:
Powerful – reviewers agreed that this is a very powerful rifle that pretty much tore up anything unlucky enough to be shot by it. We are not surprised considering our FPE estimates.
Extremely Accurate – in addition to power, the most common praise received by this rifle was for its outstanding accuracy. Further, the consensus was that optimum performance was obtained using H&N Field Target Trophy pellets, with one user indicating that dime sized groupings at 30 yards was achieved!
Great Rifle Stock – users found it very good for maintaining stable stance and steady firing position, once they got comfortable with the proper artillery hold needed for this model.
Outstanding Sights – in fact, the sights are so accurate that several users mentioned they didn’t even some bother using scope, with one user reporting near perfect accuracy at 50 yards out of the box!
Cool-looking – there were several comments about how nice this rifle looks. We agree!
CONS:
Disappointing Stock Scope – in general, most people found the scope average to poor quality. For an upgrade that will make this rifle perform at its best, we suggest you check out the UTG 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Rifle Scope.
A Bit Noisier Than Expected – despite the silencer, some users noted that they expected this rifle to be quieter than it was. However, most found it relatively quiet (much more than any springer, of course) and some indicated that noise levels dropped a bit after breaking in.
The silent stalker is usually available for between $250 – $300. However, you can usually find big discounts on this model here. All in all, we feel that this rifle is fairly-priced considering its power, accuracy and advantageous gas-piston technology.
Concluding Thoughts & Opinions
The Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper IGT is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful and extremely accurate air rifle. In addition, with its gas-piston technology, it is also benefits from being quieter and smoother than the spring rifle crowd. And given its power, which we estimate to be just over 17.6 FPE and 20.5 FPE at the muzzle based on Gamo’s FPS data, this rifle is superb for hunting, with the .22 caliber version being the better choice for more serious air rifle hunters.
Finally, even though some users were hoping for it to be a little quieter, there are no big drawbacks with this rifle. Indeed, for its power output, it’s still a relatively silent option. Likewise, if this rifle’s extraordinary sights aren’t good enough for you, and you are not happy with the scope, swapping it out for the UTG 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot Rifle Scope should make a world of difference.
The Umarex Octane nitro-piston air rifle easily makes it onto our Editor’s 
Smooth firing with modest recoil
Big and heavy
Both the .177 and .22 caliber options are screamers. The .22 bore is by far the better choice if you want to hunt furred animals at any distance for 
The GRT gas strut delivers remarkably smooth firing that you might not appreciate if you haven’t had much experience with springers. Nevertheless, shooters of just about any experience level are likely to enjoy the very fluid shot cycle and very limited kick with this model. But perhaps more impressive is how very muffled the report is. Rather than the twangy notes delivered by most spring-piston rifles, the GRT Lightning simply gives you a dull “thud” that is very quiet – in fact, it’s so stealthy that we’d consider this a classic backyard type of gun (watch your local laws on this, however).
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.
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.
