Nitro Piston?

[ChaoSS]

Anyone using any of the Crosman/Benjamin rifles with the Nitro Piston technology? Specifically, I'm looking at these:

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Benjamin_NPS_Air_Rifle/2055

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Crosman_Nitro_Venom_Dusk_Air_Rifle/2468#Specifications

I want something in .22. The reviews seem pretty good on those, but then, I never know how much to trust reviews on a vendor's site.

 

[zdc1775]

I have the Crosman Nitro Venom in .22. It was my first "adult" air gun. Overall I have been very satisfied with it except for the scope. It is basically trash, mine wouldn't hold zero for more than about twenty shot then it would start drifting and eventually completely failed. The rifle itself could use a better trigger but that is an easy and cheap fix. Otherwise it is great for what it is.

Another thing about the nitro pistons. Mine is a little less hold sensitive than a normal springer. You still have to practice the "artillery hold" but it doesn't have to be perfect. And they can be left cocked for a little while longer.

 

[ChaoSS]

So those lower dollar ones aren't crappy as far as accuracy is concerned?

 

[zdc1775]

They aren't horrible, or at least mine isn't. I mean don't get me wrong you aren't going to be shooting perfect scores on Olympic 10m targets with it but you will be able to keep dime sized groups and smaller at that distance if you do your part.

 

[PJSprog]

I've been considering a nitro piston rifle for awhile. I like the look of the wood stock on the Benjamin NPs, but I really know little about them from a quality standpoint. I know they've enjoyed a pretty good reputation over the years.
Are they still making quality rifles?
How's the fit and finish on them?
Any experience with how long that power holds up over time?

 

[zdc1775]

Like I said mine is a Crosman not the Benji but mechanically they are the same gun. I bought mine back in February of this year.
I also have the wooden stock version and trust me it won't win any beauty contest as a matter of fact I am pretty sure it is made out of pine. The fit could be better and the finish work leaves a lot to be desired in the hard to see areas. Think 80 grit sanding on all the surfaces that are internal or hard to reach. The actual outside where you might touch isn't that bad.
As far as maintaining the power I have about 8,000 14.3-18.13 gr pellets through it and I haven't noticed any measurable loss of power. It is most accurate with the 14-16 gr pellets and shoots them hard enough to punch through a ½” pine board at 25 yards.

 

[PJSprog]

Excellent. Thanks for the info, zdc1775. Much appreciated.

 

[Chevota]

I'd go with the Venom since it's cheaper and you can mix and match parts with other guns from Crosman (which includes Benjamin), such as adding a suppressor or different stock.
I'd also look at the Benj Titan and Crosman Vantage. I always go for referbs when available, and usually the Titan is. Last sale I saw was $90.
The finish of the metal and bluing is very good, excellent considering the price. I much prefer the wood stocks and have never seen the syn Venom. The wood finish varies but some like the Trail and Regal are very nice. Others vary but can all be refinished to be better if you feel the need.
The nitro springs are like the struts on suv back hatches, and as most know one or both the struts fail in 5-10 years. These nitro springs have high failure rate too from what I've seen, much higher than coil springs. Many arrive at your door dead, which is probably why there are so many Titan referbs available. They are nice though, smooth cocking and much quieter firing.
All the Crosman guns need a trigger fix imo, either an expensive aftermarket trigger, or a variety of home fixes. I prefer the home fix and spend the money on pellets. Tuning is fairly easy for free extra power and longer gun life.