New for me .22 Nitro Piston Air Rifle

[wyntrout]

This just arrived today... remanufactured Benjamin/Crosman Trail NP Series Model BT9M22SNP. MidwayUSA had them as a special... factory remanufactured and backed by 1-year warranty... maybe a deal with Midway... contrary to sticker on box.

No sling, but has 3x9 scope and mounts... no other sights. The picatinny rail appears to be glued or taped on, maybe, not sure... no screws!

It's a hefty thing... 8 pounds... not sure if with or without scope, though. I'm familiar with break action air rifles, but read the instructions... biggest caveat being the DON"T SHOOT WITHOUT PELLET IN THE CHAMBER. This should go without saying, especially with nice spring-powered guns!

Back in Maine around 1990 we had a garage sale and I was trying to sell my RWS Diana 34 .177 pellet rifle... not a cheapie... and while my wife was watching things some stupid SOB cocked and fired the rifle... said he did it with his (whatever P.O.S.) all of the time! Damn, but I was pissed! There was a tag on the trigger guard warning against that, as well as instruction several other places, especially the manual. You don't want the piston slamming forward without a cushion of air to slow it down! Evidently, it's not good for Nitro Piston chambers, either!

Anyhow, I thought this might be a good deal... been watching for .22 Nitro-Piston-based rifles and this looked like it fit the bill. I was hoping the extra time at the factory got it squared away better than some new untested ones. I'll see.

There's a safety forward of the trigger and it's not automatically engaged, which is fine with me. I hate forgetting those automatic safeties! The stock is nice... and heavy... with a good recoil pad for gripping your shoulder.

I bought a package of pellets with a bunch of the PBA stuff I'll save the non-lead stuff until after about 200 rounds for break in as recommended in the instructions.

I had to try some shots right away, though, and used my indoor firing range for .22LR... the board and catalogs with the brick hearth for a backstop. The board is to make bullets/pellets expand and not penetrate so deeply... especially .22LR.

I fired about 7 lead pellets and a couple of the "Rocket" BB-tipped ones at the poplar board... 1"x6"x2FT. The regular pellets came close to going all the way through, but the BB-tipped pellets didn't penetrate as far as I expected. They barely made an impression at the rear... could see a slight rise, but no exit. Repeated hits in the same area with the lead pellets would easily get through, so a good backstop is essential.

I don't know when I'll get to fully test this... maybe when I take the 10/22 to the range to try the new trigger, but here are some Pictures.

Wynn

[wyntrout]

The manual safety is shown in the FIRE position... forward all the way. On SAFE, it's right in front of the trigger... quite noticeable. I need to take some photos of the back of the box... more info.

I'll post those now. Here are some pictures of my new box!

[wyntrout]

It does seem to be pretty quiet... relatively speaking... when compared to spring guns. Here's some pix of the pellets into the board.

I used the Daisy pellets that I already had and shot without any kind of sights. I really don't like that HUGE 3x9 scope. It looks like I need to do some more shopping!

The PBA pellets are pretty light, so I don't know how they will compare with slower, heavier lead pellets.

I've had a few air rifles and this should be my most "powerful". The Diana 34 was 1,100 fps or so and my first .22 pellet rifle(1974) was a Winchester break-action spring-powered one with 550 fps... which dropped pigeons, snakes, and turtles handily, using a regular 1" 1.5x4.5 power scope... a real tack driver. It was like an artillery piece watching those relatively slow pellets shoot away, but they packed a whallop and were very accurate.

This one requires about 200 rounds for break in and results can vary a bit until break in. I have to find the recommended Crossman RMCOIL to lubricate it as required for maintaining the rifle... one drop into the compression chamber every 200 rounds... ONLY ONE drop! I guess dieseling can be a problem.

Well, that's it for now. I need to fix myself some supper. Wifey's gone until the 16th!

Wynn

[wyntrout]

I just noticed that there was an "R" stamped inside the pellet stamp on the barrel... re-manufacured.

I added a company photo.

Wynn

[wyntrout]

I ordered some of the Crosman silicone chamber oil from Amazon Prime for $7.99 delivered by Friday, but will see if Wally Mart has some. in any case, I want to keep the chamber "healthy".

The rifle's retail price is $299.99 and I've seen it for sale online and at Walmart for just under $200, so I'm happy with the price.

I'll have to put that big 3x9 scope on it for now and test it and break it in. If I can get going, I need to take my 10/22 to the range and try out the new trigger... and maybe my linear compensator. If it's not too busy maybe I can see if there a difference with perceived sound with the compensator off and on the rifle.

Wynn

[garyb]

Got one just like it Wyn. I did a mod on the trigger which made a huge difference in accuracy. I can't remember where I got it, but it was inexpensive (about $30) and super simple to do. The trigger that came on mine was poor at best...and the reviews said the same. Recommend you google trigger upgrade for that model and you will find it.

I spent a lot of time on pellets for it to find one that shot good. I get them through Pyramid Air. I found best groups from heavier pellets: J&B Diabolo Exact jumbo heavy . Same pellet made by Beeman Precision called Kodiak M#48022 - 21.14gr. Also H&N Sport Baracuda Match Grade. All seem to be identical and I am guessing some company makes them for all 3 companies to repackage.

Heavy rifle but a good one. I've killed woodchuck, fox, rabbit, etc... with it out to 75 yrds. Not a bad Center Point scope either once you get her dialed in. It looks big, but matches that big heavy gun. You will find that you like the scopes mil optics once you get used to using it at varying distances....at least that was my experience. It is necessary to compensate a lot for distance with these air guns, so the mil optics is a good way to adjust.

I found that once the barrel gets leaded up a bit, it starts to group better. 200+ shots fired is probably about right. I also never leave it cocked overnight. Always discharge her for storage. I've had it for about 4-5 yrs with no problems so far. But the trigger that came on it was poor and greatly improved with the upgrade. You will probably see when you try to group yours. The upgrade allows you to fine tune your trigger much better. Fun, cheap, powerful, fast, quiet shooting air rifle...but heavy. I've got the wood stock model.

[wyntrout]

Thanks for the info, Gary. I went by Wally Mart and no Crosman chamber oil, but it should come in tomorrow.

I finally just grabbed the 10/22 and went to the range for a "quick" test of the new trigger... that was a worthwhile improvement... I bought the Power Custom Kit and a second linear compensator... "lost" the first one... don't know where the heck I set it down for the moment... age-related deficit disorder!

I have too many "projects"... Ruger 10/22, 22/45 Lite, and now the new .22 pellet rifle. I need to install the scope and see how it works. I was thinking a lower power variable... and much smaller scope. I did notice at Wally Mart that that scope was $58.97... almost half the cost of my rifle!
** edit update** Looking at the Walmart model scope again, it has illuminated reticules, so the one with the NP Trail is cheaper. :-)

I have a variety of pellets to try... don't have any faith in the PBA lightweight stuff. Any good results from actual users as you is certainly appreciated. I like heavier... and pushing 800 fps should be pretty deadly and accurate, though I'm not supposed to be shooting in town! I bought that variety pack for testing and will see what results I can get inside here with about 30' or so distance. There's a double-wide trailer home for the on-site cop just outside my fence on the city park out back, so I have to be careful! There's also a diesel backup generator for the sewer pumping station out there, too. When they test that, I could shoot without notice!

I didn't know that they were making the Nitro Piston-based rifles that long. I had long wanted one of the "Whisper" .22's but these are quieter, especially without the large spring. Those spring-powered things are really noisy!

Thanks for the info!

Wynn

[garyb]

Wyntrout, Why don't you give that CenterPoint a try before spending money on another one. AT least I am assuming you have a CenterPoint scope with it. Be aware, from what I've read these air rifles do require special scopes...due to the nature of the recoil. It is kind of hard to believe they have recoil, but they do. Some scopes might not hold up. You can research this yourself on the Pyramid Air site or give them a call to verify. I'll see if I can find that trigger mod info for you.

[Bawanna]

That rifle was 100 bucks? I might have to go take a look my own self. Kind of fun to play with in the yard and good practice.

Just checked, special must be over they are 214?? now. Funny thing though the way I look at it they have the new same gun not refurbished and the refurbished for the same price side by side.

Something don't make no sense at all there.

Just like fishin, should have been here yesterday I reckon.

[garyb]

The trigger mod is $29.50 + $3.5 shipping from www.CharlieDaTuna.com
It is the GRT III Trigger. Instructions are very good. Simple to install. Works Great.
I feel the rifle is only worth $100 without the trigger mod. With the trigger mod, it is an amazingly improved rifle. I would not say it is as accurate as a .22LR, but perhaps with more shooting, it would come close with the right pellet and trigger mod. Did I mention the trigger mod????

[garyb]

photos of the mod. Adjustments for pull and travel are on the inside of the trigger.

[wyntrout]

Dang, Bawanna, that's the result I got clicking on the link on my invoice. Mine was $124.99 and you can find them for just under $200 NEW! I got my original offer in an email from them... Midway.

And thanks, again, Gary for the links and info!

Wynn

[wyntrout]

I just made an order at AirgunDepot for pellets and found a discount code by them for 10% off over $50, and they had cheaper shipping than Pyramid.
Shopping Cart Item Unit Price Qty. Cost
JSB Diabolo Exact Jumbo Heavy .22 Cal, 18.3 gr.- 500 Ct. $16.99 1 $16.99
H&N Baracuda Match .22 Cal, 21.14 Grains, Round Nose [5.53mm Head] 200ct $8.99 1 $8.99
Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy Pellets- .22 Cal (200 Count) $8.99 1 $8.99
RWS .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Pellets- 100 Ct. $6.99 1 $6.99
Pellet Pen- 22 Caliber - Holds 15 Pellets $9.99 1 $9.99 Subtotal: $51.95 Shipping: $7.31 Tax: $0.00 10% savings: -$5.20 Total: $54.06 Order Confirmation

Confirmation

Order Date: 09/12/2013 Shipping Method: Smart Post (5 - 10 Days)


I also found the refurbished rifle there for $149.99:

http://www.airgundepot.com/refurbish...fle-combo.html

Discount from here:

http://www.airgundepot.com/coupon.html

Sometimes it pays to search for coupons!

Wynn

[wyntrout]

Well, my Crosman Silicone Chamber Oil came in yesterday(Friday the 13th!) and I put a drop in the cocked chamber last night... kind of late... after supper and near a bottle of wine, but time enough for that not to affect me. It was after 1AM.

I decided that I ought to fire a pellet and take the tension off the chamber, so I decided to mount the scope and then fire it some. When I got the scope out, I could see that the mounts were not aligned, so I had to take all 8 of those Allen screws... about 1/2" long... out and mount the bottoms on the leveled rifle. The danged mounts just don't mount squarely, so I fiddled with levels and shims to my display rack... too tight for the forearm of the rifle. I finally said screw that and that I could make sure the reticules were properly vertical and horizontal when the rifle was pretty level, looking at a door frame about 25 feet away. Yeah, I checked the door frame with a level, too.

I finally got the scope where I wanted it and tightened it down. I had put a smidgeon of removable thread sealer on the screws, too. Then I used my laser boresighter to get the crosshairs in the ballpark... not bad. Then I loaded a pellet and fired at my board and catalogs on the hearth about 30 feet away.

Yeah, I heard an unexpected noise and saw the boresighter sliding to my recliner about 15 feet away in the family room/TV room! I didn't see any holes in the freezer or microwave, etc. just to the right of the path to the intended target!

I checked the barrel and could see light... then did SOMETHING smart... ran a cleaning rod through the bore... knocking the pellet out and to the floor. It had a hole through the middle from striking the screw holding the plastic arbor in on the LBS. I then pulled the .22 boresnake... PITA!... through the barrel and decided to press on. The boresighter still worked, but I'll have to devise a new arbor for .22.

I wound up firing around 70 pellets... the Daisy in the lower right of the photo of the pellets... weighed 50 at 44 grams... and computed about 13.5 grains or so for the pellets. I plan on shooting heavier ones for the most part... 18-22 grains or so when those come in, but right now I just need to fire the "required" 100 or 200 pellets, depending on where you look, before I can really expect consistency in the accuracy... small groups.

The rifle is a HEAVY thing and cocking it is good exercise. The trigger REALLY, REALLY sucks! It's a very hard pull and long... I get tired of waiting for it to break! I definitely will be ordering that trigger that garyb recommended. This rifle is NO FUN to shoot at the moment, especially without a firm, stationary rest! I really get tired of holding my breath and wavering about while waiting for the trigger to break!

I had the display rack on a wooden TV tray/table... kind of wobbly but I shimmed here and there... and I DIDN"T drop the rifle on the floor as I let happen with the 10/22 at the range!

I had the air cleaner in the living room running, as well as the downdraft exhaust on the stove because of the fumes generated in firing.

I guess that I had better get all of the last week's projects off the dining room table and not wait until Monday when Wifey returns!
I'm doing the wash now and she'll have plenty of her own when she returns.

So many projects ongoing and the gun show next weekend... and house chores!

More online shopping to do! I didn't take any pictures of last night's fun and it was about 6:30 am before I went to bed and read for a while. It was about 08:30 when I decided to try to sleep and didn't get up until after noon.

I still want a better sight for my carbine, some kind of "dot" sight or low-power scope for my 22/45... and maybe another sight for my new .22 air rifle. That big 3x9 seems okay, but it's just so big... and sits so high!

Oh, I was gathering towels for the wash and noticed that my water distiller in the powder room had quit prematurely or something was amiss... left the danged spigot open on the catch bottle! There was half an inch in the bottle and the gallon in the trash container on the floor... good thing... and extra gallon of water sitting on the floor and the cabinet bottom would have really sucked more!

This danged Age-related Deficit Disorder can really suck!

Wynn

[wyntrout]

Oh... just letting the rifle stand butt first on my scale, the top of the barrel resting against my hand, it weighed about 9.4 pounds... rough, I know, but it is HEAVY! A sling will be required for any walkabouts!

And, to continue my ARDS... I ate my cereal with Miralax in the milk and took my morning pills... after 1:20PM! I then loaded my little bowl with a cookie tin top dust cover with the pills for the evening meal. After finishing the cereal , I noticed the little bowl was empty... checked the 7-day-twice-a-day pill box and the evening pills were gone! Dang! I took the evening pills, too! Now I'm gonna be hypoglycemic pretty soon! I was thinking about a lot of stuff and just not thinking about the pills!

Sigh... Wifey can't get back too soon. I'm doing wash now and need to straighten up a lot and clean house before Wifey sees this larger than usual "un-tidyness".

I remember now that I watched Wrath of the Titans after/during supper... wondered how it had gotten to be so late before I started with the air rifle.

Wynn

I'm on my third cup of coffee since I got up around noon-20 or so, too.