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Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle Review

May 14, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a unique air rifle with power, accuracy, and light in weight? The Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle may be the exact combination of features you desire. The rifle is light in weight due to the composite construction making it easy for all types of shooters to enjoy the rifle. The rifle can send a pellet streaking towards the target faster than the speed of sound and hit the bulls eye on every shot. The rifle is packed with features, so let’s take a look.

Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle Main Features

Polymer Barrel
Break Barrel Cocking
Quietness
Open Thumb Stock
Precision

Polymer Barrel for Lighter Weight and Increased Accuracy

It is almost second nature that we expect most rifles, including air rifles, to have an all metal barrel. The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle is outfitted with an 18” fluted polymer barrel surrounding rifled steel. Your first reaction might be to worry if a polymer barrel will withstand serious use in your yard, hunting grounds, or even on the shooting range. The reality is the composite polymer bull barrel is tough, strong, and resists many abusive conditions better than an all metal barrel.

The polymer barrel avoids issues with rust if it becomes damp. It provides improved sound reduction, strength, and durability. Keep in mind the barrel must be cleaned like any other rifle. You must periodically clean the rifle barrel to keep residue from building up, especially when using lead shot. You need to carefully oil the barrel pivot, cocking pivots, and trigger pivots to keep them moving smoothly, but are not required to use any lubricating oil in the barrel.

Even though this is an air powered rifle, the velocity of pellets could cause combustion if oil was used in the chamber area or the barrel. A pellet firing out of your Gamo Silent Cat air rifle at over 1000fps produces tremendous frictional heat.

Break Barrel Cocking with Spring Piston

The Whisper Silent Cat uses a spring piston which is cocked using the break barrel method. The cocking action requires 30 pounds of pressure. There are several important advantages to a spring piston system like the Whisper uses, this includes:

No added shooting costs for CO2 cartridges.
Single action cocking.
Durable.
High powered.
Added safety of a single shot rifle.

How powered air rifles which do not use CO2 cartridges come in two primary varieties. You have break barrel cocking systems which require only one motion, or multi-pump guns which can require 5 to 20 pumps to reach maximum power. The Whisper break barrel system allows you to prepare for shots rapidly and have the power necessary to eliminate pests or hit a bulls eye consistently.

If you are not familiar with the break barrel cocking system, it is very simple. You grasp the end of the barrel while bracing the butt pad against your thigh, near your hip. You then pop the barrel lightly to start the cocking action and pull it downward for a single cocking motion. When in the broken position you insert your pellet for the next shot. You will discover the system is efficient and fast.

Shooting Quietly to Avoid Unneeded Attention

One of the most important features of the Whisper line of rifles, including the Whisper Silent Cat, is the reduced levels of noise. The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle uses a non-removable noise dampening system built on the barrel. The ND52 system reduces the sound by up to 52% compared to similar rifles.

For the quietest shooting Gamo recommends using lead pellets instead of alloy pellets. The lead pellets slow the velocity of the pellet to around 1000fps. This drops the speed underneath the speed of sound eliminating the mini sonic booms caused by fast moving ammunition. The noise dampener is designed to eliminate muzzle noise, while slowing down your shots by using lead eliminates the added crack of the ammo in flight.

When using lead pellets the only sound you should notice is the sound of the spring’s snapping release and the plunk when the pellet meets the target. These reduced noise levels allow you to shoot in residential areas without worries of frightening neighbors and attracting unnecessary attention when someone believes your shooting a traditional gun.

The silent shooting is very helpful when dealing with pests, too. The groups of birds, squirrel, rats, or other pests get no warning from sound. All they know is suddenly one of their group is lying dead on the ground.

Open Thumb Stock for Greater Control

The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle uses an open grip stock made from all-weather synthetic material. The open stock allows you to increase accuracy with a true pistol grip on the gun. With an improved grip you maintain greater control with a steady aim on your target.

The stock is outfitted with dual cheek pieces to allow shooting on either side. The cocking, loading, and shooting positions of the rifle are all 100% ambidextrous providing a high quality shooting experience for left-handed and right-handed users. This makes the Gamo Silent Cat an excellent choice for households with individuals who shoot from both sides.

The butt plate mounted on the stock is a ventilated rubber pad. It provides good recoil protection for your shoulder. You will enjoy the durability of a synthetic stock compared to wood. It is not easily scratched, requires little maintenance, and can withstand extreme weather with ease. The lighter weight of the synthetic stock makes the rifle easier to carry and use.

Aiming with Precision

The Gamo Silent Cat is ready to help you hit the target. It comes equipped with both fiber option sights and a bundled scope. The fiber optic sites on the front and rear allow you to fine tune the gun for shooting without the scope installed. For grab and shoot firing this may be your preferred sight.

The scope bundled with the Silent Car air rifle is one of the few areas of concern on this excellent weapon. The scope is lower end scope which is capable of doing a good job but has caused problems for many buyers. The rifle comes bundled with a 4×32 air rifle scope which uses a one piece mounting system.

The primary issue people have mentioned about the scope is problems keeping it zeroed. They get their scope adjusted to perfection and then after a few shots it seems to have drifted off slightly. Gamo has release service bulletins giving detailed information on how to correct this issue but making a slight tightening adjustment that many users have overlooked. When properly adjusted and tightened the scope does a good job.

Dimensions and Physical Attributes

The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle is a very comfortable rifle to use throughout a day of fun or pest control. It weighs only 5.28 pounds. The rifle is 46 inches long with provides adequate length for accurate shooting, but short enough for trudging through fields and brush. The barrel is 18” long.

The Silent Cat requires 30 pounds of pressure to cock the gun and 3.79 pounds of pressure to pull the trigger. Remember, this is a dual stage trigger with adjustable pull length and pressure.

Additional Information

A few other features should be pointed out on the rifle. The Silent Cat uses a manual safety which Is mounted right in front of the trigger. The safety is easy to reach, engage, and release. Make sure the safety is engaged anytime the rifle is loaded and cocked. While the dual stage trigger reduces the chances of an accident, the safety provides greater security.

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Included/Optional Accessories

The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle comes bundled with the 4×32 air rifle scope as previously mentioned. Other optional items you should consider include:

Gamo Cleaning Set – A low cost cleaning kit designed specifically for your rifle.
Gamo Oil – The recommended oil for using on all metal parts of the Silent Cat.
High Performance Pellet Combo Pack – includes Red Fire, Rocket, Raptor, and Armor pellets.
Performance Pellet Combo Pack – Includes an assortment of lead pellets providing quieter shooting and continued high accuracy.
Replacement Scope – This must be included in the optional accessories list simply because most people prefer a higher quality scope with greater adjustment capability. Gamo offers an extensive line-up of other scopes with most of them being much higher quality.

Pros of the Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle

This rifle is packed with great features which make it one of the top choices for serious shooters. The positive aspects of the rifle include:

High durability.
Weather resistant with synthetic stock.
High powered shooting with speeds up to 1200fps.
Quiet shooting with the ND52 sound dampening system.
High accuracy. (See notes in Cons below)
Excellent support from Gamo.

Cons of the Silent Cat Air Rifle

There is one glaring issue which receives complaints consistently on this rifle. It is the scope. The basic rifle is one of the most accurate on the market in the price range. It can consistently group shots within an inch diameter from up to 40 yards away. When you choose to use the included scope all efforts at accuracy may be wasted. Gamo has updated the instruction for the scope which as helped some users, but many users elect to replace the scope with another scope to improve their shooting experience. You might consider with the relatively low cost of this rifle that is a very viable option, but should have been unnecessary.

Noise is the other major fault of the rifle. This may sound a little bit odd for a rifle which prides itself on quiet, but it has become one of the major complaints of buyers. This issue is not a design fault by Gamo, but is an educational issue. The rifle will make a loud crack when using the high performance alloy pellets. They streak out of the gun as such high velocity they will break the sound barrier and produce a very loud pop. Higher performance pellets may be preferred in some situations, but for shooting in town you should switch to the lead pellets to eliminate the issue.

Consumer Ratings

You might think after reading about the cons of the Gamo Silent Cat air rifle that customer ratings might be low. You would be wrong. This rifle grabs some of the highest ratings possible on all major retail sites. The reasons are very simple. The price of the gun is excellent. The accuracy is outstanding. The weapon is powerful. It meets the needs of almost every shooter and lives up to the promises with high quality and durability.

In many cases the users mentioning problems with the scope or sound give the rifle excellent ratings due to the overall performance of the rifle. They overlook these issues and being very insignificant compared to the overall performance, value, and enjoyment they find in shooting the Gamo Silent Cat.

Conclusion

How can we say this gently? The Gamo Silent Cat air rifle is not for everyone. It is not for children. It is not for people who may be unable to cock the 30 pound spring. This rifle is an excellent choice for shooters who want accuracy, power, durability, and to have the added sneakiness of quiet shooting.

As long as you keep in mind the minor faults with the Gamo Silent Cat you will find this rifle to be among the best choices possible. You can overcome the problem with the scope by replacing it with your favorite brand of scope. (Something you might have done anyways.) You can overcome the loud sonic boom crack by switching to lead pellets to slow down the shots. This gives you the advantage of using high performance PBA shot when you want ultimate speed and stopping power, but can quiet the gun with a simple change to lead shot. If you have pest problems or are a target shooting enthusiast this is a gun you will greatly enjoy.

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Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Gamo

Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle Review

May 10, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle is another one of the interesting air rifles from the renowned gun maker Ruger. This air rifle is packed with power and features you will enjoy, but there are a couple items you should look at closely before making your final decision. As you would expect with any gun from Ruger, the Blackhawk is well-built and highly accurate. If you are looking for an air gun with great power and accuracy from a company who stands behind their products, then you need to check out all the features of the Blackhawk.

Ruger Blackhawk Combo Air Rifle Main Features

Power
Dual Sighting Options
Single Stroke Pumping Action
Durable and Comfortable Stock
Accurate Shooting
Safety Considerations

Power for Pests, Targets, and Fun

The Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle is not a kid’s toy. This is a serious weapon and needs to be treated like one. The Blackhawk uses .177 caliber pellets which blast out of the muzzle at 1000fps (feet per second). This velocity provides you with plenty of power to deal with pests. One user of the Blackhawk has reported using the rifle to eliminate starlings, squirrels, and an opossum. Many air rifles have the power to stop small birds like starlings, but only high velocity air rifles have the power to deal with larger pets like an opossum.

Power is not only crucial for dealing with pests. A pellet which is shot with higher velocity stays on a tighter trajectory making your shots more accurate. If you enjoy target shooting or just plinking around shooting tin cans, the added accuracy of a high velocity air rifle can make a big difference. Of course, velocity alone is not enough for accurate shooting.

Dual Sighting Options

The Ruger Blackhawk comes bundled with two sighting options. The first is the built-on fiber optic sights. If you like to have your air rifle ready to go at a moment’s notice this will be your favorite option. The second sighting option is the included 4×32 scope. If you like a little added accuracy the scope is ideal.

It is important to remember when buying an air rifle, or any other type of rifle, you must plan to spend a little time adjusting your sights. The factory settings are not going to work for you. You need to make those minor adjustments which fine tune the sights to your eyes, grip, and shooting style. Ruger provides you instructions for adjusting your sights and also offers an online guide called “Achieving Accuracy with An Air Rifle” to help you become a more accurate shot.

Single Stroke Pumping Action

There is nothing much more frustrating about an air rifle than standing there pumping it 5, 10, or 20 times to prepare for your next shot. The Ruger Blackhawk combo air rifle uses a break-barrel cocking action to prepare for your next shot. Break-barrel is just like it sounds. You will be gripping the stock of the rifle and the end of the barrel and “breaking” it to cock the rifle. The barrel pivots right at the end of the stock.

The Ruger uses a spring piston action to produce the 1000fps of power. It is important you understand this means the cocking action takes a little strength. Ruger estimates it requires 30 pounds of pressure to cock the gun. This can make the rifle difficult to use for some women, seniors, or if you buy this as your child’s first air rifle.

Ruger does offer an identical gun with half the power which only requires half the cocking power. This lower powered rifle produces a muzzle velocity of 490fps. This rifle may be adequate for target shooting and sport shooting, but will not be highly effective dealing with pests.

Durable and Comfortable Stock

The stock of the Blackhawk is made from an all black composite material. The stock has a checkered grip pattern on the pistol grip and on the forearm sections. The grip is checkered on both sides to make the rifle usable for both left handed and right handed shooters.

The composite stock is more durable than wood stocks. The stock will stand up to water, sun, and dirt with only mild cleaning. The butt of the stock includes a rubber recoil pad to allow for comfortable pressure as you steady the rifle for a shot.

Rifled Barrel for Accurate Shooting

The barrel of the Blackhawk is 18.7 inches long with a standard rifled bore for a .177 caliber pellet. The rifle barrel has been blued which makes it look great with the black composite stock. You will want to make sure you take time to keep the barrel cleaned and free from excess body oils. Since you are hand cocking the rifle by holding the barrel before each shot you will get body oil on the barrel which needs to be cleaned off regularly. Ruger offers a high quality cleaning oil which is acid and resin free to keep the barrel in perfect shape.

The other factor to consider with a rifled barrel using lead pellets is internal cleaning. Ruger has made this easy with the Blackhawk. You simply load a pair of cleaning pellets into the rifle, cock, and shoot. Your cleaning is finished.

Safety Considerations of the Ruger Blackhawk

We must remind you, this is not a toy. The Ruger Blackhawk combo air rifle is a powerful weapon. It is critical you follow Ruger’s guidelines for safe operation. As part of the safety considerations Ruger has included an easy to use safety mechanism. The safety is automatically set when you cock the gun to avoid accidental discharge. When you are ready to fire it only requires pushing the safety in gently.

This tiny feature of automatically setting the safety may seem unimportant to many shooters, but to people with children it is a real blessing. It reduces the risk of a child accidentally getting the gun cocked and pulling the trigger successfully dramatically.

Keep in mind, most children will be unable to cock the gun. The 30 pounds of pressure required for cocking the gun is beyond their strength, at least without major effort. If you are choosing the gun to teach a younger family member your should consider the Blackhawk –C which only requires 19 pounds of cocking effort and cuts the power in half. It is a much safer option for young shooters.

Dimensions and Weight of the Blackhawk Air Rifle

The Blackhawk air rifle is an ideal size for most shooters. It is small enough to be easily handled by women and teens, but large enough to work well for most men. The Blackhawk is 44.8 inches long overall with an 18.7” long barrel. The rifle is an easy to handle 8.3 pounds in weight.

Optional Items for Your Blackhawk

Since the Ruger Blackhawk combo air rifle is already bundled with a scope there are not a wide variety of options offered by Ruger. The one item you may be highly interested in is the Walther Nighthunter Light and Laser Sight. This optional site adds a small shooting light and an aiming laser to your rifle. It attached to the existing scope on your Blackhawk making it very easy to mount for nighttime fun.

Other items you may want to buy with your Blackhawk would include the following:

RWS Spring Cylinder Oil
Cleaning Pellets
RWS Pellet Sampler

The pellet sampler allows you to test your gun with 5 of the most popular pellets from Ruger instead of just trying one style. This is only a small sampling of the variety of pellets you can use. Choose a pellet which is designed for your needs to have the best results.

The only other accessory which is highly recommended is the Air Gun Accessories kit which includes lubricants, cleaning pellets, and supplies. This makes getting all of the essentials easy and at a low cost.

Additional Features of the Blackhawk

One feature which is not mentioned in most reviews is Ruger’s two stage trigger. You can feel the gentle transition in preparation for the shot and reduce the normal tendency to pull shots when squeezing the trigger. Their two stage trigger can be adjusted for increased play between stages or for nearly know distance between the first and second stage. Keep in mind both stages require the same 3 pounds of squeeze strength to fire the shot.

The Blackhawk rifle includes Ruger’s 1 year parts and labor warranty which requires shipping the gun to their USA based repair depot. The warranty does not cover any abusive use of the rifle. After warranty repairs are available through the same repair centers.

Pros of the Ruger Blackhawk

This outstanding air rifle from Ruger has many positive points including:

Highly accurate.
Dual sighting options. (3 if you add the optional laser sight)
High power – 1000fps velocity.
Easy to use with simple cocking mechanism.
Safe – The automatic safety adds to your security.
Reasonable price.

Cons of the Blackhawk Air Rifle

The negative points of this rifle are very few, but you must be aware of them. They include:

Dual position sight mounts instead of the commonly preferred single mount.
Hard to cock for some users.
Scope is not high quality.
Potential loosening of screws in trigger guard and stock.

Ruger in the Blackhawk manual spells out the need to check the screw tightness on the trigger guard and stock on a regular basis. This is not a flaw, but a cautionary note due to the mechanical movement of the cocking mechanism. It is uncommon to require tightening of the screws, but must be watched for safety. This is common among barrel-break cocking air rifles from most manufacturers.

The power required to cock the gun can be problematic for younger shooters, women, and seniors. This can be overcome by getting the C version, but costs you half the power. Many buyers of the rifle have commented on the cheap quality of the scope. This issue can be overcome if you discover the scope is not to your liking. You can buy an aftermarket scope from Ruger or another supplier.

The negative aspects of this rifle are very minimal and are greatly overcome by the positive attributes.

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Ratings for the Ruger Blackhawk Air Rifle

The Ruger Blackhawk air rifle combo receives above average reviews by users. The results would be even higher if the scope was replaced with a slightly higher quality option. It is the most common complaint expressed about the rifle.

Many reviewers who give the rifle slightly lower marks mention they would give it an excellent score if the scope were switched to a higher quality option. For most buyers this should be a non-issue since high quality scopes can be purchased for $10 to $30 allowing you the flexibility to choose the style and scope magnification you want. The cheap scope is ideal for dealing with pests and shooting for fun, but if you are a highly serious target shooter you will probably want to invest in a higher quality scope.

Conclusion

The Ruger Blackhawk air rifle combo is an excellent choice for shooters who need an easy to use high-powered pellet gun. The .177 caliber pellets shot at 1000fps can handle almost any pest control issue and provide you with great fun shooting at targets. The rifle is best suited for adult men due to the strength needed for the cocking action. While some people may conclude that is a negative, in reality it is a positive feature. You are getting high powered shooting on single cock and without the need for CO2 cartridges.

The rifle is priced competitively with other rifles in the category. If you are looking for a low budget air rifle, with ample power, from a company who is renowned for their support, then the Ruger Blackhawk air rifle combo is a great choice. It is hard to go wrong with Ruger quality, support, and performance. It is not accident they have become one of the world’s favorite brands among shooters.

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Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Ruger

How to Clean Your Air Rifle

April 18, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

Ready to get your airgun in tiptop shape but need to know how to clean your air rifle? Collectors and shooters can tell you how important it is to keep your gun clean, and you’re probably aware of that fact yourself. Your best air rifle should be treated with care, which is why this cleaning guide has been written for you.

Step by step, you will be walked through what it takes to get it operating with full functionality and ease. We’ll discuss the tools you need to have, as well as the specific process it takes to give the gun a thorough cleaning. If you need other help or links to resources, then you can browse around this page. There’s nothing better than a clean barrel, so let’s get started.

Get a Good Cleaning Kit

First you need to make sure you have the proper tools at hand for the job. A good cleaning kit will probably have a few of the following products in it: a cleaning rod, brush, patches, oil and possibly pellets. All kits are set up a little differently, so you may have to buy certain parts from different retailers. The key is to make sure you have the basics in order to keep your gun maintained properly. When you have a solid cleaning kit, then you’re ready to learn how to clean an air rifle barrel.

How to Clean an Air Rifle Barrel

Once you have the tools close-by and the rifle in hand, open the barrel. Make sure all of the pieces of your cleaning rod are attached to each other properly, then attach the brush from your cleaning kit to it. These are often soft brushes with nylon bristles. Attach that soft end to the cleaning rod.

With your barrel open and scope removed if necessary, you can place a cleaning pellet inside. Some kits don’t come with these, as they’re seen as optional aids to the cleaning process. After this step, you can push your brush deep into the barrel until it comes out of the other side. Pull it back, and you may reveal some dirt on the cleaning pellet after doing so. If not, don’t worry – it’s still working.

If you have a rough attachment like another brush, now is the time to use it to get the last bits out. Metal is not suggested due to its extreme nature. Do the same thing you did with the soft brush. Once the dirt and debris is removed, then you can wash your brushes and dry them.

Last but not least, run clean patches through the bore with cleaner or degreaser to do the final work on the air rifle barrel. You can make sure they appear clean after they run through the barrel. At the end, you might wish to lightly oil a patch through the barrel for a final cleaning. Be sure to push the patch from the breech end when possible.

Follow the above steps, and you’ll have your air rifle clean in no time.

Filed Under: Blog

What Is The Best Air Rifle For Squirrel Hunting?

April 7, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

When it comes to squirrel hunting, one of the questions often asked is ‘what is the best air rifle for squirrel hunting?’ The question is rather difficult to answer because that will depend on where you plan to hunt and in what conditions. Those who are experienced with air rifles will tell you that there is no single gun that can be recommended to suit all. A good hunter will need a range from which he can select the best air rifle that would suit his purpose for the day.

Squirrel hunting is sport and there are guns that are quick enough to catch these fast little creatures when they are on the move. Here is a look at some of them.

One for the amateurs

Many teenagers start out squirrel hunting with Air rifles but you will want to give them something that is not too difficult to handle. The Remington AirMaster 77 kit with Scope serves this purpose perfectly. This is an air gun that can be put together safely with the clear manual that it comes with. The air gun is largely made of plastic but the main receiver is made of metal and adds to the light weight of the gun. Loading it with pellets can take a little getting used to, but it helps newcomers learn to concentrate on what they are doing and it provides novices with the flexibility they need to get the job done. For around $160 it costs in the retail market, this is definitely a good buy for newcomers.

For serious hunters

You could consider the Ruger Blackhawk .177 cal. Air Rifle with 4×32 mm Scope. This is a model meant for those who are serious hunters. It comes with a scope but without it, you can shoot just as well. They shoot precisely from as far back as 20 yards so squirrels can be targeted easily. You may find its sound levels a bit high at first but not so loud that you will not get use to it after the first few rounds. The scope is made of metal and can be calibrated. It does have a slight recoil and therefore, it is not something that the manufacturers recommend for a child. This air rifle is priced in the $120 range when not on discount.

An almost universal rifle

The Daisy Outdoor Products Winchester 1000 Wood Break Barrel is one gun that will grow with your prowess. It is great for anyone just learning to shoot and works just as well for someone who has experience shooting. At 50 yards, it shoots just as good as it does at 10 yards and it is great for squirrels, rodents and crows. The scope is accurate right down to the last millimeter though you can easily use it without the scope as well. It comes with a checkered hardwood stock and the safety is something you will be happy about.

Deciding on the best air rifle for squirrel hunting will depend on your expertise and your level of comfort. However, you can be sure that finding the right one will not be too difficult.

Filed Under: Blog

What Is The Best Air Rifle Brand?

April 3, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

If you want the best air rifle brand, you have a number of options. A lot of gun enthusiasts get confused about which one to go with. If you are not sure, one brand you might want to go with is Gamo. Their guns are strong, reliable and well built. Here are 2 air rifle models from the company you might want to consider:

Gamo Silent Cat Air Rifle

This particular air gun is one of the top ones out there among cheaper rifles. The Silent Cat is a strong, single shot gun that is good for small game hunting.

Pros

Price

This gun is available around $200 or less on various online retailer sites. This is significantly less than what many other top air guns go for.

Warranty

This one comes with a 12 month limited warranty, which is a decent warranty for the price.

Powerful

The gun shoots with great speed. It produces a velocity as high as 1,200 feet per second using PBA ammunition, and 1,000 FPS with lead.

Long lasting

The gun is very well built, and is able to handle any kind of conditions with ease.

Quiet

The gun comes with a sound dampener which cuts the volume by more than half. This makes it sound more like a 650 FPS gun, and the noise is actually similar to a BB gun.

Cons

Hard pull

The trigger is a bit difficult to pull. This means it is somewhat hard to shoot accurately. Therefore, make sure you are in a stable position when shooting. If you are simply standing and shooting, you might find yourself spraying shots all over the map unless you are very strong.

Inaccurate

While the gun is powerful and great for long distance shooting, it is not very accurate for short range shooting.

Gamo Big Cat .22 Caliber Air Rifle

This .22 air gun is the cheaper alternative to the Silent Cat. It is not the most powerful air rifle, but if you want to save money then it is still well worth it. This particular air gun is good for small game hunting, is light in weight and lasts a long time.

Pros

Price

It sells for around $140 at most sites and you will save just over $50 with this gun as opposed to its more expensive counterpart.

Power

This single cocking, single shot gun shoots at roughly 950 feet per second using PBA platinum, and 750 FPS using lead. It is not quite as powerful as its more expensive counterpart, but is still more than adequate for most users.

Durable

Like the Silent Cat, it is built well and is able to handle any type of conditions with ease.

Accurate

This gun tends to be better from short range (40 yards or in) than the Silent Cat. However, if you plan on shooting farther objects, the latter is the weapon of choice.

Assembly

This one is easy to build, and you can easily mount the scope without any problem.

Cons

Inaccurate with PBA pellets

The only real negative with this gun is that it is not very accurate when shooting PBA pellets. They do shoot with more power, but they are not nearly as accurate as the slower lead ones. Therefore, opting for lead is the way to go.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best air rifle brand, consider Gamo. Both of these Gamo air rifles are relatively cheap, powerful and accurate enough to get the job done.

Filed Under: Blog

Three Things to Look for When Purchasing an Air Rifle

March 30, 2012 by Admin Leave a Comment

Air rifles are some of the most popular kinds of rifles for small game hunting today. With such a wide variety of models available for every hunter to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to find the best air rifle for your particular needs. Here are a few pointers on what to look for when buying an air rifle for your hunting needs.

A Rifle for Your Needs

First up, hopefully you are looking for a rifle that will suit your needs. After all, the numbers can be confusing and you certainly do not want to end up with the most powerful rifle available only to find that it aggravates your arthritis terribly and is hard to pull the trigger on. You want one that will overall suit your needs. Different rifles function best in different roles. For example, a rifle designed for indoor shooting contests probably is not your best choice for vermin hunting and pest control. The same is true vice versa as well. Knowing what you need the air rifle for will keep you from spending too much money on a gun that will not suit your purpose.

Do Your Rifle Homework

Once you know what you want to purchase an air rifle for, research different brands of rifles to find one that is well-known and appreciated for its performance in that area. Different rifle manufacturers produce their rifles for different functions. This will also mean that the materials for the guns will be specifically applied for that gun’s specific application. For example, if you are looking for a gun that will help you to hunt small game and keep varmin at bay out at the bird feeder, you will want a gun that has a hefty synthetic stock and metal specs instead of one that is made of plastic stock and specs alike.

Get a Feel for Your Favorite Gun

Thirdly, you should know what kind of “feel” of gun is your preference. If you are unsure of what to look for in an air rifle’s personality, go to gun shops and retailers in your area and handle a few. Sometimes, experience is the only way to tell exactly what you want; however, you can usually get a feel for what you like or do not like in an air rifle simply by handling it. Things to look for as far as the feel goes include trigger release, recoil, how the stock fits against your shoulder, and total weight.

Before You Buy Online

Sometimes, you can find guns for a cheaper price online than at a retail store. In this case, it is highly recommended that you go to the retailer’s store and try the gun out before buying it online. Otherwise you may not know just what your are purchasing. Even if you purchase a rifle online, be sure that you get a feel for it at the retailer first so you understand what kind of rifle you are paying for.

With these three tips on what to look for when buying an air rifle, you should be well on your way to deciding which air rifle is right for you. Once you have it in your possession, enjoy. Whether you are competing, utilizing your pest control powers, or simply hunting small game for sport, knowing what to look for in an air rifle can mean the difference between disappointment and extreme satisfaction.

Filed Under: Blog

Remington Nitro Piston Short Stroke Air Rifle Review

June 14, 2011 by Admin Leave a Comment

Can you find an American made air rifle which not only competes in quality but exceeds the competition? Remington Nitro Piston Short Stroke air rifle from Crosman takes on this challenge and may shock you with quality, features, and cost to performance ratio. Crosman’s Remington line of air rifles is well known for their accuracy and ease of use. The Remington NPSS lives up to the Remington reputation and has become one of the best rated air rifles being sold today. Let’s take a closer look at the features of this Remington rifle.

Remington Nitro Piston Short Stroke Main Features

Nitrogen Gas Cylinder
Shooting Accuracy
Sighting Options
Open Stock
Safety

Powered by a Nitrogen Gas Cylinder

The Remington Nitro Piston Short Stroke takes a detour from the most common power method for a break barrel cocking air rifle. Most rifles use a spring for their power source, which can lead to reduced power and spring fatigue if the gun is left in a cocked position. The nitrogen filled power cylinder used on this Remington rifles avoids the issue completely. You can cock the gun and patiently wait for the perfect shot with no worries about decreasing power.

Another problem with spring powered rifles is the variability in power due to temperature. They are usually very inefficient in low temperature conditions. The Remington NPSS remains equally powerful and accurate in all weather conditions from the bitter cold of winter to the blistering heat of summer. If you plan to use your air rifle year round the nitrogen power cylinder is a superior system.

The nitrogen gas cylinder provides you with one additional bonus, also. The Remington NPSS does not require as long of a cocking motion to be prepared for the shot. Keep in mind, this does not mean the cocking motion is significantly easier, just shorter. It still requires approximately 30 pounds of pressure to cock the gun, which should be expected on a high-powered air rifle.

The Remington NPSS comes in two different calibers, .177 and .22. The two models are nearly identical but there is one intriguing difference. Both calibers are very powerful and accurate, but the .177 fires pellets at nearly 1200fps where the .22 caliber shoots at 1000fps. The .177 version has been measured at up to 1500fps when using alloy pellets. Obviously this is due to sharing the same power cylinder and the difference is weight and air resistance on a .22 caliber pellet. This difference does make for a slight variable in noise, also. The .177 when using high performance pellets can cause an extra pop of sound as the pellets blast past the speed of sound.

Extreme Shooting Accuracy

One of the most commonly mentioned features in reviews by owners of the Remington Nitro Power Short Stroke rifle is accuracy. Out of the box without any break-in period the rifles can commonly maintain a target pattern of under 2” in diameter. It only gets better as the rifle is broken in. Crosman recommend waiting until you have fired between 50 and 100 shots to fine tune your sights. By the time you finish with the break-in period the rifle can consistently keep a shot pattern of under 1” diameter at 50 to 75 feet, and with high precision pellets many shooters can maintain a ½” diameter pattern.

This extreme accuracy is critical both for target shooting and eliminating pests. You do not want to take aim at a squirrel, lizard, or other pest and then discover your are shooting holes in the property you’re trying to protect. Please remember, accuracy with any air rifle is dependent on the quality of your pellets, also. You will quickly discover sticking to Crosman Pellets, like their pointed hunting pellets, will increase your accuracy and consistency.

High Quality Sighting Options

Accurate shooting is not just a function of the action of the rifle and pellet, but is heavily dependent on the sights the rifle is fitted with. Crosman chose to include two sighting options with the Remington NPSS air rifles. The first option is the traditional sights. The rifle includes a stationary front sight at the end of the barrel paired with a fully adjustable rear sight.

Crosman bundled the NPSS with their CenterPoint Optics 3 9x40AO scope. Crosman steps away from the competition with this decision. Most companies bundle low quality scopes with their high-performance air rifles, but not on the Remington NPSS. This scope is dead accurate and stays that way. Make sure you have fired the 100 shots to break-in the rifle first. With the scope properly adjusted and using Crosman’s hunting pellets some shooters claim to be able to maintain dime size shot patterns at 25 to 50 yards.

Open Stock for Easy Gripping

The stock of this Crosman rifle can be a love-hate situation for many shooters. Most shooters enjoy the open stock which allows you to wrap your thumb through the opening for increased gripping power. A few shooters prefer a closed stock. This is usually due to sticking to tradition rather than any improved performance factors.

The stock on the Remington Nitro Power Short Stroke is made from synthetic materials designed to handle all weather conditions and stand up to years of heavy use. The stock includes an adjustable cheek plate which can be moved to accommodate using either the standard gun sights, or raised higher for when using the scope. The stock is equipped with a rubber butt plate to absorb the recoil from the gun. Keep in mind a high powered air rifle has a substantial kick.

The stock is designed for ambidextrous use to be comfortable for both right and left-handed shooters. As we discuss the stock it is a good time to mention the bull barrel, also. You will notice the barrel is a bit larger in diameter than most air rifles. This design serves multiple purposes including:

Easier gripping for cocking.
Reduced kick.
Reduced noise.

It does add slightly to the overall weight of the air rifle, which is offset by the lightweight synthetic stock. The combination of synthetic stock with its gripping pattern and the bull barrel make cocking the gun much easy.

Safety at Your Fingertips

The Remington NPSS puts all of their safety features right at your fingertips. There are two items which you need to pay attention to for safe shooting and both are inside the trigger guard. The most important safety feature is the safety mechanism. It is located just in front of the trigger and can be easily operated with a flick of your finger. You pull the safety towards the trigger to engage the safety, and push it to the edge of the trigger guard when ready to shoot.

The second safety feature is the two-stage trigger. The first stage of the trigger pull is set to approximately 3 pounds of pressure. The second stage can be adjusted to approximately equal the first stage or set to a tighter pull. The length of the pull can be set with the adjustment screws, also. You can set the trigger motion to fit your shooting feel. A dual stage trigger gives you that added moment of assurance before the shot is taken.

Dimensions and Physical Traits of the Remington NPSS

The Remington Nitro Piston Short Stroke air rifle is not a lightweight contender. It tips the scales at 6.94 pounds. This weight may feel heavy to some female shooters, senior citizens, and older children, but for the majority of hunters the added weight is a real benefit. The weight helps to absorb recoil, reducing kick, and allows for more accurate shooting. The rifle is 43.87 inches long overall. It is equipped with a 3/8” dovetail optics rail to provide compatibility with a wide range of scopes, if you find reason to replace the good quality Crosman scope included with the rifle.

The rifle is the color of carbon fiber from end to end. Crosman does make a nearly identical rifle in camouflage colors for hunters who prefer the camo appearance.

Additional Information

A few important notes are necessary about the Remington NPSS rifles. The first important item is do not forget about the 100 shot break-in period. During this time your shots will be slightly more erratic and the noise from the rifle will be louder than normal. You will see shot consistency and noise decrease gradually with each shot.

The second item you must be aware of is maintenance. The rifle requires a drop of RMCOIL added to the compression chamber approximately every 300 shots. Cleaning of the stock should be done with only a soft cloth. The barrel requires cleaning with a soft cloth with a small amount of RMCOIL. Crosman recommends not substituting for other oils on the NPSS models.

The last item we need to mention is Crosman’s warranty. Where many manufacturers of air rifles have begun to rely on their supply chain for warranty processing, Crosman still offers direct contact to consumers. The 1 year warranty included with the rifle includes parts and labor on any defect in materials and workmanship. Crosman’s customer service is one of the finest in the firearm industry. Knowing you can rely on both your retail provider and Crosman to give you support gives you added confidence in buying this high-quality air rifle.

Included and Optional Accessories

The Remington Nitro Short Stroke rifle comes bundled with a single accessory. This is the scope. The scope is a high-quality product and should help place this rifle above many competitors in the same price range.

Other accessories you should consider for your rifle include:

RMCOIL – Silicone Chamber Oil
Super Point Pellets – Extended distance pellets
Crosman Shooting Glasses

Pros of the Remington NPSS

The positive points of the Remington NPSS Nitro Piston Short Stroke air rifle include:

Easy cocking action
Consistent power in all temperatures.
No power fade after cocking.
Highly accurate shooting.
High quality scope included in bundle.
Powerful air rifle – 1200fps
Adjustable cheek pads for adjusting between standard sights and scope.
Crosman support.
Made in USA.

Cons of the Remington NPSS

The list of negative points about this rifle is very limited, but do include:

Slightly heavier rifle making it difficult for younger shooters, women, and seniors.
Break-in period required before sighting rifle.
Some users report loose feeling first stage on trigger at some adjustment levels.

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Consumer Ratings

The Remington NPSS receives excellent ratings on top retail sites. Most below average reviews mention minor items like higher levels of noise when the rifle is first unboxed. Inaccurate shooting is often reported during the first 100 shots. Both of those issues are mentioned in the manual for the Remington NPSS as being common during the break-in period.

A few reviews turned up defective rifles being received by buyers. The percentage is very low and in almost every case either Crosman or the retailer immediately replaced the air rifle. Crosman stands behind their product which is mentioned repeatedly in reviews.

Conclusion

The Remington Nitro Power Short Stroke air rifle is a top choice of shooting enthusiasts and for good reasons. It offers consistent power while removing the faults of most spring powered rifles. The rifle is recommended for individuals who are interested in controlling pests, target shooting, and general pleasure shooting. The rifle is an easy to use option with great accuracy. Just remember, make sure you break-in the rifle quickly with a 100 shots on the target range before you dial in your sights.

The rifle is not intended for children. This powerful weapon should only be used by adults or with adult supervision. With a muzzle velocity of 1200fps the rifle can stop small wildlife and pests easily. The rifle is priced similarly to other high-quality products in its class. The two features which may push the Remington NPSS above other rifles is the high quality scope and the nitro powered system. You will have greater accuracy in all condition with the nitro system by Crosman.

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Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Crosman

Gamo Whisper Air Rifle Review

June 6, 2011 by Admin Leave a Comment

What is one of the biggest secrets to eliminating pests with an air rifle which you may not be thinking about? The answer is quiet. The Gamo Whisper air rifle is designed to reduce the amount of noise created by a high powered air rifle. Many first time buyers expect an air rifle to be nearly silent, but high powered air rifles are not. Their report can be quite loud and may spook pests before you can finish your job. A quiet air rifle is important when you intend to shoot within earshot of neighbors. They may not appreciate the constant pop of a high performance air rifle. Let us take a closer look at the Gamo Whisper and see if it fills all of your shooting needs.

Gamo Whisper Air Rifle Main Features

Quietness
Break-Barrel Cocking
High Quality Stock
Precise aiming tools
Dual Safety Options

The Quiet Pop of Power

Since the Gamo Whisper air rifle has laid its claim to fame on quietness, this is the first feature we must take a look at. The air rifle is equipped with the ND52 noise dampener. The ND52, as you might guess by the name, eliminates approximately 52% of the muzzle noise from the air rifle. This reduced level of sound can reduce spooking of your prey and keep neighbors from complaining when you are doing a little backyard target shooting. The noise dampener is non-removable. You will have the pleasure of quiet shooting with every shot and never have to worry about adding and removing an aftermarket dampener.

It is critical you keep in mind the noise dampener reduces muzzle noise but does not eliminate pellet noise. What does this mean? The powerful Whisper air rifle fires the pellet at a speed of up to 1200fps with a PBA pellet or 1000fps (feet per second) with a lead pellet. These speeds are close to the speed of sound. When a pellet breaks the speed of sound it makes a tiny sonic boom which can be mistaken for rifle noise. Keep this in mind if you believe your Whisper is too loud when using PBA pellets. The lead pellets normally remain just below the speed of sound allowing for quieter shooting.

When using pellets which remain below the speed of sound you get a small pop of sound from the rifle which is quiet enough to keep neighbors from complaining. Imagine being able to eliminate more pests from your property before they are even aware you are shooting. The noise dampening system helps avoid spooking pests and allows you to be more effective.

Break-Barrel Cocking for Easy Power

The Gamo Whisper air rifle uses a break-barrel cocking mechanism to make it easy to prepare for your shots. The rifle is a single shot rifle, so you will be cocking and loading between each shot. The cocking action requires 30 pounds of power. Most adults find the cocking action easy to use but it is stiff enough to thwart the efforts of younger children. This is not considered a safety feature, but is a nice bonus to the firm cocking action.

The break-barrel style of cocking has become one of the favorites of shooting enthusiasts. It is effective, fast, and requires less moving parts than many other systems.

The Whisper uses a spring piston system to produce the power which propels your pellet at over 1000fps. A break-barrel cocking rifle with a spring piston is preferred by shooters who like to keep their costs low. You will never need to buy CO2 cartridges or waste minutes pumping multiple times to build pressure.

High Quality Stock for Shooting Comfort and Accuracy

How much attention do you pay to the stock of an air rifle? It is a component which is easy to overlook in our hunt for power and other features, but may be one of the most important features of all. The stock provides us the stability and comfort to aim carefully at our target and pull the trigger without the barrel moving.

The Gamo Whisper air rife is equipped with a high-quality stock molded out of synthetic materials. A synthetic stock has distinct advantages over a wood stock. The synthetic stock can hold up to any type of weather and requires very little maintenance. A wood stock can require special cleaners and oils to keep the stock in perfect condition. If you like your air rifle to require minimal maintenance and be ready in any type of weather stick to a synthetic stock.

The stock is equipped with a ventilated rubber butt plate to absorb recoil. If you are new to buying a high-powered air rifle you might be surprised by the need for the rubber butt plate. When a gun can fire a pellet at over 1000fps it is powerful weapon with a little kick. You will appreciate the added padding instead of an unpleasant bruise.

Gamo paid close attention to the needs of shooters when designing their stock. The included a molded cheekpad on both sides of the stock for added comfort and accuracy for both right and left-handed shooters. The stock is molded with a non-slip checkered surface on the grip and forearm areas on both sides, also. The rifle is easy to hold and aim.

Focusing on Your Prey or Target

Shooting accurately requires precise aiming tools. The Gamo Whisper air rifle provides you with two options for zeroing in on your target. The first sight option is the fiber optic site built on the rifle. The front site is stationary and wrapped in a sight guard to avoid damage. The rear sight is made using fiber optic technology, also. The rear sight is fully adjustable to allow you to dial in the rifle to meet your own style of shooting.

The second sight provided by Gamo is a scope. The Gamo Whisper air rifle comes bundled with a 39×40 scope which uses a one-piece solid mount. The scope is a nice added bonus which increases accuracy of the rifle. Do not expect this to be a top of the line scope, but it is a very solid offering. Once you get the scope adjusted to your gun, ammo, and style it will allow you to closely group shots. Many users report using Gamo pellets they are able to get a tight pattern of shots grouped within 1” of each other. That is amazing accuracy for any type of rifle.

Dual Safety Options to Protect You and Your Family

The Game Whisper air rifle comes with dual safety options. The first is the dual stage trigger. You can feel the slight difference between the stages to give you one added opportunity to stop your shot. This is not the safety feature you should rely on.

The main safety utilizes safety switch mounted at the front of the trigger assembly. Please note this is a manual safety switch. Make sure you engage the safety when moving with the rifle, or not actively preparing to shoot.

In Gamo’s users manual and online documentation they make it very clear the safety mechanisms of the Whisper are not intended to replace your own common sense. You should never point the rifle towards another person or yourself while loading, cocking, cleaning, or carrying. With the amazing power of this rifle it is a dangerous weapon. Use the rifle safely.

Dimensions, Colors, and Physical Characteristics of the Gamo Whisper

The Gamo Whisper is available in only one color, flat black. The stock, trigger, and barrel are all solid black. Other physical characteristics of the rifle include:

Overall Length – 46.0 Inches
Barrel Length – 18.0 Inches
Weight – 5.28 pounds
Ammunition/Caliber: .177 Pellets any type. (See Below)
Power for Cocking Rifle: 30 pounds
Power for Trigger Pull: 3.74 pounds

NOTE: The Gamo Whisper also comes in a .22 caliber version. Statistics and Physical Characteristics vary slightly on the .22 caliber rifle.

The Gamo Whisper will work with any .177 pellets on the market, but that does not mean you should be indiscriminate. In reviews from numerous shooters it is made very clear that the accuracy of the rifle is much higher when using Gamo ammunition. There is very little cost difference to buy Gamo ammo instead of other third party pellets. The difference might shock you, keep that in mind as you evaluate the Gamo Whisper air rifle.

Included and Optional Accessories

The Gamo Whisper air rifle comes bundled with only two basic optional items. These are the aforementioned scope and a package of 50 PBA Gamo Pellets. Optional accessories and supplies you should consider buying with your Whisper air rifle include:

Gamo Assorted Pellet Pack – Provides you with a variety of Gamo Ammo to test. 1000 pieces.
Gamo Air Gun Oil – Keeping your Whisper in perfect shooting condition requires routine maintenance, be prepared.
Gamo Cone Pellet Trap – This low cost pellet trap will allow you to safely shoot and practice without the danger of pellets escaping from your yard. Very low cost insurance.

You can find other accessories and cleaning kits for Gamo and other supplies you may wish to add to this list, but those items will give you a great start at a low cost.

Pros of the Gamo Whisper Air Rifle

This rifle is packed with positive points. Here are a few of the most commonly mentioned ones:

Extreme accuracy when using Gamo Ammo.
Good quality scope included in bundle.
Quiet when using lead pellets.
Powerful air rife with up to 1200fps with FBA pellets from Gamo.
Solid construction, able to withstand heavy use.
Easy cocking, sighting, and shooting.

This air rifle will satisfy almost every shooter except for extremely serious target shooters. The 1” shooting pattern it can fire is adequate for nearly everyone except competitive shooters.

Cons of the Whisper Rifle

Manual safety – The safety mechanism is not auto engaged when cocked.
Noise – When using PBA pellets which obtain a speed of 1200fps the Gamo Whisper sounds like any other powerful air rifle. The tiny sonic boom from the pellet defeats the noise dampening system. If you need quiet stick to lead pellets.
Not as accurate with alternative pellets. Many reviewers mention the fact the shooting pattern widens dramatically when using Crossman, Daisy, and other brands of pellets. For best accuracy stick with Gamo ammo.
Hard cocking action. Yes, the cocking action is in both the Pros and Cons lists. The 30 pounds of effort may seem easy to most adults but will be difficult for young shooters, smaller women, and seniors.

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Consumer Ratings

The Gamo Whisper air rifle has caught the hearts of many shooters. It has received above average reviews from users around the world. The rare average review is always accompanied with comments about the noise level. This is somewhat expected since Game elected to include their PBA ammo in the bundle. The PBA ammo will hit the top rated speeds for the rifle, and by doing so breaks the sound barrier and produces a loud pop.

If the rifle had been bundled with lead pellets the sound issue would not be as prevalent and consumer ratings would move from above average to excellent.

Conclusion

The Gamo Whisper air rifle is a powerful weapon with a quiet twist. The non-removable noise dampening system effectively eliminates up to 52% of muzzle noise. The combination of power, accuracy, and improved quietness make it perfect for shooters who live in residential areas.

The Gamo Whisper air rifle is not targeted for use by children. It is designed to be used by farmers, enthusiasts, and property owners who wish to control pests or have great accuracy and power for work and play. The Whisper is a reasonably priced air rifle with features not found in cheaper models. The noise dampening, high power, and accuracy put the rifle near the top of its class and should be one you consider carefully. Gamo’s reputation for producing high quality air rifles is evident in every inch of the Whisper.

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Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Gamo

Crosman Phantom 1000 FPS .177 break barrel Air Rifle Review

June 2, 2011 by Admin Leave a Comment

The Crosman Phantom 1000 air rifle is an enigma. It is a decent high-powered barrel break cocking pellet gun, but with some quirks which might fit your needs, or might drive you crazy. It is important to consider as you read this entire review that the Crosman Phantom 1000 is a low cost break barrel rifle from one of the leading companies in the industry. The rifle will not match the needs of everyone, but might be the perfect choice for you. Let’s take a look at all the features, quirks, and positive aspects of this air rifle.

Crosman Phantom 1000 Air Rifle Main Features

High Power Spring Action Rifle
Rifled Steel Barrel
Bundled Scope for Increased Accuracy
Two Stage Trigger

High Power Spring Action Rifle

The Crosman Phantom 1000 must be considered a high-powered air rifle simply by the fact it can shoot a .177 caliber pellet at over 1000fps. Some speed tests using high performance alloy pellets have obtained speeds of nearly 1200fps, but it is safer to consider this a 1000fps rifle.

The Phantom 1000 uses a break barrel cocking action which is spring powered. To cock the gun requires an initial quick slap to the end of the barrel to loosen the pivot lock. Then you simply grasp the barrel near the end while resting the butt on your leg and pull downward. It takes approximately 30 pounds of pull strength to cock the gun.

The gun gives an audible pop when you fire the gun from the rapid spring action. You will feel a definite kick from the rifle. Crosman has installed a rubber butt plate on the stock to absorb the kick and you will appreciate it. The kick is less than you would receive from most center fire rifles, but enough you would tire of the pounding on your shoulder if you were shooting many shots.

Rifled Steel Barrel

Crosman chose to go with a traditional rifled steel barrel on the Phantom 1000. This barrel gives the gun a little extra heft compared to guns using a composite barrel. The barrel has been blued with the traditional Crosman quality. It is hard to find any flaws on this series of guns.

Mounted on the barrel you will find the front and rear fiber optic sights. Here is the first place we hit one of the quirks of this rifle. The fiber optic sights used on the Crosman Phantom are cheap. They are low quality and many reviewers mention finding the sights are not tightly secured. If you want to shoot with high accuracy without using a scope this could be a troubling problem.

Using the Bundled Scope for Increased Accuracy

The Crosman Phantom is sold in two different packages. One package includes the Crosman 4×32 optics scope. With the problem we just talked about with the fiber optics sights a scope seems almost essential. The bundled scope is adequate, but barely more. It provides high quality optics which are clear and easy to read but lack somewhat on adjustability and overall quality.

If you are avid hunter using high quality optics on your hunting rifles you will be disappointed by the scope. If you are a weekend shooter you will probably find the scope very adequate. When you properly adjust the scope it will allow you to group shots in a 1 to 2 inch diameter from 25 to 50 yards away.

As we mention, this is a bit of an odd problem. You have a low cost rifle with a very average scope. If you are like most shooters seeking a simple pellet gun for keeping pests out of your yard and to enjoy a little shooting fun, then the scope will work fine. If you want high accuracy you should consider buying an alternative scope.

Keep in mind the Crosman Phantom 1000 air rifle is offered with or without the scope depending on the bundle you select. If you are concerned about the quality of the scope buy the gun without the bundled scope and add a scope of your own choosing. With the standard mounts on the rifle you can select scopes from BSA, Crosman, Barska, Gamo or your own favorite. They will all easily mount to the Phantom 1000.

Two Stage Trigger

We will now move on to our next curious feature from Crosman. Crosman knows how to make a high quality two stage adjustable trigger. You find them flawlessly deployed on many of their air rifles sporting the Remington brand. Sadly they failed to implement the same quality on the Crosman Phantom 1000 series.

The two stage trigger is most commonly described as sloppy. There is no mistake it is a two stage trigger, but the difference between the stages is so slight that it is not a big benefit. The trigger is adjustable, but the adjustments affect both stages simultaneously. On Crosman’s higher end guns the adjustments are to each stage independently letting you adjust for the feel you desire.

You will find some people who purchase the Phantom 1000 will replace the trigger assembly with an aftermarket product. The trigger quality is adequate for the majority of owners. It provides a reasonable feel with a slight variation between stages. Not the best trigger from Crosman, but still superior to the single stage triggers on low-end rifles.

Dimensions and Physical Characteristics

The Crosman Phantom 1000 air rifle is an excellent sized rifle. It is 44.5 inches long and weighs a solid 6 pounds. The six pound weight is a nice balance. It is not too light where control is difficult and kick is problematic. It is not too heavy. You can carry it comfortably for hours of pest hunting or target fun. The steel break barrel is approximately 18” long giving you good leverage for cocking the gun.

Additional Information

There is one piece of additional information which is crucial when discussing the Phantom 1000. It is a Crosman. The importance of this label is often overlooked by buyers. Crosman provides high quality service and customer support which is unmatched in the air rifle industry. This simple fact elevates the value of the Phantom 1000 compared to competitors at the same price point.

Other items which need to be mentioned include the all synthetic stock, checkered grips, and comfortable design. The rifle is designed to mimic the size, weight, and feel of a real center-fire .22 caliber rifle. You will enjoy the way it feels pulled to your shoulder with your cheek pushed against the cheek plate preparing for your shot. The gun’s comfortable feel adds to accuracy and reduces shooting fatigue.

The stock of the rifle is designed to be used by both right-handed and left handed hunters. The same checkered pattern and cheek plates can be found on both sides of the stock.

The Crosman Phantom 1000 comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty from Crosman. This feature may be the most valuable item you will find in the package. When you find a problem with a Crosman rifle you can be sure the issue will be resolved.

The Phantom safety is a manual system which is mounted inside the trigger guard. You can wait until you have your target lined up and then with your trigger finger flip the safety switch off and pull the trigger in a split second.

Maintenance for the Crosman Phantom is very easy. The stock requires gentle cleaning with a soft damp cloth. The barrel should be cleaned with a slight amount of Crosman oil. Use the proper caliber cleaning rods and materials to clean the barrel after every 200 to 300 shots.

Included/Optional Accessories

The one option included with the Crosman Phantom 1000 bundle we reviewed is the 4×32 scope. This option is essential for the most accuracy with the rifle.

Other optional items you should consider include:

Crosman RMCOIL – Silicone chamber oil for Crosman break barrel rifles.
Crosman Destroyer .177 Pointed Pellets – These pellets are a pests worst nightmare.
Crosman Super Point Pellets – Low priced pellets which offer maximum shooting distance.
Crosman Varmint Target Block – Practice your pest shooting skills with complete safety.

Pros of the Crosman Phantom 1000 Air Rifle

The list of pros for the Crosman Phantom 1000 must start with cost. This low cost entry into shooting with a break barrel rifle is a great value. It may not have the power, quality, and accuracy of higher-end rifles from Crosman, but it fits the market space almost perfectly. Other pros for the gun include:

All synthetic stock for weather resistance.
Excellent power of 1000fps.
Avoids the loud crack of breaking the sound barrier.
Easy cocking action
Accurate shooting

Cons for the Crosman Phantom 1000

The cons for this rifle need to be weighed carefully against the cost. The Phantom 1000 is an entry level product in the break barrel market and should be viewed as such. For many new shooters the following issues are not a concern.

Little difference between stages on two stage trigger.
Fiber optic sights are not highly durable or accurate.
Bundled scope should not be considered a high-quality option.
Pivot locks are not as tight as higher end rifles.

As you can imagine, many of those small items cause complaints and concerns from experienced shooters, especially hunters familiar with using high-powered center-fire rifles. These issues will be largely ignored by beginning shooters as irrelevant.

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Consumer Ratings

The consumer ratings on the Crosman Phantom 1000 may have you questioning many of the conclusions reached in this review. The Phantom 1000 receives above average to excellent reviews consistently on top retail sites. This brings us back to the most important point of this rifle. It is a great value for the cost. This is a low cost rifle with good features. It does not measure up to the features of products from Crosman or Gamo which cost twice the price, nor should it.

It is interesting to read most reviews which list a series of faults with the gun and then promptly give the gun a “must buy” rating. This even occurs when the reviewer is an experienced hunter. It all comes back to the comparison between quality, features, and cost. These experienced users realize with all the minor faults they uncovered in the rifle it is still an excellent value for most buyers. Make sure to pay attention to the features which are really important to you and not get stuck on features which do not affect your enjoyment and success using the product.

The consumer ratings are based on buyers getting what they expected. When you buy a lower priced product you must expect a little different shooting experience. This gun deserves the high ratings it receives due to overall value.

Conclusion

Who is this product targeted to? It is targeted to new shooters and people looking for a low-cost alternative. Serious shooters should not consider this rifle as their first choice, they will be disappointed.

If you are looking for an air rifle to keep the pests out of your yard or garden and want to keep your costs low, then do not hesitate. This rifle is perfect for that purpose. It provides plenty of power to eliminate squirrels, rats, starlings, and other pests which invade your yard. Once you adjust the scope to match your shooting style it can have you shooting accurately within a 1” diameter from 25 to 40 yards away.

If your desires are to develop your skills as a target shooter, then this rifle is NOT for you. If you are only shooting for fun it is a great choice. The accuracy of the gun is adequate for most purposes, but for someone who desires to hit the bulls eye with every shot the gun will be a little frustrating.

The rifle is a true Crosman rifle. The Crosman Phantom 1000 was designed to be their entry break barrel rifle and it fills the niche perfectly. If you desire a better rifle, take a look at other options from Crosman, but it will be hard to beat the balance between quality, accuracy, and low price found in the Phantom.

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Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Crosman

Benjamin Trail NP XL Air Rifle Reviews

May 29, 2011 by Admin 2 Comments

Rating:

The Benjamin Trail NP XL air rifle has a rugged breakbarrel that performs well in cold weather, has a smoother cocking with no spring torque or spring fatigue and also has a ambidextrous, hardwood, thumbhole stock perfect for all hunters. Compared to other breakbarrels the Benjamin Trail NP (Nitro Piston) barrel is 70% quieter. The rifle has thumbhole stock and is shrouded. Positive factors for this rifle include that it has a 24 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which provides a velocity up to 1500 fps and it is a large and heavy rifle.

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Benjamin Trail NP XL air rifle Features and Specifications

Nitro Piston
Thumbhole stock
Shrouded
Functions perfectly in cold weather
Smoother cocking and shooting
70% quieter than most breakbarrels
Available Flavor: 0.177 cal, 0.22 cal, 0.25 cal
One year limited warranty
Ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping

Benjamin Trail NP XL air rifle Reviews

Customers agreed that it is very smooth and quiet because of a nitrogen chamber and the oversized barrel. This rifle contains an extra 5” in length over standard pellet rifles and helps the shooter to balance the gun in the artillery hold. The Benjamin Trail NP is easy to cock and load. This rifle is very accurate after mounting a scope but is a little heavy. There is a noticeable kick from the power piston. It is also a powerful rifle that has a lot of speed and this particular rifle can usually be found at a lower price than the competition. It has a gas spring too, which is a nice factor.

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A major negative about this rifle is that its craftsmanship is not up to RWS quality. This lack of quality may be due to no longer being made in the USA but is being made in China. Not the most accurate of pellet rifles and the stock has some visible flaws. A person has to be relatively strong to use this rifle. Individuals using this rifle for target shooting may tire easily.

The Benjamin Trail NP XL air rifle is a satisfactory pellet rifle if you are not looking for perfection. Gives the hunter the ability to shoot squirrels and crows and is relatively quiet. The scope is just ok but useable.

Filed Under: Air Rifle Reviews, Benjamin