Selling springer/buying NP...others too?

[border]

Ok I'm a newb here.  Have had a few very nice springers but I'm getting real close to getting an NP XL. Now, after reading page after page of posts here (the info/help never stops!), I think I'm ready to sell my R7 and QB 78 and just get an XL. Don't want to get into filling anything with air, just want to try something other than springers, as nice as some of them are.  Haven't tried the Benjamin NP XL yet but will get one just on my reading and talking to others.  I have to wonder if others in this forum sold one type of gun to try an NP and if everyone is glad they did so?  My understanding is that if you get a good one or get it tuned (I will when I find a tuner here), and install the right trigger you will be happy with the gun for a long time. Seems the only problems or complaints I've come across, like most guns, are fixable in the right hands.  These aren't high-end airguns but for the cost and performance they seem to be very acceptable for general use. 

[amb5500c]

Good luck!
Richard

[Nomadic Pirate]

I would rather get a Walther Talon/Falcon with Nitro Piston than the Benjamin, I have both and prefer the walther by far

[Lambchops]

I'd say you're making a big mistake selling an R9 for a Benjamin Np xl. Just my opinion, though.

[amb5500c]

I'd say you're making a big mistake selling an R9 for a Benjamin Np xl. Just my opinion, though.

I couldn't agree more.
Richard

[RedFeather]

Selling the R7 would be, well, selling a springer to buy a springer.  The Nitro Piston is nothing more than a gas spring.  It won't have twang or torque but it won't necessarily be superior to your R7, either.  Besides, the R7 fill one niche that an XL never will, being more powerful.  And the build quality is not equal.  Don't think that a gas pistoned or sprung gun is going to be radically different from a wound wire gun.

[border]

In re-reading my first post it seems I left something important out:  I'm thinking of selling my R7  to get an NP in .22 cal.  .22 cal...yup, in my haste I left that little tidbit out.  On me. I'm not just going from a springer to an NP in the same caliber. I want something a little bigger than the current .177.  Guess that would change my first post a bit eh?....Anyway, I'm aware of the build quality of the Beeman line.  It is my second one and they live up to their reputation. If I (still...duh), had an R9 in .22 I wouldn't have posted anything at all.  And, because I don't have much disposable income anymore to play with I have to sell one to get one.  And I like the big, slamming footprint of a .22.  It has some authority to it.  In the AG community it is a serious caliber.  Besides, if I ever wanted to work on it I might take it on, given that no spring compressor would be needed...at least to my limited knowledge at this point.  I don't want a collection...as fun as that might be I don't do that anymore..I just want what I'm going to use.   And if I find, in shooing, that the NP has a different, calmer feel to it, so much the better.  I was just curious as to whether those that have one thought them worthwhile and, therefore, enjoyable.   If selling the R7 is a mistake...well, it won't be my first one.  But it's all fun.   

[RedFeather]

Sounds logical to me.  Just guess it was the way I read your post.  Check out Charlie's goodies for these guns while you're at it.  Better barrel washers, trigger and piston guide kit to make it into an smoother shooter.

[ghog65]

I'm new here, there are a lot of guy on here that know a lot more than I do. But I pickup Benjamin Tition GP at wal-mart and I'm totally happy with it. My tition is stock just like it came out of the box. It will shoot 1" at 30yd. After reading about this air rifle here and other places I'm glad I got it. I have a big problem with buying a rifle for 4 or $500 and have to send it to someone to make shoot, the guy that made it should have done that. With only $ 149.00 in it I don't mind putting more money in.

[farrlarr]

Since the QB 78 is a CO2 gun, I don't understand why it was even mentioned in a post about selling a springer to buy a nitro piston gun.  Even in the context of getting a .22 caliber gun, it doesn't make sense, given that the QB 78 can be purchased in .22 caliber.

[EMrider]

Good luck with that swap.

I wouldn't even consider it having tried a NP first, and then an R7. 

But whatever floats your boat and you can always change again later if you're not happy with the outcome.
R

[tjk]

If you have the funds to purchase the high end stuff,....why not just keep them and then buy the Crosman/Benji ? Once you find out the difference in build quality, later on you will probably kick yourself for selling the Beemans. Jmho

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

 Your current arsenal of two iconic rifles indicates wise decisions in the past. Getting rid of either would almost certainly be regretted in the future. I can't recall ever reading a post from anyone who was patting himself on the back for jumping out of an R7. Indeed the exact opposite is virtually universally the case. And if your QB-78 is one of the very accurate ones it would be just as bad a decision.

 Alternatively I would suggest what I did to a poster on the Gamo board:

"I recently bought one of the Benjamin Titan NP SS from Airgun Depot and I am beyond impressed at the condition, accuracy & $115 + S&H cost. "

[Kailua]

I think you are posting this because you are not sure if you want to do this.  You may try buying the XL before selling your two rifles.  I would hate to regret selling two good rifles for something you don't like.  I know Sports Authority has a 30 day no questions ask return policy.  Not sure for you but if you shoot a lot the the XL might be a bear to cock a lot.  Pellets might get expensive also.  Might need heavier pellets for the velocity of the rifle. 
Not sure on these comments but something I personally would think about.

[bokes]

I'd recommend waiting until you have the funds for the NP. Then if you get one, and the R7 sits unused for x number of years, you'll know it's time to give that rifle a new home. With this method of selling things, it helps protect from regret.

[daveshoot]

Gotta chime in... I have both an NPSS (not the NP XL) and an R7.

They are both good guns, fitting two very different niches. But if one had to go... gosh, I would miss that NPSS.

There is no way the R7 will ever be for sale while I am still able to break a barrel. 

[VAFarmer]

Border,

Im by no means an expert.  But there is a common thread in all these responses that should be heeded to an extent--avoid selling the R-7 FOR this gun.   You have kinda asked for opinions, and the response has been informative.   If your mind is set, then go forward, and take your chances.   I have heard that those NP's can be good shooters.

Might I offer you a humble bit of advice with some of the same, yet different direction?

Keep the R-7, for now.  The only reason I would consider selling is if you need to recoup some money.  Even then, not sure your gonna come out ahead with a new NP price.

Now for a little different direction.    Your QB 78,  is it accurate?   If so, consider a couple of options with it.....Do some work to it, they are VERY easy to work on.  The only real prerequisites are that it be empty, and you muster up the gumption.   There are plenty here who would help.   Add what you would need to make it a .22.   Search,search,search here....ask questions on this and other forums.   Heck, you can almost buy the parts you would need to open it up to a 12-13 ftlb gun.  Or trade it in/send it in to Mike Melick. 
If it were me...I would spend another 130-140 bucks (guesstimating) and hop that  78 up to a 15 ftlb monster, which can be done very easily.  Add a power adjuster, and you have a great indoor repeater, and still can take it outside to let the horses run when you want.  A 15 ftlb QB with an accurate barrel (most of them are) can take turkey,squirrel, etc.....at 35 yds provided its legal in your area.   Can take rabbits, birds to 65-70 yds.

I agree with those wise folks on here who say "test the ram gun first" before forsaking the R-7.   That's a classic gun, my friend.   Will be your friend when you are in the twilight years, and want an easy cocker.  Can be passed to your children.   Is a GREAT gun to introduce new shooters/friends with.

Just friendly advice.

God bless, and good luck.

Farmer

[Lambchops]

Hey Border, if you're looking into a Nitro Piston, then why not try out a Benjamin Titan GP? They're very cheap and have a great reputation.

[border]

To begin with I want to thank everyone here for their responses to date.  I appreciate trying to keep me from making a mistake by giving up the highly-respected R7 for a Trail NP or XL. Some of you have an NP system but not at the expense of your springers.  Ok, good to know. I guess I omitted the fact in my first post that this was to be a caliber change (.177>.22), as much as a type-change (springer>NP), and that I wanted to "try" an NP.   I merely listed the R7 and QB as "types" that I wanted to get away from.  I want something w/less torque than a springer and I refuse to keep using co2 or convert to pcp.  To much bother.  I want a gun I can load and shoot w/o finding the nearest dive shop. I'm thinking an NP might give me what I want. Ergo, it's worth a try. And under that scenario and my current budget those guns represent cash.  Sell one to buy one.
 I didn't mention that I'm retired and my income is not what it was 12 years ago when I got those guns.  I also didn't mention that, over the years I have bought, used, and sold more guns than I care to remember.  I spent many years in HG competition and guns came and went.  I do not collect, nor do I have heirs in waiting.  And, in the end, they are only guns...tools...replaceable all.  Same with airguns, though some are better than others, I admit.
I don't consider the R7 a "high-end" airgun.  It is moderate, if anything.  German engineered, excellent in build, reliable, accurate and of fine craftsmanship. Though I would prefer it in .22 (ok, no .22, just .20 in the R7 line),  I like it very much, but it does not have keepsake or hereditary value to me.  It's just one excellent example of the .177 springer airgun.
The QB 78 is a well-tuned, soft, accurate gun, with a trigger probably better than anything I've ever had on a long gun.  I am impressed with this trigger. Crisp, easy...maybe one/two pounds...This is not a kid's gun.  But I'm real tired of puttin powerlets in it every 50 shots or so and I have no intention of tubing it.  It's 12 years old and has been perfect, and lightly used.  It may have less that 1500 shots thru it and I will sell it. It isn't worth much on the market but someone will love it for under $100.  It's just not for me.  I bought it from a knowledgeable friend who tuned it for my GF but she gave up shooting...It was never really my personal favorite anyway so it can go w/o regret.
No need for me to answer any specific reply.  I certainly get the drift of this thread. So I think, at this point, I will be keeping the R7 and admitting that it really is a nice little airgun worthy of respect.  I actually ordered a new Leapers for it this morning and look forward to seeing how they complement each other.  It is safe and secure.
Then I will sell the excellent QB78, my old, old but perfect Daisy 747 (I will never be a bullseye shooter!), and probably get a Titan NP .22 or something like that to play with, rebuild, whatever.  That might be the way to go. Hands-on and just the "type" I wish to try w/o sacrificing then regetting the loss of the R7.  Then I may have what I want, while keeping what I should keep.
That's about it.  All is well here.  This is a good forum and I'm going to learn from it. Thanks for the honest replies...You guys are on top of it. My best to all.