Benjamin Trail NP XL

[buddyb]

Does anyone know what makes the NP XL any different than the other NP2 guns? I know its really heavy but there must be some other differences. Does the XL just stand for "extra long" and everything else is the same?

Buddyb

[Roadworthy]

The NPXL came out long before the NP2 guns, it's a completely different platform.  I believe they share the same compression tube diameter but the XL has a longer stroke.  The trigger package is different as well.  Most NP guns are based on the Chinese B18 or B19 platform.  Parts mostly interchange between them.  I believe the NPXL is from the B20 platform which is different.  The NP2 is based on neither platform.  It was a new and improved design.

[buddyb]

so does that longer stroke make the gun touchier to shoot accurately?

Buddyb

[Roadworthy]

The longer stroke plays into difficulty of accurate shooting but it's not the only thing.  The gun has too much power for its weight.  If you use too light a pellet it will go supersonic - not a good thing for accuracy.  The excess power creates a level of recoil which is difficult to control.  You need to understand that when you fire an airgun it begins moving from recoil before the pellet leaves the barrel.  You sight the gun in relative to where the barrel is when the pellet exits.  This will vary if your form and hold are not consistent.  The stock trigger is quite stiff and makes accurate shooting difficult.  If the pivot are is unstable or the stock screws are a bit loose these will affect accuracy, too.  All in all the XL can be a difficult gun to shoot accurately.

[buddyb]

Roadworthy this is the gun that A.K.A. Tommy Boy was gracious enough let me have to get me started airgunning. Its the .22 and at times I can shoot it really well and others not so much. It shoots a 14.3 gr cphp at an avg 849 fps. I know it is probably more me than the gun. I like the gun a lot just not able to shoot it consistently yet.

I have the Summit Ranger and I shoot it pretty good. It is in a different class than the XL though.

Buddyb

[A.K.A. Tommy Boy]

Hi Buddy.

Here are some things to consider when shooting the Benjamin.

1.   Consistent Repeatable Trigger Pull

2.   Consistent Repeatable, After The Shot,  Follow Through

3.   Consistent Repeatable Rifle Hold

4.   Stock Screw Tightness and Tightness of the Shroud Cap Nut

5.   Repeatable Seating Depth Of The Pellet In The Breach

6.   Be Patient With Yourself. Shooting The Benjamin Accurately Takes Time & Practice. ( Just Like Instinctively Shooting A Bow Does)

7.   Mental Determination To Accurately Succeed With The Rifle (Don't Ever Allow Yourself To Think You Can't Shoot This Rifle.
If You Do, Then You Have Already Failed Mentally.... Before You Have Even Pulled The Trigger)

8.   Mental Visualization Before The Shot. (Picture In Your Mind Where The Pellet Will Hit The Target Before The Shot)

9.   Knowing When To Take A Break.  (If You Feel Yourself Becoming Discouraged, Put The Rifle Down And Try Again Later).

10. Always Take Stock Of Your Successes. Analyze What You Could Improve Upon After Each Shot.  Have Fun And Enjoy Yourself. (Don't Make Shooting The Rifle A Job Or An Unpleasant Task.) 



Best Wishes - Tom

[uglymike]

Why isn't this in the Crosman Benjamin Gate?

[avator]

Moving it now...

[buddyb]

Sorry if I put this in the wrong group I thought I was in the Benjamin section when I posted this.

Buddyb

[buddyb]

Thanks Tom those are good points to remember.

Buddy

[avator]

No problem Buddy, that's what we're here for.

[mac]

Buddy, that is great advice from Tom and if follow all of it you will master the XL and when you do it will feel awesome !

[buddyb]

Thanks Mac.

Buddy

[longhunter]

Hi Buddy.

Here are some things to consider when shooting the Benjamin.

1.   Consistent Repeatable Trigger Pull

2.   Consistent Repeatable, After The Shot,  Follow Through

3.   Consistent Repeatable Rifle Hold

4.   Stock Screw Tightness and Tightness of the Shroud Cap Nut

5.   Repeatable Seating Depth Of The Pellet In The Breach

6.   Be Patient With Yourself. Shooting The Benjamin Accurately Takes Time & Practice. ( Just Like Instinctively Shooting A Bow Does)

7.   Mental Determination To Accurately Succeed With The Rifle (Don't Ever Allow Yourself To Think You Can't Shoot This Rifle.
If You Do, Then You Have Already Failed Mentally.... Before You Have Even Pulled The Trigger)

8.   Mental Visualization Before The Shot. (Picture In Your Mind Where The Pellet Will Hit The Target Before The Shot)

9.   Knowing When To Take A Break.  (If You Feel Yourself Becoming Discouraged, Put The Rifle Down And Try Again Later).

10. Always Take Stock Of Your Successes. Analyze What You Could Improve Upon After Each Shot.  Have Fun And Enjoy Yourself. (Don't Make Shooting The Rifle A Job Or An Unpleasant Task.) 



Best Wishes - Tom

This sums up spriinger shooting, in a nutshell.
Consistency is the key. That, and remembering what you did, or didn't do, to get that last perfect shot. Then, repeating that every time you pull the trigger.

[DanD]

If it doesn't already have one, an NP2 or NP Elite trigger pack, or an aftermarket blade would be a great upgrade on that gun and might make it a little easier to shoot accurately.

[buddyb]

Thanks Dan, it has a GRT III trigger in it. Its slowly making up to me lol.

Buddyb

[Nate the airgunner]

I’ve had my XL 1100 since shortly after they started producing them. I’ve put 1000s of rounds through it. I really like the gun but it’s such a picky rifle to shoot. Take a lot of time and practice and you’ll get it down.

[avator]

I happen to have one with the synthetic stock. I picked it up from another member. As far as I know it's completely stock. It's a pretty heavy gun with a scope mounted and I haven't spent much time shooting yet. This thread inspired me to take a few shots with it. The first thing that surprised me was how quite it was with the full shroud.
More bench time will be needed to get the full picture.

[buddyb]

Avator I've found the 21.14 gr H&N Barracudas to shoot the best in mine. The more I shoot it the more I like it. It was a little frustrating at first until I found the right pellet. Some folks say its not necessarily the pellet but the shooter for accuracy but its actually both. I hope you have fun with your XL.

Buddyb

[avator]

Thanks... Typically I don't buy special pellets for a gun. If it won't shoot what I have or can get locally, it get's passed along to the next owner. I have way too many guns to stockpile a plethora of pellets.