Author Topic: Best gas ram air rifle (Read 8640 times))

King_mayham · « **on:** August 23, 2021, 09:03:23 PM »

I want a gas ram air rifle that will last me the rest of my life, I want power and accuracy. I was looking at the Benjamin trail np xl, but I saw the scope rail came off them often, and I went to hatsan reviews and saw they seem to leak a lot, I don’t want a springer, I’ve had a nitro piston in the original Benjamin trail np and it’s still alive, and that rifle is 8 years old, granted my cousin owns it now, none of my springers lasted that long without needing a rebuild. So recommend me a rifle I’m willing to go up to 500$. Preferably in the magnum category,

Roadworthy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2021, 09:09:57 PM »

The best gas strut rifles are probably by Weihrauch with Diana running a close second. You're talking a lifetime purchase you can hand down to your kids and grandkids.

DanD · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2021, 01:10:23 AM »

To expound upon Thomas's answer, look up the Weihrauch HW90 and Diana N-Tec line of rifles.

Blowpipe Sam · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2021, 10:43:24 AM »

If you want a rifle to pass down to future generations I’d avoid a gas ram. Gas struts have a lifespan just like springs. When a gas strut wears out in 10 years where will you get a replacement? Will that strut still be available or will it have been superseded by something else? Given the difficulty of finding replacement gas rams right now while the technology is trending does not bode well for the future. I own several gas ram guns and like them. I do not consider them heirloom quality. If I’m going to spend the money on a top quality break barrel air rifle it will be a spring powered one. At least I know I’ll be able to get OEM parts for it.

SteveP-52 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2021, 04:15:50 PM »

Every gas ram out there depends on seals to make it hold air and sooner or later they all fail. While I may be wrong, the only 2 I know of that are rebuildable/adjustable are the ram in the HW90 and the Hatsan Vortex gas rams. Everything else is sealed units and the only option is replacement, your Trail NP among them, although Crosman sells them pretty cheap. Last I knew a new one was $10-$12.

Heirloom, pass down to your kids someday rifle would be the HW90, but it's a bit more than your $500 even from Krale and David Slade for as long as he stays in business would be the guy to talk to should you need help or a rebuild.

Diana N-Tec I think are sealed unit rams but still great quality guns. The 350 Magnum is $480 at AoA when/if they get some back in stock. The N-Tec ram with a little work can be fairly easily replaced once you find one. Hector Medina or TW Chambers would be 2 places to try should that day ever come.

Hatsan, definitely not heirloom rifles but their Vortex rams can be rebuilt fairly easy and only takes 2 o-rings and a high pressure hand pump to refill them.

AirGunner · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2021, 07:30:41 PM »

I know what you are saying. I own cheap and expensive coil spring and gas ram springers. I enjoy the all, but I wish all were gas ram. On average after 4000 to 5000 shots it's a broken spring. I have no idea what the best gas ram is ,and there you have it.

SteveP-52 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2021, 11:42:00 PM »

Random lame 2 cents?? It's subjective to the shooter and what good or bad luck they've had with whatever brands they've tried.

-HW90 or anything with a Theoben gas ram? Can't honestly say having never owned one. Find actual owners and ask their thoughts and opinions. They do seem to be the longest in production gas ram systems and although a bit changed are still being made.

-Diana N-Tecs. Again, never owned one and the little I have read, owners love them although not much on longevity and one or maybe 2 that had failures and needed new ones.

-Hatsan. Own or have quite a few. Only ones I ever had go bad on me were ones I tinkered with and screwed up, not because they failed on their own although I've read plenty on good, middle of the road and very early failures. They aren't sealed units and fairly easy to rebuild/recharge.

There's others. Umarex ReAxis gas pistons: owned 2, one failed new out of the box. Crosman/Benjamin: owned one bought as a refurb so was it because of the Nitro piston? Norica: own one, still shooting fine. Gamo: have one of those too bought used at a yard sale so no idea how many shots on it. Gas ram seems fine but truly lousy barrel and shotgun groups.

End conclusion? Buy that HW90 or the Diana, shoot the bejesus out of them and enjoy until something happens...lol

mrbulk · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2021, 01:31:04 AM »

I'm not a springer shooter but, is this gun gas ram the same or similar idea to the one they use for hood or tailgate struts on vehicles? Because I have had cars with hoods/tailgates where the struts started sagging over time.

SteveP-52 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2021, 09:30:34 AM »

Quote from: mrbulk on August 25, 2021, 01:31:04 AM

I'm not a springer shooter but, is this gun gas ram the same or similar idea to the one they use for hood or tailgate struts on vehicles? Because I have had cars with hoods/tailgates where the struts started sagging over time.

Same basic idea. The ones for cars are usually filled with nitrogen at something like 1500 psi or 103ish bar. The ones for air guns can be either nitrogen or just plain air depending on what the maker chose to use but are higher pressured. I've tinkered with the smaller Hatsan rams, Model 95, Edge/Striker/1000X, they use air under high pressure and why you need a high pressure hand pump to recharge them. Usual fill pressure for the smaller Hatsan rams is 125 bar or 1813 psi. The bigger ones, 125-135 and such are usually 135 bar although the printing on the ram bodies claims they can be filled to a max of 150 bar.

All that is held in check by o-rings that, over time and use, start to wear and the air or nitrogen starts to leak out.

Nate the airgunner · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2021, 07:53:54 PM »

Hw90 hands down.

Lion · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2021, 04:23:03 PM »

HW90 cal .22.
Buy the cal. .25 barrel assembly also, if you can find one.

tjk · « **Reply #11 on:** August 30, 2021, 02:48:23 PM »

Theoben/HW90 is as far as I am concerned the only true gas ram still in production. The rest are hatchback strut guns. The 90 is an heirloom quality gun and parts are easily obtainable. Only replacements to note are the oring seals,…which can be purchased at any hardware store, a piston seal (same as the 35/80) and maybe a Schrader valve. Super easy to work on too. If there was ever a piston rifle produced that feels like an already tuned gun, the 90 is just that rifle.

Ash · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2021, 05:38:59 PM »

One thing I would worry about with a gas ram is that they are always pressurized and could fail when not in use. I wouldn't trust it long term unless it was rebuildable.

Rocketman2021 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2021, 12:49:08 AM »

Stoeger RX40 not bad

A moron · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2021, 10:10:21 AM »

Ya, I let me gas ram, but like said above if it was to go bad can you easy get the ram easy or affordable?

Take like Gamo. Some model s they give a 5 year warranty so I guess they expect them to last that long. After that then what ? I think you could get one overseas for like $60 ?

Then I'll see guys with gas ram guns that can't even find a replacement ram for there's at all now your stuck.

Then there's some guns that you could swap gas for spring or spring to gas.

I look at it as I just get the Gamo model with a 5 year and shoot it till I can't then grab another new one.

Also Steve 52 if I recall asked Gamo about the gas in there IGT ("inert" gas tec) and he was told no we just use plain old air in ours.. lol.

mobilehomer · « **Reply #15 on:** October 04, 2021, 10:50:13 AM »

ANY gun can last a lifetime. Just take a little care of it. Gas rams ARE springs. Both can and do go bad. The ram is easier to replace, and cheaper in the case of a Crosman. The Trail NP2 is a decent 20 fpe gun.

unionrdr · « **Reply #16 on:** October 04, 2021, 05:05:46 PM »

The Crosman Optimus are good wood-n-steel rifles in both common calibers of .177 & .22. I have both. Good rifles, but I like the GuideHawk NP .177 & .22 better. More power and quieter. Unfortunately, they were 2016 limited editions. Virtually identical to the Genesis, with wood stocks, shrouded barrels and weaver/picatinny rails. The Remington 725VTR .25M is a good rifle as well. Put a good quality scope on them and you'll spend less than 500 frog skins including taxes and shipping. And there's always eBay with new or like new examples for a good price.

avator · « **Reply #17 on:** October 04, 2021, 06:09:14 PM »

If you are set on getting one of these and intend to pass it down I would suggest picking up a spare gas ram or 2 if they are available now. You won't have to worry about finding them later. If the first one gives up the ghost too soon, you could replace the gas ram and sell the gun off.

A moron · « **Reply #18 on:** October 04, 2021, 06:34:16 PM »

Well you buy one you may like gas, spring whatever you use it and it sholdets well to you arm ,shoots great and holds up and you feel satisfied. Or it's one you don't. That any model or brand. You could have a 1000 guys say it's the greatest thing ever but you get it and it's not for you.

Scrambler82 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 04, 2021, 06:59:50 PM »

Quote from: King_mayham on August 23, 2021, 09:03:23 PM

I want a gas ram air rifle that will last me the rest of my life, I want power and accuracy. I was looking at the Benjamin trail np xl, but I saw the scope rail came off them often, and I went to hatsan reviews and saw they seem to leak a lot, I don’t want a springer, I’ve had a nitro piston in the original Benjamin trail np and it’s still alive, and that rifle is 8 years old, granted my cousin owns it now, none of my springers lasted that long without needing a rebuild. So recommend me a rifle I’m willing to go up to 500$. Preferably in the magnum category,

Newbie Responce...

I started with a Breakbarrel Gas Ram, Bone Collector by GAMO.
It was / is a decent rifle, not as consistent as I would like but at the time I thought it was good shooting.
About a year ago I purchased an Benjamin Armada in .22, a PCP Rifle, OEM Stock, it so far surpasses the Bone Collector it isn't even funny.
One shot kills for varmints is a regular happening, the bone collector I have learned wasn't as accurate as I thought it was and now PCP is the only was to shoot pellets.

When going to PCP, you will need the Rifle of choice, either a hand Pump, electric pump to fill the air chamber, or like me... an air cylinder, to fill it, and you get a lot of fills from this 75 cu ft tank..., for a $12 fill; worth every penny to me to have the tank filled one a month or so, instead of spending $1000 for what is consisted a good electric air pump.

The cost go up with PCP, it gets a little expensive to start but once setup with the necessary accessories you are good to go for almost any PCP Airgun.

Now as I said, the Armada puts the old Break Barrel to shame, I hit things at 60 + yards with deadly accuracy and I am VERY happy I purchased it... with the assistance from this site for information.

Long lived, I can only assume what the life factor of this gun will be but I don't think it will go bad for a long time to come and I think with proper care it should maintain its accuracy for a long time too.

Good Luck on choosing your new Airgun but for me there is only one path now... PCP Airguns, accuracy, ease of loading, simplicity of design.
Ask on this site about which ones work the best to enter the "Darkside" of Airguns.

p.s.
My Armada had a 10 shot magazine, this method of loading is by far easier then cocking the cylinder for every shot. After a while cocking the gun gets OLD FAST !