Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500

[Northwoods]

I know i've been inquiring about several airguns since I've signed up on this board. I just keep researching and finding new ones that I may like better then the previous lol. Anyways I want to hear from those of you that have the 1500. How do you like it? What pellets do you find it shoots the best? Do you have issues with breaking the sound barrier? Thanks!

[Nate the airgunner]

I have the 1100. It is a very nice gun. You will have to put the GRT3 in it if you want it to be superbly accurate. You will also have to put brass washers (form airgutoyz) in place of the nylon ones in the lock up mechanism to prevent lock up issues. That will set you back another $38.

The scope that comes with it is fine for the rifle, I repleced mine just because 

With the 1500, any pellets weighing 9 grains or less will most likely go supersonic (depends on temperature and elevation). So use a pellet like the Crosman Ultra Magnum or Beeman Kodiak and you should be subsonic, and very accurate.

Dont let anyone tell you, that you have to use the artillery hold. Mine won't group when I try it, I have to use a firm, but not tight hold to group nicely.

[Northwoods]

I have the 1100. It is a very nice gun. You will have to put the GRT3 in it if you want it to be superbly accurate. You will also have to put brass washers (form airgutoyz) in place of the nylon ones in the lock up mechanism to prevent lock up issues. That will set you back another $38.

The scope that comes with it is fine for the rifle, I repleced mine just because 

With the 1500, any pellets weighing 9 grains or less will most likely go supersonic (depends on temperature and elevation). So use a pellet like the Crosman Ultra Magnum or Beeman Kodiak and you should be subsonic, and very accurate.

Dont let anyone tell you, that you have to use the artillery hold. Mine won't group when I try it, I have to use a firm, but not tight hold to group nicely.

Whats the lock up mechanism?

[Nate the airgunner]

T

I have the 1100. It is a very nice gun. You will have to put the GRT3 in it if you want it to be superbly accurate. You will also have to put brass washers (form airgutoyz) in place of the nylon ones in the lock up mechanism to prevent lock up issues. That will set you back another $38.

The scope that comes with it is fine for the rifle, I repleced mine just because 

With the 1500, any pellets weighing 9 grains or less will most likely go supersonic (depends on temperature and elevation). So use a pellet like the Crosman Ultra Magnum or Beeman Kodiak and you should be subsonic, and very accurate.

Dont let anyone tell you, that you have to use the artillery hold. Mine won't group when I try it, I have to use a firm, but not tight hold to group nicely.

Whats the lock up mechanism?

The lock up mechanism is where the barrel locks into place at the end of the stock.

[Northwoods]

Has anyone found the velocities of the 1500 go down after its broke in? After its broke in, can you shoot 7-8gr pellets and not have it go super sonic? If anyone that has the 1500 could chime in, that'd be great! Thanks

[ezman604]

The XL1500 is a great powerhouse of an airgun. You do not want to go super sonic with any air rifle, especially a springer/NP/break barrel. That will cause not only excessive noise but will cause a loss in accuracy and shorten the life of the internal parts. My 1500 generated 23-24fpe so it was a beast. Mine liked CPUM 10.5gr and Beeman Kodiak 10.6gr rounds. The GRT-III is a must for any gun it fits. It will help accuracy like you will not believe.
Stick with 9+ gr ammo as already suggested and you should see good accuracy. The brass breech pivot washers is also a GREAT improvement.
Keep us informed and....
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[EJB]

I have the 1500 and here are some chrony figures:
Angle Benjamin NP XL 1500      WT.   AV-FPS   Total shots   FPE
RWS Meisterkugeln Rifle 8.2      8.2   1068.7   100.0          20.80
RWS Meisterkugeln Pistol      7.0      7.0   1129.5   10.0          19.83
RWS Hobby 7.0                               7.0   1211.0   1.0           22.80
RWS Super Dome 8.3                   8.3   1110.3   170.0           22.72
RWS Super Mag 9.3                   9.3   1036.0   300.0           22.17
RWS Super Point 8.2                   8.2   1086.0   20.0           21.48
Air Arms Diabolo Field 8.44      8.4   1013.0   300.0           19.24
JSB Match Diabolo Exact 8.4      8.4   1041.8   850.0           20.25
Daisy Precision Match 7.8                   7.8   980.7   10.0           16.66
Crosman Premier Hollow Point 7.9      7.9   1130.2   30.0           22.41
Crosman Premier Ultra Mag 10.5      10.5   952.1   760.0           21.14
Crosman Premier Super Match 7.9      7.9   1110.6   10.0           21.64
Beeman Kodiak 10.2                   10.2   968.7   70.0           21.26
Benjamin Discovery HP 10.5      10.5   943.2   110.0           20.75
JSB Match Diabolo Exact 10.2      10.2   962.6   190.0           20.99
Total shots                                      2931.0   

The colums did not stay very straight when I pasted it.

[stock600]

I have quite a few rounds now through mine and no the 7-8 g pellets are always going to go super sonic and be loud. Mine shoots super consistant since the tune up and I shoot the CPHP almost solely. Thier what seems the best for me at the longer distance that I shoot. I cant down talk the heavier ultra mags yet because Ive not taken the time to re dial her in to see the diff. but man I saw a Huge diff. in performace on the few I threw down range at my 75y target, it dropped several inches from the hollow points. Now are they even more accurate than the HP's once dialed in? I have no idea yet but, since the HP's are accurate as well I see no real reason to want to give up the performace. Im very happy with what I seen from my 40, 50, 60 and 75 yd steel targets, next comes the 100 and I even put one up at 150 for grins and just curiousity. So far I love my XL1500, the factory scope is nice but since I shoot at farther distances than many Im thinking of going to a BSA target scope for more powerfull optics. They have a 3-16 that I put on my neighbors Gamo and he likes it very well so far, it even has a 10 setting red lite crosshairs in it, plus its under a hundred bucks from Bass Pro. Also take the advise on doing the gold trigger and brass washers, Id even highely rec. getting that most likely tore up stock seal out and replace it with a red Maccari seal, much better!

Has anyone found the velocities of the 1500 go down after its broke in? After its broke in, can you shoot 7-8gr pellets and not have it go super sonic? If anyone that has the 1500 could chime in, that'd be great! Thanks

[Kailua]

Not sure if this is your first airgun.  But 47lb cocking effort is on the heavy side.

[Northwoods]

Thanks for the chron results, it will help greatly for what pellets to buy. Seems that anything 9gr and heavier should work well.

Can someone link me to the sites to buy the parts at? I found the trigger but not the other ones you guys mentioned.

Not my first airgun, in my 20s, i should be able to handle it

[uncle paulie]

Go to airguntoyz in the mall.( Genes tunes n toys)

pv