Nitrogen Piston Air Rifles

[Old CW4]

I took a 'flyer' today and ordered a Benjamin 25 cal air rifle with the nitrogen cylinder system rather than a spring or springs. These were somewhat of a custom product for a while but now several of the major manufacturers are out on the market with them. Advantages are supposed to be reduced recoil but equal velocity to a spring rifle, no problems with a weakened spring if they're left cocked for long periods, and much quieter (no spring 'clunk).

Would you folks on BF who own nitrogen piston air rifles please provide an assessment or comments about their experiences with them, along with pros and cons?

It seems to me to be a fascinating and simple way to replace mechanical springs. Just compress the nitrogen gas contained in an enclosed piston and release that stored energy rather than a spring. But I would like to know more about them from other owners/users.

Thanks, folks

 

[Dinkum]

These IIRC were originally made by Theoben Engineering of the UK.

The recoil is less and consistency is better than a springer.

This was my dream rifle as a boy in the UK

http://www.theoben.co.uk/product.php?productid=6&cat=5&page=1

Just to add.

Crossman is I think the 'originator' of this is in the US under the 'Nitro' banner. They now seem to be licensing or at least have an understanding with Benjamin and Gamo (Spain)

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/gamo-nitro-17-air-rifle.shtml
http://airgunner.org/?p=222

 

[maverick3981]

They r much better than spring guns, my 22 cal HW90 with a Theoben gasram is darn accurate and has enough power to take down small game.

 

[SAKsRCool]

I have the Benjamin All Weather .22 Trail. Much quieter than either of my RWS springers, quieter than my Sheridan .20 on 4 pumps. It's accurate. I haven't shot groups with different pellets yet but was able to make a head shot on a squirrel at 52 paces. I'm going to try a straightshooters pellet sampler when it comes in but I have only been using Crosman hollowepoints for now.
It is hold sensitive. Also for some reason I get whiplash if I shoot it with the gun in the shoulder pocket so I have to shoot it off of my upper arm or pectoral muscle.

 

[Old CW4]

Thanks, guys! Just the type info I was looking for. I'm anxiously waiting for mine to arrive.