Last updated: June 2026
The Benjamin Trail NP2 is one of Crosman’s flagship break barrel air rifles — and for a lot of shooters, it’s the rifle that makes the case for gas piston technology over traditional springers. With thousands of Amazon reviews and a street price hovering around $150–$180, the Trail NP2 sits in a competitive sweet spot where budget shooters and serious hobbyists overlap.
I’ve spent real time behind this rifle, and here’s the short version: the Benjamin Trail NP2 is the best gas piston break barrel air rifle under $180 for shooters who want a smoother, quieter alternative to traditional springers — with some caveats about weight and scope quality you need to understand before buying.
This review covers everything: the Nitro Piston 2 technology, the Clean Break Trigger, real-world accuracy at hunting distances, and direct comparisons with the Gamo Varmint and Hatsan 95. If you’ve been reading our gas piston vs spring comparison and want to see that technology in a specific rifle, this is the article.
Benjamin Trail NP2: Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Plant | Gas piston (Nitro Piston 2), break barrel |
| Caliber | .22 (also available in .177) |
| Velocity (.22, lead) | Up to 900 FPS (lead), 950 FPS (alloy) |
| Velocity (.177, lead) | Up to 1,200 FPS (alloy), ~950 FPS (lead) |
| Energy (.22) | ~20–22 FPE (lead pellets) |
| Barrel Length | 19.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 46.25 inches |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
| Trigger | Clean Break Trigger (CBT), two-stage |
| Stock | Synthetic with thumbhole-style grip |
| Scope | CenterPoint 3-9x32 included |
| Cocking Effort | ~30 lbs |
| Price Range | ~$150–$180 |
What Is the Nitro Piston 2 — and Does It Matter?
“Nitro Piston” is Crosman’s brand name for their gas piston technology. The original Nitro Piston appeared in the first Benjamin Trail NP and was a step up from coil springs. The Nitro Piston 2 (NP2) is the second generation, and Benjamin claims meaningful improvements over the original:
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Quieter shot cycle. Crosman claims 70% quieter than a standard spring rifle. In practice, it’s noticeably quieter than springers and marginally quieter than the first-gen NP. You’ll still hear a solid thump, but the metallic twang of a coil spring is completely absent.
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Smoother cocking. The NP2 mechanism is more refined than the original. Cocking effort is around 30 lbs — consistent through the stroke without the progressive buildup you get with coil springs. It’s manageable for most adult shooters but may challenge smaller-framed users over an extended shooting session.
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Temperature stability. Like all gas pistons, the NP2 is largely immune to cold weather velocity swings. If you’re clearing rats from the barn in December or shooting squirrels in early spring, your velocity stays predictable. For the full breakdown on why this matters, check our gas piston vs spring air rifle guide.
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No spring fatigue. You can leave the Trail NP2 cocked indefinitely without worrying about taking a set. For hunters who want to cock the rifle and wait for game, this is a real advantage over coil spring models.
The honest take: The NP2 mechanism is genuinely good. Is it dramatically better than other gas pistons on the market (Gamo IGT, Hatsan Vortex)? The differences are modest. Where Benjamin earns its keep is the total package — the NP2 combined with the Clean Break Trigger, stock ergonomics, and .22 caliber option make it more than the sum of its parts.
The Clean Break Trigger: The Trail NP2’s Best Feature
Let me be direct — the Clean Break Trigger is the single best reason to choose the Trail NP2 over competitors in this price class.
Most break barrels under $200 ship with mushy, vague triggers that make precise shooting harder than it needs to be. The CBT is a genuine two-stage trigger. Take up the first stage, feel a defined wall, and a clean second stage breaks the shot. It’s not a match trigger, but it’s miles ahead of the single-stage triggers on the Gamo Varmint or the Daisy 880.
The trigger is adjustable for second-stage pull weight using a single screw accessed through the trigger guard. Out of the box, it’s set reasonably well — most shooters will want to lighten it slightly, but it’s shootable from the start. Adjustment range is roughly 3–5 lbs.
Why this matters for accuracy: With a break barrel, trigger control is critical because the firing cycle is violent. A sloppy trigger pull disturbs the rifle before the pellet leaves the barrel. The CBT lets you place shots with more confidence than competitors at this price point.
Real-World Accuracy Testing
Here’s what the Trail NP2 in .22 actually does at the range with consistent technique and quality pellets:
| Distance | Group Size (5-shot) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 yards | 0.4–0.6 inches | Consistent across pellet types |
| 25 yards | 0.6–1.0 inches | Best with JSB Exact Jumbo and Crosman Premier |
| 35 yards | 1.0–1.5 inches | Adequate for pest control, tight for hunting |
| 50 yards | 2.0–3.0 inches | Platform limitations show; PCP territory |
Pellet recommendations for the Trail NP2 .22:
- JSB Exact Jumbo .22 15.89gr — Consistently the tightest groups. This is the pellet this rifle seems designed to shoot.
- Crosman Premier .22 14.3gr — Excellent accuracy at a lower price point. Best value option.
- H&N Field Target Trophy .22 14.66gr — Strong performer, splits the difference between the JSB and Premier.
What I tested and rejected: Lightweight alloy pellets, anything above 18 grains (not enough velocity for stability), and the included sample pellets (inconsistent quality).
The Artillery Hold Is Non-Negotiable
Like every break barrel, the Trail NP2 demands the artillery hold technique. Rest the forearm on a flat palm, keep your grip loose, and let the rifle recoil naturally. If you death-grip this rifle or rest it on a hard surface, your groups will open up to 3–4 inches at 25 yards regardless of pellet choice.
The NP2’s gas piston makes the recoil cycle smoother than a coil springer, which makes the artillery hold slightly more forgiving — but you still can’t treat it like a PCP or a firearm. New shooters coming from firearms backgrounds: read the artillery hold guide before you blame the rifle for scattered groups.
.22 vs .177: Which Caliber Trail NP2?
The Trail NP2 is available in both .177 and .22 caliber. Here’s which to choose:
| Factor | .177 Trail NP2 | .22 Trail NP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity (lead) | ~950 FPS | ~800 FPS |
| Energy | ~16 FPE | ~20–22 FPE |
| Best For | Target, plinking | Hunting, pest control |
| Pellet Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Trajectory | Flatter | More arc |
| Terminal Performance | Light pests only | Squirrels, rabbits, rats |
| Recommendation | Backyard only | Most versatile |
My recommendation: get the .22. At this price point, the Trail NP2 makes the most sense as a do-everything rifle. The .22 delivers enough energy for ethical small game hunting and pest control while remaining adequate for target shooting. If you want a pure target/plinking rifle, there are better .177 options for less money — see our best air rifles for beginners guide for those picks.
The Scope: CenterPoint 3-9x32 — Serviceable Starter
The Trail NP2 ships with a CenterPoint 3-9x32 scope already mounted. Here’s the honest assessment:
The good:
- Variable magnification is useful — 3x for close pest shots, 9x for target work
- Glass clarity is acceptable for the price
- Pre-mounted saves setup time for beginners
The bad:
- Eye relief is tight and somewhat inconsistent across the magnification range
- Reticle is basic duplex — functional, no holdover marks
- The scope mounts ship tight, but check and retighten after 100 rounds — gas piston recoil is bidirectional and can walk scope rings
Should you upgrade? For backyard pest control and casual shooting under 35 yards, the included scope works fine. If you’re serious about hunting accuracy or shoot regularly, upgrading to a UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster designed for airgun recoil will make a noticeable difference. The BugBuster is built to handle bidirectional recoil and has noticeably better glass.
How the Trail NP2 Compares
Trail NP2 vs. Gamo Varmint
This is the comparison most shoppers are making, so let’s be direct.
| Feature | Benjamin Trail NP2 (.22) | Gamo Varmint (.177) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plant | Gas piston (NP2) | Spring piston |
| Caliber | .22 | .177 |
| Energy | ~20–22 FPE | ~17.5 FPE |
| Trigger | CBT two-stage (excellent) | SAT single-stage (adequate) |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs | 5.28 lbs |
| Noise | Quieter | Louder (spring twang) |
| Scope | CenterPoint 3-9x32 | Gamo 4x32 |
| Price | ~$150–$180 | ~$110–$130 |
| Best For | Hunting + pest control | Pest control + plinking |
The verdict: The Trail NP2 is the better rifle in almost every measurable way — better trigger, more energy, quieter shot cycle, better scope. The Gamo Varmint wins on price and weight. If you’re strictly plinking in the backyard and want to save $50, the Gamo Varmint is fine. If you want a rifle you won’t outgrow, the Trail NP2 justifies the premium.
Trail NP2 vs. Hatsan 95 Vortex
The Hatsan 95 with Vortex gas piston is the Trail NP2’s most direct competitor.
| Feature | Benjamin Trail NP2 | Hatsan 95 Vortex |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plant | Nitro Piston 2 | Vortex Gas Piston |
| Caliber Options | .177, .22 | .177, .22, .25 |
| Energy (.22) | ~20–22 FPE | ~18–20 FPE |
| Trigger | CBT two-stage | Quattro two-stage |
| Stock | Synthetic | Walnut |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Noise | Very quiet | Quiet |
| Price | ~$150–$180 | ~$160–$190 |
Both are solid rifles. The Hatsan 95 gets a walnut stock and offers .25 caliber, which appeals to hunters wanting more knockdown power. The Trail NP2 has a marginally better trigger and smoother shot cycle. For most shooters, this comes down to stock preference and whether you value the .25 caliber option.
Who Should Buy the Benjamin Trail NP2?
Buy it if you:
- Want a serious pest control or small game hunting rifle that doesn’t require an air tank
- Prioritize a good trigger over a low price tag
- Want gas piston benefits (cold weather stability, no spring fatigue, quieter operation)
- Plan to shoot .22 caliber for the energy advantage
- Want a rifle that’s a genuine step up from budget break barrels
Skip it if you:
- Want the lightest possible rifle — at 8.5 lbs, the Trail NP2 is heavy for a break barrel
- Are strictly target shooting at known distances — a quality .177 springer or multi-pump will serve you better for less money
- Are buying for a youth shooter — the weight and cocking effort make this an adult rifle
- Want to spend under $100 — check the Daisy 880 instead
- Are ready to invest in PCP — the Benjamin Marauder is the natural next step up from this rifle
Watch the Trail NP2 in Action
Seeing the rifle shot and reviewed on video gives you a better sense of the cocking effort, trigger feel, and real accuracy than specs alone:
Benjamin Trail NP2 Review - Is it WORTH buying? — Honest field test with accuracy demonstrations at multiple distances.
Benjamin Trail NP2 .22 Accuracy Test — Bench-rest groups at 25 and 50 yards showing what the rifle can actually do with quality pellets.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
The Trail NP2 is low-maintenance by design — one of the real advantages of a gas piston break barrel.
Routine maintenance:
- Apply a drop of silicone-based airgun oil to the breach seal every 500 rounds
- Clean the barrel with a pull-through cord every 500–1,000 rounds (no solvents — airgun barrels are different from firearms)
- Check and tighten scope mounts every 200 rounds for the first 1,000 shots, then less frequently
- Wipe down the exterior after handling to prevent corrosion from skin oils
What NOT to do:
- Never use petroleum-based lubricants — they can diesel inside the compression chamber
- Don’t dry-fire the rifle — always load a pellet before shooting
- Don’t over-oil the compression chamber — a single drop of silicone oil every few thousand rounds is sufficient
Longevity: Gas pistons don’t wear out like springs. With reasonable care, the NP2 mechanism should deliver consistent performance for tens of thousands of shots. The breach seal and o-rings will eventually need replacement (years of regular use), and those are cheap, readily available parts. For a deeper dive on break barrel maintenance, see our air rifle maintenance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Benjamin Trail NP2 good for hunting?
Yes — in .22 caliber, the Trail NP2 delivers 20–22 FPE, which is enough for squirrels, rabbits, starlings, pigeons, and rats at distances up to 35 yards with proper shot placement. For anything larger or at longer range, you’d want a PCP rifle. Always check your state and local regulations — many states allow airgun hunting with specific caliber and energy minimums. Our hunting regulations guide covers the details.
How loud is the Benjamin Trail NP2?
Noticeably quieter than a traditional spring-piston rifle. Crosman claims 70% noise reduction versus a comparable springer. In practice, it sounds like a firm clap — audible in a quiet backyard but unlikely to disturb neighbors at reasonable distances. Adding a moderator or using heavier pellets that stay subsonic further reduces noise.
Can I leave the Benjamin Trail NP2 cocked?
Yes — this is a specific advantage of gas piston technology. Unlike coil springs that can take a permanent set if left compressed, the NP2’s gas ram can remain cocked for extended periods without performance loss. This makes it practical for hunters who want to cock the rifle and wait at a pest control position.
What scope should I use on the Trail NP2?
The included CenterPoint 3-9x32 is adequate to start. For an upgrade, get an airgun-rated scope designed for bidirectional recoil. The UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster is the go-to recommendation in this class — affordable, airgun-tough, and significantly clearer glass than the stock scope.
Benjamin Trail NP2 vs original Trail NP — what changed?
The NP2 is the successor, not just a refresh. Key improvements include the Nitro Piston 2 mechanism (smoother, quieter), the Clean Break Trigger (dramatically better than the original’s trigger), and updated stock ergonomics. If you’re choosing between a used Trail NP and a new Trail NP2, the NP2 is worth the premium.
Is the Trail NP2 too heavy?
At 8.5 lbs, it’s on the heavy side for a break barrel. The weight helps dampen the shot cycle and aids accuracy at the bench, but it can fatigue you during extended standing sessions. If weight is a primary concern, lighter options like the Gamo Varmint (5.28 lbs) exist — but you’ll sacrifice trigger quality and energy.
Final Verdict
The Benjamin Trail NP2 in .22 caliber is one of the best gas piston break barrel air rifles you can buy under $180. The Clean Break Trigger alone sets it apart from the competition, and the Nitro Piston 2 mechanism delivers a smooth, quiet shot cycle that makes shooting a pleasure rather than a chore.
It’s not perfect — the weight is substantial, the included scope is merely adequate, and it can’t compete with PCP rifles at extended range. But for its intended role as a self-contained hunting and pest control rifle that requires nothing more than pellets and your arm to cock it, the Trail NP2 delivers genuine value.
Our rating: 8.5/10 — Best-in-class trigger and gas piston performance, held back slightly by weight and an average stock scope.
Check current Benjamin Trail NP2 price on Amazon →
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