Benj NPTrail Died.... Worth fixing- (&Intro)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
W

weehooker

Member
Aug 17, 2018
74
74
MA, United States
Hi all, I'm new here but have been a devout airgunner for 30+ years. Just been off the net for a bit while life happened..

So one of my back yard grade airguns is a 10 year old (+/-) Benjamin NPTrail synthetic in .22. The gun is bone stock minus a Charlie the Tuna Trigger. So this particular gun (my only gas piston gun ) has been sitting a year or two in the safe (in an environmentally controlled room). I went to take it out today to do some plinking and found the rifle had lost nearly all power. ( Just about cycles. Pellet leaves at MAYBE 400 fps, easy to cock and piston cycles SLOW). So I'm wondering what my options are. Is replacing the piston a do it yourself task or does it require special tools like the old springers? Is there someone around that could fix and tune the gun at a reasonable price? ... or should I just can it and buy another? It's not an expensive gun but I'm a little peved as it hasn't seen 2000 pellets in it's entire life..

Thanks in advance for your advice

Dave



p.s. Hope I' in he right forum for this. Moderators, please move if not.
 
Thats an older gun but so few pellets thru it. How was it shooting before the storage. If its a lousy shooter then I probably would sell it as a parts gun (says the guy with 3 crosman pumpers awaiting rebuilds). If it was a worthwhile shooter, than worth the investment. Not sure if this is a do it yourselfer job (more knowledgeable memebers will instruct you here). There are good people on this board who will tackle the job if your not able. There is also David Baker at Baker airguns in OH who does a lot of rebuild work. They will email you quote before they even see the gun. Welsome to the board.
 
Upvote 0
Ah, that video was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I've resisted the "need" to own a spring compressor so far (and usually send my guns out). This time will likely be no different.



To be honest, I know little on the gas piston arrangement. I was thinking it was some kind of fail proof, closed system that neither suffered from normal spring ailments or their cures. I guess not. The only other gas spring powered gun I've owned was a Stoeger that dieseled so bad, it went off like a .22 mag every other shot. Flames and all. 

Anyway, I just put some chamber oil in and we'll see if that helps tomorrow. If not it may need to go off for some TLC. A new NP2 is running $275 or so. Not sure if it's much better than what I have but I've been happy with it for what it's charged to do.



Interesting that the FWB and HW springers sitting inthe same case are running perfectly. Think I'll oil them as well. It's been a while.



Thanks again
 
Upvote 0
So I chrono'ed the gun this AM with H&N match pellets in the 13.2 gr range. I'm getting a disappointingly consistent 324.5 +/-5 FPS. Clearly the chamber lube didn't help. In shooting it, it really sounds like the piston is just running slow. I also learned that I like the gun enough to bite the bullet and get it repaired (and tuned). Now just to find the right doctor to fix her up.

Dave
 
Upvote 0
I rebuilt a buddy's 7 year old Trail NPXL1100 around the beginning of the year. The breech seal and piston seal kits don't coast much. And gas piston Trails do not need a spring compressor. When the cap on the back of the action tube is unscrewed about 1/8", all tension on the gas cartridge is relieved and you can then proceed to take it apart, clean, sparingly lube with moly paste & install the new seals. Reassemble and that's it. Very simple inside. I did some videos about it. I'll list them below so you can see what to do. Top to bottom, 1 through 4;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUnqHg481eg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKvTaFDY7A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shTwMAT5eiE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-JssKdyIeI
 
Upvote 0
I rebuilt a buddy's 7 year old Trail NPXL1100 around the beginning of the year. The breech seal and piston seal kits don't coast much. And gas piston Trails do not need a spring compressor. When the cap on the back of the action tube is unscrewed about 1/8", all tension on the gas cartridge is relieved and you can then proceed to take it apart, clean, sparingly lube with moly paste & install the new seals. Reassemble and that's it. Very simple inside. I did some videos about it. I'll list them below so you can see what to do. Top to bottom, 1 through 4;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUnqHg481eg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKvTaFDY7A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shTwMAT5eiE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-JssKdyIeI
Click to expand...

Thank you, also very helpful. If I have trouble getting the gun done, I may just order a piston and try it myself. I don't think I even need a seal as the deviation is so close . 



Looks like a piston is about $65 off Amazon. Does anybody know if there are better aftermarket pistons for the gun?
 
Upvote 0
I have two Trails in 177 and 22 cal. I replaced the ram in the 22 as my accuracy was being affected. The original ram was tested at 55 kilos and is still 100 % operational however I replaced it with a Gamo ram at 50 kilos. This resulted in a much smoother shooter that is lighter to cock and more accurate. It now cronies at 710 fps with 14.66 gr pellets. I live in Australia and paid $50.00 for it. I just thought I’d mention my experience as faster imo is not always better. 

Gary
 
Upvote 0
Just looking online it apears PA has rams at a lower price than your link.

Might be worth surffin "n-tec" (?) and/or other as in gamo & ...

Hard to get crosman parts prices - someone her likely knows tho- without calling CC in hand and ordering the part however crosman parts in general are pleasingly priced. 



Even with the price of a new similar rifle on sale taken into account I say rebuild it ( it shot well enought right?) as there certainly is a fun factor there and the satisfaction of using it until........... . 

Would there be any way to install a spring in that model?

I have a "700fps" nitro in .22 that hits what it's pointed at within it's limits. Hopefully the no power no wear will allow it to last many more years.



John






 
Upvote 0
Good info. I saw the ram on PA but couldn't be certain it fits. There is an operation in AU ( referenced in the video above , I believe ) that has the ram and seal for $48 delivered. My only thought is that it is listed as a 60 Kilo ram. What I'm hearing is that factory is 55? I'd like to keep it about the same...



Anyway, I guess now it's a question of doing it myself or sending it out. ( It's too nice just to junk) leaning towards doing it myself since it appears no special tools are required. I'm retired ( 32 years as a Mechanical engineer) and time is somewhat free. 

Funny, I regularly take modern firearms down to the last screw but have never really messed with airgun internals. ....Guess I need to learn/understand them better.
 
Upvote 0
Weehhooker I tried a 60 kilo gas ram in my 22 cal Trail before settling on the Gamo ram(same size) and it felt like it was pushing the piston through the barrel. It was too powerfull, loud and violent. Nearly tore the rifle apart.

Gary
Click to expand...

Thanks, you just saved me some grief.

I'll try to find parts tomorrow since i haven't heard back from any of the three guys I asked for a ROM to repair.

Do you know the part number/sourcce for the gamo ram or should I just call Crossman?

Just wish I could figure out if I'd need a spring compressor or not. Some say yes, some say no.

Part of me still says junk it. I can get a new one with the NP2 system for $180 delivered (dealer cost).It's looking tempting.
 
Upvote 0
Weehooker I don’t know the part number. I bought the ram from Laurie who owns www.customairseals.com in Australia. I’ve sent him an email as I can’t find that ram for sale on his sight, I’ll let you know as I have also asked him for a 12 foot pound (40 kilo) version for my 177 Trail. 

Im sure if you measure the externals of your ram and contact your Gamo or Crosman dealers they would be able to help you.

You will need a spring compressor to remove and replace the ram. I’ve pulled mine apart many many times and wouldn’t have been able to do it without a compressor.

Gary
 
Upvote 0
Ok, so I'll figure I am going to need a spring compressor for this model. Bummer as that's going to be a project in itself.and likely delay repairs for months.......

I'll start researching how to make one. 

I will try the two sources mentioned and see if I can get the parts at a reasonable cost. I'll also continue to consider just farming it out. That said, the idea of tearing into it is beginning to have appeal. Probobly should have learned this years ago. Retired now so I'm out of excuses.



Meanwhile, I'm going to order a new NP2 version (mostly out of curiosity in the differences) . Hoping my GRT trigger will transfer over.
 
Upvote 0
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-1200mm-t-bar-sash-clamp_p5860169

This is what I use to disassemble and assemble my air rifles. Also I heard back from Customairseals and he has sold out of low powered rams. Looks like a lot of folks are chasing accuracy instead of speed in their airrifles. 

Over here when a gas ram fails on say the hood of your car you can have it regassed. This service should be available over the pond. Might be a cheaper alternative to look at. Anyway good luck with your new NP2. Let us know how it goes.

Gary
 
Upvote 0
I dont think you need a spring compressor for the NP's. I took mine apart easy. Take the action out of the gun. Make sure its not cocked before you take the action out of the stock. Push the back of the action against the surface of the workbench until you can push the retention pin out. Let up slowly and thats it. the gas ram isnt under much tension, not like a spring thats probably 10-20% compressed in a springer.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu