Hunting with the NPSS from Crosman
Back in June of this year, I posted a brief entry about the up-and-coming Crosman NPSS break-barrel rifle that was due out very shortly. Since then I have procured my own sample, and would like to share a brief hunt and some observations of this new offering from Crosman.
As mentioned in the other post, the NPSS comes in two flavors....and being a hunter, I opted for the camo version since that suits my needs. The gun is handsome, handles well, and the synthetic stock feels different than just about any other synthetic stock I've sampled in the airgun world. It isn't hard plastic, but rather offers a subtler feel, one that is pleasing. I guess I would describe it as "softer" than the run-of-the-mill synthetic stock.
The NPSS comes in both .177 and .22, so I requested a .22 version. The claims of the manufacturer are valid in regards to the velocity it provides, and the accuracy is excellent. I've been quite pleased with the inexpensive Crosman Hollow Point pellets out of this gun, and they have proved accurate and deadly on small game like squirrel and rabbits.
Today's hunt was brief as I had just a few moments free in the afternoon. I headed out my door and didn't have to go far before I spied a fox squirrel going about his business in a large maple tree not too far from my house. I was able to get within 25 yards of him before he decided I was something to pay attention to and headed up higher before laying out on a branch to see what I was up to. My NPSS came with a Centerpoint scope that does an excellent job, and I settled the crosshairs on the squirrel's noggin before squeezing the trigger.
My shot was a little off, and I had to put another pellet into the squirrel before I had him in hand, but the performance of the NPSS was all I could ask for. An advantage it gives me is that I can cock it as I begin the hunt, and not worry about spring fatigue because it doesn't have one! The power-plant for this gun is a gas-filled (nitrogen) piston that compresses a column of gas when cocked. There is no spring to get kinked or to take a set over time, and the shot cycle is much more accomodating to the shooter than some of the buzz and twang that can come from a spring-piston gun that isn't worn in yet.
Here's a pic of the single squirrel I got today:
For half the price of a European-made gas ram equipped rifle, you will get performance that serves by far the majority of shooters these days. The gun is handsome, tactile in feel, and delivers in performance. Give this one a look as you select your plinking and small game rifle. You will be pleased with Crosman's newest, and first, gas piston rifle.
