Crosman Vantage Air Rifle With Nitro Piston

Things I liked: Accurate with the correct hold (mine likes firm in back, loose in front). Hits hard. Nice looking for the price. Includes open sites. NP is smoother than mechanical springers in this range.

Things I would have changed: Greater cocking effort than mechanical spring or NP2 guns with similar power. Awkward cocking because of lack of suppressor/shroud.

What others should know: Compared to a traditional spring or the NP2 piston this gun is relatively hard to cock, although certainly manageable, and it does get a little easier as it breaks in. It also doesn't have any sort of suppressor, so there isn't anything to really grip, making the cocking that much harder/more awkward. That said, it is accurate and hits hard. Mine did require some testing of holds,as the traditional artillery hold was not optimal. Instead it seemed to like the "reverse mullet"- firm grip in the back, resting on the front hand like an artillery hold. Summary: Plenty powerful and accurate for pest control/small game, but too difficult/awkward to cock for all day fun, especially compared to the various other offerings out there. I would recommend this to a friend that really wanted something inexpensive with a wooden stock to use just for pest control/small game, but if they didn't mind a synthetic stock and/or wanted to shoot more often I would recommend other options.