Crosman Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 vs Umarex NXG APX
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are stuck choosing between a high-power hunting rifle and a fun multi-shot pump action. The specs look different, but the right choice depends entirely on what you plan to shoot. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show exactly where each gun shines and where it falls short.
In short: For most users, the Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 is the superior choice because of its range, power, and included scope. The Umarex NXG APX wins only if you need a quiet, multi-shot pump for close-range plinking or youth use. One is a tool; the other is a toy.
Quick picks
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Gives you hunting-level power and an accurate scope right out of the box.
Offers rapid-fire shooting with a lightweight, easy-to-learn pump action.
The differences at a glance
These two rifles operate on completely different mechanics. The Benjamin is a break-barrel Nitro Piston, while the Umarex is a multi-shot pump pneumatic. This fundamental split dictates their power, speed, and intended use. We cover choosing between umarex and gamo in a guide of its own.
| Feature | Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 | Umarex NXG APX |
|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Break Barrel | Pump Pneumatic |
| Power Source | Nitro Piston Gas Ram | Manual Pump (3-10 pumps) |
| Max Velocity | Up to 1500 FPS | Up to 700-800 FPS |
| Capacity | Single Shot | Two 10-shot magazines |
| Stock Material | Checkered Hardwood | Synthetic |
Pro tip: Always check the current manufacturer spec sheet for exact velocity ratings, as ambient temperature affects gas-powered rifles differently than spring pumps.
Power and muzzle energy: which hits harder?
The Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 is built for small game hunting. It claims up to 1500 FPS, which puts it in the high-energy class for .177 caliber pellets. This velocity translates to substantial muzzle energy, allowing for ethical takedowns on squirrels and voles at typical hunting ranges.
The Umarex NXG APX maxes out around 700-800 FPS depending on pump count. It offers adjustable power: three pumps for quiet, short-range shots, or ten pumps for maximum punch. However, even at full power, it lacks the kinetic energy for reliable hunting beyond close quarters.
The Benjamin wins for range and ethical hunting. Its high velocity flattens the pellet’s trajectory, making holdover calculation easier at 20 to 50 yards. The Umarex drops significantly faster, limiting its effective range to the backyard.
If you are using these rifles for pest control at very close range, the Umarex’s lower power is sufficient. But if you need to take a clean shot at 30 yards or more, the Benjamin’s energy advantage is the deciding factor.
Safety first: High-power air rifles can penetrate thin materials. Never shoot toward structures or at anything but live targets in a controlled environment. If that sounds like your bench, read up on comparing two Gamo air rifles next.
This rifle provides the high velocity and muzzle energy required for hunting small game.
- Uses a gas piston instead of a metal spring to reduce noise by 70% and minimize recoil.
- Fires .177 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1500 feet per second, providing the right
Accuracy and optics: seeing the target
The Benjamin comes with a CenterPoint 3-9x40mm scope. This is a serious piece of glass that gathers more light and allows variable magnification for precise holdover. The Umarex typically ships with a basic 4x15mm scope or is sold with open sights, which limits your ability to aim at distance.
Trigger quality is also a deciding factor. The Benjamin is designed for a crisp, predictable release suitable for precision work. Many owners report a two-stage feel that helps with consistent shooting. The Umarex’s pump action results in a longer, heavier trigger pull that prioritizes safety and ease over precision.
The Benjamin wins on accuracy. It is a hunting tool with hunting-grade optics. The Umarex is a plinker; its lower velocity and simpler trigger make tight groups at distance much harder to achieve.
For most shooters, the included scope on the Benjamin is a major value add. It is ready to mount and zero for hunting right out of the box. The Umarex is better suited to fast, close-range shooting where high-magnification optics are less necessary.
Pro tip: If you buy the Umarex for plinking, consider removing the weak included scope and using open sights for a more natural point of aim.
- Ample 3x-9x power paired with large 40mm adjustable objective is perfect for use with
- Variable 3x-9x power and 40mm parallex adjustable objective. Fingertight
Ease of use and shooting speed
The Umarex NXG APX changes the rhythm of shooting. With two 10-shot magazines, you can fire ten pellets in a row without breaking the barrel or pumping again. This makes it fast, fun, and great for young shooters or rapid-fire practice. The narrow grip design is also more comfortable for smaller hands. The other half of this decision is crosman vs benjamin precharged.
The Benjamin is a single-shot rifle. You break the barrel, load a pellet, and shoot. It is slower but offers a more deliberate, traditional shooting experience. The Nitro Piston system is simpler to maintain than the many seals and O-rings found in a pump mechanism.
The Umarex wins for speed and casual fun. It is designed for rapid engagement and ease of use. The Benjamin is slower but more robust and easier to keep running over years of heavy use.
Consider your shooting goals. If you want to spend hours in the range reloading after every shot, the Umarex will keep you entertained. If you want a reliable, single-shot hunting tool, the Benjamin is the better choice.
This multi-shot pump action allows for rapid follow-up shots without reloading between every pellet.
- Redefines the standard of airguns designed for younger and small-framed shooters with a
- Dual BB/Pellet ammunition: Shoots either .177 caliber pellets or steel BBs; Progressive
Which should you buy?
- The Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 is the choice if you need a hunting tool. It offers the power, range, and optics to ethically take small game.
- The Umarex NXG APX is the choice if you want a fun, quick-shooting plinker for the backyard. It is ideal for beginners or smaller-framed shooters who want rapid fire without the complexity of a break-barrel.
- For long-range precision, buy the Benjamin. The Umarex lacks the consistent power and optics for distances beyond 30 yards.
The bottom line
Choose the Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 if you need a capable, quiet hunting rifle with real range. Pick the Umarex NXG APX only if you prioritize rapid-fire fun and ease of use over power. For most shooters, the Benjamin is the better long-term investment.
- Uses a gas piston instead of a metal spring to reduce noise by 70% and minimize recoil.
- Fires .177 caliber pellets at speeds up to 1500 feet per second, providing the right
Frequently asked questions
Can the Umarex NXG APX kill a squirrel humanely?
Generally, no. Even at maximum pump settings, the velocity and energy are low for a clean kill at distance. It is better suited for very close-range pest control or plinking.
Which air rifle is easier for a child to use?
The Umarex NXG APX is easier. Its ergonomic design and narrow grip suit smaller hands, and the pump action is intuitive. The Benjamin is heavier and requires more force to cock. The other half of this decision is accuracy testing and review.
Does the Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 require more maintenance?
No, it requires less. The Nitro Piston system is sealed and resistant to temperature changes. The Umarex’s pump seals may dry out over time and need occasional lubrication to stay smooth.
Are the velocities on these rifles safe for backyard shooting?
The Umarex is very quiet and low-powered. The Benjamin is significantly more powerful. While it is quieter than a spring rifle, you should only shoot it in a properly screened range to prevent stray pellets from traveling far.