Here I go into .22 Trail NP2 or HW95?

"Bstalder85"Smaug, I've been wanting to jump to .22 primarily for the purposes of pigeon shooting. It takes a really well placed shot with my mod. 34 to bring one down. I figure the .22 might be a bit of an improvement. 
In addition, I'm the only pellet rifle shooter I know, BUT I think if I had a second rifle I might be able to convince someone else to shoot "against" me or plink with me. In which case, a similar power gun would make a hypothetical competition more fair. 
I would like to get into pcps, but they are costly, require more equipment, and I'd like to get better with a springer to then transition to a pcp, baby steps.

Click to expand...

Yeah, it might do a better job when you hit the thick wing joint and a .177 pellet is more easily deflected away from the vitals. But then again, the flatter trajectory of .177 makes it easier to place the shot where you want it.

You also have to avoid dead center chest shots. Their breast bones are thick and strong for their size. For a head-on shot, aim 1/4" to either side of center, or a little higher, to hit where the neck meets the torso.

Remember too that pigeon necks have a funny crook to them. In the lower neck area, you can hit them right where you wanted, but get nothing but feathers. I little further forward and it's a spine or crop shot.

Anyway, .177 @ 12 FPE is plenty of medicine for pigeons out to 50 yards.

My R9 Hw95 is 20 years old and I got it new. My next oldest air gun is 10. Works great and looks good. Kills squirrels and never miss, well almost never. Great trigger. 

stay away from cheapies, they are a waste of time and money.

Like others have stated, HW95 hands down.

I know this thread is a bit dated, but it caught my eye because I happen to own two break barrel rifles; Trail NP2 and the HW95. 

I purchased the NP2 as my first foray into modern air gunning about a year and a half ago. I got it from PA for $239 as a cheap sling and scope combo. 

I then purchased a HW95 from AoA for $300 delivered. 

I want my $239 back please. 

As others have said, absolutely no comparison in any category really. Smaug gave a great comparative analysis, so I won't be redundant. I've killed a ton of squirrels with the HW95 and made shots that I NEVER would have made with the NP2. It is a traditional, solid piece of German engineering. I have at least 5K rounds through that rifle and it is still shooting at about the same velocity when I got her new. 

Good luck with your choice if you have not already made it. 

"Marksman3006"HW95. No contest here.

Click to expand...

Mega dittos!