ROCHESTER, New York - Crosman Corporation, long known for innovation and quality in products for the shooting sports, introduced two new Benjamin .25 caliber hunting air rifles, each featuring cutting-edge technology. The Benjamin Trail NP™ XL725, a new break barrel, is powered by Nitro Piston™ technology. The new .25 caliber Marauder® PCP features pre-charged pneumatic technology, providing new power and silence to hunters everywhere.

With new emphasis on hunting, these new models increase the brand's presence in the category. Says Vice President of Sales, Steve Upham, "As we direct more of our energy toward hunting, we understand the advantages of the .25 caliber option. Our two new Benjamin .25 caliber air rifles provide hunters with the boost in downrange accuracy and energy they demand. We listened and responded."

According to Ed Schultz, director of engineering, "Different hunting situations require different air rifles. Since downrange accuracy and energy are both vital to successful varmint hunting, having the .25 caliber option provides the advantages of superior knock-down force and a larger kill zone. The larger caliber is unbeatable in sustaining maximum point of impact force. Its heavier weight, increased shock value and larger kill zone result in more lethal shots."

With up to 30 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and velocities of 800 fps, the new Benjamin .25 caliber Trail NP XL725 is the most powerful Nitro Piston powered break barrel on the market today. The Trail NP XL725 offers all the advantages of a break barrel airgun plus the qualities that make the Nitro Piston technology attractive to hunters: 70% quieter than traditional break barrels, no loss of velocity if left cocked in preparation for a quick shot and reduced recoil for improved accuracy. The Trail NP XL725 features a bull barrel, quick-lock optic mounting system, sling mount system installed, ventilated rubber butt plate and a checkered hardwood stock.

The new .25 caliber Benjamin Marauder air rifle is a powerhouse of sophistication and quiet accuracy shooting at velocities greater than 850 fps. It provides a commanding 80% increase over the .22 caliber Marauder, with its 45 ft-lbs of kinetic energy per shot. The choked, internally shrouded barrel delivers precision and hushed operation, while it's indexing, eight-round clip allows for faster follow-up shots. Performing flawlessly at a variety of fill pressures, the .25 caliber Marauder rifle offers quicker fill time, using either compressed air or the CO2, DUAL FUEL® option. It has a finished hardwood stock with ambidextrous raised comb and custom checkering. The built-in pressure gauge displays the gun's level of fill and the two-stage adjustable, match-grade trigger improves accuracy.

For additional information on these new Benjamin .25 caliber air rifles, or on any Crosman, Benjamin, Crosman Archery, CenterPoint Hunting and Outdoors Precision Optics and Archery products, or Game Face Airsoft products, visit the company's Web sites at www.crosman.com, www.centerpointhunting.com, www.gamefaceairsoft.com, or write to Laura Evans, Marketing Coordinator, Crosman Corporation, 7629 Routes 5 & 20, East Bloomfield, NY 14443, email her at levans@crosman.com, or call her at (800) 7 - AIRGUN (724-7486).