Crosman 1925 .22 Caliber Pneumatic
Hello to all;
As I recall, it was back in the late 80s or early 90s I picked up an old “Crosman Pneumatic Rifle” in .22 cal. at a Gun Show in Fredericksburg, TX. It was in poor condition, barrel rusted chunks out of the wood forearm and butt stock, most of the paint gone from receiver, but it was only 10 bucks! I picked it up with the intention of restoring it someday.
It wasn’t until the late 90s that I could turn my attention to it. I did some research and found out that it was a; “Crosman Pneumatic Rifle” made from 1925-1927, 35” OAL- 4.75 lbs. other iterations came later, (AS BEST I CAN TELL!) It has a cast Circle on the right side of the receiver stating- Oct. 28, 1924, Patent date for Crosman Arms Rochester, NY. The Model 100 -101 designations did not start until 1940 as I have read, however the current Crosman Product Date site, list the 101 as early as 1925??? Most but not all of my historic info herein was gleaned from a book titled “The Crosman Rifle 1923 -1950”. I AM NOT A HISTORIAN, just my interpretation of what I have read!!
The rifle had a blued steel barrel, brass pump tube, was equipped with an adjustable rear sight, and referred to as the Tombstone version! Also came with steel butt plate for the stock. One thing I found interesting was that one of the previous owners had inscribed their SS # on both the barrel and pump tube!! This was a common practice in the past to lay claim to an item! SS numbers were not distributed until 1936, so it was someone on or after this date that did this, could have been the original owner? Also, there was a number X5731- C stamped in the breech area right next to the bolt path, I have no idea what that represents?? Maybe factory repair???
I began the restoration by removing the valve system components /pump mechanism and rear stock and removing the wood front pump lever. I now had the stock, pump handle, and receiver separated and chose to start refinishing these three items first. I started with the wood first, both pump lever and stock were stripped and wood filler used to address the gouges and finally stained with a Red Oak finish, this was followed by a poly clear coat. The cast receiver I bead blasted to remove all paint and then polished and left as it is. All blue items were re blued including the barrel, the brass tube was polished and left as is. I also discovered that the spring clamp that captured the front pump lever pivot pin was missing; the pivot pin was simply froze in place and needed to be driven out. Well, no place to find that part, that I could find, so went thru my small bin of split, clamp on front site sight hoods, and found a perfect match diameter wise, it was considerably longer than the original item but worked perfectly to secure the pivot pin in place!
Next was the valve system, the check valve seal was a crumbled mess, the conical exhaust seal was also dried out, the compression tube seal on this rifle was lead and really could not be used again. Fortunately, I discovered that a Benjamin /Sheridan lead valve body seal was a perfect replacement!! The pump piston was a series of round flat leather washers (4). There were no parts available at that time that I could find. I was able to fabricate the check valve seal and the conical exhaust seal from some flat rubber material I had on hand. I was never really satisfied with these; but it was what I had! I simply soaked the leather washers in silicone oil and reinstalled on the pump rod. After reassembling I was delighted that it would pump up and discharge a pellet it was not real powerful, I was guessing about 300 fps on 6 pumps, the maximum recommended (I had yet to get a chronograph) accuracy 1.25 “At 10 yards!” I was happy just to get it up and running again!! It was set aside in the safe and remained there.
Fast forward to today; I had read on several occasions that there were now updated seals, replacement pump rods with synthetic pump pistons etc. available from some folks, so I ordered a new kit; to again rebuild this old unit and maybe get it up to speed @ around 400 -500 fps on 6 pumps, I never saw any factory FPS Figures so I am just guessing, but, we shall see!! Oh, by the way I did check velocity before the updated rebuild kit installation, (as I now have a chronograph). Before the new kit installation, 6 pumps equaled 290 fps./14.3 grain pellets. Not too bad, but I think it can do better, let’s see!!
Well after the installation of the new kit /pump piston, I set up the chronograph; and using 6 pumps – first 5 shots with Crosman .22 PMHP 14.3 grain pellets averaged 457 fps. / 6.6 ft. lbs!! Full 167 fps better than my initial rebuild years ago, I am getting some blow by at the metal-to-metal bolt seal, may be losing 10-15 fps but outstanding results in my opinion! Accuracy checked from bench at 10 yds. (Note these rifles must be cocked before pumping and there is no safety!!)
The Crosman PHP 14.3 grain. Delivered .690” 5 shot C-C groups @ 10 yds. 457 fps. 6.6ft.lbs!! WHOA!! Not bad from a nearly 100-year-old Crosman Pumper!!! I believe that 450 fps. is what these very early units were probably capable of when new on six pumps, just my personal opinion, I have no documentation to support that! (The later rifles advertised 8-10 pumps!) What a delightful experience bringing one of these old units back to life, it “really” can’t get much better than that in a hobby folks!! If anyone has one of these old units, I highly recommend getting one of the updated repair kits with the replacement synthetic pump piston; installed!!!! You won’t be disappointed!!!
My grandsons will be bickering over who gets this one that’s for sure!!! Can’t say that I blame them!
Oh, remember I am not a “Air Gun Historian”, time frames mentioned are best I could come up with feel free to make your corrections!!!
Garey
