NOOB question here...NEW vs OLD crosman pistols and add-ons

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uncle_joe

Member
May 16, 2021
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nj, United States
Hi all, and I hope to be a long-timer here. I'm a noob here, but not exactly an airgun virgin. I have owned airguns for many years, but never been an enthusiast to the level that I see here. My first air rifle (which I still have) was a Beeman R10 .177 (WONDERFUL TRIGGER), purchased new probably 30 years ago (WOW, can hardly believe that long ago). Then, more recently obtained an RWS 34 with T06 trigger in a craigslist trade. ....also a WONDERFUL TRIGGER.



Anyway, I'm a person of modest means now. And while I have perused your site and seen some pics of absolutely stunning hardware of all types and styles...... field guns, match guns, plinkers, and full-on works of art.........I humbly ask for some noob advice. 



I want to purchase an affordable pumper in the crosman pistol line, just to get me started in non-spring guns.. I'm aware that there have been several versions of this pistol in .22 and .177. Specifically, I have visited a main-stream retailer website selling the 1377/1322 for roughly $59. They also offer the steel breech kit for $39. This effectively makes the cost of the pistol $100 with the steel breech.



First question: Is this air pistol a good starting point?



Second question: is this steel breech kit a good purchase?



Third question: I have seen older Crosman air pistols for sale (like the Medalist) with a different breech for sale, and I'm wondering if these are better than the new models, or something to avoid?



Sorry for the complete lack of knowledge here, but I'd like to get back into this sport and having a tough time sorting through all the newer info.



Things have definitely changed from back when I bought that R10..............uncle joe



p.s. - please let me know if I should re-post in the Crosman forum....thx


 
You would want the steel breech.I have a 1377 which came with the plastic breech And I put a red dot sight on it which mounts to the barrel and you can wiggle the sight from left to right.The sights that came with it suck. It shoots way too high even with the rear Sight adjusted all the way down.I did buy a 2300 CO2 from the custom shop and they will build it anyway you want it. Many options to choose from. But like what was already said they are not opened up yet again. You actually save money by using the custom shop because if you was to add on all those features yourself, it would cost you much more money. 
 
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Yes, a steel breech always one of my first mods to the 13xx guns then a metal barrel band for longevity. The barrel band makes the gun feel much more stable. After that a flat top valve and piston and a super sear for the trigger and you are all set. Unless of course you want some better sights and nice wood on yer gun and... Lots of ways of doing these things and at yer own speed so it does not break the bank.

Nothing at all wrong with using the old gun to mod you just have to make sure the new breech you get has the front screw hole in the right spot, or drill and tap your old tube to 4/48 for the stock Crosman screw. 

I spent a couple of years putting this together, finding the parts here and there and making or modding others. It got stolen, back in late 2010 shortly after I finished it. ;^( The breech and wood are not replaceable although I have been trying.





A few places to get aftermarket Crosman parts when you feel the need. Both 13xx and 22xx are available at most sites.

https://www.airgunbuy.com

https://alliancehobby.com/shortytwo.htm

https://www.bakerairguns.com/shop/parts/modification-parts/

https://cothranmachine.com/

https://www.crosman.com/contact Call with part number for parts

https://www.gmaccustomparts.com/epages/BT3197.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3197/Categories/Crosman_2240/%222240/1740%20GMAC_Custom_Parts%22

https://maverickcustomairguns.com/shop/

https://onlinestore.magnumairpower.com/t/custom-upgrade-parts

https://mellonair.myfreesites.net/barrel-bands

http://mountainaircustomairguns.com/

https://www.pcptunes.com/crosman-airgun-mods-and-spares/

https://ssl.tko22.com/


 
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Thank you all for your input! Lots of good info here from experienced voices. I think I'll wait to buy new from the crosman custom shop when they reopen, but in the meantime I'll try to find a used piece for a low price. At least I'll be able to familiarize myself with the design and function before getting what I really want from the custom shop.

And thank you biohazardman for all those links! That's a great launching pad for me to start learning!

Are the older crosman pumpers good? (the ones without the exposed bolt on the breech) Just wondering because I see them for sale cheap...



-uncle joe
 
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This is one time where i would say the latest model is better than old...

The old Medalist variants and 1300 had triggers which got tougher as the number of pumps increased. Then a separate cocking hammer variant was introduced mid 80s which was the worst of the lot in terms of its internal build quality, although went some way to removing the trigger problem. Then, during the late 90s the internal valve quality was rebuilt under the demands placed on Crosman by Simmons rifle scopes who linked up to become an English distributer. Its stayed pretty much unchanged since then, with good reliability. Finally, the recent move to better pump forearm and a tightening up of the trigger play has left the OEM 1377 about the best it has been.
 
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