$60.00 AIRPISTOL SHOOTOUT - Part 2, Crosman 1377c, Beeman P-17, Gamo P-23.

In part one we completed an overview of the Crosman 1377c, Gamo P-23 and Beeman P-17 Air pistols. We then examined the Crosman 1377c American Classic, and Gamo P-23 CO2 pistols in greater detail. Today, we'll take a more in depth look at the Beeman P-17.

P-17 History. As I mentioned in part one, the Beeman P-17 has a strange pedigree. Originally Weirech (Germany) designed and introduced the HW P 40 PCA with Beeman carrying a close copy marketed in the US as the Beeman P-3. Both were incredibly well engineered and well produced air pistols. Later things get fuzzy. At one point the US we saw three distinctly marketed products.

1. The Beeman P-3

2. The Marksman 2004

4. The Beeman P-17

(As I understand it both the Beeman and Marksman lines changed hands ending up held by S/R Industries (Sports and Recreation.)

I've yet to have anyone show me the specific differences between a P-3 and a Marksman 2004 (although I understand early 2004 quality control may have been off). Beeman states that the P-17 is the same pistol as the 2004 with a new name, so I'm not really qualified to illustrate any differences between them.

Why does any of this matter? Well for one thing the HW 40/ Beeman P-3 sold for a lot more money than the current Beeman P-17. If we can have the same performance for 60% less money that seems like a pretty strong value! (Don't worry for earlier owners though, I suspect their pistols will appreciate greatly in the collectors market).

Beeman P-17, single stroke pneumatic Air pistol, .177 Cal.

The P-17 is a single shot air pistol. Cocking the hammer allows the top half of the pistol to clam shell up and act as a lever for the single stroke pnuematic power plant. Pellets load directly into the breach inside of the top half which also contains the barrel. Closing the two halves completes the cocking stroke and resets the automatic safety.

I paid around $40.00 for my P-17 in a kit that came with a pair of shooting glasses and a tin of 250 Beeman Wadcutter Pellets.

The pistol itself resembles the Walther P-99 Series in the grip which is one thing I really enjoy about it. Although the P-17 is a large pistol, the excellent grip shape and medium weight make it easy to shoot well. It is also a very quiet pistol.

Recoil is almost non-existent, thanks the the pneumatic power plant and built in muzzle porting. Also, the trigger is pretty good right out of the box. Beeman rates the pistol at 410 fps (we'll check this soon), and describes the intended application as target shooting. And, I agree, for an

air pistol in this price range it's accuracy will amaze you.

P-17 Advantages.

1. Ergonomic grip fits wide variety of hands making the pistol easy to shoot well.

2. Has almost no recoil.

3. Outstanding accuracy.

4. Extremely quiet.

5. Low Cost.

P-17 Disadvantages.

1. Automatic safety takes getting used to.

2. Cocking effort is substantial and will be to great for some shooters.

3. Difficulty in loading pellets.

The last two disadvantages, particularly number three are what make me not shoot this

delightful airgun as much as I would like. The cocking effort is not that big an issue, but I have a terrible time getting pellets loaded because of difficulty in accessing the breach (see picture). Some times I think I actually end up getting the pellets flipped and loading them backwards.

In summary the outstanding accuracy of this German designed air pistol make it a must try for informal target shooting. Although the difficult pellet loading and strong cocking effort make reloading a chore.

For part three of this series we'll move on to performance testing. As we continue to evaluate the Crosman 1377c American Classic, the Gamo P-23, and the Beeman P-17 to find out which of these air pistols come out on top.

Until then...

Cork Gun's Seen in 1970 Daisy Catalog

I was on one of the major image sites today looking for a picture on an unrelated project when I came across a photographer that has digitally reproduced the 1970 Daisy Catalog, including pages on the cork guns I've been researching.

The item is on flicker with information on use. As I unerstand it, it will be okay to show you here. Of course many of you are probably smarter than me and already using google images, flikr and the like.

But I thought this was worth passing along.

$60.00 AIRPISTOL SHOOT OUT! Crosman 1377c, Beenman P-17 & Gamo P-23 which is Best?

In this series we will be pitting the The Crosmam 1377C American classic against the Beeman P-17 and Gamo P-23. to find out which is king of the hill?

As most air gunners will quickly notice, these are three very different air pistols. 

I've chosen these three because they are some of the most popular in US. This may be due to each pistols inherent strengths combined with thir outstanding value for the dollar. Guns acquired for this review were purchased from various sources, generally for less than the price listed.

Let's take a look at what they have in common..

All pistols are fire .177 cal lead pellets.

All are used with open-sites (although other siting options are available.)

All are primarily constructed of polycarbonate (plastics)

They are each widely distributed in the US.

All are available for less $75.00 or less (sometimes much less.)

All have a huge consumer following.

The basic differences.

1. Power plants & Actions.

• Crosman's 1377c is a single shot bolt action using an on board a multi-pump pneumaticpower plant.
  
• Beeman's P-17 is single shot, a single stroke pneumatic that uses direct breech loading.
  
• Gamo's P-23 Pistol is a double action only pistol that uses CO2 for it's power. It is theonly pistol of these three that also fires BB's or round lead pellets as an 8 shot repeaterPellets are loaded as single shots directly in to the breech.
  

Now let's take a look at the pistols themselves.

Crosman 1377c multi-pump pnumatic pistol, .177 cal lead pellet. 

The Crosman 1377c is a single shot bolt action using an on board a multi-pump pneumatic power plant.

Crosman bills the 1377C as an "American Classic" and I'd have to agree.

With over 600 fps in .177 caliber this portable, and accurate pump up pneumatic, offers target accuracy and small game pest eliminating power that has been appreciated by Americans since the original model 1300 Medalist II (22 caliber) debuted in 1970.

In 1977 production was switched to the 1377 in .177 caliber and a velocity of 560 fps.

The 1377 was produced in a shoulder stock version as the 1388 from 1982-1988.

The model 1377C was introduced in 1998. With adjustable sights, a 10 & 1/4" barrel this version is rated at over 600 fps or over 6 foot-pounds of energy.

Crosman 1377c, Advantages.

1. Long site plane and decent adjustable sites help w/ accuracy.
2. Muzzle heavy with ergonomic grip angle for good off-hand hold.
3. Decent Trigger Pull.
4. Nothing required but pellets and a willingness to pump.
5. Exceptional power and value.
6. Adjustable power.
7. Great after-maket and custom performance upgrade support.

Disadvantages.

1. "Cheesy" look to current plastic forearm and stocks which are prone to shifting. (See note on upgrades.)
2. Limited range and authority compared to .22 caliber offerings.
3. Scope mount is impractical without optional or aftermarket steel breach w/dovetail.

Desirable Upgrades.

• Factory shoulder stock or custom replacement from Crooked Barn by Keith or RB Grips.


• Steel breach with dovetails for optical sight mounting.


• Trigger work.


• Port Polishing.


• Custom caliber conversion to .22 or .25 caliber.

Notes. 1377c is a large pistol that points & holds well, it's grips/stocks are the greatest complaint.

Gamo, P-23 .177 cal CO2 pistol, .177 cal. lead pellet, .173 cal steel BB.
Now let's take a look at the Gamo P-23. This CO2 powered Double action only pistol is capable of firing 12 round pellets or bb's in rapid succession. Pellets are single-shot and are easily loaded into the tip up barrel.

The fit and finish on excellent on the unit we tested. This particular gun has been in my family for the last several years and gets a good bit of use.

The gun comes equipped with a non-automatic safety which is good.
The safety is easy to understand & manipulate with the non-shooting hand(See. Pic).

Gamp P23, Advantages.

1. Compact Size.
2. Tip up barrel for easy loading.
   
3. Quality finish and construction for this dollar level.
   
4. Nice feel and grips. Sit well in the hand,points well
   
5. CO2 operation is efficient and powerful.
   
6. Repeater option and ability to shoot steel .173 cal. BB's.
   

Disdvantages.

1. Requires CO2 cartriddges to operate & temprature above 50 degrees farenhiet.
   
2. Small Sites and site-plane.
   
3. Heavy trigger-pull with no Single Action alternative.
   
4. Cost - this is the most expensive of the three pistols compared.
   
5. Limitted power and accuracy?
   

Beeman P17 Single Stroke Pneumatic Air Pistol, .177 cal. Lead Pellet.

The P-17 has a strange history/back story which we will start

next. 

Until then, take care and thanks for reading.

More to follow - in Airgun Shootout 1377c,P-23 & P-17 Part II