$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