Crosman took its popular pump-up Model 362 air rifle and made it better by adding the precharged feature (PCP), so that users can fire shot after shot without pumping seven to 10 times between shots. The ergonomics of the rifle is very similar to the Crosman 362 model.
This kit comes with a high-pressure hand pump so users do not need to go purchase an electric PCP pump--which is expensive. The pump requires simple assembly that can be done with the directions. (That said, the directions that I had did not instruct users to connect the hose to the pump. I am sure we can all figure that part out.) The rest of the instructions were fine, and the pump came with some filters and a multi-wrench to tighten up the parts.
One thing that I noted is that the rifle itself does not have a gauge on the reservoir, so you need to be sure your air pump has a gauge if you are not using the one supplied with the rifle kit. Do not overfill past 2,000 psi! That can damage the rifle or lock it up.
As for the pump effort, I am in my fifties and grew up having to hand-pump my dad’s tractor tires every time he wanted to use it. I found out I am no longer a teenager as I started getting winded halfway through the 70 strokes it took to pump the rifle to capacity. That said, it was not by any means a killer to pump this rifle up. It just got my attention and made me resolve to shoot a lot more with this rifle to get back in shape!
The rifle trigger pull was very clean and crisp and broke at an average of 4 lbs. I liked the trigger. The peep sights are clear. However, I would have preferred a fiber-optic sight post up front to make things easier on older eyes. I did adjust the peep a little bit to get the pellets smacking closer to the bull. They were easy to adjust.
I used a variety of pellets in various weights and found the Crosman Premier Hollowpoints had the best groups at my test range of 15 yards. The best group was one big hole when shooting from my shooting table with no vise or real rest other than my hands. That group was less than an inch! The Daisy Max Speed and Gamo Redfire pellets did well, but the groups from those pellets in the rifle I shot were an inch or a slightly more at that range.
I found the pellets pierced targets with absolutely no issues. In fact, one pellet went through the wood slat in the target stand I was shooting at, so I know it would have killed a rabbit or squirrel with a properly placed shot. (It is not hunting season yet as I write this review, or I would have tried it on small game.)
Overall, the rifle handles very well. It is lightweight and enjoyable to shoot. The claim of “up to 25 shots” is true, and it is a good deal for a hand pump or even an electric pump to be able to get that many accurate and consistent shots with a rifle capable of punching cans through and through and even being used for some small game hunting. Until I test this rifle on small game, I think I would recommend shots be 30 yards or less, but it is possible that rabbits could be taken at longer distances with proper shot placement. I would rate this rifle as an entry level, but solid, PCP air rifle.
I like this rifle and find its simplicity and lightweight handling to be refreshing. I cannot wait to try it on some small game supper opportunities in a few months! MSRP: $219; crosman.com
Specifications
Stock: synthetic
Sights—Adjustable notched rear peep sight with hooded blade front sight
Power: 2,000-psi reservoir for PCP
Safety: Crossbolt
Action: bolt
Caliber: .22
FPS: Up to 700 fps with lead pellets
Weight: Approximately 4 lbs.
Length: 36"
Use: targets and some small game and varmint
Shots per fill: Up to 25
5 year warranty included
