By B.B. Pelletier
There have been some great airguns in the recent past, and today I’d like to take a look at one of them: Crosman’s Mark I Target pistol.
Ruger Mark I .22 rimfire pistol – the
model for Crosman’s Mark I.
They copied the Ruger Mark I
Crosman copied Ruger’s most famous handgun, the Mark I semiautomatic .22-caliber pistol. Ruger introduced this pistol, which built their company, in 1949; the Mark I dominated the handgun world by the time Crosman first offered their Mark I target pistol in 1966. The Ruger is a 10-shot semiautomatic, while the Crosman is a single-shot.
Single-shots seem to bore a lot of shooters today, but target shooters all know that the most accurate mechanisms are those that load and fire manually. So, the single-shot Crosman Mark I is actually MORE ACCURATE than the .22 pistol it copies!
Crosman made it right!
When Crosman copied Ruger, they did several things that made their gun better. First, they gave their pistol an adjustable trigger that any Ruger owner would love to have. It can be adjusted down to mere ounces and has the proverbial glass-rod breaking point. Second, their gun had better grips than the Ruger. Theirs were more hand-filling, plus they gave them a thumbrest on the left side that Ruger never offered. Finally, they gave their gun a rifled barrel (in .22-caliber only) that was the finest of all air pistols for that caliber and time. A careful shot can group inside an inch at 50 feet – something a stock Ruger Mark I cannot do.
Crosman’s Mark I is more attractive and even more
accurate than the Ruger it copies. This one has
aftermarket grips, but the rest is all Crosman.
Adjustable rear sights and a patridge front blade make for a perfect sight picture. Two power levels are determined when cocking by stopping at the first or second click while pulling forward on the cocking knobs located on both sides of the frame. The earlier versions of the gun also could have their power tweaked via a small screw in the front of the frame. All in all, a wonderful target air pistol.
How does it compare to the S&W pistols?
I was asked how the Mark I stacks up against the S&W 78G that I reported on in the Remembering Smith & Wesson’s pellet pistols posting. The Mark I is more accurate than the 78G, though I must say I like the feel of the S&W better.
Like S&W, Crosman also made this gun in .177, but unlike the S&W, theirs had a barrel that also accommodates BBs. It isn’t as accurate as the .22 or either of the S&W pistols. The Mark I is the more desirable gun.
You can still get one!
Even with its reputation as a great shooter, a Crosman Mark I pistol is still very affordable – even more than S&Ws. A gun similar to the one shown here should cost $100 to $125 if it holds gas. If you like good air pistols, start searching for a Crosman Mark I!
Great review!
Makes me want to go and buy one of each. So the 79g falls inbetween the 78g and mkII in terms of accuracy. Right now i’m leaning towards the 79g as there are several on auction. I was about to buy a MK II, but i’ll go with a 79/8g or mk I
Thanks for the Info
James
I’m a new user and I would like to know is the Gamo type air gun metal or plastic?
I guess you are asking about Gamo handguns, because they also make sifles. Their handguns are mostly plastic.
B.B.
I read the commet from anouther anonymous person and I would like to know is the “Powerline Model 693 BB Pistol Kit” made of metal because it doesn’t say on it’s page. Is the chrome at least metal because I would like a air gun that’s made of metal, at least a part of it, and that is at a cheap price. I was thinking about the “Powerline Model” because it comes in a kit and also I’m a new buyer so I was wondering is this a good kit for me to start out with. One last thing I wanted to know is that does that plastic piece on the bottom of the “Powerline Model 693 BB Pistol Kit” always hang down or does it close up inside the bottom of the air gun because that looks like it could get in the way when trying to operate the air gun. Thank You for the information!
Not being familiar with the Daisy 693, I asked the folks at Pyramyd AIR to check for you. They tell me the barrel and slide are metal.
The piece on the bottom is part of the CO2 mechanism and it does remain on the gun all the time you are shooting. As far as getting in the way, I think it would only do that if you were trying to draw the pistol from a holster. Many CO2 pistols have similar mechanisms and I’ve never been bothered by them while shooting.
As far as this being a good pistol to start with, what can I say? The specs tell you what it is, and I know Daisy airguns are as foolproof as any on the market. So, if this gun has what you are looking for, I’d say it’s a good one.
B.B.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I just picked up a Crossman Mark 1 Target gun. Nice gun I must say. I got it from an older gentleman I know, it belonged to his dad. Id love to find someone who might be interested in swapping it for a pellet gun rifle. I have never fired it in the month I have owned it. If interested email me at slightly_twisted_2@hotmail.com
Is it still available new? I bought one over 25 years ago and it still works great!
I have the .22 model and use .177 darts aon a dart board at 25 feetplaying dart rules ….
I have since lost the spec sheet. It has two settings. High and low. DOes anyone still has a spec sheet? WOuld love to get a pdf of it for my file …
Try Dean Fletcher for the technical data on a Mark I.
B.B.
I have a Mark II for sale…excellent condition.
Jim Vincent
gapagod@aol.com
Check out this site for spec info and parts
http://my.tbaytel.net/~coopers@tbaytel.net/CrosMkI/
Thank you for that excellent resource!
B.B.
I bought a Mark I, in the original leather/like case with 2 Tins of pellets and original papers, shows 1st owner 1969. 99 % finish. My second. they are beautiful airguns.
I HAVE A MARK 1 TARGUET IS THE BES AND UNIKE AIR GON IM LOOKING FOR PART TO BIE MY ADRES o.h.chiwkxwa@hotmail.com I NEED THE JANDER GRIP
Hi, I have a Mark I too but I one of the cocking Knobs is missing; anybody knows where I can get another.
Chasquez,
Two places come to mind.
mac1airgun.com
and
B.B.
B.B.
I’m bouncing between the MK1 & the Benjamin EB22.
I really like the looks of the MK1, that it has an adjustable trigger, adjustable velocity (in the cocking mech. & possibly with a screw), adjustable & better trigger than the EB22, the accuracy, & that it can be modded.
Putting aside that it’s a vintage gun & a collectors item, & that it can be modded by Mak1… For the same price, I can get a brand new Benjamin EB22.
I’m wavering here, & to me it comes down to do I want a cool collectors piece with potential, or a new gun with a warranty, that I know is of brand new condition?
Can you add some input that might shed some light on something I might be missing?
– The Big Bore Addict –
BBA< I’d go with the Mark I. I have one that I love and you will too. Living in a warmer clime, CO2 presents little problem for you. B.B.
B.B.
Yes indeed, Las Vegas does has it’s advantages for us airgunners. 🙂
I was leaning towards the MK1, as it is one of the most beautiful pistols I’ve seen, & as I am becomming more & more knowledgeable about airguns, I am really starting to appreciate some of the older classics.
The more I read, the more I learn that the saying “they don’t make them like they used to” is very true with a lot of the older airguns.
You’re knowledge & input is helping to transform me from just an average airgun enthusiast, to a really enthusiatic airgun collector, who is learning to appreciate both, what the new AND the older models have to offer.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this, byut you’ve been a great help tp me B.B.
Thank you!
– The Big Bore Addict –
Hi,
You stated that the MKII did not have a rifled barrel. That may be true of some of them but mine is .177 and definitely rifled.
John
John,
Yes, the Mark II barrel IS rifled. It has a special rifling that won’t get damaged from steel BBs.
B.B.
Hey B.B.
Does that mean that you CAN shoot bb’s with the MKII ?
If so, is it designed for it?
ie: Does it have a magnet in it, or will the bb roll out if you point it down?
P.S. I have one coming! 😉
Thanks,
-The BBA –
BBA,
You can shoot steel BBs in a Mark II. The bolt has a magnetic tip.
BBs are not accurate in the gun, but they won’t damage the bore.
B.B.
Yup… I understand.
Rifled barrel = accuracy with pellets, but not with BBs.
Smooth bore = accuracy with BB’s, but not great with pellets.
Hence the MarkII is more accurate with pellets, but you CAN break some glass bottles shooting BBs with it if you want to.
P.S.
Once again B.B. you were right!
I LOVE my Mark1.
I think that when I die, I’m going to be burried with it & my Crosman 600! lol
Thanks again,
– The BBA –
I have one for sale If anyone is interested. Great site very informative
I have one for sale crosman mark I made before 1975 shoots e-mail me cwphillips@windstream.net
First dibs!
Sending email now! 🙂
– The BBA –
Anonymous with the crosman Mark I made before 1975,
This is not the best place to sell your fine gun. This article and the comments below it were started in 2005. Not many people check back here since they spend most of their time on the current article and comments. See here:
/blog//
I would suggest listing your gun for sale on one or more of the many good classified ad sites for airgun sales. Here’s two good sites:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/
http://www.airguns.net/classifieds/classifieds.php
Good luck,
kevin
wanted smith@ wesson 78g 22cal in good shooting condition only.
pestcontroller,
This is not the best place to advertise a WTB (Want To Buy). I would suggest that you visit this site and place your WTB ad:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/
kevin
Well actually, I have a number of 78G's & would be willing to part with one.
Post up your email & I'll get in touch with you.
– The BBA –
Hi BB I’m looking for Crosman’s Mark I / Mark II.
Do you have any idea where I can find one?
Thanks
Two ways to get one.
Contact Tim McMurray at Mav-1 Airguns. He modifies them and should be able to get you one quick.
The other way is to watch this forum:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574
B.B.
Anonymous looking for a Mark I and/or Mark II,
The Mark I was discontinued in 1983 and the Mark II was discontinued in 1986.
Your only option is to find a used model. Several answers above your comment are links to popular sites that exclusively deal in used airguns. My suggestion is to try those sites and monitor them regularly since the Mark I and Mark II are very popular pistols.
kevin
I have a Crosman Mark II in excellent condition. Serial # 180563 with a patent pending stamp. Does this pre-date the orignal model of 1966? I could be interested in selling. Thanks,Steve
rockumsockum53@yahoo.com
Hi Steve,
I may be intersted in buying this.
I sent you an email, so check your emails & please get back to me.
Thank you,
BBA
Steve Lahnum,
You have a very desirable pistol. It's one of the most popular models to modify (even into a rifle). Here's a good place to research the value and also sell your pistol:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/
kevin
I need seals for a Crosman Mark I and can't seem to locate them in Canada. Any ideas?? buckstag@hotmail.com
buckstag,
Unfortunately, I don't know where you could locate some seals for the Crosman Mark I. There are only a handful of folks who will even see your question on a 5 year old post. However, if you were to post it over on the current day's post, then upwards of several thousand folks will see it, at least one of whom will probably know the answer. And probably give you link to the McMaster-Carr product number for them 🙂
Cheers,
Bobby
Seals? Try Joe Groenwald,
Seals,
For Crosman seals go here:
Ron Sauls
http://www.bryanandac.com/
864-261-6810
B.B.
I have a Crosman mark 1 still in good condition, slightly scratched, all original parts, no modifications. My father gave it to me when he passed away… i have used it for 5yrs now. anyone interested in it?
just email me at navigator645@yahoo.com
thanks…
Email sent! 🙂
BBA
I HAVE A MARK 1 THAT WAS PURCHASED BEFORE 1974. I HAVE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HAND GRIPS.HAS BEEN STORED IN A GUN CASE SINCE 76 IT STILL LOOKS AND SHOOTS EXCELLENT. VERY CLOSE TO MINT. WOULD SELL IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT !!
YAHOO,
This isn't the best place to seel your gun, because very few people ever read an older blog like this one.
The best place to see is here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/79574/
B.B.
Hey YAHOO,
I'd be interested in buying it.
How can I contact you?
Can you post an email for me?
Thanks,
TheBBA
I am looking for a mark 1 if you have one to sell email me at karlbappert@yahoo.com
Does anyone know a source for the cocking knobs on a Mark 1? I have a Mark 1 with one of the cocking knobs missing.
David B.,
That’s something that will have to be made, as there aren’t that many donor guns available.
B.B.
HI, I HAVE RECENTLY STARTED COLLECTING AIR GUNS DUE (IN-PART) TO OUR RECENT MOVE TO NY. I HAVE A COUPLE OF THESE GUYS THE MARK I , MARK II , CROSMAN 600.
(used to collect real/rare/fun Hand & Longs but NY, NY, NY…Trump is our only hope lol)
IF ANYONE HAS ADVICE; WHAT SITES TO JOIN? WHERE TO SELL? WHERE TO FIND GOOD DEALS? HAVING A VERY HARD TIME FINDING VALUES.
Thanks, any pointers
Collins,
Welcome to the blog.
Please take the caps key off, as some readers find it rude.
You posted to an 11-year old blog report. Besides yopu and me, very few people will ever see this. Come to our current blog p[age and post anything about airguns you want.
/blog//
B.B.