Crosman's 357GW kit
by B.B. Pelletier
There are more great airgun deals in this world than I have time to report. One that snuck up and surprised me is Crosman's 357GW kit.
This revolver is a real trooper!
In 1983, Crosman brought out their 357 10-shot revolver. It resembles a Colt Python, yet it breaks open from a center hinge like a Webley Mark IV revolver. It uses a CO2 powerlet to push a .177 pellet up to whatever speed the barrel length dictates - and that's where the story starts to get interesting. In '83, they had models with both 4" and 6" barrels, and a year later they brought out the 8" gun. These guns are lighter than their firearms counterparts, so the 8" barreled gun is not too unwieldy for anyone to handle. The Python grips help you control the gun, too. How about that? Positive gun control depends on the grips!
Without any competition, Crosman still made this a great deal!
In 2006, you might be tempted to say, "So what?" to a CO2 revolver; but in the middle '80s, there weren't many airgun revolvers to choose from. Add the Crosman price to the mix (with no competitors!), and it gets even better. This was a deal, if you wanted a revolver, and it was all there was! It was good then..and it still is!
The 357 fires both single- and double-action and gets good power (in the 400+ f.p.s. range, depending on barrel length). It's a fast-handling revolver with lots of shots and has a fully adjustable rear sight that gets you on target. Probably several million 357s have been sold in the time it's been around. Bottom line? This is a gun with a following.
Where do they stand today?
To complete this report, I'll compare the 357 to the Gamo R-77. That revolver came along more than a decade later. They don't currently offer an 8" model, and their 6" gun is available only with walnut grips. So, the Gamo R77 is more expensive, has fewer features and lower power than the Crosman 357. It still has its devoted followers, but feature for feature, the Crosman comes out on top.
The other revolver I will compare it to is the S&W 586-4. This Umarex gun costs three times what the Crosman does, and it does have a better finish and lockwork. But, if your goal is to buy an affordable wheelgun and start shooting now, I don't think the S&W is three times better (or more fun).
What about the 357GW kit?
Okay, you know about the plain 357, but there is also a kit version that has some added features. For starters, it comes with both the 4" and 8" barrels. I would buy it for that, alone, but there's more. Also included is a Crosman red dot sight with mounts for the gun, three 10-shot rotary pellet clips and a special hard case to hold everything. At $78.95, that's a deal!
That 8" barrel would be the thing I'd like to try out. I love long-barreled revolvers, and I've never owned one with interchangeable barrels. The S&W 586 has an 8" interchangeable barrel, but it's only $10 less than the entire Crosman kit! That's not to say it isn't very nice, but the Crosman gives you so much for so little money that I don't think you can ignore it. Plus, I'm guessing the 8" barrel will give velocities in the 460+ f.p.s. range with light pellets.
I'd like to hear from 357 owners. How do you like your guns? Does anyone own the kit? If so, how easy are the barrel changes?
posted by B.B. Pelletier @ 4:30 AM
160 comments
160 Comments:
Great article about a great gun. I have had the same Crosman 6" revolver for 6 years and it still works as well as ever. Bought a dozen extra magazines and use it for shooting at objects tossed into the air and for hip shots and can rolling. A real million dollar fun gun for only a little money.
Denny,
Thank you for your comments. I hope to hear from a lot more 357 owners. I do believe this is one of the best buys in an inexpensive air pistol today.
B.B.
BB,I told you on a post that I have an air rifle {daisy 953} that shoots 3000fps and I was wrong.I bought a brand new chronografer from pyramid air and it said it was 3500fps.So sorry for telling you it was less but I now told the truth because of my new chronographer.
KKYY
I hope I don't get on of those broken chronies!
Of the three guns mentioned in the post which is the most accurate? Is the build quality of the Crossman equal to that of the Gammo? Are the shooting characteristics of the three similar? Thanks
I think the Crosman and Gamo guns can be rated as equals. A longer barrel means more distance between the sights and that helps prompote accuracy. Longer barrels have nothing to do with accuracy by themselves.
As for the shooting characteristics, the Gamo always shoots faster in the double action mode, which is the hardest to control. That's because it uses a moving valve body to seal the cylinder, kind of like a Mosin Nagant revolver. Other than that, I'd say they are equivalent.
B.B.
Can't comment on the Crosman or Gamo, but the S&W is a fine piece! I have the Blue model with 4,6 & 8" barrels. The 8" is my favorite, about 1" groups with RWS supermags at 10m (two handed hold). Compares very well to the "real" .357 firearm. I think my CO-2 gun has a better trigger (single action) than my .357.
As BB says, the crosman is lighter. The S&W is 44oz with 6" bbl, the crosman is 32oz (weights from Pyramid) My .357 S&W 6"bbl is 46oz empty, just for reference. Probably a lot easier for someone with less strength to shoot the crosman.
The Crosman kit price is excellent, I might have to get one just to try it!! Thanks BB.
JB
JB,
Thanks for that report. I will do an S&W revolver report one of these days.
B.B.
I ordered a crosman Silver series 357 eight in 1994, replacing the 1377 american classic which I gave to my son. So, here we are in 2006 and the 357 is working great, and still holds gas for months, and still fires at 475-and 500+ fps. It penetrates into a pine 2x4 just slightly less than the the 1377c that I bought a few months ago!
Now, that's a good report! I hope those who are thinking about the 357 see it.
I have a question for you. Do you use Pellgunoil on the tip of the powerlets in your 357?
B.B.
How does the accuracy of the 357 compare to the S&W? Is the S&W made of cast pot metal or of an alloy. Is the plastic construction of the 357 the same as the Gamo R 77 and how do those platics compare to ones used in the Beeman P3?
Thanks, DB.
DB,
I will defer to someone who owns both guns right now on the accuracy question. The S&W is cast of spelter or pot metal All Umarex guns are made of it. Umarex has taken this technology to the highest level I've ever seen. A 586 air pistol looks as nice as a 586 firearm.
As far as the plastics used by Crosman and Gamo, I'm not qualified to comment on what they are, but they do appear very similar. Like the plastic used in Glocks, they come from a group called engineering plastics that are generally better than steel for their intended purpose. Not stronger, just better for other reasons. Don't worry - you won't wear one out.
The P3 is made from some similar stuff, but like aluminum that has dozens of different alloys, I'm sure there are subtle differences in the blends.
B.B.
KKYY,
Ok...., I'll ask.... how is it that your Daisy 953 produces 3000+fps?
Are you shooting it with body armor on?
Do you still have 10 fingers?
Is the barrel shorter than 7 feet?
dsw
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
dsw,
Sorry for that.Ill explain.I made some modifications to my 953.I use a scuba tank addapted to the chamber.The barrel is 57 inches long.The mechanism is new to resist the punch.I hope now you get me.
KKYY.
I have a 357 with an 8" barrel and enjoy(ed) it very much. It died when I accidentally left a powerlet in it, but gave a few years of service willingly. The only thing I can think of to complain about is the trigger pull on D.A. is a tad heavy, but S.A. is a delight for plinking. No feeding, accuracy, breakage or even fit problems. Well,I guess it would not be the first choice if I had smaller hands, but that is a minor thing too. All said and done, a very nice piece, and well worth the money. Now to get it repaired, spring is coming...
KKYY,
I kind of thought you'd have a large quantity of air and a lot of barrel.
Be careful man, there's a real powerful package there.
dsw
357 owner,
Have you tried the Pellgunoil trick? That sometimes brings 'em back.
And do you know where to send your gun for repairs?
B.B.
357 owner,
-Have you tried the Pellgunoil trick? That sometimes brings 'em back.
Didn't think of that, don't know why.
-And do you know where to send your gun for repairs?
No, I do not know where to send it yet, I just had a baby so I have had a few other things to do. I think fifteen minuets on the net should do it, unless you know of a place near Redmond Wa.
I think this is in the top five spots for pellet gun info, please keep it up, and send the naysayers a flaming bag of poo for me!
One parcel of doo-doo on the way!
B.B.
Hi B.B.
I have been following your blogs for a few months and thoroughly enjoy them. It's refreshing to read articles with actual "technical content." I, also, had bought one of the Crosman 357 kits about 2 years ago after a bad experience with a R77. I could throw pellets faster than that R77 could shoot them. That R77 now enjoys a new life as an impressive paper weight on my desk.
After comparing the the S&W revolvers against the Crosman 357, I settled for the Crosman instead. (I guess my having owned a 38T some 20 years ago also swayed my decision.) However, for about 1/3 the price of the S&W, and the fact that I could choose from 2 barrel lengths made this a more flexible piece than the S&W. I could then put the extra dollars into air and ammo.
I too am a fan of longer barreled revolvers. (I shoot a 10 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk.) In which case, I immediately installed the 8" barrel to the 357. The barrel is easily installed by removing the hinge screw at the bottom of the front of the revolver. With the screw removed, the old barrel just falls out. The 8" barrel was then installed and the screw inserted and tightened.
I then took the pistol down to the club to sight it in. After 3 - 10 shot warmup targets to sight in the 357, I managed to get a smaller than dime sized 10 shot group using a double hand hold at 10meters. I was quite impressed with the results that I then drilled and tapped the barrel housing, and installed a #62 sight rail and a Leaper's Red Dot scope. Turning the pistol into air version of a ".22 hunter pistol." I then sighted the 357 from a bench rest and managed to produce a ragged 1 shot group at 10meters.
Although the 8" 357 is quite impressive, it is far from being a hunting piece. I still have to chronograph the 8" barrel to determine its actual mv. However, the 357 magazines provide enough depth that you can load it with high velocity Skenco pellets if you need a lot of penetration. (Skenco's does wonders on soup tins at 10meters.)
All in all I was quite impressed with the 8" 357 that I even bought a 6" model when they were on sale last Christmas and competed with it (out of the box) at a team match back in January. (But that's another story...)
Keep up with the great articles B.B. and take care!
E.S.
E.S.,
Now THAT'S a comment, folks!
I enjoyed reading about your experiences with the 357. And your experiences with the Ruger. I once had an old model with a 10-inch barrel that shot like a dream. Why did I ever get rid of it? Not much recoil, though I did handload to less powerful loads, as well.
The Crosman 357 certainly has a lot going for it. Your group sizes prove that. I hope other readers who might be sitting on the fence read your report.
B.B.
I have enjoyed reading your articles. I have been recently in the market for buying a powerful yet inexpensive pellet pistol. I have always been fond of the longer barreled revolvers, so the crosman 357 caught my eye. I do have a ruger .22 competition pistol with a 7 inch bull barrel mounted with a simmons scope. It weighs about 4lbs.+the scope and its a monster. Its super accurate but it is not the easiest thing for traveling with. I am looking for something lighter without spendin the money for a gamo or another 22. I hear from people the it has phenominal accuracy, but something i like about the gamo is that it has rubber grips and a metal trigger and hammer. Does anyone know if the Crosman has these features? I know the 357 has molded grips but are they rubber. And if cromans 357 hammer and trigger are not metal are they sturdy? So if anyone can answer these questions i'de appreciate it.
The standard Crosman grip is plastic, but then I don't know everything. So how about it 357 owners? Are they rugged? I think they are, but your opinion means more.
Also, I would look at the Drulov DU-10, if I were you. And don't overlook the S&W 586.
B.B.
recently purchased a Crosman 357GW kit thru pyramid air(best prices out there) It is just as good as the one I had over 15 years ago.Crosman quality has not changed. Great gun for the money.
any Idea how I can get a 6" barrel,have been having a hard time locating one. I enjoy your reviews,nice to see another BIG KID out there who enjoys a good air gun.
BIG KID,
I would look for the barrel you want on the classified ads sites. Go to this site:
http://www.airguninfo.com/
and you'll see three websites that have classified ads.
B.B.
I have the 357 kit and it is great. With the 8" barrel it has the weight and heft of my real 357 Magnum revolver, along with a tad more velocity (than the 4" barrel). The only thing missing is the fierce kick of the real thing. It is accurate, even without the included red dot sight.
The plastic grips aren't the greatest and feel "floppy" and as though they may fall off, but they haven't yet and seem to be durable enough. The trigger and hammer are indeed metal, as is the barrel, but the rest of the gun is mostly plastic. The trigger pull in double action mode is fairly heavy, just like the real thing.
Keep the moving parts, along with the Powerlet, lightly lubed with silicone oil, and you should be just fine. There are not a whole lot of metal parts to get rusty.
I would buy this air revolver again in a heartbeat, although I am starting to favor my Airsoft 1911-style autoloader more and more. You can't beat those reusable plastic pellets and undamaged target boxes!
As far as that gentleman's 3,500 fps airgun - even if it were physically possible, you can't possibly get much in the way of accuracy once you go supersonic (above 1,100 fps). That is why most of those Olympic Match air rifles make do with a leisurely 500-700 fps. A 10-grain pellet at 3,500 fps would have as much muzzle energy as your typical local cop's 9mm pistol and more than a 38 Special. It thus seems unlikely.
TS
Dude! I no those S&W's look nice, but the kit of the Crosman is way better. I absolutely love the 8" barrel. Plus it's powerful. I'm a target shooter and It's pretty acurate. It even (with new CO2) Gives me a kick I really like this gun.
B.B.,
im that dude on the Crosman 2000 blog that wants to know how to post comments on tha Quest blog. My comp won't let me on.
I'm sorry, dude, but I do not understand what you are saying. You have posted fragmentary statements in two different places,
Compose a question with a complete sentence - subject and predicate - and post it in just one place and I'll try to answer it for you.
B.B.
B.B. I currently own a Remington Airgun rifle (730FPS or so). Now I want to experiment with air pistols. I have narrowed it down between the Gamo PT 80, and the Crosman 357W revolver. Which do you recommend?
I am looking for mainly plinking (cans/targers). I know that the Crosman has a 2" longer barrel, but how does that compare with the Gamo's? The Gamo is $25 more expensive, but I would be willing to pay it if the gun is worth it. What do you think, between the two?
^^
BB to that above post, could you email me the answer instead? It would be more convienient for me. Thank you for your help. My email is clayb@vt.edu
Gamo vs. Crosman,
I have to choose the Crosman 357 over the PT 80. I believe it's more accurate and certainly more powerful.
B.B.
Ok thank you. I am just concerned with the price range. The Crosman is only $50 while the Gamo is near $70. Does the phrase "you get what you pay for" fall short hear?
You have heard good things about the Crosman, right?
Crosman vs Gamo,
If you read the comments on just this post I think you will see that the Crosman is highly regarded by owners.
B.B.
I just purchased a Crosman 357GW kit with 4" and 8" barrel. I have no experience with co2 guns but
1) the pellet clip seems a little loose, but maybe its inherent in the design
2) I can't figure out how to easily mount the red dot scope. The instructions suggest that the scope is designed for other models.
Any suggestions?
Thanks, DR
DR,
As I don't have a 357 here at present, I'll have to defer to other readers on the red dot mounting question. If we don't hear something by Monday evening, I will call Boris at Pyramyd Air and ask him.
As for the clip being loose, that's how the revolver's action is designed. In fact, I have several Colt and Ruger revolvers (actual firearms) that are designed the same way. The gun should lock up tight when the trigger is pulled.
B.B.
BB,
I managed to mount the red dot via the mounting accessories (459MT) to the plastic sighting rail that is on top of the barrel - but this rail already has some play in it and the pressure of the mounting lugs will surely loosen it more. The base of the mounting lugs appears to be designed to grab a dovetail, but I've got it pinching the rectangular spaces between the siting rail and the barrel.
It just doesn't seem. Thanks, DR
BB (or anyone), the only airgun I have used is a Remington pump .177 air rifle, so I have a question about the Crosman 357's CO2 cartidges. Are they supposed to be left in the gun when not in use? Wouldn't taking them out release the rest of the gas? Thank you.
Removing CO2 powerlets (that is the correct name for the 12-gram cartridge) will always release the rest of the gas. Only the AirSource 88-gram cartridge has a device (on some guns) with a valve that allows removal.
B.B.
So then with guns like the Crosman 357, it is ok the leave the cartidge inside the gun when not in use? Thank you.
The complete Crosman 357 owner's manual is on the Pyramyd Air website. In it, Crosman recommends NOT storing as powerlet in the 357 for a long time.
B.B.
Hi DR, BB,
I saw your post on the 357GW kit with refrence to the cylinder, and red dot. I have pursued the same path as you, and had posted my results on another of BB's blogs for the 1077. Its found over at:
http://pyramydair.com/blog/2006/02/crosman-1077-fun-pellet-gun.html
Firstly, with refrence to your inquiry to the cylinder; Yes it is a bit loose. (Actually, if you were to compare the Crosman's cylinder to that of, say my Super Blackhawk, is "a lot loose!" This is due to the single finger cylinder advance pawl in the Crosman 357 as opposed to the double fingers found in say a Ruger Blackhawk.
However, this loose cylinder does not have any affect on my 357's accuracy at all. The resaon being, that on advance the cylinder lines up perfectly, albeit not solidly, up to the barrel. On the other hand, if you look at the back of the barrel, you will also notice that the barrel entry is slightly stovepiped. This funnelling provides a guide for the pellet as it leaves the cylinder. So, even if the cylinder were not "perfectly aligned to the micrometer" the pellet will still travel a true course once guided into the barrel via the funnelled entrance into the barrel.
I am not sure whether or not you might have access to a firearm revoler, though. If you were to look at the rear of a revolver's barrel, you will also notice that there is a slight funneling in it as well. This is evident on both my Blackhawk, and Super Blackhawk. Therefore, even a real revolver has a margin of error.
Secondly, as for mounting a red dot to your barrel, the option that Crosman supplies is the 459MT kit. My experience with that kit is that it is a bit loose (ref: http://pyramydair.com/blog/2006/02/crosman-1077-fun-pellet-gun.html) In the end, I installed a proper Weaver scope rail on to the rib of my 8" barrel. However, the rib on my 8" barrel is pinned at both ends. (That's how it arrived from Crosman.) Thus the rib on my 8" barrel is rock solid, and once I had successfully tapped and mounted my Weaver rail, I installed a 7" tactical red dot to the barrel of my 357. I have been shooting this configuration for over a year now, and the scope is still rock solid.
On the other hand, if you are trying to mount the scope on to the 4" barrel, the rib on it is not pinned. Therefore the rib will move regardless of the mounts you use. If you are mechnically adept, you may find that the barrel can easily be extracted from the plastic barrel housing by removing the clip at the rear. Then the top rib of the barrel is eaily lifted out. At which point, the rib can be permanently fixed in place with some Marine epoxy. (Careful though. Marine epoxy is really tough stuff. If you mess up... Say put the rail in backwards... Then you're looking to buy a new barrel!)
I should also let you know, DR, that I do have the tools and some skills to work on my firearms, as such these skills migrate over to my airguns. If you have any hesitation at all about working on your 357 then please bring it to a qualified gunsmith!!! The first rule with any gun, be they firearms or airguns is to "be safe!" If you explain what you need to a profesional gunsmith, he should have no trouble at all in assisting you to achieve your goals.
I hope this helps you,
ES.
I would like to know the range on these guns andif there are any flashlights or lasersthat will fit the trigger. I would also know how long you should keep a powerlet in there at the maximum(days, weeks, months?)I would also like to know if there are any reliable, accurate pistols less than $110 without shipping?
I also forgot to include that I am looking for the pistols from 500 FPS to 900 FPS
CP,
Are you reading my current posts? Because you have asked for something that does not exist. It isn't that you haven't found it yet - it simply does not exist.
Air pistols that get velocities about 500 f.p.s. are very rare and, by your criteria, expensive. The AR-6 pistol gets 900 f.p.s. with medium weight .22 pellets, but it costs over $500 and is as long as a carbine.
There is just NO way to get your requested velocity into a conveniently sized air pistol. And forget about the cost being low. You are pushing the envelope, and that always costs money.
B.B.
with this revolver, can you take a double action and pull back the hammer and take your time like a single action. I would also like to know of any other cheap, reliable airpistols that will last for years to come. I would also like to ask the dude with the 3000 fps gun or anybody else if you can hook an air compressor up temporarily to a gun. Another question I have is that can somebody tell me what is wrong with my Gamo P-23. It leaks CO2 when I put in the cartridge.
I have just purchased the 357 and I love it. Its the best gun I have had in years and probably will comtinue to be the best.And to the guy with the 3000 fps gun, what the hell are you shooting at with that thing.Do you actually take it hunting with you or something
M.G.
Colt535,
Take some time and read all the back popsts to this blog. A lot of what you ask is answered there. On your P23, for example, try a drop of Crosman Pellgunoil on the tip of the next CO2 powewrlet.
B.B.
BB,
can you use remoil instead of pellgunoil. I cannot find any pellgunoil in Basspro, Dick`s sporting goods or wally world. I would also like to know a good pellet to use with this CO2 gun.
Colt 535,
Not RemOil - that's petroleum-based and will destroy your gun's seals. What you need is as pure a silicone oil as you can get. ATF will work, though Pellgunoil is available at Pyramyd for a whole lot less.
B.B.
I found some pellgunoil and my gun still leaks CO2. what should I do. I am thinking about buying a new one(this crosman), but I would like to know if it is easier to get it fixed. I think the O - ring(CO2 seal) is loose. I have had only trouble from gamos. What do you think I should do.
Not entirely true...I recently ordered a 357GW from this website and it came very quickly, and works wonderfully.
I have no complaints about Crosman or Pyramid Air, I think that was just one freak incident.
COLT 535,
For some reason, I never saw your comment until today.
You need to send that P23 back and get a replacement.
B.B.
My question is simple, I am thinking of getting this gun, but am curiouse, can it kill a squirrel and a realistic range, rather than a fictional one? (point blanc in the back of the head) realistic being atleast a good 10 meters?
Not sure about that one...I think with the 8" barrel it peaks at about 745fps.
I have the gun and have shot soup cans with it from that distance, the can only dents.
My other airgun (a rifle with 750fps) pierces at least two in a row. It could probably kill it, but when it comes to animals I think more penetration is better.
I believe the Crosman 357 tops out at the low 500s with the 8-inch barrel. It is way too underpowered for squirrels, as are most air pistols.
If you want to hunt squirrels with an air pistol, you need a Falcon or an AR-6.
B.B.
can it kill birds??? and would any of these contribute to a fatality on a squirrel
-head/chest/good shot area
-closer ranges
-multiple shots
-combonation of any of the listed?
I would not recommend the 357 CO2 pistol for hunting. I would get a more powerful air RIFLE.
B.B.
oki doky, i just got my 357 kit, and its not all that strong, i no i no its not supposed to be, but, is there anything i can do to up the power such as up the air output or sumthin? o ya is the red dot sight accurate, i cant get it to shoot in correlation to my gun accurately.. any tips on setting it up?! thx
To boost the 357's power requires an extensive knowledge of CO2 guns. The valve needs modifying and the hammer has to be strengthened. This is not a cost-effective move.
Sight in the red dot at 10 feet. You want the pellet to strike as far below the aim point as the height of the dot is above the bore. At 10 yards you should be an inch below the aim point and can adjust it with the red dot adjustments from there.
B.B.
I purchased the 357 kit about a year ago and have been pleased for the most part with it. my only complaint is with the trigger return spring. about every 100 rounds i have to dissassemble the gun completely and reset the spring onto its perch, and then reasemble. it works again for about another 100 rounds give or take! Has anyone else had this problem? I have not contacted crossman about this issue, as i am capable of repairing it myself, and i will probably end up using some jbweld to hold it in place next time i go into it. Just curious if anyone else has fixed this problem. Other than that the crossman is a fine pistol, i feel that the grips are a bit large but they still look decent. Power is great on a new cartridge, i have put several rounds through thin steel and aluminum plating, as well as plywood. if you really need more power than what this can provide, look into purchasing a rifle.
B.B. or anyone who knows,
I understand that Co2 powerlets are not to be left in for a long time with this gun. But, I would like to know, what is a "long time" Thanks for the help!
micahdakang,
The wording of the warning is intentionaly vague. What Crosman is really saying is that if you don't intend shooting your gun again, take the CO2 out.
Leaving the gas in the gun probably doesn't damage it, as there are hundreds of cases in which gas has remained in guns for many years with no harm. I have several guns that have held gas for more than a year, and I have one that's been charged for at least 6 years. I once bought a gun that had been left charged for 20 years and it was still holding.
Having gas in the gun is the same as having a loaded firearm, because the gas, alone, is what shoots the pellet. So this is a dangerous situation around someone who might be careless while handling the gun. I believe that is the real issue, here.
B.B.
I read that the 357GW will accept scopes/sights with a standard 3/8 dovetail mount. I'd like to get a scope for this gun, but I'm new to guns and am not sure what will actually fit on this pistol as opposed to a rifle. I basically want it to improve my vison. Also what is the difference between a "red dot" and a "laser" sight?
desertgirl,
Have you used the search feature on the main page of the blog? It will list all the blogs in which there are mentions of the things you are interested in, and there are direct links to them.
Just to get you started, a laser projects a thin beam of light, like a flashlight. A red dot shines a dot of light on a window INSIDE the scope. Only the shooter sees it, but it aligns with the target when it's sighted in. Red dots are easier to use than scopes on pistols.
Stick with me and I will answer your questions, but try that search function first.
B.B.
I got this gun and right out of the box the 8" was "Dead ON" at 10 m. that's with a "Cold barrel".. the 4" with the "RED DOT", after "sighting in" was just as good! Although I do not see why you would need a "Red Dot" at 10m.. This is really a Plastic "Toy" gun that shoots well! Another positive side.. it's a real gas miser!!!! I fired 60 rounds and she was still "throwing them up there like "Randy Johnson"!!! If you need an ego booster, put aside the plastic.. and get this gun!
Looks cheap.. works good!!!!
B.B.
I have just ordered my .357GW Kit, and it should be here in about 3 days. I was wandering if there is a good right hand hip holster that is not very expensive that would fit the 8 inch barrel, and would it also fit the 4 inch barrel?
K.F.
K.F.
You'll have to buy a real holster, because Crosman no longer makes one for this gun.
Any holster that will hold your 8-inch gun will also hold a 4-incher, but it will have extra room. The only way around that is to buy one that's open on the muzzle end and that defeats the purpose of the holster.
I would shop the sporting goods catalog sites, looking for a Colt Python holster for an 8-inch barrel.
B.B.
B.B.
I can't find any 8-inch colt python holsters for the right hand. Can you help me out?
K.F.
K.F.
Midway has this one listed at under $30:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=874983
They have three others but they cost over $70 and that's a little much.
B.B.
I've posted a comment last Feb. 14. I've purchased the 6in model and am very pleased. It shoots perfectly, It's great for bird and rabbit hunting, and holds Co2 for months. I also purchased and mounted a tasco red dot since i'm not that used to iron sights. While I was sighting in the red dot I discovered the vent rib rail was shaky. My questios are: Will this break off or damage the rail? and How much money is a replacement 6 or 8inch barrel and where could i find them? Thank you
Dear BB,
Have you used this gun yourself? I was wondering because it seems as if users have ranked the accuracy and velocity at which this gun shoots as above average/great. Just a little reassurance for me before I buy a airgun.
Thanks,
SuperGMman.
SuperGMan,
Yes, I've used it. It is as good as people say. Some folks are having troubles mounting scopes and dot sights, but I usually don't do that. I shoot pistols as they come.
B.B.
I bought a Crosman 357 and it shot fine the first time I used it. I had to tighten the powerlet more than I thought I should even though I used Crosman's suggested procedure - 1/4 turn at a time. After that it would always leak. I called Crosman and they had me clean the seal, which helped, but it still leaked inside the gun. They did mention that sometimes metal shavings aren't completely cleaned out in a new gun and it has to be sent to the factory to fix it.
I bought my 357 locally so I exchanged it for a Gamo PT-80 instead of shipping it to Crosman to have them fix it. I haven't tried the PT-80 yet but am anxious to because of B.B.'s PT-80 review.
Eventually I might pick up the 357 again but will probably get the kit from Pyramyd since it comes with the 8" barrel.
DLB
I was going to buy a Crosman 357 Shooters Kit.. But last night I was scanning the web and I had a look at the R77. The one with the 6" Barell and Walnut Grips. I know you don't approve of it but it looked AMAZING. I love the swing out clyinder and the walnut grips. It just looks like its straight from a dirty harry movie. OK it shoots at 410 fps & the crosman can fire at 475 fps but is that much of a sacrifice for a beautiful gun. Also the R77 Gets more shots per CO2 Canister. I'm stuck... I dont know witch one choose!! Please Help
R77 lover,
Whenever I can make a case for buying something the way you just did, my decision is already made. Get the R77.
B.B.
Is there any site that has both the 357 6w and spare clips? I cant buy any spare clip on this site.
Can I use other pellet type on this model other than wadcutter(like hollow head)?
I e-mail pyramydair serveral times, but they just didn't respond.
357 guy,
You can buy spare clips directly from Crosman.
www.crosman.com
The only thing that limits the pellets you can use in your pistol is their length. If they are too long, they will stick out of the clip and the gun won't close. The shape of the pellet can be anything you want.
B.B.
B.B.
Thanks for your opinion about the pellet.
I tried the crosman site, I just could not find the "BUY" button to puchase it.
I personally prefer the 6' barrel. Otherwise I would have got the kit instead.
And which pellet fit this gun better? Can I choose some heavy weight pellets?
Well, I would expect Crosman pellets (except real Premiers that come in the cardboard box) will fit the best. But fit and accuracy are not always the same, so try many different kinds.
You can shoot heavy pellets as long as they are not too long for the circular clip. I's think 10.6-grain Kodiaks are going to be the limit.
B.Bd
B.B.
Thanks for everything.
I just found a new site, "thegunsouece.com". The guns there are at least $10 cheaper...
( just let you know...)
But anyway, I will buy it here because this site is reliable....
hey b.b. pelletier,
how should cleaning the barrel be performed?
and what kind of oil should i use for C02 cartridges? and how often should i apply?
There is no need to ever clean the barrel. Use Crosman Pellgunoil on the tip of each new powerlet.
B.B.
Hey..
I was going to buy a Crosman 357 Kit from Pyramidair... Until I found I haad to pay and EXTRA £50!!
Was this a misprint b.b or are they Conning us all. Also.. I have noticed that some websites advertiste the Crosman 357GW kit... I this the same as the crosman 357 Kit??
I have referred this complaint to Pyramyd Air.
B.B.
ps the only time you need to clean a co2 gun is if you shot it a lot and then just left it for a year if you do that co2 crap gets up in the barral and stuff or if you dry fired out say 40 shots of co2 when you where done now i know my case was rare but if you leave it a long time i would say run a swab or brush down the barral a few times
Hi well i dont have mine yet but i,m waiting for it to come i,m super stoked cant wait much longer
ps who ever it was who said that they could not find the clips on crosman they wer right i could not get them ether could you tell me where else i could get them thanks a lot love your blog keep it up
SF airgunner
Pyramyd Air should have the clips.
B.B.
The crosman model 357 silver series-8 which I ordered from an outlet in Wisconsin in the 1980's I believe, no longer holds air for 4 months and the barrel latch button finally gave out( I repaired it with some sort of glue but it just came apart. I really like the revolver, at the time the made it with a brass
barrel that easily slides in and out of the main barell enclosure. It is the eight inch version and all the parts is metal except the barrel latch button and I think what they call the cylinder plate part inside, and of course the rear sights and the grips. It was about 68.00 bucks at the time. Of course I'm getting a new version now. It was advertised at 475 fps, which seems to be a little less than my 1377c at full power.
I have been shooting thisi model with open sight for a long time. I am trying to switch to red dot. But the red dot is always above the target about one inch. When I tried to aim higher, I could not see the atrget clearly through the scope. Can someone teach me how to shoot with a red dot sight???
I am trying to put a red dot on my hipa 5.1. But I could only find the scope mount on some Hong Kong airsoft websites. Is there any site in US sells this item????
I am taking for granted that you have used all the adjustment your dot sight has and you still have the problem?
You can shim the front of the mount by sliding a thin piece of material like photographic film under the base before tightening it down. That will lower the strike of the round to coincide with the dot.
B.B.
i bought a 357 10 shot revolver took it home placed a co2 cartrige in it shot it no more than 20 times and then the next time i went 2 use it i placed the co2 cartrage in the gun it leaked and the co2 was empty in like 10 seconds. and the problem keeps happening ive wasted like 10 co2 cartrages i get like 2 shots off the who co2. whats wrong>? what do i need to do to fix it?
You need to return that gun to the dealer. It has a failed seal, possibly an O-ring. Such failures are not common in new guns, and you deserve a replacement.
B.B.
B.B,
myself ive owned a crossman 2100 and my father a 760. we do small game hunting with such things. i dought the 357 would penetrate an animal, but we need a small airpistol for a boyscout group practice. is this gun sutible for minors?
also, where can i get a 357 in a store rather than online for just the gun, not the kit?
thanks
steamingspud
steamingspud,
Wally World used to carry the 357 but I don't think they do any more. Perhaps a Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop.
B.B.
i just relized a random fact...the 357 is not shown to have only the clip revolve and not the whole revolving cylinder, yet there is no part in the instructions that mentions that such a difference occurs. is this a show of low quality against a s$w??
steamingspud