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Education / Training Crosman 2200 – Part 2

Crosman 2200 – Part 2

Part 1

by B.B. Pelletier

Well, this was an interesting test! The 2200 I have apparently has a hardened pump cup. It doesn’t pump as much air as it should with each pump stroke, so the gun doesn’t reach the power levels it’s supposed to.

Pellets
Remember that the 2200 Magnum is a .22. I tried Crosman Premiers, RWS Meisterkugeln and RWS Hobbys. At first, I tried a Premier with 10 pumps. Velocity ranged from 433 to 452 – which is way too low for this gun. I increased the number of pumps to 15, knowing that each pump stroke only counted as a fractional stroke due to the hard pump cup. Velocity climbed to 514, which is still too slow for the rifle. Jumping to 18 pump strokes, velocity jumped up to 616 f.p.s. To see if I had possibly over-pumped the gun, I fired a second shot, but absolutely no air escaped. So, 18 pump strokes was not too many given the condition of the pump cup.

How do I know it’s the pump cup?
How did I know it was a hard pump cup and not a leaky valve? The test for a leaky valve in a multi-pump gun is to pump three times and store the gun overnight. If it will fire in the morning, the valve holds air. With some guns, such as the Daisy 22SG, this procedure isn’t recommended because you have to cock the gun in order to pump air into the valve, but the 2200 operates in a more conventional way.

The only other cause for low power would be a weak hammer spring. If that had been the problem, velocity would not go beyond a certain level and there would be extra air in the valve with a second shot. My problem is definitely a hard pump cup.

20 pump strokes!
I decided to go up to 20 pump strokes to see if there was anything left to gain, and, indeed, there was! At 20 pumps, a Premier went 624 f.p.s. That’s a gain of 8 f.p.s. for two additional pump strokes, which tells me that 20 is very close to the maximum number of pumps the valve can exhaust. I did not pump it more times because I’m not interested in the absolute last foot-second of speed – just what kind of performance to expect if there was a pliable pump cup in the gun.

Shooting the Meisterkugeln
This was the baseline test since this pellet is the same one Jim House used in his gun the one time he pumped it up 10 times. All the other tests he did were with a maximum of eight pumps, based on his conversation with Crosman engineers. His rifle averaged 590 with Meisters on 10 pumps. My rifle got 595 with 20 pumps and 500 with 10 pumps. That tells me there is no difference between a first variation 2200 Magnum and one made later in the run (House’s was made in the late 1980s). The urban myth of a more powerful first model is busted! Also busted is the myth of a Crosman multi-pump more powerful than Benjamin’s 392. However, the 2200 is still quite a bit ahead of the Daisy 22SG, which gets about 20-40 f.p.s. less.

Will more oiling help?
As I explained yesterday, I liberally oiled the felt wiper on the pump rod, to get the rifle working again. Was that enough? I did it again and reran the tests to see if there was any improvement. Here’s where owning a chronograph pays off! The pump stroke changed in difficulty, and I heard new noises as I pumped. I would have sworn by that evidence that oiling helped, but the chronograph disagreed. There was no significant change in any of the numbers. The numbers don’t lie, so I have to assume the extra oil just got in the way. It’s not all bad, though, because that oil gets blown into the firing valve from the air reservoir, and those seals need it, too.

I’ve established that the first variation Crosman 2200 Magnum is no more powerful than any that followed. If you see one and want to get it, go ahead. There’s nothing special about an early one except for the finish.

I’ve also verified that buying an airgun and “putting it aside” is not such a good idea. That’s where my like-new gun came from. The first owner had set it aside just because the price seemed good and he liked the look, but pneumatics need to be exercised, or they harden up like this one did. If you own a bunch of pneumatics, you need to take them out and use them from time to time, or this will happen to them.

We’ll look at accuracy next.

author avatar
Tom Gaylord (B.B. Pelletier)
Tom Gaylord, also known as B.B. Pelletier, provides expert insights to airgunners all over the world on behalf of Pyramyd AIR. He has earned the title The Godfather of Airguns™ for his contributions to the industry, spending many years with AirForce Airguns and starting magazines dedicated to the sport such as Airgun Illustrated.

98 thoughts on “Crosman 2200 – Part 2”

  1. B.B. Can the Daisy 008 Powerline pistol shoot Round balls as well as BBs? It also shoots pellets. For that matter, can any gun that shoots BBs and/or pellets also shoot round balls?
    Thanks.

  2. BB…Very nice story,thanks. l have one of those 2200 for a few years, shot gamo pointed mag. pellets at 500 fps with as l remember at 7 or 8 pumps. Can’t wait to get it back from my son-in-law and try more pumps. lt alway was a fun rifle, and did a fine job of keeping his garder clear.

  3. airgun doc said… “don’t try to shoot lead balls in a dedicated BB gun. They are a tad larger and will jam it.”

    What about the Drozd MP661K? That’s supposedly a “dedicatd BB gun”, but B.B. recommends .177 lead round balls for it.

  4. Nuglor,

    I will soon clear this up.

    The Drozd has a rifled barrel. You don’t rifle a barrel that will be dedicated for BBs. That’s like putting a trailer hitch on a Corvette. Any company that puts a rifled steel barrel on a gun that is intended to shoot steel BBs has a design engineer who’s insane.

    I have tested Drozds with steel BBs and found them inaccurate. Then I tested them on 4.4mm lead balls and found them very accurate.

    I will soon do a test for everyone, but the controversy will no doubt continue after I am done.

  5. I know this is off topic, but I really need your help. I have a Benjamin Sheridan 397 with a Leapers mil dot scope mounted with the B-square mount that accepts weaver mounts. I am constantly adjusting the scope. I used your technique for sighting it in and it is fine for a while, but then seems to wander. I have brought it in to the gunsmith I use and he said that the mount was a bit strange and not to bounce the scope around. No kidding, I handle it with the greatest of care. I don’t want to mount the scope up on the barrel, I like it back, but if it keeps moving around I may go back to the iron sights. Thanks in advance, Matt

  6. B.B.,

    I’ve got a Weihrauch HW45 spring-piston pistol. Not surprisingly, when I mounted a red-dot onto it, I found the scope slowly shifted — forward, not backward as with most guns. I figured this was due to the fact that the piston drives backwards with this gun, right?

    Anyway, my question is, how in the heck do I mount a scope-stop onto this pistol? There are no stop holes or grooves — just a plain, 12-mm dove-tail rail.

    Thanks.

  7. About the beeman s500. I have the GH 950 and I hate it. I have tried everything to make it group. My RWS was far superior. Beeman may make a good higher end gun but thier other guns are outsourced and just can’t compete. If you want a good gun for a good price I would consider a benjamin. Or if you want to save a little money go for the RWS model 48. That’s just my two cents. I don’t want to see anyone get burnt.

  8. .50 caliber pellets are NOT pellets! They are bullets. And, yes, with the proper load they can be used in .50 caliber muzzleloaders. However, not all .50 caliber muzzleloaders are really .50 caliber, so it is up to the shooter to slug the bore and know what he is doing.

    B.B.

  9. yes anything over this in canada you need a firearms license. also if it will can it also serve as a rifle for; say partridge and in what caliper would i use,brands under $200.00. thanks

  10. Since velocity is the restrictor and not caliber or pellet weight, you want the biggest caliber you can get that won’t top 500 f.p.s. That means top it with any pellet, and that’s going to restrict you more than anything else.

    Forget your pricetag – there are very few guns that will do what you want. Finding one at any price will be difficult.

    Airgun makers just don’t make guns that are restricted to 500 f.p.s., unless they are made for the Canadian or certain European markets. So what you need to do is shop with a Canadian dealer for the biggest caliber they have that meets the law. I would say go for .25 caliber but I don’t think you’ll find one, so look for a .22.

    A pneumatic that meets the law is best, because pneumatics lose less power when you increase pellet weight. A Daisy 22SG that meets the law will be just as powerful as any other pneumatic, because they are all going to be restricted to 500 f.p.s.

    B.B.

    B.B.

  11. ok that makes sense. there are one or two options in .25 and a few more in .22 for us. i guest my original question was would i be inhumane hunting with these rifles or with they kill them effectively

  12. I am looking to get two air rifles – one for my son and one for my daughter.

    We live in the country, so truthfully range and sound are not a concern, but accuracy and ease of use is.

    My son is an excellent shot with his .223 and my .308, but I am looking for something that he can take the dog and go looking for rabbits, squirrels, birds,etc.

    My daughter cannot hit the broad side of a barn right now with a firearm, so I was wanting to get a .177 caliber that could shoot bb’s or pellets that was accurate and easy. Accuracy – enough that she did not get discouraged, ease of use VERY important for her. I also want it to be powerful enough for rats, snakes, birds in the grainery/feed room.

    I was looking at the Crosman 2100 or Daisy 880 for her, but really have no idea about him.

    Can you give me some suggestions, remembering that these are kids running around the countryside.

    Thank you in advance

  13. Sorry, they are ten and eight, respectively. They both can do pullups of their own strength, and he can handle my 870 pump shotgun, she can handle a youth model .233. They both weigh about 70 lbs. He is 56″ tall and she is 50″ tall.

  14. Okay, Give me until tomorrow early and I’ll have a list for you. It will be a short one and I’ll explain my choices.

    The list doesn’t take that much time, but I’m doing some other pressing things at the moment.

    I will be cost-conscious, but if you have a rough cost limit, I’d also like to know that. If I know of something extremely good that’s just a little more I will tell you about it.

    B.B.

  15. Tomorrow is more than adequate. Truthfully, I had not thought of cost – most of the guns that I was familiar with as a kid have gone down quite a bit in quality and accuracy, so i really had no place to start.
    With her, I was trying to stay inexpensive since I am sure she will progress into something else.
    For him, since he is used to hunting with me and can care for a gun better, and I hope will be using it on a daily basis, I am willing to go better. In fact, I had considered the talon for him, but I think my wife may come unglued at the cost, and I am not sure it is the rifle to strap to a kid traipsing through the woods considering weight and all.

    I am not very blog/chat literate, so I may be way off base asking this question here, for that i apologize, but am very grateful to you for your response.

  16. Father of two lucky kids,

    Okay, I’ve thought about it and am ready to recommend some airguns. First for the boy.

    I recommend a Benjamin 392 multi-pump pneumatic. See it at this link:

    /product/benjamin-392-pump-air-rifle?m=205

    In the past I would have recommended the Sheridan Blue Streak, which I own, but the lack of good pellets in .20 caliber steers me to the Benjamin .22. I bought my first Blue Streak when I was 28 and I still have it. I love it. The Benjamin 392 is so similar and it comes in the more desirable .22 caliber.

    Don’t put a scope on it! A multi-pump needs the top of the gun free to hold during pumping. Putting a peep sight on is a good idea, though.

    I applaud your choice of the Talon or Talon SS for your son. As precharged rifles go, it’s the best one around for the money. But I would start out with the 392 because it builds a closer association with airguns. Because it has to be pumped for every shot, it’s a lot like a flintlock. The shooter develops a bond with the gun because preparation for the shot takes so long.

    There are spring rifles I can recommend if the 392 isn’t to your liking.

    Now for your daughter. I recommend a Daisy 953 Powerline Target Pro. This is a single stroke pneumatic thaqt I think your daughter will be able to pump. The stock might be a little long for her though.

    /product/daisy-powerline-953-targetpro?m=585

    A second recommendation for her is the IZH 61 rifle. It looks futuristic and a little “black-rifleish,” but it is one heck of an accurate air rifle. The length will be perfect for her and the sidelever cocking is lighter than the pumping effort of the Daisy 953. This rifle is so accurate that shooters have put $500 worth of modifications on it (sights and a new stock) to shoot 10-meter competition.

    /product/izh-61-multi-shot-air-rifle?m=76

    B.B.

  17. You said a short list and that is what it was – thank you. It makes my research so much easier to complete with a knowledgeable person giving advice.

    I truly cannot express my gratitude sufficiently. I will jump right over and order them today.

    My kids don’t really mind the “black-rifle” look since I used to shoot speed competitions with firearms and they have seen some very strange firearm set ups.

    Thank you and keep up the good work.

  18. Thank you for your suggestions, I just received the two rifles from Pyramid today. I went with the 392 as you suggested and the IZH 61, due to your accuracy recommendations, and the fact that it will be alittle easier to work. I am going to use the rifle for the girl to train her on safe handling and better target acquisition and accuracy.

    Thank you for your help.

  19. Is shooting open sights much like archery – is the “anchor” point critical for each shot? I mean does setting the gun in the shoulder the same way and placement of the cheek critical? I am trying to sight in each of the guns that I bought and at 20 yds cannot hold a pattern at all. Am using a portable shooting rest that I use with scoped long range rifles, and I hold a good pattern with these without a problem, but these pellet guns are giving me fits. CAn you give me pointers or direct me to a blog answer that you may have previously posted?

    Father of two lucky kids

  20. Hi B.B.,

    Here is one thing to try on a hardened pump cup. I put 3 drops on Naphtha (actuallly Zippo lighter fluid) on the pump cup of my Crosman 760. Pumped it a few times and put it away for 5 days. Today, its back to nearly full compression. The naphtha softens the cup somewhat.

    Thanks and regards,

    S.

  21. HI bb,

    Good enough for me.

    Next, ther’s a company called MAC 1 that offers to super-tune the 392.

    Any comments, experiences, suggestions, recommendations?

    Any other companies you recommend?

    Thanks.

    jh

  22. HI BB,

    Your comment, “One benefit is you can get full power of the factory gun with about five pumps” — that is with the tune or with the factory gun?

    If the factory gun, then what do the final three pumps do, and how hard are they?

    jh

  23. JH,

    You can get the full power of the factory gun with about five pumps of the steroid tune. The steroid gun will go up to almost twice the power of the factory tune – about 20 foot-pounds as I recall.

    The pump effort will be in the neighborhood of 35 lbs for pump five and probably 60-70 pounds for the final pump, which is number 14.

    B.B.

  24. Hi BB,

    70 pounds of pumping effort, and 14 pumps, is not something I look forward to with any great glee.

    At that point, I can learn springer technique, and buy Crosman’s Phantom 22, all tricked out as the Tac 1 Extreme, for less money, and 28 pounds pumping effort, and 1 pump, and free shipping.

    So………….

    (I just learned that I just missed out on the Benjamin 392LE, Crosman claims it will not be building any more, and that their custom shop will not build one either. Double rats!!! The story of life ….)

    Ohhhhh welllllllll.

    In your personal experience:

    1. Are any of your Benjamin/Sheridans tuned, and if so, which ones, and what tune, and what does that do for the rifle(s)?

    2. Is tuning really a benefit for a Benjamin 392 or 397, and if so, what benefit(s)?

    3. Is tuning really necessary for a Benjamin 392 or 397, and if so, why?

    4. What is the usual (not factory claimed)pump effort and resulting fps, for the 392 and for the 397, at 5 pumps, 6 pumps, 7 pumps, and 8 pumps.

    5. Is the “4th tin free” at Pyramyd good for multiples of 4 tins, or just the first 4 tins?
    For example, if I order 12 tins, are 3 free, or only 1?

    I think that’s enough for now.

    Thanks in advance for your kindnesses.

    jh

  25. jh,

    1. Consider a Sheridan (all .20 caliber rifles) the same as a Benjamin. What do you mean by tuning? Do you mean Mac-1’s steroid tune that we have discussed, or is there something else?

    2. See above.

    3. I think a factory gun is fine the way it comes.

    4. I have no idea of the effort for pumps 5 through 7. Pump 8 comes in between 35 and 40 lbs.

    5. The 4th tin is good for each 4 tins you buy, so the answer is yes.

    B.B.

  26. Hi, BB,

    1. It was the steroid tune. I recall in one of your articles a brief mention of a steroid Sheridan, and was wondering if it was all that much of an improvement in power vs. pump effort.

    2. Same as above,

    3. I was thinking factory tune is probably best for all but springers, and probably even some of them.

    4.a. Instead of muzzle fps, do you know what the usual target-clout is for a 392 at 50 yards, 14.3 gr, for 5,6,7,and 8 pumps?

    4.b. Same for a 397?

    5. Terrific.

    6. That you have to type in the letters for EACH response you write is yiech.

    7. Has anyone discovered a way to search the reader responses?

    Thanks again for your time.

    jh

  27. Hi again, BB,

    c1. what are the advantages of the B/S brass barrels, other than the obvious one of never rusting?

    c2. Is the HB22 the last of the .22 pumper pistols?

    c3. How long do YOU recommend the HB22 remain pumped up at 5 pumps?

    c4. At 8 pumps?

    c5. What happens if the HB22 is pumped MORE than 8 pumps?

    c6. Which is more powerful, the 1322 or the HB 22?

    c7. Which do you recommend more and why – the 1322 or the HB22?

    I hope your colleague, Tom G., is doing okay with all the flooding in his area.

    Please send him and his wife my regards, and my wishes for their safety, and my hopes for minimal damage.

    jh

  28. JH,

    Instead of answereing each individual question, let me tell you my thoughts. The Benjamin HB 22 is the latest iteration (who knows if it’s the last?) of a 60 year-old design. It is made in such a way that it can be handed down for CENTURIES!

    The Crosman is a great airgun, but there is a lot of plastic in it. It will certainly last fror decades with care, but not for centuries.

    Don’t leave these guns pumped too long. Their seals are very flexible and they will extrude if left pumped to max pressure. You have longer with five pumps than with eight, but who really knows how long that is? Only the guy whose gun just broke.

    Surprisingly, the power of the two guns is very equivalent. And the gun with the longer barrel (1322) will always get the nod.

    Any time you overpump a pneumatic, the power drops. When it gets beyond a certain point, the valve refuses to open and the gun is valve-locked.

    The Gayords tell Pyramyd AIR that they are not having any problems with the rain. Other than the general misery of wet conditions, the floods are confined to small areas. Like everthing else, the news tends to blow things out of proportion. But thanks for your concern.

    B.B.

  29. Hi, again, BB,

    So good to hear the Gaylords are escaping the flooding. Give them my well wishes.

    c1. repeat. What are the advantages of brass barrels over steel?

    c2. reword. Does anyone else still make a .22 pumper pistol?

    [The weird question numbers just help me keep track of what I ask, so I don’t repeat stuff.]

    g1. Does the 392 actually reach 685 fps with 14.3gr and 8 pumps? If not. what’s the average fps?

    g2. Does the 397 actually reach 800 fps with 14.3gr and 8 pumps? If not, what’s the average fps?

    g3. What’s the average fps of the HB22 with 14.3gr and 8 pumps?

    g4. In the Pyramyd pictures of the 392 and 397 combo packages, what appears to be a pistol scope is attached near the front of each barrel. I can make out the scope, and the rings. But how did they attach the rings to the rifles? Maybe you can ask the Pyramyd techies?

    g5. The HB22 manual document, adjustments page, shows a small metal plate held by 2 screws, just below and on the left of the sight adjustment. There’s a similar plate with two screws on the 392 and 397 on the side of the receiver near the bolt. What is that plate for?

    Thanks for your help and patience.

    jh

  30. JH,

    q1. In theory brass is slipperier than steel so higher velocity. In practice, no. You know about rust resistance.

    2. Not to my knowledge. However, they can always bring it back.

    As for velocities, I don’t have the figures in front of mne. Those velocity numbers are for the lightest synthetics, so I doubt you’ll see 800 with lead.

    The metal plate covers the J-screw that holds the bolt in the rifle.

    The guns that are scope are using intermounts. Not recommended for accuracy because they slip.

    One more thing about velocity. Each gun will be different, so you will never see the quoted velocity from any gun unless you get lucky. Pyramyd states the highest known for all guns. You could see 645 instead of 685 aqnd the gun would still be within specs.

    B.B.

  31. JH,

    Brass barrels cannot be cleaned with brass brushes. But since they don’t lead up as a rule, this isn’t a big problem.

    They are not as strong as steel, so they cannot be used for structural things such as being a breakbarrel.

    That’s about it.

    B.B.

  32. Hi, BB,

    Unless someone stumbles on this article, it’s more like our own conversation area.

    Neat!

    Anyway, off the topic completely.

    According to my calculations, based on one or more of your previous articles, 2007 is the big six-oh.

    I think it’s between July and December, but I could be wrong. [Not an uncommon event.]

    Whenever it is, have a GREAT ONE. And as I said to my wife last year when she had hers, “Think of it as EARLY middle age, dear.”

    ]I’m four past that point, myself, she is my child bride, and I speak from some experience.]

    jh

  33. Hi, BB,

    Did you ever do the accuracy test of the 2200 that you mentioned near the end of the article above?

    Results?

    In a number of your comments, you’ve mentioned that pumper pneumatics lose less power/velocity than do CO2’s or springers.

    Why is that?

    On average how much DO they lose?

    Thanks.

    jh

  34. Left out a few words ………..

    You’ve said that pumpers lose less velocity/power than co2’s or springers when using heavier pellets.

    Why is that?

    On average, how much do they lose?

    jh

  35. JH,

    The pneumatic generates greatest power with heavier pellets. That’s because the pellet keeps accellerating as long as it’s in the bore. In a spring gun the pellet runs out of compressed air after 10-12 inches of barrel, then it coasts to the muzzle. Lighter pellets arfe usually more powerful in springers.

    It all has to do with the length of time the compressed air has to act on the pellet.

    B.B.

  36. JH,

    It’s more complex that that. Each gun will perform differently with every pellet. No one weight can be a turning point because a lither pellet may fit the bore better than a heavier pellet, but a super-heavy pellet may fit the best of all.

    B.B.

  37. Hi BB,

    So it’s back to “test the pellets in each gun”.

    But theoretically, a 700 fps .177 may shoot faster than 700 fps with a heavier pellet, say 8.2 or 8.6 or 10.2 or 10.5.

    And a 600 fps .22 may shoot faster than 600 fps with a 15.8 or a 16.2.

    jh

  38. these were questions.

    But theoretically, a 700 fps .177 may shoot faster than 700 fps with a heavier pellet, say 8.2 or 8.6 or 10.2 or 10.5 ??

    And a 600 fps .22 may shoot faster than 600 fps with a 15.8 or a 16.2 ??

    jh

  39. JH,

    No, a heavier pellet won’t shoot as fast as a lighter pellet. But in a pneumatic it will usually shoot with more ENERGY. Velocity and energy are related, but they are not the same.

    Energy increases as the square of velocity. so heavier pellets can go slower and still be mnore powerful.

    B.B.

  40. jh,

    Tom Gaylord recently did a huge article in Shotgun News in which he tested the 2240 against a vintage Crosman Mark I and a S&W 78G. The 2240 out-shot both vintage guns that are supposed to be the cream of the crop. So the 2240 is a super buy!

    The EB22 is perhaps the last in a long line of gas air pistols from Benjamin. It’s roots go back to the 1950s. It is an heirloom airgun that will last for generations. Need I say more?

    B.B.

  41. Hi BB,

    I’ve seen the pictures of the chronographs on the Pyramyd site.

    I don’t have one.

    I’m curious.

    Do we shoot the pellets OVER those wire things, or THROUGH those wire things.

    How far away do we stand.

    Thanks.

    jh

  42. JH,

    I hope you have a modern computer with sound.

    Tom Gaylord did an article on chronographs that includes a video of shooting OVER the skyscreens and BETWEEN the diffuser holders (those wire things)..

    It’s here:

    /article/Who_needs_a_chronograph_August_2006/31

  43. Hi BB,

    Regarding the 850 magnum ……………..

    Did you ever do the part three report?
    I can’t seem to find it.

    If so, results ????

    In your comments, you mentioned that there was more information coming regarding accuracy.

    “june 13, 2006, 1241pm – I also have something which may change the way it shoots, so I guess we are in store for more on the 850.”

    What was that info ??????????

    Is there a way to single shoot this rifle, like an ordinary single shot co2, or must the circular magazine always be used ??????????

    In magazine usage, does the bolt have to be pulled back for each shot of the magazine, or can I simply pull the trigger eight times ???????????

    How long to wait between trigger pulls to avoid freeze-up ??????????

    Anything else I should/need to know?

    jh

  44. JH,

    Yes I did part 3. Aren’t you able to search the blog? Go to the current blog page and type in your search terms in the search box. Hwere is part 3:

    /blog/2006/6/rws-850-airmagnum-part-3/

    Your other questions will be answered in part 3, except one. The 850 AirMagnum is a bolt-action rifle. That means the bolt has to be cycled for each shot. When a rifle fires with each pull of the trigger it is called a semiautomatic. A bolt action cannot be a semiautomatic.

    You cannot work the bolt fas enough to freeze the action.

    The “something” was the phony silencer, which changed nothing.

    B.B.

  45. Hi BB,

    After I sent the above, and just before you responded, I found the part three. I was using the wrong search term(s).

    Tricky little devils, those search terms.

    Thanks for your response.

    jh

  46. Hi BB,

    I loved your rant today. [7/27/07]

    Like you, I go back to that time in history when “keep the customer happy” was the main motivation for a company, and when that made or broke a company. And when the five-year-performance was far more important than the quarter-to-quarter-performance. And when the reputation of a company was far more important than the bottom-line.

    Unfortunately, except for the two companies you mentioned, and perhaps for a very few others, those days are pretty much gone. [Which is why I still deal with the two companies you mentioned, and those very few others that I’ve found.] [Pyramid and Crosman, so far, being among those others.]

    In any event, my EB22 arrived today, [from Pyramyd, naturally], [along with an HB 22, and twenty pounds of ballistic putty], [I’m going to be VERY busy for the next few days], based on your recommendations.

    I began, experimenting with the EB22. I know you gave the nod to the longer barrel of the 1322, but I can always convert a 1377c [maybe always ?? ].

    I was using CR wadcutters, and boxed-domes, to test the EB. The wadcutters were okay, the domes were a little tighter. But I wasn’t too happy with the overall tightnesses. I had some JSB exacts, and I said to myself, “self, let’s see what happens.”

    WOW !!!.

    At 60 feet, I went from three inch groups to one inch groups, hand-held, open sights, with a brand new pistol, 6.4 inch barrel, and quad-focals. Impressive !!! Almost scary !!!!!

    Old [pun intended] [especially since I qualify more than you do] BB is right. Keep a bunch of other brands and types of pellets around, just for testing, if nothing else. Ya jest never know what’ll happen. Each gun IS different, even “same/identical” models, and EACH gun likes a particular pellet to feed on. This case being a perfect example. I went from three inch groups to one inch groups, just by changing the pellet. I’m still flabbergasted by the differences. In addition, I had dialed the elevation up for the wadcutters, and for the domes, and now
    I had to dial the elevation back down for the JSB exacts. And they’re all the same nominal weights, 14.3. WOW !!!

    [ Feel free to excerpt from the above whatever you like, to the current post/comments/blog, for those who may need HEAVY reinforcement.]

    Luvyaman. Love your nom-de-plume, too, especially the mis-spelling. Trying to throw us off, eh?

  47. jh,

    THAT is exactly the experience I am trying to have with my Taurus! When I have it (if I ever do) I plan to tell other PT1911 owners what to do when they get a lemon.

    But the process I’m going through (and ranting about) is the same for airguns and really for almost anything. In a larger sense, I’m trying to show the newer airgunners how to learn a gun’s secrets and how to behave while things are still brown and stinky.

    I know you understand, and hearing what you said makes this effort worthwhile.

    Thanks.,

    B.B.

  48. Hi BB,

    Just wanted you to know that I’m keeping “jh” for this location, and I’m going to use “jj” for those times when I want to comment on current articles and blogs.

    jh

  49. BB,

    I found a 2200B at Compasseco, $66, plus shipping.

    New old stock. Serial number indicates it was made 12/04.

    James House was right. It’s a great rifle, right out of the box.

    If you’re interested, hurry, not many left.

    jh

  50. Hi BB,
    jh here.

    Waaaaay back in March or early April of ’07, josh-at-crosman wrote on the crosman forum that pumper people were going to be really surprised and happy at the end of the year, or a little later, depending on development-and-testing time. And it was going to be available through the custom shop for all kinds of add-ons.

    As you know, I’m still hoping for a modernized 2200.

    Here’s hoping.

    jh

  51. Let me start by saying I enjoy air gunning. I love the ability to shoot whenever I like, garage space for me is ideal. One of the joys is looking for inexpensive guns and seeing how well they can shoot.

    Over the winter I had the opportunity to buy a brand new Crosman 2200. Crosman stopped production on this rifle around 2004. Well I dealt out my $39 and was thrilled with the deal.

    Just like any kid on Christmas I could not wait to get home and try this old classic. I had a little time on my hands before my kids came home from school. So with eyes glaring wide and spit hanging from my jaw I opened the box. Wow this is brand new vintage stuff, I’m excited. Everything was looking good.

    THE FIRST SHOT – – – this is where things started going down hill faster then a cheetah chasing an antelope at dinner time. I grab the pump handle and started the ritual every pneumatic pump shooter goes through. I’m thinking this is way too easy. Holding the gun gently squeeze the trigger and NO BAM – NO NOISE – No pellet leaving the barrel let alone hitting the target. What? What the heck? This gun is brand new What is going on? Well gathering my thoughts and and picking myself up off the floor after the huge let down I started to inspect the pumping lever. Then I was able to see that the pump lever was disconnected from the piston. Ahhh ! thats why it was so darn easy to pump.

    After a little time to think I realized since this rifle was sitting in its box for the last 3 or 4 years the oil had frozen the seal to the chamber. Time to take the NEW gun apart. Thanks to Crosman posting parts diagrams, and my mechanical ability I felt confident I could fix this small mess. And I did.

    I also had to use a little crazy glue on the pump head where it attaches to the piston. If you pumped too fast it would separate.

    NOW BACK TO THE FIRST SHOT – The little Crosman was now shooting, velocity at 5 pumps was at 475 FPS avg. with Crosman Premier pellets. Around 600 FPS @ 10 pumps. No air leaks after sitting.

    On paper targets things where looking bad once again, with various pellets I was getting really bad flyers. They looked like curve balls being thrown by a major league player. The Bushnell 3-9x AO scope that I mounted I now removed and still had flyers. We are talking about shooting 5 yards here. Again Whats UP? 1/2 inch groups were opening up to 6″ groups. I am an average shot, but to yank shots 6″ off target at that distance was almost impossible. A blind caveman couldn’t do it if he tried.

    Well this time I looked at the barrel. The crown looks like it was chewed out by a beaver. This cant be good I cleverly thought. So I take apart the little beast once again. I removed the last 1/4″ of barrel with a pipe cutter and reamed a new crown with a countersink bit and JB bore paste. The barrel looked better then new. I new it could not shoot worse then before, so confidence was high. On reassembly I bedded the chamber block with JB weld so it would not wiggle.

    Back too the bench. Now the flyers were gone. and shooting ragged 1 hole groups. At 10 yards the Premiers and RWS Super Point Extras were holding 1/2″ to 3/4 inch groups. Not a target gun by any means, but now it was fun to shoot and good enough to bag a pest here and there.

    Bottom Line – I like the rifle a lot it was worth the price and then some. And the tinkering made it all the better. Hay what fun is it if the little Crosman shot well without the work?

    14.3gr.Crosman Premier = 469 Fps @ 5 pumps; 590 Fps @ 10 pumps.

    14.5 gr. RWS Super Point Extra = 456 Fps @ 5 pumps; 570 FPS @ 10 pumps.

    18.2 gr. Crow Mag = 425 FPS @ 5 pumps; 520 FPS @ 10 pumps.

    21 gr. Beeman Kodiak = 380 FPS @ 5 pumps; 466 @ 10 pumps.

    Joe G

  52. Joe G,

    We have a new program you’ll learn about on Tuesday called the Guest blogger. I would like to use your comment above as a guest blog.

    I can do the work to make this one ready, but if you even want to write another blog posting, you are welcome to join this program. What do you think?

    Wait until Tuesday to learn what the rules of being a guest blogger are.

    May I use your message above as a blog post? Do you have any photographs to submit to accompany it?

    B.B.

  53. Hia BB,
    Thank you. What a compliment. You may use it any way you need to. Being a photographer and not a writer, I can get a photo or two together on Monday.

    Joe G from Jersey.

  54. B.B.
    Thanx for your reply and info. I have had this site rifle only 4-5 years and must admit that it’s early failure was most likely due to my lack of knowledge about care and storage. Although I did oil it lightly from time to time I do not know if there was a right or wrong oil type. 3n1 machine oil? The dehumidifier in the gun safe may also have contributed to the failure IDK.

    Any way, thanx again.
    Robby

  55. B.B.
    Thanx for your reply and info. I have had this site rifle only 4-5 years and must admit that it’s early failure was most likely due to my lack of knowledge about care and storage. Although I did oil it lightly from time to time I do not know if there was a right or wrong oil type. 3n1 machine oil? The dehumidifier in the gun safe may also have contributed to the failure IDK.

    Any way, thanx again.
    Robby

  56. B.B.
    It will not pressure up. It worked fine the last time I used it. I put it away in the gun safe for probably a year. Got it out to relieve our shed of a rodent.
    It will cock, and try to fire when the trigger I’d pulled. It just goes plunk. When pumping it up it seems to have maybe a little less resistance than it used to. I do not hear any thing that sounds line bleed off, or bleed by, during the pumping process. I have put oil on the felt ring that shows at the top of the opening stroke but that doesn’t seem to affect any change.
    I am an electrician and was a radar tech in the military so I’m sorry of mechanically inclined but certainly no gun smith.

  57. Thanx again for your advice and pointing me in the direction of help with the repairs.
    Wish I had found this site sooner. I would love to have gone to that shotgun show here in Texas. Any ideas when where the next one will be?

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