by B.B. Pelletier
The new Marlin Cowboy BB gun is a beauty!
Well, I’m getting to this just in time for Christmas. And to tell the truth, I haven’t had this gun that long. The Marlin Cowboy, imported from China by Crosman, is a lever-action BB gun made with much of the nostalgic past in mind. On the top of the color lithographed box, they point out the metal lever and mention that the gun is made from solid wood and metal — the same battle cry big bore maker Dennis Quackenbush has been espousing for over a decade. Apparently, they have discovered what the U.S. buyer wants. And from the first look, I would have to say they got it right.
The Cowboy is a 700-shot BB repeater. The instructions say to limit the distances to the target to 10 meters or less; of course, I’ll be shooting it at 15 feet, the same as all other BB guns. The Cowboy has been priced right, at less than $40, to compete with its obvious foe, the Daisy Red Ryder. While I don’t like to make comparisons in my reports, it’s impossible to ignore the market this gun is targeting. Everything about it screams “first BB gun” to me. The size, price and features focus on a small person as the shooter.
The gun (it’s not a rifle because it hasn’t got a rifled barrel) is 33.25 inches long. It weighs a scant 2.75 lbs., and has a cocking effort of 20 lbs. Because the cocking lever is short, kids are going to have to learn to use leverage to cock this gun. You aren’t going to hold it on your shoulder and cock it, that’s for sure. The front sight is a very cowboy-looking blade and ramp, and the adjustable rear sight is a plain notch with a stepped elevator slide. Windage is not adjustable. There are no fiberoptics, thank goodness, so the young shooter gets to learn the basics the right way.
There’s a built-in safety, because this is the age of blame over responsibility; but, again, thank goodness, it’s entirely manual. And it’s small enough to be disregarded unless you mean to use it, which I do not recommend. For the benefit of new shooters, safeties are not the safe things they sound like. They simply mean that a gun may be cocked and loaded and “on safe,” which is never a good thing. Better to not cock it at all, and the safety will not be needed. If you do cock it, which loads a BB in preparation for firing, shoot the gun immediately afterwards to return it to the safest condition of all — uncocked.
The wood is stained with a blonde finish, which contrasts with the dark black finish of the metal. The manual says to oil the outer surfaces of the metal parts to prevent rust, so I would assume they’re finished with black oxide and not the electrostatic paint that’s more common these days.
Cocking will seem strange to those with BB gun experience. The cocking lever is connected to a ratchet that catches it by increments as it swings through its arc. Once caught, the lever cannot be returned to the starting position until the gun is completely cocked. You cannot uncock this gun by any method other than shooting.
At first glance, I thought the gun was put together with rivets until I examined the heads on either side of the receiver and discovered them to be Allen screws. Not that I recommend disassembling a BB gun, which is more complex than disassembling most spring-piston pellet rifles; but when the time comes, the Cowboy should be able to be taken apart.
Both sides of the receiver are covered with Allen screw heads. You can see the manual safety button behind the trigger.
Loading is done on the left side of the outer “barrel” that shrouds the real shot tube. A door is pushed up to open access to the BB magazine. You can then pour BBs in until the reservoir fills.
Lift the loading door and pour in BBs.
I found an undocumented feature on the gun that piqued my curiosity. It appears to be a window that allows you to see if the gun is loaded. It appears to look directly at the shot seat and shows the BB next in line for firing. I bet it was intended to do that very function and somebody decided at the last minute that it was a liability to have it as such, so they left it there but do not mention it in the manual. Because BBs work via gravity feed in the Cowboy, you’re best-advised to believe that the gun is always loaded, even if the last shot fired no BB.
You can see through this window on top of the outer barrel shroud directly into the space above the shot seat. That BB you see is the next one to be fired, but the owner’s manual does not mention this “feature.” You’re well-advised to ignore it in operation of the gun, because the gravity-feed mechanism can always dislodge a BB when you don’t expect it.
When the gun is cocked, the BB falls down onto the shot seat in preparation for firing.
There’s an oil hole in the outer barrel shroud, and the owner’s manual advises oiling with a drop of Crosman Pellgunoil every 250 shots. I over-oiled the test gun before shooting it the first time, and the excess ran out the rear of the receiver and onto the floor — so, oil sparingly!
Overall, I would rate the Marlin Cowboy as a very nice BB gun. It’s one you can be proud of the whole time you own it. I wish there had been BB guns this nice when I was a kid back in the 1950s!
Many of you have waited patiently for this review, so I’ll hurry it along, knowing that there are holiday decisions waiting in the balance. I expect to complete the report before the end of next week.
Thank you, B.B. I wanted to remind you that you promised to review this bb gun but didn’t want to push you. It looks like you have so many guns to review as it is.
I was a bit disappointed to see that this bb gun loads like the modern Red Ryders: on the side. I had hoped from looking at the Marlin early on that the bb reservoir would load below the muzzle, by twisting the end cap sideways, like on my late ’50s Red Ryder. This new method will work of course, but I was hoping for a bit of nostalgia re-realized. : )
My birthday is coming up the end of this month. I’ll gift myself the Marlin, but think I’ll wait until I return to Marin, to avoid the hefty shipping charges to Hawaii.
By the way… that window you mentioned that “allows you to see if the gun is loaded. It appears to look directly at the shot seat and shows the bb next in line for firing” is a feature on my modern Daisy Red Ryder as well. It’s odd, but sometimes after I cock the gun the visible bb does not fall in line with the chamber and I have to push it down into position with my thumbnail or fingernail. It’s likely my memory of 50 years ago is faulty, but I do not remember my old Red Ryder failing to load and fire the next bb as often as this modern version does.
Joe,
I wasn’t aware that Red Ryders now have the “BB loaded” window, as well. Thanks for that info.
B.B.
The RR I bought about 15 yrs ago also has the same slot.
twotalon
Morning B.B.,
Looks like the Red Ryder has some competition from the new guy in town.
Joe B, I seem to remember that my Red Ryder failing to fire was one of the reasons I became a Model 25 guy in a land of the Red Ryders.
Bruce
B.B. or anyone….
Off topic..
I have a blue chrono and printer, along with a bunch of pellets and a Gamo tree rat to abuse coming from PA today.
I was wondering if the chrono printer can be re-inked or if I will have to buy some replacement ink rollers from some place.
twotalon
twotalon,
The chrono printer uses common printer inks available at most office stores.
B.B.
Thanks B.B.
A visit to Staples in the next few days will be in order.
twotalon
twotalon,
If you want to get an ink roller it’s a IR-30 ink roller. While you are there get yourself some rolls 2.25″ wide paper.
Bruce
Thanks Mr. B.
I was going to measure the paper to find out what size to get.
I also plan on doing a modification to the Gamo tree rat. I understand that the hole reducers tend to fall off. I can fix that.
twotalon
My wife has a big roll of paper that is the right size, so I am all set on the paper.
The chrono and printer seem to be operating ok, although the chrono takes more care than my prochrono not to have the screens trip and give errors.
The Gamo tree rat is fixed up. I drilled holes in the reducer mounting tabs and used a spare snow blower shear pin clip for securing them.
twotalon
B.B.
what is the length of the actual barrel? (ballpark is ok) and is it the same as in the Red Ryder? (whatever that is)
T.E.
sorry, I should have said “length of shot tube” I believe
T.E.
TE,
Yes, the shot tube is about 12 inches long and I would assume the Red Ryder tube is the same.
B.B.
BB,
This gun is getting bashed a LOT on the internet. Many people say it is a piece of junk and don’t buy it. Ditto for the Benjamin pcp pump. Is Crosman slacking in the quality control department. Or is it just that these are made in China?
The AF pumps get ragged on a lot too.
Both kinds look the same except for the paint job. I had an Air Venturi pump a few years ago that also looked the same (it died after 6 months or so).
Here are questions we do not know the answer to….
How many of these pumps have been sold in comparison to how many FX , Hill, and Axsor?
The lowest cost pumps will no doubt be sold in much larger quantities. What percentage of each kind fail after a short time when they were PROPERLY used?
How many first time buyers used their pumps improperly and caused the early failure themselves? Think they would ever admit it?
twotalon
Is there such a thing as an electric pcp pump? Can an air compressor to inflate tires with the proper adapter be used instead of a pump? Thanks for any advice.
Shop compressors usually only put out about 120 psi. Pcp guns (most) use around 3000 psi.
You need something on the order of a scuba compressor to fill up a pcp. Costs a lot of bucks.
twotalon
Joe U,
There are electric pumps out for PCPs but they aren’t what you’d expect. So far the ones I’ve heard about need a standard air compressor, like you’d use to fill a tire or run a air hammer, as an assist plus they take practically over night to fill a tank. Also, reliability is still an issue for something that has to run for that long to do the job. That’s what I’ve heard so far.
-CJr
CJr,
Thanks. I am planninf to get the Benjamin pcp pump for the Marauder pcp air pistol. After reading Twotalon’ post on the Benjamin pump, I was looking for altenatives. Buying a scuba tank may be an option if it can be used pn the pistol and if there is a place near me to fill it. Any other ideas will be appreciated
Joe U,
I looks like the Marauder pistol has the same male Foster quick disconnect fitting that the rifle does so, yes, a scuba can be used very easily. If you go the scuba route talk to a PA rep and they will fix you up with the needed attachments. It’s not too clear to see what you need by looking at the catalog but a person at PA can tell you for sure and they’re very nice to work with, in my experience.
-CJr
Joe U,
PA sells two different models of air compressors for around $3,000.
/product/airetex-atlantic-4500-psi-electric-air-compressor-incl-scuba-tank?a=2982
/product/airetex-atlantic-4500-psi-gasoline-compressor-incl-scuba-tank-adapter?a=2983
-CJr
Some one makes a small “Shoebox” compressor in fixed 3000 OR 4500 psi versions. Meant mostly for filling your guns or small paintball tanks. Price is $400 give or take.
Takes 24+ hours to fill a scuba tank. And I understand you must rest and lubricate them every 6 hours but not sure about that.
Also hear Crosman is bringing out a small compressor in the $500 give or take range. Let’s hope it is more durable than their hand pumps.
pcp4me,
Nix on the Crosman electric compressor this year. The technology just isn’t ready yet.
B.B.
I think you hit on the key issues here, Volume sales x average unit failure rate = higher volume of failures. From what I can gather, these 3 and 4 stage air pumps are required to perform a fairly difficult task at some cost point that may not equate to a very durable product. Multiple stages with sealing devices under huge pressure with dirt and heat as the enemy of long-life. Couple that with the potential for operator error or overworking of the device and we have failure.
Also, as an analogy to the Cowboy “bashing” on the internet, I have seen really well made guns (in this case the Walther Lever Action rifle) also get bashed for “not cycling the magazine” and…”the magazines are really cheap because the teeth (ratchet) wore out”, etc, etc, blah-blah-blah. Of course, it’s likely that you will see this same “reviewer” of the Walther gun in his mom’s basement on YouTube showing the world how his Walther Lever Action can shoot 1000 rounds per minute as he jacks the lever at the same rate! (with requisite baseball hat on backwards).
There is a grey zone between ultimate hobbyist/connoisseur (think BB and other FWB owners) and immature dabblers in this hobby, as in most hobbies I suspect. Fortunately, the good folks on this blog are in the grey zone or heading towards connoisseur status. That’s why I come back here day after day, folks making good comments made with thought, and opinions almost always stated as opinions, not internet “facts”.
Twotalon and BB,
I have seen a FEW people on the Internet admit as how they may have been the cause of the premature failure by doing extended pumping sessions.
That said, here is my take on the subject. I am sure the manufacturer’s know the possibility of these things being done to their pumps. I contend they should make them as idiot proof as possible to avoid just what is happening with all the rags on the Benjamin/Air Force/Air Venturi pumps. If they are that fragile I don’t want one. I do NOT see ANY rags on the Internet for the Axsor and Hill and FX pumps! However I would bet most buying those are not first time pcp buyers with a lack of knowledge on how to maintain a gun and pump.
Admittedly, those are a little pricey. But if I were buying one, I would go pricey versus fragile every time! Sometimes you do get what you pay for. And I mean that both ways.
pcp4me,
You are looking at a self-fulfilling prophesy. The buyers of Axxor and Hill are typically better-informed users who don’t abuse their equipment. Those who buy the Benjamin pump are (often, but not always) those who are looking for a bargain. The Sizzler crowd, so to speak. And they are also the ones who buy AirForce rifles and then disassemble them before shooting the first shot. I used to put their guns together at the factory after they experimented with them.
Nobody buys an S410 and strips it, but a large percentage of Condor buyers do just that. And half of them get into more trouble than they can handle.
Remember, I live ten miles from where all these pumps are repaired (Sun Optics) and I get to see the other side of things firsthand.
B.B.
pcp4me,
I have talked to many people who bash hand pumps and I’ve found that they are the causes of the failures. They pump too fast, so the pump wears them out. They don’t bleed properly, so they get water in their guns. They clean the pump shaft and ruin the seals. They bleed the pump in the dirt, thus killing the pump instantly.
I have seen these people do all of these things firsthand, so I tend to discount their internet rants.
As for the Marlin Cowboy, I can’t speak to the quality beyond the test that I’m doing.
The AirForce pump and the Crosman pump are the same unit. How come I can use them without a problem?
B.B.
If you were in your mom’s basement on YouTube pumping at 1000 cycles per min you could break it!
But… you would have to your baseball hat on backwards to do that.
I must say my first Benjamin pump failed on the 4th use. It think it was overgreased and the intake valve was so clogged it could not pull air into the pump. Purely speculation. The 2nd pump I got from Crossman was received one week to the day I shipped the old one. I have had no problems with this pump so far, yet I have used it for a multitude of fills on my Discovery and Marauder with zero issues. It was shipped free, and Crosman followed up with an email to make sure I was satisfied. Crosman is among the best customer service companies you could possibly do business with.
I also have a couple SCBA tanks, but only use them when I am feeling very lazy. Otherwise, I enjoy the pre shooting ritual of pumping up my PCPs.
One thing rarely mentioned. When the Benjamin pump is new, and you release the presure built up prior to removing the hose from the rifle, it will often spray excess lubricant as well as the moisture it was designed for, all over your carpet. This isn’t good. Especially if you have pristine Berber like my pal Volvo. I highly recommend putting a scrap piece of paper underneath the relief valve until you notice no more oil discharge. Just a suggestion.
It is a good pump. If it isn’t, Crosman will make it right. FX undoubtedly makes a fine pump.
Slinging,
Not sure I shared this yet, but picked up a 98% R9 with a JM replacement spring and seal for $300.00 shipped, which means about $275.00 for the rifle. Guess some things never change.
One of the differences between the pump that was included with my disco and the FX pump is the FX pump came with not one but two exterior moisture filters. Also the FX pump is a four stage, so pumping past 150 bar is easier. I enjoy going to as many bars as possible.
Thanks for reminding me I need to clean the carpets before the holidays.
casey,
I just realized I did not answer your question about the Walther Lever Action. I have sung praises for this rifle many times and I don’t mind singing them again.
I really like this rifle because of its looks but not just for that. It is a very accurate rifle ,also. It’s pretty and it’s accurate. What more can you ask for?
I am a fan of the lever action and wanted an air rifle that duplicates that action you’d get in a firearm. This one does it real well. It also looks and feels just like I’d imagine the real firearm would. Even though I have not actually held a Winchester 94 there have been comments on this blog that support that.
The magazines are made of metal and fit solid in the rifle. Under normal use and not abuse I don’t see how the ratchet ridges could wear out but I guess everything fails over time.
The only thing I wish worked better was the loading of the two CO2 carts. It’s just that it’s hard to tell when both are punctured and I feel like I’m over tightening them to make sure they do get punctured.
If you want to mount a scope it takes a special adapter. I mounted a scope but I mounted one that I think looks period in that it is a small diameter tube shape and not the flared end ones you see now a days.
If you get one I’d suggest getting extra magazines, too, because you will enjoy shooting it very much. At least I do.
-CJr
CJr Thanks for those comments, guess what I just ordered yesterday!?
I have been admiring this Walther gun for some time and I found one for $255 new and yes, I have (and got 3 more) extra magazines for it.
It will be my indoor/garage fun-gun for the winter up here, as I have a 10 meter range in the garage where I can shoot into a steel trap for both paper and small, knock down targets.
Did you know that the latest European Lever Action model is now an 88 gram air source gun? Go the Umarex.de (German) website and have a look. I asked the Umarex U.S. folks if this was the successor in the States to the current model and they said “no”. Not sure if that is the official Umarex “no” or the person answering emails version of I don’t “know”?
Anyway, I’m really looking forward to getting this new toy!
Brian,
I have the Umarex USA 2011 catalog and the 88-gram lever action is listed as a new product.
It will be at SHOT and it will be replacing the 12-gram rifle now. Nothing wrong with the current rifle, though. And the butt is smaller than the one that holds the 88-gram cartridge must be.
B.B.
BB,
Did the catalog give the price for the 88gr one ?
I wonder, would the larger stock make it too different from the original firearm? Have to wait for SHOT I guess?
-CJr
CJr,
Mfr. catalogs have info & images, not prices. Price sheets are handed out to dealers who plan to sell the product. We’re writers, so we get just the catalog.
Edith
Edith, thanks for that. Is there a chance PA will have them before the SHOT?
-CJr
Brian,
They didn’t specify any geld. Any idea how much?
Based on the current “MSRP” for the 2x 12 gram version, I am guessing $395 / $450 in the States?
The stock and buttpad look about 20% larger in the photos and there is a “key” or tool to unlatch the buttpad and a pair of pliers or tongs to screw in/unscrew the airsource bottle. A lot of extra contraptions but…maybe they store in the stock?
BB:
I had my Christmas present early this year,so nothing else for me unfortunately.
My wife is not into guns,so she was looking at a new ipad or iphone for herself.
I suggested a new iron.
How she laughed…Not 🙁
DaveUK
DaveUK I suggested a new iron,
So how’s it feel to sleep on the couch now?
-CJr
An Iron is a great idea…as long as you get a hot-plate in return for your sleeping quarters out in the garage!
“Honey, when I said iron I meant them thar shootin irons, you know like the cowboys use. But then I realized that ain’t a fittin ‘n proper thang fer a gal like you. You deserve a BMW.”
Sometimes it pays to have a wife who is not into guns.
I would hate to be the victim of an unfortunate ‘accident’.lol
Edith you are a real star putting up with my old blarney without comment.
I think you know a toothless Tiger(me) when you see one 🙂
DaveUK
BB,
Aside from the metallic cocking lever, it looks like a functional Chinese knockoff of a current red ryder, down to the ratcheting cocking lever and trigger, with some minor sylistic changes. Perhaps the person writing the manual did not even realize the purpose of the viewing port. I don’t think that is a new feature of the RR, as it is on the 1938B, which was copied from a fairly old version of the RR. I don’t think the finish is hot-blued at that price point (you can look inside to see if the interior is also blued or left unpainted), oiling even a painted or powder-coated finish will slow down rust in any scratches.
Too bad they didn’t copy the old RR, especially the trigger, loading port and rear sight.
/blog/2010/05/a-tale-of-two-red-ryders-part-1/
/blog/2010/05/a-tale-of-two-red-ryders-part-2/
I have a little more sympathy for compromises from Daisy for keeping a classic in production at the price level necessary for its intended market than I do for a company apparently plagiarizing somebody else’s signature design produced offshore from the beginning.
BG_Farmer,
My Red Ryder is a 111-40 and it doesn’t have the window to the shot seat. I don’t believe the 1938 model had the window, either. The B is a fairly late version of the 1938.
B.B.
The 1938 (first year of production, 1972, with A/B variations being major updates for legal purposes) are supposed to be exact copies of the Red Ryder as produced in 1938, though I don’t recall what the original model was if it wasn’t 1938. I do remember that RR’s suffered plastic stocks and design changes in the 40’s and 50’s before they were discontinued. Good area for research. I was expecting to like this Cowboy gun, but the more I look at it, the more it appears to b a blatant rip-off.
BB,
I mean that the 1938 (as revived in ’72) does have the window.
BB,
Is the oil hole in the same place as the Red Ryder also? I’m thinking that this isn’t so much a design as an exploitation of relevant patent expirations for big box store placement. At least the Chinese left to their own devices usually copy guns that the Europeans don’t make anymore.
BG_Farmer,
The Marlin Cowboy is not a copy of the Red Ryder. It isn’t even close! It looks nothing like the Red Ryder and everything is shaped different or in a different place.
The oil hole is located in a similar location, but that has to be, because of what it has to do. Like the dipstick in a car engine, there are only a few places to put it.
B.B.
On the subject of cocking, I wonder if Paul Capello follows this blog? I enjoyed his video of the RWS 48, but I was amazed at his method of cocking and loading which involved a lot of switching of hands. There’s a better way with cocking and loading the gun with the right hand. It is more easily done standing than at a bench like in the video, but it can still be done seated. You have to brace the buttstock against your chest. Anyway, if I couldn’t do the one-handed cocking and loading with the sidelever, I would go with an underlever.
B.B., what’s with the steep learning curve for reloading for your new rifle? If you can handload while watching TV, I can’t imagine there’s much else to learn.
Victor, I know what you’re going through with the purchase of a high-end smallbore rifle. You might consider Champion’s Choice in Tennessee who were very helpful with me. I’ll be eager to see what you settle on. One of my serious contenders was the club version of the 1907 with the 54 match action for $1500, but a gremlin in my ear made me plunk down another $500 for a more adjustable stock. I have not regretted it. Why do you want an $800 scope? Competition is mostly if not exclusively with aperture sights isn’t it? Besides, my $125 Centerpoint airgun scope does just fine for smallbore distances.
Matt61
Matt,
I will be indexing the cast bullets from the mold and also indexing the cartridge cases to the rifle, so I don’t have to size them. I will be sorting bullets into half-grain deviation piles. I will eventually be weighing all the powder charges. I will be crimping the cartridges in a Lee Factory Crimp die.
These are all extra steps I left out of my little tutorial because the point there was to show how easy reloading can be. But if you want to be anal, reloading is the most anal drill I know of.
B.B.
I realize that you need more pressure and stress just like a boar needs teats but…I can’t wait to hear the results of your first shots in that ballard with your loads. Within a half grain eh.
I’d consider driving to Texas to shoot that gun with those fantastic sights. The bubble level still blows me away. I really don’t need a ballard. I really don’t. I gave away my reloading stuff. I really don’t want to replace it. I just don’t shoot powder enough anymore. I really don’t need a ballard. I really don’t. Really. I don’t think I do. Pretty sure I don’t.
kevin
Kevin,
All that I told Matt will be downstream. At the moment, I’m just working up some mild loads to get her sighted in.
Come on down and let me show you a rifle you cannot live without. And no chance of getting her, either! But I’ll sure let you bust a few caps.
There is a guy in Minnesota who sell guns like mine all the time on Gun Broker. He has several at any one time, but here is just one:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=199680836
Then there is the Winchester Gallery, of course. Except I don’t know of any more super deals like this one. But I have other contacts.
B.B.
kevin,
Gun Broker just crashed, but try that link later.
B.B.
Knock it off you crazy guy.
I’m all about condition as long as I can shoot the gun. As I said years ago, I’m not a collector. When I saw your ballard it put me on a fence as to whether or not I would shoot it or auction it for the fine collector value. I would have to shoot it at least several times though. I know your fanaticism for taking such pristine care of your guns and am proud of you for not hesitating in shooting the ballard.
Seems to me that gunbroker crashing was an omen. Praise Him!!!!
kevin
To anyone interested in pcp pump reliability:
I have been through 4 Air Force pumps in two years. They have never seen dirt, and I only treat them gently. So now these pumps get a thumbs down from me. Now I only use a skuba tank.
Loren
I only had that one pump crap out. (I had bought it as a spare)
The Axsor and FX have taken a beating over the years and still work fine. By a ‘beating’ I do not mean abuse….just a lot of use.
Get a good one….lasts a long time. Get a bad one….fubar fast. Any kind.
twotalon
Twotalon:
Have you considered charging your talon tanks with nitrogen? Recently at a welding supply shop I was told that I could rent a nitrogen tank from them and buy the regulator for it. If I recall the rent was not all that bad.
loren
I don’t mind using a pump. It is just not that hard.
twotalon
I just got tired of packing those pumps up and sending them back to Texas.
Loren
Loren,
I spent some time with a gentleman at Roberts Oxygen investigating using nitrogen. He was a ten meter air rifle shooter when he was in college. A very helpful man to say the least. I thought HPN at 6000 psi would be a good way to go. Alas, it was not to be for me due to the cost. $600.00 a year plus a regulator of some type.
However, I’m on my 3rd pump from Crosman and like yours none of mine were abused in any manner. Number 3 seems to be working fine, but every time I pick it up…..
Bruce
MrB and all other PCP Pump guys… are you making your issues known to Crosman and/or Air Force? Also, I have not heard anyone remark on the Hill (UK) pumps?
Surely the folks on this blog represent the more informed and judicious users of all things airgun and your credibility should be high with the pump makers?
But… to BB’s earlier point, he has never had any catastrophic issues with any of his hand pumps. Why?
These topics and varied reports of product failure make product liability and design guys CRAZY! From my earlier comment/opinion; I think a 3 or 4 stage hand pump is a design waiting to fail, kinda like rotor aircraft.
Brian,
There’s a lot of mob mentality and much ignorance involved. For example, about the only low-cost scope I have never had any problem with is the much hated Tasco, which most internet experts will tell you are broken before you mount them. I’m not saying they are the best scopes on earth, which they most certainly are not, but they are nowhere near as bad as you read about. I would say they are on an equal footing with just about every other similar scope, perhaps made in the same factory in some cases :). On the other hand, I’ve had several scopes of another brand that is praised to the the heavens on all the shooting forums (not a brand sold at PA anymore at least, by the way) fail after only a couple hundred shots of light usage (one failed sitting in a closet for a couple of months). The optics were a little better than most Tasco or many Bushnell scopes, but they must have cut a less obvious corner :).
B.B. doesn’t need a pump he has a carbon fiber high capacity tank.
From his comments, he has used many of the pumps, that was the reference.
Yes that is very true
Loren
Mr.B.
Yes $600. is a bit to spendy for me to. But I will check it out here in Bama and get back with you.
Loren
Anyone on this blog have the Alfa Competition PCP Pistol? Not saying I want to replace Ms 46 but I do seem to have developed a roving eye.
-CJr
CJr,
Wacky Wayne does. Since he stops by here so infrequently lately you may have to keep asking Wayne for his comments on the current blogs. I know when he sees your question(s) he’ll answer. He’s very unselfish that way.
kevin
My local Wal-Mart has the standard Daisy lever-action rifle and then they have a larger, fancier, Red Ryder commemorative or something or other, with a little medallion in the stock. Frankly, I want one! These little lee-vars are fun!
One rule with them, they are ALWAYS loaded. Street musicians, guitar players, talk about never getting ALL the nickels out of their guitar cases, and in the same way, you never get ALL the BBs out of a Red Ryder. When you cock it, assume it’s loaded a BB.
Gosh I wish I had the extra $50 to throw around ….. this one I’m raving about is small for an “adult” rifle but large for a Red Ryder, like my Gamo Delta it’s sized for me.
Im 12 years old last year I got this bb gun for Christmas and I gotta say it kicks the red ryders butt
I’m almost old enough to be your father but I like the Marlin as much as you do!
I have a few other BB rifles. The Daisy RedRyder, the Model 25, an old model 99 and the Marlin. My favorite is the old model 99 and then it’s the Marlin before the 2 other Daisy guns.
If you like airguns you can come here:
/blog//
every week day when a new blog article is published (this one dates back to Nov. 2010) and I can assure you you’ll learn some cool stuff about airguns and the shooting sport in general.
Welcome to the blog Kyle.
J-F
i got a marlin cowboy for chirstmas 2013 i have the same problem after a couple of shoots out of it it seams like it woun’t load you have to shake it itookit back and got a new one it did the same thing i also bought 2 of the red rider they do the same thing why
Kevin,
Welcome to the blog.
Are you saying that your gun will cock, but not shoot a BB unless you shake it? What brand of BBs are you using? Are they new?
B.B.
yes they are new copperheard4.5mm o.177 i had all kid;s of bb guns and this is the first time i seen any thing like this like i say igot 3 of them and they all are alike
I ordered the Crosman Marlin Cowboy from a local dealer in Canada, and picked it up in store as soon as it was ready. I went home in a hurry as happy as a kid but my attitude quickly turned to shock and dismay, when I carefully inspected the box and product at home. The box looked beat up and the Marlin itself was all marred cosmetically on the wood finish. A silicon pack laid empty in the box and a silicon sized dent was imprinted into the butt end of the wood stock; upon further inspection inside the box, I could see more round imprints probably from the silicon balls that broke out of it’s packet which smooshed up against the box and the actual gun. I dried fired the Marlin a few times and found that the lever action only extended a short distance. There was no way to return the lever to its starting position either, until the action was completely reached. Compared to the Daisy Red Ryder I have, the Marlin’s lever action was about half the distance and felt awkward. The biggest shock was that the Marlin I received was missing the bottom screw on the stock. When I attempted to cock the Marlin again, it discharged on its own mid way through the action. The second time it prematurely discharged, the lever snapped back and hit my index finger, splitting it open and firing a shot. I found this ultimately dangerous and decided to take the Marlin back to the store for a refund as soon as possible. The Marlin felt great to hold with good heft and weight. It ergonomically fit my trigger hand. It’s really too bad the one I received was a really bad example.
Brian,
Wow! Not a good story at all. I’m glad you returned the gun.
I think the Daisy Red Ryder will please you more.
B.B.