Crosman’s 362 100th Anniversary Edition. This is not a stock photo: it’s the actual rifle being tested.
This report covers:
- Oiled the pump head
- Loading
- The test
- Consistency
- Huh?
- Retest
- Retest consistency
- Pump effort
- Trigger pull
- Summary
Today we look at the power of the 100th Anniversary Crosman 362 pump and there is a lot to learn about multi-pumps today, especially about this one.
Oiled the pump head
I oiled the pump head with Crosman Pellgunoil before starting any of the tests. The pump cup on the head looked dry, so I oiled it with Crosman Pellgunoil. That may have caused something you’ll see in the tests, and I’ll discuss it when we get there.
Loading
I will say that the bolt handle is on the short side, but the 362 cocks easily enough thatv it doesn’t matter. The pellet trough has no screws in it and the pellet feeds smoothly The space for the pellet is short in front of the bolt probe, but it’s ideal for Crosman Premiers.
The test
I shot just a single pellet today, and as you see the tests unfold you’ll see why this was the right way to go. I thought the test would be straightforward but it was anything but. Let’s get started.
I selected the .22-caliber Crosman Premier pellet for all tests. First I will look at the velocity between 2 and 8 pumps.
Pumps……….Vel.
2……………….266
3……………….430
4……………….469
5……………….498
6……………….545
7……………….572
8……………….602
The rifle shot a little slower than I expected, but we are only just getting started. Next we look at consistency. For that I will shoot a string of ten shots with the rifle pumped five times for each shot. Here we go.
Consistency
Remember, each shot is a Premier pellet on five pumps of air.
Shot………….Vel.
1……………….476
2……………….500
3……………….529
4……………….535
5……………….547
6……………….551
7……………….562
8……………….556
9……………….559
10……………..567
Huh?
To the best of my recollection, this is the first time I have seen a result like this with a multi-pump. Remember, all shots in this string were with the same pellet and all were made on five pumps of air. We’re either seeing the 362 break in before our eyes or the oil I added to the pump cup was slowing the velocity down. I did see a lot of oil droplets on the cardboard box backstop after the first and second tests, so I think it was the oil. Look at the pump cup and see what I saw.
The pump cup appears dry as a bone.
I think the reason the pump cup looks dry is the material it’s made from. When I pump the rifle it’s obvious it is properly lubricated.
Retest pump strokes
Because of this test I decided to run the pump stroke and velocity test again. I will show you the results of the second test and next to that the first test results.
Pumps……….Vel……..First test vel
2………………..370………….266
3………………..458………….430
4………………..516………….469
5………………..572………….498
6………………..607………….545
7………………..628………….572|
8………………..654………….602
Retest consistency
One good turn deserves another. So I ran the 5-pump consistency test again. Here is that string.
Shot………….Vel.
1……………….554
2……………….562
3……………….569
4……………….567
5……………….569
6……………….565
7……………….569
8……………….568
9……………….566
10……………..567
The average for this string is 565 f.p.s. Do you see what has happened? The velocity has crept up incrementally, as if the rifle is breaking in. I think it’s just getting rid of the excess oil I used. I notice that after the second pump stroke versus velocity test the velocity seems to have stabilized.
I don’t think oiling the pump cup did any damage. It just slowed the rifle down until all the excess oil was blown out.
Pump effort
What does it take to pump this 362? I do note that you do not need to cock the bolt for the pump to work. Following is a test of the effort needed to complete each pump stroke. I pumped slowly and deliberately, so in the real world you will probably see an effort somewhat about this.
Pump…………effort in pounds
2………………………18
3………………………22
4………………………23
5………………………24
6………………………27
7………………………27
8………………………27
Trigger pull
The weight of the 362’s trigger does not change as the rifle is pumped. The trigger is two stage and stage one pulls with one pounds four ounces. It stops at stage two that then breaks crisply at between four pounds two ounces and four pounds four ounces.
Summary
The Crosman 362 100th Anniversary Edition is shaping up quite well. I have to say I am pleased with what I see so far
BB,
I found your pump effort numbers interesting.
With the standard 362, after the first two pumps, the rest “seemed the same.”
That is, without measuring them, they “felt” the same.
And your data bears that out; it would be hard (for me) to tell the difference of a few pounds by feel. 🙂
Blessings to you,
dave
I’d love to see a comparison test with this Crosman 362 along side the Dragonfly. I’m especially interested in accuracy comps out to 50 yards for instance. My Dragonfly maintains pretty fair groups even to the 50 yd line. Will this 362 shoot well at 50 yds too? Orv.
Orv
Unless barrel quality or selection is different for the anniversary rifle vs the 362, this rifle won’t be as accurate as BB’s Dragonfly Mk2 in my opinion. I say that because I think BB said his Dragonfly was more accurate than his Blue Streak. This is speculation at best but time will tell when BB tests this one for accuracy. We know from his Dragonfly Mk2 reports what it could do. Now my replacement Dragonfly performs as advertised but it can’t compete with my Sheridan Blue Streak.
Deck
I’m certainly not in the market for something to hang on the wall or store in a pretty box. I like to SHOOT, not collect. That beautiful wooden stock on the American made Crosman is tantalizing, and the price inviting, but I’ll await the accuracy and reliability reports before I ask Santa to stuff my stocking (or maybe one of my wife’s old nylons-golly, how long since I’ve seen any woman wearing these, oh well I’ve better things to dwell on). I’m waiting. . . for BB ‘s reports, that is. Orv.
If you remember, I was very disappointed with the wood stock on the second one of these I have. Dings, chips, cuts and uneven finish in stain and surface texture. Not to mention the alignment between the pump handle, stock and hinge section.
I was going send it back but realized this model had a few improvements over the standard 362 and decided to keep it and refinish the stock in black. Hate sending things back when I have to drive 40 miles to do so.
The standard 362 with its black synthetic stock just went on sale for 20% off. About $88, now and with free shipping, I decided to get one and switch stocks instead. There was still the alignment problem with the wood but perhaps I could minimize it some if I decide to continue with a refinish.
May turn out to be good enough to switch back again? But it will have to wait till I finish the many other priority items I have. Like removing a few burned-out trees and a shed from the last wildfire.
Bob, shame actually because the stock looks really nice on photos.
In other news, I noticed Umarex is now selling the Colt 1911 Government A1 (the typical Umarex 8-shot CO2 repeater) with wooden grips.
I asked them whether they would sell me a pair of wood grips for my 1911 A1 with black rubber grips but they don’t want to. I guess I must build something myself then if I want wooden grips since standard 1911 grips won’t work without modification due to the necessity of removing the right grip to access the CO2 cartridge.
Stephan
Stephan,
Are you talking about the one below that I also have? Very nice high-end pistol. I got the compensator with it. The spring steel right grip retainer is very unique for sure. Like that it opens with the magazine release button.
As far as I know it was discontinued. Where did you get that information?
Also, most of the mount screws for real steel 1911 wood grips don’t line up with airguns. Need to check on that before getting a set.
Bob,
yeah, that’s the one I have as well. The finish on yours looks a little shinier.
I think the 1911 A1 is very good for what it is. The trigger is good, it shoots well and the gun has some nice details. They made the trigger look like the real thing and they even included a palm safety.
I prefer shooting my HW45 most of the time because it has better sights, a fantastic trigger and grips with finger grooves which I like.
But that’s not a knock on the Colt Government. Just my preference.
Stephan
I’d take the HW45 any day.
If I had to choose, HW45 all the way…
BB,
Congrats on the gift from Crosman, as you have pointed out, there is a lot to like about this Anniversary 362. I think of all the discussions about how we airgunners would like a certain type of air gun to be. Here, Crosman improved on a good platform to bring it closer to its ideal. Made for folks who will appreciate it. Great idea! I hope Crosman made enough for the holiday season!
Regards,
Will
Loving this review. And Yes I’m comparing this and the Dragonfly Mark 2. Just doing a quick back and forth on the two reviews, I’m seeing the Dragonfly makes 15.38 ft lbs with the pellet bb tested it with. The Crosman made 13.58 ft lbs (Yes I used PA’s need little converter tool that I love) https://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-resources/widgets/convert.php?Units&u=14
Also with 15 pumps the Dragonfly takes a total of 127 lbs of pumping effort (with the max of 17 lbs for a pump). The Crosman on eight pumps takes a total of 168 lbs (with the max of 27 lbs on a pump).
As much as I don’t like things made in China and love things made in the USA, to be fair, so far it’s looking like the Dragonfly wins every time. BUT, accuracy is to come. Will Crosman make a come back with better accuracy???
Doc
Hello everyone, I came across this on a recent trip to the hardware store, see pic. Seems like a good way to do a quick lube tune right through the cocking slot on a springer with the included straw. No need to even remove the stock. Just give it a shot and shoot, and repeat until the buzz is adequately reduced? What do you think?
Roamin,
Nice find! It will probably take a light touch, since it’s way too easy to over-lube, even doing it manually.
As for the 362, it does check a lot of the boxes that folks tend to talk about (walnut stock, peep sight, steel breech).
I guess that we may well be living in an airgun golden age.
Bill
Roamin,
That’s the stuff I’ve recommended if you can’t find Almagard 3752 (TIAT).
BB
Right, I thought so, but I never envisioned it in a spray can. This looks like it would squirt right in from the cocking slot and maybe thicken up after a while.
RG,
I have a tube (lifetime supply) of that grease. Great stuff. I may have to get a can of that to try out. That would be so much easier than disassembly.
I have lost the ability to edit my replies. I wanted to say that though this will likely be easier than disassembly, it will not be as fun.
Well, RR, if you spray too much, you will have your fun to disassemble and clean springs.
Speaking of springs, how’s the Diana 34? We all want an update. Good, bad, or indifferent.
RG,
LOL! Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to pull it out and give it a good going over. Mrs. RR has had me busy finishing the trim and putting in new switches/receptacles in our very recently remodeled kitchen. I was most fortunate to be allowed to go to the NC Airgun Show, where I snagged up a pretty good deal on an Armada.
I will likely have a good bit of time next year to shoot and write about it as I received a severance package offer yesterday. It seems they would like to put this old warhorse out to pasture.
THEY think THEY are putting you out to pasture. You know the pasture is really your shooting range, road trips, and more time with the grandkids! Good for you!
The truth is, Mrs. RR and I have been waiting for them to offer me a severance package. Monday I intend to find out how long I can work and still receive this offer. There are still a few big ticket items we would like to accomplish around RRHFWA before I retire to the shooting range. 😉
RR
Missed seeing you at NC show this year since I could only get there Friday. I too found some goodies.
Count me as one who wants to know if your Diana 34 BB tuned rifle passes the RR accuracy exam.
Hope severance deal goes well for you. My already blessed life got even better when I retired 24 years ago. Time flies though and there isn’t enough of it to do all my wants. The last 24 years have been the best.
Deck
I hope to hang around for quite a bit after I “retire”.
Since I will likely have more time, I may end up with a table or two next year. We will see.
You and others can indeed expect to “hear” more about the Diana 34, the Webley Service Mk2, and a few other gems I have around RRHFWA. I might even finally write about my 1906 BSA.
RR
Hope you get this. The site didn’t show your reply to me but maybe it will after I send this one.
Hope you have tables next year at Newton/Carolina airgun show. Maybe you can swap for a Giffard.
I look forward to any reports you do. Bring ‘em on.
Deck
Deck,
We shall see about some tables at the show next year. I would like to have a Giffard, but I have a feeling it will be as likely as my having a Westley Richards, One can dream though.
As I may have a little more time (yeah, right) I hope to pull out a few more reports.
Good for you! FM has never looked back since pulling the plug on his job over 10 years ago. You’ll find out somehow there is still never enough time for the fun stuff. The hard part will be dodging the honeydoos. 😉
LOL! I have already been informed by Mrs. RR there is an extensive honeydo list waiting for me.
The dilemmas of life. Sigh. Even when you retire, you never can quit.
LOL! Not until you go toes up!
RG,
I will say this, it sure is a LOT easier to cock.
BB,
Who at TCFKAC is responsible for this and other improvements we have been seeing out of this company of late? They seem to be listening to real airgunners. I seem to sense a bit of Ed in there somewhere. He was at EBR this year shooting a Gunnar.
GRIPS !
I don’t think we pay too much attention to the grips that come with any given airgun or the roll it will pay in shooting it when we purchase one. They just “Come with it”. Who buys an airgun because of the grip?
We assume the manufacturer has designed it to function well for the intended use of the gun, but that may not be in line with the reason we purchased it. I believe it can play an important part in determining our overall satisfaction with it in the long run.
In my old age I find I am taking files to some grips to eliminate some annoying bit on it, or the trigger housing. Soft retired hands these days.
They can be designed to hold magazines, for basic utility or simplicity in holstering, comfort, ergonomics or to increase shooting accuracy. One designed to hold a mag won’t contribute much to help accuracy much unless it is modified to fill that role.
Not having to load bullets into airguns has opened the door for a lot of diversity.
The most comfortable ‘stock grip’ I have is on the Beeman P17. Made possible because no mag is involved, and it is not a copy of a real firearm?
Some grips come with finger grooves and back straps that try to make the best of both worlds and it goes a long way in contributing to our satisfaction.
Revolver grips work well with hammer use and target, or precision shooting grips help with control of the pistol. They will combine comfort and stability to assist the shooter as well as helping to position the hand for proper trigger control but may not work too well with mags without some compromise.
With the palm shelf on the bottom of my Webley Alecto Ultra I can hold and aim the pistol with only one finger, under the trigger housing. My Evanix Hunter AR6 grip is pure exotic. Neither one will work with a simple holster though. They have not compromised on anything to contribute to the pistols accurate shooting.
Just something to consider when deciding what airgun to get and perhaps pay more attention to. Especially in discussions. I was totally surprised, and pleased, to find a palm swell on my TX 200 to help position the pad of my trigger finger directly on it. And glad I was right-handed as well. So, it goes with rifles too.
B.B. and Readership,
Conditions matter!
If you didn’t own one of these:
https://kestrelmeters.com/products/kestrel-elite-weather-meter-with-applied-ballistics
Then this type or Resource can help with understanding your local conditions better than the local weather boys and girls will ever provide:
https://mesowest.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/meso_base_dyn.cgi?stn=KFWS&unit=0&timetype=GMT
shootski
Shootski
Wow! Just what everyone needs for killing row after row of killer pop cans with a full-auto BB gun.
” And … She’ll like it too!”
What can I say? In a good mood. Two airguns and some extra high-capacity mags for my DPMS being delivered today. Those cans won’t have a chance. PLINK SERIOUSLY! 😉
Bob M,
Yup! It will be a BIG help in letting thm kno what is wrong with their AA S510 PCP to boot…LOL-ROF-WMP! (translations available)
shootski
Boy, If I were to use the ‘Refurbished’ section as a reference for what not to buy, I would most likely never own an Air Arms S510 PCP Rifle or a Springfield Armory XDM Pistol.
There are ‘6’ S510’s that required refurbishing and ‘5’ XDM’s listed there. 🙁
Any particular reason for all those S510’s being returned?
Bob M,
I’m in a good mood too Shipmate!
Dumb owners.
Gripe Write-Off CODE A799…LOL!
shootski
Many of the guns BB reviews end up there or returns. I picked up a refurbished Beeman R9. It was perfect…and so was the price. Some folks perhaps buy on an impulse and then realize the gun just wasn’t what they expected or wanted to pay for and return them before P.A’s deadline. Personally, I would not hesitate to buy a P.A refurbished gun.
Roman,
I have a s well. I trust P/A. There are probably some that simply can’t afford one of Air Arms fine products and just get it to check it out and return it. What with free shipping and all.
Seems to be the in thing with low-income people. Got a new auto clutch replacement kit and when I opened it, it had a bad used worn-out clutch throw-out bearing inside. Dealer said it happens a lot now. They just swap parts, clean it up, and return it as not what they needed, or they screwed up and ordered wrong one. Same with special tools. Use it once as needed, and then return it.
Probably why they started to give people special tools needed for replacements to be returned when completed.
B.B.,
Looks like the EDIT a Reply capabilities have been removed.
shootski
Shootski
For those who were not involved with Naval Aviation that A799 code was short for “No discrepancy found” when signing off an aircraft problem. And you better have your stuff together when you use it.
Today’s blog is about over so I thought I would throw in two pics of my old Play Station. Gives a good idea of how many things there are to go bad.
A Boeing 767 Cockpit. I had to check every single lamp, switch, button, knob, display reading and control in the cockpit for proper operation, indication and position when doing a preflight check. Along with checking for all the survival gear required.
Way off topic but interesting perhaps. Not too many people get in there. BB can dump them if he wants.
Boeing 767 Cockpit Overhead