Crosman 3622 PCP Air Rifle.
This report covers:
- Price
- Sights
- No gauge
- Fill
- The rifle
- Trigger
- Power
- Adjustable power?
- Summary
Today is our introduction to Crosman’s 3622 PCP Air Rifle. It is a .22-caliber single shot bolt action air rifle that is designed to be a world-beater entry into the world of precharged pneumatics (PCP). When I saw this at the 2024 SHOT Show this January I flipped out! Finally Crosman has built the air rifle I hoped they would — an entry into the world of precharged airguns.
Price
I was told at the show Crosman hoped to sell it for around $130, which would have been wonderful, but when the rubber met the road the price increased a bit to $149.99. Still, in the year 2024, that’s a price that can’t be beat by anyone.
I could have tested that rifle for you — BUT there is an optional steel breech kit for the 3622 and I didn’t want to hear all the crying and whining about why I didn’t get it. So I did. Therefore, the rifle I’m starting to test for you today is the 3622 at $149.95, with the steel breech kit at $44.99 and with Pyramyd AIR’s installation upgrade that costs $35.00. The cost of the rifle I am starting to test is $229.98. That’s still a wonderful value, and with the steel breech an optical sight can be mounted.The breech that comes on the 3622 at the retail price is made of plastic and doesn’t have a base that will accept scope rings or dot sights.
Sights
The rifle I’m testing comes with the front sight still installed but the rear sight from the plastic breech they also send you does not transfer. So if you want to shoot it with open sights you will need to install a rear sight. I can do that if you really want, but I believe most people will want to mount a scope and that is my intention. My whole purpose in testing this air rifle is the see what kind of accuracy you get for $150 and when it comes down to the wire you’re all going to want to see it tested with a scope. Even if I do eventually test it with iron sights, the sight that comes on the plastic breech isn’t well-suited for precision, and the optional Crosman LPA MIM rear sight that will fit on the steel breech is far too close to the eye to work. Anyway — after we see how accurate the 3622 is all we would be testing is tired old BB Pelletier.
No gauge
Yes, the 3622 comes without a pressure gauge. To get to the price point that Crosman did, some sacrifices had to be made. I have been shooting PCPs since the mid-1990s and I can tell you that in the past some very expensive PCP air rifles came without pressure gauges. What you do is watch the gauge on your fill device and stop when it tells you to. It’s dirt-simple! And it will be very easy with the 3622, because this guy fills to only 2,000 psi!
Fill
Yes, Crosman did it right — again. They learned on the Discovery and perfected it on several intermediate PCP models, so the fill level of the 3622 is not a surprise, but it is a refreshing admission of the target market for this rifle. The guys and gals who will probably buy this are going to want to fill it from a Crosman hand pump, so that will be what old BB does — if I still can with my double hernia. If not I’ll do my best to get someone else to do it for me.
Crosman pioneered the 2000 psi fill in 2006 with the Benjamin Discovery, so they know how to do it. I expect to get a reasonable number of shots at the max velocity. They say I’ll get around 25 shots on a fill which is exactly what the Discovery got.
The rifle
The 3622 is .22-caliber. That was a genius move on Crosman’s part because this rifle can do it all — hunt, plink and even shoot targets. The manual also says 3677 on the cover, so a .177 is coming. And at the SHOT Show I did put the bug in Crosman’s ear (Ed Schultz) that if the demand is there, who knows — might we possibly see a 3625? I read his face as a no, but hope does spring eternal in the human breast.
The 3622 rifle is just over 35.5-inches overall and weighs a tad less than 4 pounds. That makes it an ideal walkin’ around airgun. I expect to hear comments from reader RidgeRunner and perhaps some others on that.
The stock is synthetic and very slender overall. The length of pull is 13.25-inches from the middle of the trigger to the center of the hard, but rubbery and therefore grippy, butt pad. The forearm has texture in the right places for a rifleman and the pistol grip is a nice balance of vertical with enough swept back angle to be comfortable.
Trigger
The trigger is a very vertical blade with a slight curve that seems to fit me well. It is a two-stage design and the let-off feels reasonably crisp. It doesn’t break like a glass rod, but it doesn’t have a creepy drag. It feels like a trigger I can work with.
Power
The claim for velocity is 700 f.p.s. and I assume that is with a lighter .22-caliber pellet. But you know I will test that for you — along with the shot count that you can expect.
Adjustable power?
Is the power adjustable? To some extent, it is. There is no mention of it in the owner’s manual, but there is a hammer spring adjustment that’s accessible through the rear of the rifle. The stock has to be removed to access it, but it is possible. Some shooters are talking about modifying their stocks to access it.
Summary
What we have in the Crosman 3622 is a lightweight, slim and reasonably powerful .22-caliber precharged pneumatic air rifle. It’s easy to operate and fits well into a budget. I think it is the ideal entry-level PCP. Of course testing will follow, but I’m betting this one is a winner!
Hi BB! Left mine stock, except for filing some of the left side of the front sight to center my pellets. Like I said before, it’s brought me over to The Dark Side!
Haven’t shot it for groups yet. I dug out the 10-for-10 paper from the box, and it chrono’d mid to upper 700s with 11.9 RWS pellets. As for other calibers besides .22 and .177, probably have to have Airgun Revisions build that. Look forward to the rest of the review!
OP,
Thanks for this info. Maybe with your experiences and mine everyone will see both sides of this exciting new air rifle.
BB
Tom,
Looks like Crosman has the makings of a winner. Are those pompoms being hidden behind the sofa? Is the stock more suitable for a scope or for open sight shooting? Lack of a pressure gauge should not a big deal since the owner will learn from experience how many shots before recharging to 2,000 psi and the bigger gauge of the pump is more accurate than the tiny gauge that might have been mounted. Maybe Crosman (or an enterprising 3D printer) can sell 25 round holder strips of .22 caliber pellets?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Yes sir! I believe I do have the pom poms out for this one!
I’ll no doubt comment on the stock when I start shooting the rifle for accuracy.
YES! This rifle is a great way to learn about PCPs, because it forces you to learn everything as you go.
Ed Schultz — we told Ken D’Arcy (Crosman’s CEO at the time) we would make a good PCP. It’s taken us 18 years to do it, but the 3622 is the rifle we tried to envision back in 2006.
Tom Gaylord
This should be a very interesting set of reports. I agree with your choice of the steel breech in order to mount a scope. A scope makes very good sense for this PCP rifle. The multi-pump version (model 362) is better suited for iron sights because a scope would be in the way (right where one would want to hold it to pump). However, the LPA MIM rear sight didn’t work with the 362 rifle for me. If I remember correctly it wouldn’t adjust high enough for the front sight. The 3622 rifle’s front sight looks like it has a protective ring around it. But I suspect the height of the 3622’s front sight blade is comparable to the height of the 362’s front sight blade. Therefore, the same issue may apply. I had to find a suitable rear sight elsewhere because PA didn’t carry it. But it is a peep sight and I am beginning to get better using it. I will look for the model number of the rear sight that works for me and add a comment with that information. My 362 seems to have good accuracy. So, I am hoping the 3622 will also be accurate.
To follow-up on the rear sight issue with the 362 I tried the LPA MIM and it was too low and wouldn’t adjust high enough. Then the Williams 70809 diopter low sight w/5D-AG Bulk that PA stocked was too high and wouldn’t adjust low enough. So, I ended up with a Williams WMS FP GR #9683 based on a recommendation here which works well for the 362 rifle.
Although we’re unlikely to see this one in the UK I’m really rooting for it, as I love cheap guns which can shoot straight!
Well, you were expecting me to comment on this air rifle, so here it is.
I for one really like it. I foolishly sold my Maximus to Faulty Manuel at the last NC Airgun Show. FM, do not buy this as you have several better examples of this!
This should be a superb PCP for the newbies out there. It really would not be a bad one for the experienced folks either. This is a back-to-basics PCP. I personally would want the steel breech, which I would just buy and install myself, so as to allow me to use the Williams FP AG with target knobs peep sight. I find these to be awesome on short range shooters. I had the 3-12X32 BugBuster on my Max, but the Williams sight would have been a better choice. OP, if you go with a steel breech, this would be my recommendation to you.
BB, since you already have a steel breech installed on your example, you may have to give serious consideration to this sight. A peep on this and the 362 really make such air rifles such as this pop, as you well know.
Gauges, who needs or wants those stinkin’ gauges. The truth is, they are just about worthless anyway. I almost never pay any attention to them except when shooting an airgun I am not familiar with. Then I will glance at it to get an IDEA when it might need recharging. I always go by the gauge on my filling device, not that little thing they install.
The trigger on this sounds very promising. It sounds like a superior one to what was initially installed on the Disco/Max and should be easily upgraded to one that is very nice.
Single shot? So. If you cannot typically get what you are shooting at with one shot, you should not be shooting at whatever anyway. Most of the firearms and airguns I have used over the years were single shot. I have used semi but had to force myself to slow down to hit anything with the second shot. Knowing that you only have one shot forces your subconscious to focus on getting it right.
As far as a walkabout, this sounds like a superb PCP for such. Although it is true that mass can be of a considerable aid to accuracy, it is not the golden rule. If you are typically shooting at over fifty yards, you may wish to consider using something else though.
I have rattled on enough now. Time for someone else to put their two cents worth in.
Thanks for the info, RidgeRunner! Might try the receiver sight if (okay, when) I get a second one.
I think Crosman is going to set record sales with the 3622.
Since we are talking entry level (read affordable) it’s worth noting that Pyramyd Air offers the option of bundling the 3622 with either a G9 hand pump or the Crosman hand pump.
Package price for the 3622 with the G9 is $219.99 ($70 bundled price for the pump). The price for the Crosman pump that B.B. linked to in his article is $99.99. Add in the $44.99 steel breech (thank you I will install this myself) with the 3622 and G9 hand pump and you have a total package price of $264.98 with free shipping from Pyramyd Air. Impressive
B.B.,
Just curious, as this is an important point for many of us, but is the new 3622 made in the good old US of A? I know that Crosman builds many of its airguns at its factory in New York state, but not its break barrels. I’m hoping that this trend-setter is built domestically. That would be great and an incentive to buy it.
MiTurn,
The 3622 is made in the USA with some globally sourced components.
BB
Since I have a Disco that awaits me experiencing it, I am curious about the comparisons with this rifle vs. The Disco.
I am also curious about the trigger. Is it the same trigger as the 362? I hope not. I hope it is better. There must be a way to design a trigger that makes everyone (yes including the company’s lawyers) happy.
Roamin,
I don’t know about the trigger other than what I said in the report.
BB
Don’t feel foolish, RR – your Maximus was adopted into a family which appreciates and enjoys these rifles. If ever FM foolishly decided to sell it, you would get first right of refusal. Not sure about NOT acquiring one of these 3622s – seems like it could be the VW Beetle (air-cooled version, of course!) or the Citroen 2CV of airguns; simple, reliable, inexpensive, useful and – FUN.
FM’s one concern is, if this is meant to be an entry-level portal into PCP world AND the steel breech upgrade is to remain an option, a suitable rear sight should be automatically included in the package. You want to avoid a newbie purchaser being turned off by having to hunt around for a rear sight that works after spending the extra $ for the steel breech. That could be part of a bundle, even if it cost a little more. Most if not all of these new customers wouldn’t even know where to start in their search for the sight. FM includes himself here but, thankfully, all ye good experts who comment here have solved that concern for your non-expert friend here. Other than that, do agree Crosman has a winner with the 3622. Looking forward to further testing – BB, nothing wrong with using a compressor to fill the gun. That is going to be FM’s next purchase – places to go, PCPs to pressurize.
FM
Agree with that last part about hand pumping. Just because you can doesn’t mean you have to.
Ed
FM, PA does offer two (package) options for sights to go along with the steel breech. And I suspect those sights work for SOME of the plethora of Crosman guns (pistols and rifles) that the steel breech fits. However, based on my experience with the 362 rifle, I think it might be wise if someone were to test those sights on each of the guns that the steel breech fits to make sure they work correctly with ALL of those guns. If they do not (as was my experience) work with some of the guns, then other options could be explored and offered according to what DOES work.
B.B.
Not trying to rain on the party, but I hope it’s good. As tested with the metal breech is no longer the cheapest way in. For that price ($230) we are talking Gamo Arrow, Diana Storm Rider, Barra, Beeman & Stoeger. And extremely close to Hatsan. Some of those having a wood stock, pressure gauge and are repeaters. And some of those listed you have reviewed and did very well.
Still I’m very much pulling for it as I like the idea of being a “home grown” gun. Just pointing out it quickly isn’t the lowest price once you add anything to it.
Doc
Doc,
I didn’t say the 3622 is cheapest the way I’m testing it. I said it is a wonderful value.
BB
B.B.
got it. What I like most about it is the same with the Discovery. That is the 2,000 psi fill. As I am not yet on the dark side so something simple and easy to pump very much appeals to me
Doc
Doc Holiday,
what an interesting comment, thanks.
I think it is nice to have a choice of several similarly priced precharged pneumatic airguns, especially if it encourages a little research… 🙂
hihihi
Yes. I find it very interesting that a Gamo Arrow & this new Crosman 3622 is both $300 with the same hand pump bundle (that the Crosman with the steel breach). They would both be steel breach, plastic stocks and so on. The Gamo would the advantage of an air gauge, 10 shot repeater, more “usable” open sights & more power. But and a big one, the Crosman has just a 2000 psi fill. Very big for a first time hand pumper. Also I suspect the Crosman will be more accurate but I have to hold out for the proof to come. Can’t wait for the “rest” of the story.
Doc
Doc,
You are I are both waiting to see what happens.
BB
Is the stock still split where the pump arm was and secured to the barrel bands from the bottom or a one-piece stock now? Either way the stock is designed well. Brass insert on top of barrel band, for what, set screw?
200 FPS slower rating than the Discovery, for more shots?
This might be it! This might the intro PCP that brings me in! I’ve held off on PCPs, because…well…I have enough hobbies that eat into my budget, and I don’t want to spend a small fortune getting into a new element of shooting…
But, this might be the thing that does it! I’m looking forward to future reports on it.
I saw one of these on a blog site that had a Gen 1 marauder trigger on it. The comment was that it was a direct install, no mods required. The fact that the stock didn’t accommodate the trigger was also mentioned.
On another note, I bought my Maximus on a holiday sale, admittedly a few years back, .22 hunter model with the threaded muzzle, steel breech, AND a pressure gauge, shipped and tax for under $200. It is very accurate to 70 yds (plinking) with JSB 15.89 pellets.
Interesting PCP BB.
I’m always glad to see new budget friendly airguns on the market.
Will be watching the rest of the series closely.
Hank
Can’t wait for your review, I couldn’t resist and bought 1 as my first PCP. Seems like a decent carbine with stock aperture sights out of the box. Power is a little weak but probably about the same as the pump version.