Crosman Optimus air rifle | Air gun blog

Crosman Optimus .177 rifle: Part 3

Posted on June 22, 2011 by B.B. Pelletier ↓ 83 Comments

by B.B. Pelletier

Photos and test by Earl “Mac” McDonald

Crosman’s Optimus offers a lot of power for a low price.

Today is accuracy day for the Crosman Optimus, and I know that a lot of readers are watching this rifle for all that it offers. We were pleasantly surprised in the velocity test to learn that the Optimus is a stable and smooth-shooting breakbarrel rifle. Now, we find out if it matters.

Choked barrels
The first thing Mac noted was the Optimus barrel has no choke. I’ve seen comments like this on customer reviews as well. Here’s the scoop on choked barrels. When a spring-piston gun fires, the sudden air blast forces the pellet’s skirt out into the rifling. If it didn’t fit the bore well when it was loaded, it usually does after firing.

Crosman Optimus .177 rifle: Part 2

Posted on June 15, 2011 by B.B. Pelletier ↓ 38 Comments

by B.B. Pelletier

Part 1

Photos and test by Earl “Mac” McDonald

Crosman’s Optimus offers a lot of power for a low price.

Today is the day we find out if the Crosman Optimus delivers all the power it’s advertised to. We learned from the comments on Part 1 that several readers are watching this report because of all the potential value the Optimus has to offer.

Before I get to the velocities, though, there are a couple things for all of us to remember. When Mac took the rifle from the box, it was dripping with oil. Although it made sounds like the piston seal was dry, it also smoked a lot when shot, so he didn’t oil the piston seal.

Crosman Optimus .177 rifle: Part 1

Posted on June 8, 2011 by B.B. Pelletier ↓ 79 Comments

by B.B. Pelletier

Photos and test by Earl “Mac” McDonald

Crosman’s Optimus offers a lot of power for a low price.

Today, we’ll begin a look at the Crosman Optimus breakbarrel air rifle. Mac has tested this one for us and has a number of interesting things to say about the rifle.

Let’s get the exciting things out of the way first. The Crosman Optimus sells for about $90 and is rated to 1,200 f.p.s. Those two facts are going to impress a number of folks, especially those who are new to airgunning. It’s a lot of power for very little money. Veteran airgunners will reserve judgement until they see the results of this test, but impressive velocities and prices are always at the forefront of sales campaigns.