As a lifelong fan of the classic pump-up pneumatic Crosman Medallist pistol (later renamed the 1322 pistol), I’m

more than familiar with this famous American name in airguns, and its contribution to good old ‘fun shooting’.

The Crosman 2250B is my test model here, and whilst it looks familiar, it’s a different animal to the Medallist. For a start it’s CO2 powered, but it’s effectively a gas-powered version of that very same pistol; save for a few significant add-ons. The main chassis owes much to that classic favourite of mine. The distinctively familiar profile should come as no surprise, since an identical rear sight, and bolt housing assembly (to name but two areas) hail from the same parts bin; helping keep production costs to a minimum into the bargain. Add that rugged shoulder stock, and a highly individual and appealing airgun is the result, with a feel and character all of its own.

capsule CO2 is a completely different ball game to conventional air power, and for those unfamiliar with this branch of the sport, let’s run through the preliminaries.

Power is derived from a sealed capsule of CO2 gas, which, in the case of this Crosman, is the 12gram size, and similar in appearance to the old Soda Stream bulbs. At around 80p a go and good for around 50-shots when

example, will lower the pressure and thus the number of available shots. Conversely, very warm conditions will increase the shot count.

On the upside, the format allows for an exciting array of relatively lightweight guns, due to the fact that the action doesn’t need heavy weight spring piston innards; since the power is derived from an external source.

utilitarian Build quality isn’t something that Crosman are renowned for and this model really does define ‘no-nonsense’, with plastic grips and that utilitarian shoulder stock. Yet that same down to earth approach is also refreshingly practical, as function distinctly overshadows style.

Accepting the no-frills tag line then, this Model 2250B still seems on the face of it, astonishing value for money, since it comes as a package, complete with a 4x15 scope and mounts. However, the 2250B does come fitted with open sights as standard and I would advise on giving these an outing first, since they offer an interesting

Ultra compact and ultra fun - the

Crosman 2250B, try it - you might

be surprised

“CO2 is a completely different ball game to conventional air

power, and for those unfamiliar with this branch of the sport”

mark SayS:

used in this model, the cost of shooting is obviously greater than conventional air. Whilst discussing the downsides, one of the characteristics of C02 is that power output varies depending upon the ambient temperature. Ultra cold conditions for

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S H O O T I N G S P O R T S M A G A Z I N E2 4

Mark Camoccio gets to grips with the Crosman 2250B pistol with carbine stock

PowerGas

combination. The front incorporates a green fibre optic element, which stands out in poor light fairly well. The rear takes the form of Crosman’s tried and tested design, with a reversible leaf offering either a large square notch, or peep sight. Given the potential of these guns though, the scope route must make sense.

intermountWith this in mind, my first task was to piece the combo together - an eye opener in itself. Crosman don’t include rails in the design, so fitting the scope sees an unusual method employed. Termed as an ‘Intermount’ two sighting blocks are utilized, which are first unscrewed so that the halves can clamp around the barrel, with their squared-off bottom allowed to sit on the cylinder. Whilst this method is unorthodox, in practise it works a treat!

With the glassware now neatly locked into place, the next task was to fire up the CO2. A knurled, threaded cap just forward of the action needs to be unscrewed and a capsule dropped into the chamber. The cap is then replaced and carefully screwed in,

until gas is heard to gently hiss; signifying that the end piece has been pierced to release the gas. In the event that this doesn’t happen, then a coin or similar object can be inserted into the slot on the front of the cap, to exert greater pressure, to eventually break the seal.

With the system powered up, the small brass bolt is drawn back and cocked, a pellet rolled into the breach, and the action closed. I find loading is best achieved by nudging the pellet into the lip of the transfer port, before returning the bolt, which stops the pellet from getting caught up in its channel. Zeroing was simplicity itself and whilst I’m no great fan of the 4x15 spec, on test, I had no complaints.

expectationsThe Model 2250B has proved extremely popular since its inception and having now put it through its paces, I can see why. If I’m honest, my expectations were low regarding performance, due as mentioned, to the fairly basic scope on offer. Yet gradually, as the shots continued to tear tight clusters down range, I was forced to concede. With my preconceptions kicked into touch, I was left in no doubt as to just why this model has sold in such numbers.

Trigger-wise, the design is undeniably basic, yet that said, it still trips after a reasonable pressure is applied. A wider blade would help to spread the load over the pad of the finger, yet in practise, performance is wholly acceptable.

Groups of a little over ½” at 25 yards, using the Crosman Pointed pellets supplied for the test, were, in my opinion, quite excellent for this type of gun, and better than many rifles costing far more.

sport for allHandling is refreshing due to the incredible lightness overall, and at 3lbs, just about

The 12gram CO2 capsules go nose-first into the front of the forend tube and are good for about 50-shots given the temperature

A basic but perfectly functional trigger is part of the design

The rear sight offers a selectable U-notch

or apertureSerious accuracy

is on offer here

we reCkOnn More than the sum of its partsn Surprisingly accurate and

enjoyablen A great introductory airgun

s

2 5

anyone should be able to enjoy the experience, making this an ideal gun for beginners, juniors and lady shots across the board. On that note, the inclusion (as with all guns from this stable) of the Crosblock safety device, which effectively locks the trigger from unwanted attention, is a great touch, and Crosman deserve praise for leading the way in matters of safety.

Relatively low power output will of course restrict the use of the 2250B, yet

Technical SpecificationSn name Crosman Model 2250Bn Type CO2 single shotn calibre .22 onlyn Weight 3lbsn length 30”n Barrel 14.5”n Stock compositen Shot count 50 approxn Trigger Single stagen average Velocity 400fps using Crosman Pointed pelletsn energy Up to 6.8ft/lbs on test (up to 8ft/lbs

possible)n RRP £132n contact ASI, 01728 688555

s

the manufacturers only ever intended it for general purpose use, and informal target shooting and in that regard, to say I was mightily impressed is an understatement. With serious accuracy on tap, any shooter can be rightfully rewarded once their technique improves, allowing this model to leapfrog many supposedly better equipped rivals out there.

Quite the most enjoyable airgun I’ve shot in some while - and something of a bargain too! Nice one Crosman.

Overall a neat and highly effective little gun

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