There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from setting up a few tin cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon honing your marksmanship. For me, it started with a growing squirrel problem in our garden. I needed something with enough power to be a credible deterrent, versatile enough for casual target practice, but not so expensive that it felt like a major investment. The search was on for a reliable, multi-pump air rifle that could handle both BBs for plinking and pellets for more serious pest control.
- Dual ammo .177 caliber BB or pellet
- 1, 000 FPS with alloy pellets
What to Consider Before Buying a Multi-Pump Air Rifle
Before you pull the trigger on a purchase, it’s important to know who a rifle like this is for. The ideal user for a budget-friendly, multi-pump air rifle is typically a beginner or intermediate shooter, a homeowner looking for a simple tool for pest control, or someone who wants a low-cost entry into the world of airgunning. Key factors to consider are power (measured in FPS or Feet Per Second), ammunition type (BBs, pellets, or dual), and sighting options (iron sights vs. an included scope). You also have to manage expectations regarding build quality. At this price point, you’re getting function over refinement. The composite materials are meant to be durable, but you shouldn’t expect the fit and finish of a high-end firearm. For those who prioritize power and versatility without breaking the bank, the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle presents a compelling set of features on paper that are worth a closer look.
While the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions and Key Features
Unboxing the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its solid, modern look. The black composite stock and forearm feel rugged and are designed to withstand the elements better than traditional wood. It has a satisfying heft without being overly heavy, making it manageable for younger shooters as well as adults. The main draw is undoubtedly its dual ammo capability, allowing you to switch between .177 caliber pellets for accuracy and BBs for high-capacity plinking. Winchester claims an impressive 1,000 FPS velocity with alloy pellets, placing it firmly in the pest control and small game hunting category. The package also includes a 4×32 scope, which is a nice bonus for a rifle at this price, although as we discovered, the open iron sights are quite capable on their own.
What We Like
- Impressive 1,000 FPS velocity provides significant power for the price.
- Dual ammo capability offers great versatility for plinking and pest control.
- Decent accuracy out of the box, especially with the iron sights.
- Rugged composite stock is durable and weather-resistant.
What We Didn’t Like
- The pellet loading mechanism is exceptionally difficult and flawed.
- Inconsistent build quality, with some components feeling fragile.
- Included 4×32 scope is very basic and may not hold zero well.
- Front sight is prone to manufacturing defects like misalignment.
A Deep Dive into the Winchester 1977XS’s Performance
An air rifle’s value isn’t just in its specs, but in how it performs in the field. We put the Winchester 1977XS through its paces, from backyard plinking to simulated pest control scenarios, to see if its real-world performance lives up to its promises.
Power and Pumping Action
The advertised 1,000 FPS is achieved with lightweight alloy pellets and the maximum number of pumps (typically 10). In our testing, the power is undeniable. It delivers a solid impact on targets and has more than enough energy for dealing with squirrels, rodents, and other small pests, a finding confirmed by users who’ve successfully protected their gardens with it. The multi-pump action is straightforward but requires some muscle. Reaching the maximum number of pumps is a decent workout, but for general plinking, 3-5 pumps is plenty and much easier to manage. We found the trigger to be a bit tight out of the box, but it smoothed out after applying a little oil and some use.
Accuracy, Sights, and Scopes
This is where our experience with the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle became a mixed bag. The good news? The built-in fiber optic iron sights are quite good. One user reported achieving impressive groupings on a 4-inch target from 25 meters away using just the iron sights, and we were able to replicate similar accuracy. However, the quality control on the sights seems to be a major issue. We’ve seen numerous reports, and our test model had a slight lean, where the front sight is canted to one side, making it impossible to zero correctly. Others have had the entire front sight assembly fall off. The included 4×32 scope is a nice addition in theory, but it’s very basic. While it works for casual shooting, serious marksmen will find it lacks the clarity and durability of a higher-quality optic. For those seeking precision, the potential for accuracy is there, but it’s heavily dependent on getting a unit without sight defects.
The Loading Mechanism: A Critical Design Flaw
Here we must address the rifle’s biggest weakness: loading pellets. To be blunt, the system is frustratingly designed. The loading port is small and located directly under the scope, making it difficult to access. Worse, there’s a critical flaw in the bolt action. As one user astutely pointed out, if you pull the bolt all the way back as you would intuitively do, the pellet will often fall backward into the internal BB reservoir. Once this happens, it’s nearly impossible to retrieve without disassembly, and the loose pellet can jam the BB feeding mechanism. The only way to reliably load a pellet is to pull the bolt back *partially*—just enough to open the port—and carefully place the pellet inside, sometimes with tweezers. This single issue turns a fun shooting session into a tedious chore and is a significant drawback for anyone planning to primarily shoot pellets.
Build Quality and Durability
The Winchester 1977XS is built to a price point, and it shows. While the composite stock feels solid, other components are less robust. We received multiple reports of fragile parts, with the front sight being the most common point of failure. Other users have noted that switches, like the safety and the bolt itself, can feel sticky and cheap. While our test model held together during our evaluation, the user feedback points to a clear pattern of inconsistent quality control. You might get a perfectly functional rifle, or you might get one with issues right out of the box. It’s a gamble that comes with the budget price tag.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly echoed across the user community. There’s a clear consensus that the pellet loading system is a “nightmare,” with one user giving a critical piece of advice: “when using pellets DO NOT PULL BOLT ALL THE WAY BACK, 99% of pellets will fall backwards into bb reservoir.” On the other hand, many praise its power and accuracy for the cost, with one happy owner calling it a “great little rifle for hitting squirrel and rodents.” The division in opinions often comes down to build quality. While some have a great experience, others report significant issues like one who stated, “The whole end with the front sight came off the same day I got it.”
Alternatives to the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle
If the quirks of the Winchester 1977XS give you pause, there are several excellent alternatives on the market to consider, each catering to a slightly different need.
1. Gamo Powerline Model 35 Multi-Pump Pneumatic BB/Pellet Gun
- 625 feet per second at full charge (10 pumps)
- Features a classy stock and forearm
Made by Daisy, the Powerline Model 35 is a direct competitor in the budget multi-pump category. It also features dual ammo capability and a composite stock. While it has a lower maximum velocity (around 625 FPS), it’s a long-standing, proven design known for its reliability. For beginners or younger shooters who don’t need the massive power of the Winchester, this is often considered a more dependable and user-friendly choice.
2. DPMS SBR Full Auto CO2 BB Air Gun
- FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
- FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
If your priority is pure backyard fun, the DPMS SBR is in a different league. This is a CO2-powered, tactical-style BB rifle that features both semi-auto and full-auto firing modes. It’s not designed for pellet accuracy or pest control, but for exhilarating plinking sessions. It sacrifices single-shot precision for an unmatched rate of fire and a realistic feel.
3. Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10X GEN 2 Multi-Shot Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
For those frustrated by the single-shot loading of the Winchester, the Gamo Swarm Maxxim is the perfect upgrade. This is a gas-piston break-barrel rifle that features a 10-shot rotary magazine. Every time you cock the barrel, it automatically loads the next pellet. It represents a significant step up in convenience, quality, and price, and is geared toward more serious shooters and hunters.
Final Verdict: Is the Winchester 1977XS Worth It?
The Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle is a product with a conflicted identity. It offers fantastic power and potential accuracy for a very low price, making it tempting for budget-conscious buyers. However, this potential is severely undermined by an abysmal pellet loading system and questionable quality control. We can only recommend this rifle to patient users on a strict budget who plan to use it primarily for shooting BBs. If you are serious about shooting pellets, the frustration of the loading mechanism will likely outweigh the benefits. For a little more investment, alternatives offer a much more refined and enjoyable experience.
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Pellet BB Air Rifle is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and find more details here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API