There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from setting up a few cans in the backyard and enjoying some casual target practice. But with the rising cost and scarcity of traditional ammunition, that simple pleasure can become an expensive hobby. We were looking for a solution—something that offered the fun of quick, follow-up shots without the hefty price tag per round. We needed an air rifle that was affordable, easy to use, and, most importantly, fun. This search for an accessible plinking experience is what led us to test the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle.
- SEMI-AUTOMATIC CO2-POWERED AIR RIFLE - With 12-shot rotary clip
- SLINGS .177-CALIBER PELLETS UP TO 780 fps
What to Consider Before Buying a CO2 Air Rifle
Before you invest in a CO2-powered air rifle, it’s important to understand who it’s designed for. These rifles are perfect for beginners, young shooters under supervision, or anyone looking for a low-cost way to enjoy recreational shooting and light pest control. Unlike powerful break-barrel rifles, CO2 models offer the distinct advantage of semi-automatic fire, meaning you can shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger without manually cocking the rifle for each shot. Key factors to consider include the power source (disposable 12g CO2 cartridges), the capacity of the magazine (this one features a 12-shot rotary clip), and the overall build materials. The Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle leans heavily into a synthetic, all-weather design, making it lightweight but also raising questions about long-term durability for some users. If fast-fire plinking and ease of use are your top priorities over raw power and a premium feel, this rifle is designed with you in mind. You can explore its features and check the latest price here.
While the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet 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:
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- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: Unboxing the Crosman 1077FSG
Pulling the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle out of the box, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. It’s incredibly lightweight, a direct result of its synthetic, all-weather stock. The grey, black, and red “Freestyle” color scheme gives it a modern, sporty look that clearly targets a younger audience or those looking for something less traditional than a wood stock. The fiber optic front sight was bright and easy to acquire, pairing nicely with the adjustable rear sight. The 12-shot rotary clip felt a bit plasticky, which gave us pause, but the promise of semi-automatic action was the main draw. It feels comfortable when shouldered, though as one user noted, the length of pull is a bit short for larger adults. For us, it felt perfectly suited for quick, off-hand shooting sessions.
Advantages
- Fun Semi-Automatic Action: The 12-shot rotary clip allows for rapid firing, making it excellent for plinking.
- Lightweight & Easy to Handle: Its synthetic stock makes it manageable for shooters of all sizes and ages.
- Surprisingly Accurate: Despite a heavy trigger, we achieved decent groupings for backyard target practice.
- Good Sights: The fiber optic front sight is bright and the rear sight is fully adjustable.
Drawbacks
- Potential Quality Control Issues: Numerous user reports of CO2 leaks and jamming right out of the box.
- Predominantly Plastic Build: The rifle and its magazines feel cheap and may not hold up to rough use.
- Long, Gritty Trigger: The double-action trigger pull is long and heavy, which can affect precision.
A Deep Dive into the 1077FSG’s Performance
An air rifle can look good on paper, but the real test is out in the field. We spent several days putting the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle through its paces, evaluating everything from its build and ergonomics to its accuracy and reliability. Here’s what we found.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
There’s no getting around it: this rifle is made almost entirely of plastic. While Crosman calls it a “durable all-weather design,” it can feel more like a toy than a serious tool. However, this isn’t entirely a negative. The lightweight nature makes it a joy to carry and shoot for extended periods without fatigue. We found, as did other users, that it shoulders well for both average-sized adults and younger shooters. The checked stock provides a decent grip, but the overall impression is that of a budget-friendly firearm. You have to manage your expectations; this isn’t a high-end, heirloom-quality piece.
Accuracy and Power
With a claimed velocity of up to 780 fps, the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle has enough power for tin cans, paper targets, and small rodents at close range. The biggest hurdle to accuracy is the trigger. It has a very long, heavy, double-action pull that feels “gritty,” just as one user described. It takes practice to pull through it smoothly without disturbing your aim. Despite this, we were pleasantly surprised by its accuracy inside of 20 yards. Once we got the feel for the trigger, we could consistently hit our targets. We also confirmed another user’s tip: the rifle performs much better with flat-nosed or hollow-point pellets, as pointed pellets seem more prone to jamming in the rotary clip. For the price, the accuracy is more than acceptable for backyard fun.
The CO2 System and Reliability Concerns
This is where our experience, and that of many users, becomes divided. The “easy access” CO2 housing is straightforward—a simple thumbscrew allows you to load a 12g cartridge. When it works, it works well, providing dozens of shots per cartridge. The problem is reliability. We read numerous accounts of the rifle failing to hold a seal, with CO2 spraying out everywhere upon installation. While our test unit did not have this issue initially, it’s a significant concern that points to potential quality control problems. Similarly, the plastic 12-shot magazines are a source of frustration. Users reported frequent jams where pellets get stuck, rendering the rifle useless. We experienced a few jams ourselves over several hundred rounds, confirming that careful loading and pellet selection are absolutely critical for this rifle’s function.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at feedback from a wide range of buyers, a clear pattern emerges. On one side, you have users who praise the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle as an “amazing” and “surprisingly accurate” plinker, perfect for recreational shooting during ammo shortages. They acknowledge its plastic feel and gritty trigger but find the overall value and fun-factor to be outstanding. On the other side, there’s a significant number of users who received units that were defective from the start. Reports of “cheap crappy plastic,” immediate CO2 leaks, and constant jamming are common. One user stated it “hasn’t been able to fire its first pellet,” while another saw it fail after only a couple of months. This stark division suggests that getting a “good one” can be a bit of a lottery.
Top Alternatives to the Crosman 1077FSG
If the potential reliability issues of the Crosman concern you, or if you’re looking for different features, there are several strong alternatives on the market.
1. Black Ops The Sniper S .177 Caliber Air Rifle 1,250 FPS
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If raw power is your priority, the Black Ops Sniper S is a huge step up. It’s a break-barrel, single-shot rifle that boasts a blistering 1,250 FPS velocity. This makes it far more suitable for serious pest control and longer-range shooting. You lose the semi-automatic fun of the Crosman, but you gain significant power and a more robust, tactical feel.
2. Gamo Swarm Maxxim GEN 2 Multi-Shot Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Swarm Maxxim offers a fantastic compromise between the Crosman’s multi-shot capability and the power of a break-barrel. Its 10-shot rotary magazine automatically loads the next pellet as you cock the rifle. This gives you quick follow-up shots without relying on CO2. It’s more expensive but offers a higher-quality build and more power.
3. Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle .177
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1420.00 ft/sec
For those who value stealth, the Gamo Whisper Fusion is a top choice. This break-barrel rifle incorporates advanced sound-dampening technology, making it one of the quietest options in its class. It’s a single-shot rifle with substantial power, making it ideal for backyard shooting or pest control where you don’t want to disturb the neighbors.
Final Verdict: A Fun Gamble
So, should you buy the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle? Our verdict is a conditional yes. If you get a good unit, it delivers an incredible amount of fun for a very low price. The semi-automatic action is addictive for plinking, and it’s lightweight and easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. However, the widespread reports of quality control issues like CO2 leaks and jamming are impossible to ignore. We recommend it for budget-conscious buyers who are willing to take a chance on a potentially fantastic plinker. If reliability is your absolute top priority, you may be better served by one of the break-barrel alternatives.
If you’ve decided the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto .177 Pellet Air Rifle is the right fit for your backyard adventures, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API