There’s a certain timeless appeal to setting up a few tin cans on a fence post and spending an afternoon plinking away. It was a rite of passage for me, and I suspect for many others, marking the first steps into the world of shooting sports. I was recently looking to recapture that simple joy and introduce a younger family member to safe shooting fundamentals. The goal was to find an air rifle that was simple, affordable, and versatile enough for casual target practice—a search that immediately brought the legendary Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle to mind.
- SINGLE-SHOT, BOLT-ACTION PELLET AND BB AIR RIFLE
- DURABLE, WATER RESISTANT DESIGN - Brown with smooth bore steel barrel
What to Consider Before Buying a Beginner Air Rifle
Before you purchase an entry-level air rifle, it’s crucial to align your expectations with the product’s purpose. These rifles are primarily designed for skill development, backyard plinking, and minor pest control, not for serious competition or large game hunting. The ideal user is a beginner, a younger shooter under strict adult supervision, or someone looking for an inexpensive tool for practice. Key factors to consider include the power source (pump-action offers variable power, which is excellent for different ranges), ammunition type (the ability to shoot both BBs and pellets is a huge plus for versatility and cost), and build materials. While metal components often suggest longevity, modern polymers can be durable, but it’s a critical area to examine. You want a rifle that is easy to handle, safe to operate, and accurate enough to be rewarding. For those just starting, the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle has been a go-to option for decades, aiming to check all these boxes at an extremely accessible price point.
While the Crosman Pump Master .177 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 Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its incredible lightness. Tipping the scales at a mere fraction of a pound, it feels almost like a toy. This is due to its extensive use of plastic in the stock, receiver, and pump handle. The only significant metal part is the smooth bore steel barrel. While this lightness makes it easy for younger shooters to handle, it immediately raised questions about long-term durability. The design is classic and functional, featuring a bolt-action mechanism for loading single pellets and a reservoir for BBs. The rifle includes basic blade and ramp sights, with the rear sight being adjustable for elevation. The variable pump system is the star feature, allowing the user to control the muzzle velocity from a gentle 350 fps for indoor practice up to a zippy 700 fps for outdoor targets.
What We Like
- Variable Power: The pump-action allows for customized velocity, making it versatile for different distances and targets.
- Dual Ammunition: Its ability to shoot both .177 pellets and 4.5mm BBs adds flexibility and makes ammunition affordable.
- Good Value: For its low price, it offers decent accuracy for plinking and is a great entry point for beginners.
- Lightweight: Easy for younger or smaller-framed individuals to hold and operate.
What We Didn’t Like
- Plastic Construction: The overwhelming use of plastic raises serious durability concerns, especially around the stock and pump mechanism.
- Prone to Breaking: Numerous reports confirm our fears, with stocks cracking and bolts failing under the stress of pumping.
- Low-Quality Scope & Mount: If a scope is included, it is very basic, and the plastic rail makes it difficult to mount securely.
A Deep Dive into the Pump Master’s Performance
For generations, the Pump Master has been the gateway into shooting sports for countless people. But does the modern version live up to the legend? We spent several afternoons putting it through its paces, testing everything from its build quality under stress to its accuracy at various distances.
Build Quality and Durability: The Achilles’ Heel
This is, without a doubt, the most polarizing aspect of the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle. The alloy steel barrel is solid, but nearly every other component, from the stock and receiver to the cocking bolt and trigger, is plastic. During our testing, we could feel the frame flex while pumping, especially when pushing past seven or eight pumps. This confirmed what many users have reported: the gun is fragile at its stress points. We saw numerous accounts of the stock breaking near the pistol grip where it connects to the receiver. One user gave a critical piece of advice we quickly adopted: “When you pump it DO NOT HOLD IT BY THE PISTOL GRIP ON THE STOCK.” Instead, hold the rifle by the receiver just ahead of the trigger guard. This simple change in handling significantly reduces stress on the weakest point of the frame and is essential for the longevity of the rifle.
Accuracy and Power: Surprisingly Capable
For a smooth-bore, budget-friendly air rifle, we were pleasantly surprised with the accuracy. Using .177 pellets and 10 pumps, we were able to replicate the findings of one user who achieved a “consistent 3 inch group” at 20 yards while resting the rifle. When we switched to free-hand shooting at 30 yards, we could consistently hit soda cans. The variable pump is fantastic. Three to four pumps are perfect for quiet backyard practice, while a full ten pumps delivers enough power to penetrate one side of a steel can at 10 yards, making it effective for dispatching small garden pests like squirrels and invasive birds. As expected, accuracy with BBs was less consistent than with pellets, but still perfectly adequate for plinking fun.
Sights, Scope, and Handling
The rifle comes with a standard blade front sight and an elevation-adjustable rear sight. They are basic but functional for general use. Some packages include a small 4x15mm scope, but we found it to be more of a hindrance than a help. The optics are elementary, and more importantly, the mounting system is flawed. The scope mounts directly onto a plastic rail on the receiver, and as one frustrated user noted, “I tightened the screws as much as possible and the scope still slides freely up and down the rail.” We experienced the same issue and had to resort to shimming it to get it to hold zero. Our recommendation is to master the iron sights, which are more reliable. The extremely light weight and simple bolt action make the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle incredibly easy to handle, a key reason it remains a top choice for teaching beginners.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking through feedback from other owners, a clear pattern emerges. There’s a deep sense of nostalgia for the Crosman 760, with many buyers, like one who “had a Crosman 760 PumpMaster without a scope as a kid,” purchasing it to relive fond memories. These users often praise its performance for the price, with one stating, “Once I got the scope sighted in, it is dead on at 25 yards.” However, there is an equally strong, if not stronger, sentiment of disappointment regarding the modern build quality. Reports of the rifle breaking are common, with one user lamenting, “My son loved using the gun until he was using it and it broke in half.” Another bluntly stated, “The quality is something you find at a 99 cent store.” This stark contrast highlights that user satisfaction is heavily dependent on managing expectations about its plastic construction and handling it with care.
Top Alternatives to the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle
While the Pump Master holds a unique place in the market, it’s not the only option for a beginner-friendly air rifle. Here are three alternatives worth considering.
1. Barra Air Guns 1866 Cowboy Rifle BB Gun Kit
- SAFETY KIT FOR BEGINNERS - Auto-Safety feature engages after every shot to protect against accidental misfire and injury. Includes safety glasses and easy...
- NO CO2 CARTRIDGES NEEDED - Pumping is a breeze thanks to our long lever arm. You only need one pump to shoot. Dual ammunition capable, shooting either .177...
If you’re drawn to a classic, nostalgic design, the Barra 1866 is a fantastic choice. It mimics the look and feel of a classic lever-action cowboy rifle. While it is primarily a BB gun, its multi-pump pneumatic action is similar to the Crosman’s. It often comes in a kit with a vintage-style box, making it an excellent gift. It trades the Crosman’s modern look for a fun, historical aesthetic that can make target practice even more engaging for young shooters.
2. Crosman Legacy Variable Pump Air Rifle
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
- VARIABLE CONTROL - From 750 fps to 1000 fps
For those who like the Crosman brand but want a step up in features and power, the Legacy 1000 is a compelling alternative. It is also a variable pump air rifle that shoots both BBs and pellets, but it boasts a higher maximum velocity of up to 1000 FPS. It typically features a more robust, modern synthetic stock and often includes a better scope and fiber optic sights, addressing some of the main weaknesses of the Pump Master.
3. Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle 1000 FPS
- Dual ammo .177 caliber BB or pellet
- 1, 000 FPS with alloy pellets
The Winchester 1977XS is another powerful dual-ammo competitor. Like the Crosman Legacy, it pushes velocities up to 1000 FPS, providing more power for longer-range plinking and pest control. It features a sleek, modern synthetic stock with a thumbhole grip for better stability and control. It represents a move toward a more serious, adult-oriented air rifle while still being accessible for supervised beginners.
Final Verdict: A Fragile Classic That Still Has Its Place
So, is the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle worth buying? Our answer is a conditional yes. If you are looking for an ultra-inexpensive, lightweight, and reasonably accurate rifle for casual backyard plinking or to teach a new shooter the fundamentals, it’s hard to beat the value. It is a legendary design for a reason. However, you absolutely must go into the purchase with your eyes open to its significant flaw: the fragile plastic construction. If you handle it carefully—especially when pumping—it can provide years of fun. If you’re looking for rugged durability or a rifle that can withstand rough use, you should invest more in one of the alternatives.
If you’ve decided the Crosman Pump Master .177 Air Rifle is the right fit for your plinking needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API