There’s a special kind of joy in setting up a few tin cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon plinking away. For years, my go-to was a trusty break-barrel rifle. It was accurate, powerful, and reliable. But I’ll be honest—the constant cycle of breaking the barrel, loading a single pellet, aiming, and firing got repetitive. I started craving something with a faster pace, something that offered the simple thrill of quick follow-up shots without the cost and noise of a .22 rimfire. I wanted an air rifle that was light, easy for anyone in the family to use, and above all, fun. That search for the perfect semi-automatic plinker led me straight to the Crosman 1077.
- DURABLE WATER RESISTANT SYNTHETIC DESIGN - Rifled steel barrel with 12-round pellet magazine
- CO2-POWERED – Delivering up to 780 fps (CO2 not included)
What to Consider Before Buying a CO2 Air Rifle
Before you jump into the world of CO2-powered air rifles, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. These rifles are designed for a specific type of shooter. The ideal user is someone looking for a convenient, low-recoil, multi-shot experience primarily for backyard target practice, plinking, or light pest control at close ranges. Unlike spring-piston or gas-piston break-barrels, CO2 rifles don’t require you to cock a heavy mechanism for every shot. You simply load a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, fill the magazine, and you’re ready for rapid firing.
Key factors to consider include shot count, temperature sensitivity, and ongoing costs. A single CO2 cartridge will only give you a limited number of effective shots—typically between 40 and 60—before the velocity drops. Performance also suffers significantly in cold weather, as the lower temperatures reduce the pressure inside the cartridge. Finally, you’ll need a steady supply of CO2 cartridges and pellets, which is an ongoing expense. If you prioritize maximum power and all-weather consistency over a high rate of fire, a break-barrel might be a better fit. But if fast-paced, convenient fun is your top priority, the Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle offers an exciting and affordable entry point.
While the Crosman 1077 CO2 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:
- 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: Lightweight and Ready for Action
Pulling the Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle out of the box, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just 3.7 pounds, its durable synthetic stock makes it incredibly easy to handle, perfect for younger shooters or for long sessions without fatigue. It feels more like a tool meant for pure enjoyment than a heavy, precision instrument. The design is straightforward and functional. The real star of the show is the 12-round rotary pellet magazine. The idea of firing 12 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger is what this rifle is all about. Loading the CO2 cartridge is a simple process, involving unscrewing a cap under the barrel and tightening it down to pierce the seal. On the surface, it’s everything we were looking for: a simple, lightweight, semi-automatic pellet rifle built for high-volume fun.
Key Advantages
- Incredibly Fun Semi-Auto Action: The 12-shot rotary magazine allows for rapid-fire plinking that is highly engaging.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Its synthetic build and low weight make it accessible and comfortable for shooters of all ages and sizes.
- Great for Beginners: The simple operation and lack of heavy cocking effort make it an excellent introductory air rifle.
- Affordable Price Point: Offers a multi-shot experience at a fraction of the cost of many other repeating air rifles.
Potential Drawbacks
- Questionable Long-Term Reliability: Widespread user reports and our own experience point to issues with CO2 seal leaks over time.
- Fragile Plastic Components: Key parts, including the magazine clip, are made of plastic and are prone to breaking.
- Inconsistent Magazine Feeding: The rotary magazine can occasionally skip pellets or cause jams.
- Poor Performance in Cold Weather: Like all CO2 guns, velocity and shot count drop dramatically in the cold.
Performance Deep Dive: How Does the Crosman 1077 Hold Up?
An air rifle can have great features on paper, but it all comes down to performance at the range. We put the Crosman 1077 through its paces, focusing on its build, power, accuracy, and the semi-automatic action that sets it apart. The results were a mixed bag, revealing a rifle that is an absolute blast to shoot but comes with some significant compromises.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The synthetic stock is the rifle’s greatest ergonomic asset. It’s comfortable to shoulder and makes aiming feel natural and unencumbered. We found it perfect for introducing new shooters to the sport. However, the reliance on plastic in critical areas is a major concern. Several users reported that the plastic magazine attachment cracked, rendering the rifle useless. During our testing, we treated this part with extra care, but it’s clear that this is a potential point of failure. While the lightweight build is a pro, the trade-off is a distinct lack of long-term durability in its most essential mechanisms.
Power, Velocity, and Shot Count
Crosman advertises velocities “up to 780 fps.” In our testing on a temperate day (around 70°F), we saw initial velocities closer to the 600-650 fps range with standard lead pellets. This is more than adequate for punching holes in paper targets and knocking over cans. The real story is shot count and consistency. We consistently got about 40-50 effective shots from a single 12g CO2 cartridge. After the 50th shot, we noticed a significant drop in power, with pellets eventually just rolling out of the barrel. This is a common experience, confirmed by users who noted getting anywhere from “36 good shots” to about “50 (accurate) pellets.” This rifle consumes CO2 fairly quickly, so be prepared to swap cartridges often during a long session.
Accuracy and Sights
Out of the box, the accuracy is acceptable for casual plinking. Using the included fiber optic sights, we were able to achieve respectable groupings within an inch at 10-15 yards. However, many users find the stock sights difficult to align properly. The real potential of the Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle is unlocked by adding an optic. The receiver has a standard 11mm dovetail rail, and mounting a simple 4x scope or a red dot sight transforms it into a much more capable target shooter. With a scope zeroed in, hitting small targets repeatedly becomes much easier and adds to the overall fun.
The Semi-Automatic Action: Fun, but Flawed
This is why you buy the Crosman 1077. The ability to pull the trigger and send 12 pellets downrange as quickly as you want is undeniably fun. The double-action trigger pull is a bit long and heavy, but it’s manageable. The 12-shot rotary magazine is simple to load and insert. However, we did experience what other users have reported: occasional jams and skipped pellets. It seems the mechanism sometimes fails to perfectly align the pellet with the barrel, leading to a misfire. While it didn’t happen constantly, it was frequent enough to be a minor annoyance. When it works, it’s brilliant. When it jams, it breaks the rhythm of an otherwise enjoyable shooting experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking at feedback from other shooters, it’s clear there’s a love-hate relationship with the Crosman 1077. The positive reviews almost always praise its core concept. One user calls it “a blast!” and another notes it’s “excellent for beginners.” A particularly satisfied owner shared their success story: “I have now put at least 1000 shots through this unit without a single misfire or jam, outstanding! I have dispatched 18 Norwegian rats… Love this gun.”
However, the negative feedback highlights a consistent and serious problem: quality control. The most common complaint by far is about the CO2 seals failing. One long-time owner stated, “The number one issue, is it continues to lose its CO2 gas due to a defective seal.” Another user had a new rifle fail “out of the box” with a leaky seal. This, combined with reports of cracked plastic parts and jamming magazines, suggests that getting a reliable unit can be a matter of luck.
Crosman 1077 vs. The Competition
While the Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle carves out a niche with its semi-auto action, it’s important to see how it compares to other popular air rifles in a similar price bracket.
1. Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.22
- velocity: 1020.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Whisper Fusion is a completely different beast. It’s a gas-piston, break-barrel rifle designed for power and quiet shooting. It will deliver significantly higher velocity and impact energy, making it a much better choice for serious pest control or small game hunting. However, it’s a single-shot rifle that requires significant effort to cock for every shot. If you prioritize power and accuracy over rate of fire, the Gamo is the superior choice. If you want backyard fun and rapid firing, the Crosman 1077 wins.
2. Barra 1866 Cowboy Rifle Lever Action 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...
The Barra 1866 appeals to a sense of nostalgia with its classic lever-action design. Like the Crosman 1077, it’s powered by CO2 and offers a multi-shot experience. However, it fires BBs instead of pellets, which are generally less accurate and more prone to ricochet. The choice here comes down to style. The Barra 1866 is all about the classic cowboy shooting experience, while the Crosman 1077 offers a more modern, semi-automatic plinking experience with the superior accuracy of pellets.
3. Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10X GEN 2 Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Swarm Maxxim is perhaps the most direct competitor for someone looking for a repeating air rifle. It combines a gas-piston break-barrel power plant with a 10-shot rotary magazine. This gives you the best of both worlds: multi-shot capability without the temperature sensitivity and ongoing cost of CO2 cartridges. It’s more powerful and consistent than the Crosman 1077. The trade-off is the rate of fire; you still have to break the barrel between each shot, making it much slower than the semi-auto Crosman.
Final Verdict: A Fun Gamble
The Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle is a fantastic concept that delivers an incredibly fun shooting experience when it works. For casual backyard plinking, teaching new shooters, or just blasting through tin cans, its lightweight design and semi-automatic action are hard to beat for the price. It fills a unique niche that few other air rifles can match.
However, we cannot ignore the significant and widely reported issues with quality control, particularly the failing CO2 seals and fragile plastic parts. Buying this rifle feels like a bit of a gamble. If you get a good one, you’ll have an absolute blast. If you get a dud, you’ll be faced with leaks and frustration. It’s a rifle we recommend, but with a strong word of caution. It’s for the hobbyist who values fun over rugged reliability and is willing to potentially deal with maintenance issues down the line.
If you’ve decided the Crosman 1077 CO2 Pellet Air Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API