I remember the frustration well. Ammunition for traditional firearms was scarce and expensive, and I was itching for some simple, satisfying target practice. I didn’t need a high-powered hunting rifle; I just wanted to hear the ping of a pellet hitting a tin can, to knock over some spinners without breaking the bank or traveling to a formal range. This search for an accessible, low-cost plinking solution is what led me to explore the world of CO2-powered air rifles, where the promise of rapid-fire fun is always alluring.
- 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 dive into the world of CO2-powered air rifles, it’s important to know who they’re for. The ideal user for a model like the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle is a beginner, a younger shooter under supervision, or anyone looking for a low-maintenance, high-fun-factor rifle for casual backyard plinking. Key factors to consider are the power source (CO2 cartridges are convenient but performance can vary with temperature), the action (semi-automatic is great for fun, but can be more complex than a simple break-barrel), and build materials (synthetic stocks are lightweight and durable, but may not feel as premium as wood). You should also consider your primary use. Is it for teaching a new shooter, pest control, or just knocking down cans? For pure, unadulterated plinking fun, a semi-auto pellet rifle can be an incredibly rewarding choice. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, the Crosman 1077FSG is a contender worth a closer look.
While the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto 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: Sporty Looks and Lightweight Handling
Unboxing the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle, the first thing that strikes you is its sporty, three-tone color scheme. The grey, black, and red accents give it a modern, energetic look that stands out from more traditional air rifles. In hand, it’s incredibly lightweight, a direct result of its synthetic frame and stock. Some experienced shooters might find the plastic construction to feel a bit like a toy, but we see it as a major advantage for younger users or for long sessions of casual shooting where a heavier rifle would cause fatigue. The checked stock provides a secure grip, and the rifle shoulders comfortably. While the length of pull is a bit short for larger adults, we found it perfectly manageable and well-suited for smaller-framed shooters. It’s clear from the start that this rifle is designed for accessibility and fun.
What We Like
- Fast, fun semi-automatic firing with a 12-shot rotary clip
- Surprisingly accurate for its price point, ideal for backyard plinking
- Lightweight and easy to handle for shooters of all sizes
- Bright fiber optic sights are effective out of the box
What We Didn’t Like
- Predominantly plastic construction feels cheap to some
- Long, gritty trigger pull can affect precision
- Significant user reports of CO2 seal failures and pellet jamming
- Quality control appears to be inconsistent
A Deep Dive into the 1077FSG’s Performance
A product’s real value is revealed in its performance. We put the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle through its paces to see if the fun, semi-auto action was backed by reliability and accuracy. The results were, frankly, a mixed bag.
Design and Ergonomics
The all-weather synthetic stock is a practical choice. You won’t worry about scratching a fine wood finish, making it a great “knock-around” rifle. Its lightweight nature—a common praise among users—makes it a joy to carry and shoot for extended periods. As one user noted, while it’s probably intended for youth training with its shorter length of pull, it fits average-sized adults well enough for casual use. The ergonomics are simple and effective for its intended purpose: straightforward plinking.
Firing Mechanism and Accuracy
This is where the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle is supposed to shine, and when it works, it’s a blast. Loading the 12-shot rotary clip is simple, and firing off 12 shots as fast as you can pull the trigger is undeniably fun. The advertised velocity of up to 780 fps is ample for punching holes in paper targets and sending tin cans flying. We found its accuracy to be quite impressive within 10-20 yards. We could consistently group shots in a tight pattern, a sentiment echoed by users who called it “surprisingly accurate.” However, this is tempered by the trigger. It has a very long, heavy, and somewhat “gritty” pull. It’s a double-action-only system, which is common in CO2 repeaters, but it’s far from a match-grade trigger and requires practice to master. For the price, the rapid-fire capability is the main selling point, and it certainly delivers on that promise.
Sights and CO2 System
The included sights are a highlight. The fiber optic front sight is bright and easy to acquire, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing you to dial it in for decent accuracy. For those wanting more precision, a dovetail rail is included for mounting a scope. The CO2 system is designed for convenience, with an easy-access housing for quick changes of the 12-gram cartridges. This brings us to the rifle’s biggest potential flaw: reliability. While our initial test unit held gas without issue, we cannot ignore the significant number of user reports detailing catastrophic CO2 leaks, sometimes after only a few months of use. Others reported constant jamming with the plastic pellet magazines, with pellets getting stuck in the magazine or barrel. This suggests a potential for quality control issues that prospective buyers must be aware of.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly supported by the broader user community. The feedback is sharply divided. On one hand, you have users like one who bought it during an “ammo shortage” for recreational practice. Despite noting the plastic feel and gritty trigger, they were impressed, calling it “surprisingly accurate” and a good fit for both themselves and their wife. Another reported it was “accurate and powerful enough” for rodent hunting, with no leaks on their unit.
On the other end of the spectrum, the complaints are severe. Several users reported critical failures. One user’s rifle “worked amazing for a little while but after a couple of months when i screwed in the C02 it sprayed out everywhere.” Others were less fortunate, with one stating, “This Piece of Junk hasn’t been able to fire its first pellet,” citing constant jams with the plastic magazine. This stark contrast in experiences points to a concerning inconsistency in manufacturing.
Alternatives to the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle
If the potential for reliability issues gives you pause, or if you’re simply looking for different features, there are several excellent alternatives to consider.
1. Umarex Legends MP Blowback BB Gun Air Rifle
- 52-shot, .177 caliber BB air gun with realistic blowback action; Semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes
- Powered by two 12-gram CO2 cartridges (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recommended.)
If you’re drawn to the semi-auto action but want a more realistic, historical firearm experience, the Umarex Legends MP is a fantastic choice. It fires .177 caliber BBs instead of pellets and features a full-metal construction and realistic blowback action. While it may not have the pellet-driven accuracy of the Crosman, it more than makes up for it in authenticity and sheer fun factor for those who appreciate military replicas.
2. Gamo Silent Cat Breakbarrel Pellet Air Rifle
- VELOCITY: .Shoots .177 Caliber pellets up to 1200 FPS (1000 FPS Lead)
- PROPULSION: Breakbarrel Spring Piston Single Shot
For those who prioritize power and accuracy over rate of fire, the Gamo Silent Cat is a classic breakbarrel option. This rifle is a single-shot powerhouse, ideal for pest control and more serious target shooting. It doesn’t rely on CO2, so you get consistent power in any temperature, and its integrated noise dampener makes it much quieter than the Crosman. It’s a step up in power and build quality for a more deliberate shooter.
3. Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10X GEN 2 Multi-Shot Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
Want the best of both worlds? The Gamo Swarm Maxxim offers multi-shot capability without the need for CO2. It uses a breakbarrel action to charge a powerful gas piston, and its 10-shot rotary magazine automatically loads the next pellet. This gives you quick follow-up shots combined with the power and consistency of a gas-piston rifle. It represents a significant upgrade in technology and performance over the Crosman 1077FSG.
Our Final Verdict
The Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto Pellet Air Rifle is a product of compromises. When you get a good one, it delivers an incredibly fun, fast-firing plinking experience for a very low price. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and accurate enough to provide hours of backyard entertainment. However, the significant and repeated reports of CO2 leaks and jamming issues indicate a serious quality control gamble. We can only recommend this rifle to budget-conscious buyers who are willing to take that risk for the thrill of semi-automatic pellet firing.
If you’ve decided the Crosman 1077FSG Semi-Auto 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