There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from setting up a few cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon honing your marksmanship. For many of us, it’s also about practical matters—like deterring the relentless squirrels and rodents that see our garden as their personal buffet. The challenge is finding an air rifle that delivers enough power for small pest control without the high cost and complexity of high-end models. We needed something versatile, affordable, and effective, which is exactly what led us to test the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle.
- 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 invest in an air rifle, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting into. The ideal user for a multi-pump rifle like the Winchester 1977XS is someone looking for flexibility and control over their power output. This could be a beginner learning the ropes, a parent teaching a younger shooter, or a homeowner needing a variable-power tool for different situations—low power for target practice, high power for pests. Key factors to consider are velocity (measured in FPS), ammunition type (BBs, pellets, or both), and overall build quality. You should be prepared for the physical effort of pumping the rifle before each shot. While this model offers impressive specs on paper, it’s important to weigh them against potential design quirks and quality control, which can make or break the shooting experience. If you value versatility and power in a budget-friendly package, the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle is worth a closer look.
While the Winchester 1977XS 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 Powerhouse with a Catch
Unboxing the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle, the first thing we noticed was its surprisingly light weight. At just over 3 pounds, its rugged composite body and ergonomic thumbhole stock make it incredibly easy to shoulder and aim. It feels solid enough for its price point, and the Winchester branding, licensed by Daisy Outdoor Products, lends it a sense of heritage. The dual-ammo capability is a huge plus, offering the choice between affordable BBs for plinking and accurate pellets for hunting or target shooting. The inclusion of a 4×32 scope is a nice touch, although as we’d soon discover, the rifle’s performance is a tale of two very different experiences, defined by both impressive power and frustrating design choices.
What We Like
- High Velocity: Capable of reaching up to 1000 FPS with alloy pellets, providing excellent power for pest control.
- Dual-Ammo Versatility: Shoots both .177 caliber pellets and BBs, making it flexible for different shooting activities.
- Adjustable Power: The multi-pump action allows you to control the power level, from 3 to 10 pumps.
- Good Iron Sights: The built-in open sights are surprisingly accurate, as confirmed by several users.
What We Didn’t Like
- Frustrating Pellet Loading: A major design flaw can cause pellets to fall into the BB reservoir, jamming the rifle.
- Inconsistent Build Quality: We found reports and evidence of issues like loose or misaligned front sights.
- Basic Included Scope: The 4×32 scope is a very entry-level optic that may not satisfy serious shooters.
A Deep Dive into the Winchester 1977XS’s Performance
After spending considerable time on the range and in the field with this rifle, we have a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a rifle that can be both incredibly rewarding and deeply frustrating, often within the same shooting session.
Power and Velocity
The headline feature is its 1000 FPS maximum velocity, and we can confirm it packs a serious punch. Using lightweight alloy pellets and 10 full pumps, the rifle delivers impressive power suitable for dispatching small game and pests cleanly from a responsible distance. The multi-pump system is the core of its versatility. With just 3-4 pumps, it’s a quiet and manageable backyard plinker. Ramping it up to 8-10 pumps transforms it into a capable hunting tool. This adjustable power is a fantastic feature for a rifle in this price range.
Accuracy and Sighting
We were pleasantly surprised by the rifle’s inherent accuracy. One user noted they were hitting a 4-inch target at 25 meters using only the iron sights, and our experience mirrored this. The built-in fiber optic sights are bright and easy to acquire. However, this is where quality control becomes an issue. We’ve seen numerous user reports, and can understand the frustration, of receiving units with severely misaligned front sights that make accurate shooting impossible without major adjustments. The included 4×32 scope is functional but very basic. It holds zero for the most part but has a narrow field of view and mediocre clarity. For serious work, you’ll want to upgrade, but for getting started, it’s adequate.
The Loading Mechanism: A Critical Flaw
This is, without a doubt, the rifle’s biggest weakness. Loading BBs into the 50-round reservoir is easy enough, but loading pellets is a true test of patience. The loading port is small and located directly under the scope. As one frustrated user detailed, if you pull the bolt all the way back, the pellet has a high chance of tumbling backward into the internal BB reservoir. We confirmed this immediately; it’s a frustratingly common occurrence. Once a pellet is in there, it can block the BB feeding mechanism and is extremely difficult to remove. The only reliable workaround we found is to pull the bolt back just far enough to expose the chamber, not the entire opening. Using tweezers, as suggested by one user, helps but shouldn’t be necessary. This single design flaw is significant enough to be a deal-breaker for those who primarily want to shoot pellets. If you’re considering this rifle, be aware of the patience required for pellet loading.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Ergonomically, the rifle is excellent. The lightweight composite frame and thumbhole stock make it comfortable to hold and shoot for hours. It’s a great fit for shooters of all sizes. The build quality, however, is mixed. The stock and pump forearm feel durable, but other components raise concerns. We corroborated reports that the front sight assembly can be fragile, with some users experiencing it falling off entirely. During our tests, the safety switch and bolt felt stiff and “gritty” at first, requiring a break-in period and some lubrication to operate smoothly.
What Other Users Are Saying
User feedback on the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle is a mixed bag that perfectly reflects our own findings. There’s a prevailing sentiment of “you get what you pay for.” Many praise its power and accuracy for the price, with one person calling it a “Great little rifle for hitting squirrel and rodents.” However, the complaints are consistent and significant. The most common issue cited is the pellet loading system, described as a “nightmare” because pellets “fall back into the BB reservoir.” Another recurring theme is questionable build quality. One user stated, “Very fragile and falls apart… The whole end with the front sight came off the same day I got it.” These real-world experiences confirm that while the rifle can perform well, buyers should be prepared for its potential quirks.
Top Alternatives to the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle
While the Winchester offers a lot of power for the money, its flaws might lead you to consider other options. Here are three popular alternatives.
1. Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.22
- velocity: 1020.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 is a significant step up in both performance and price. It uses a gas-piston power plant instead of a multi-pump system, which means you get consistent power with a single cocking motion. It’s also significantly quieter thanks to its sound dampening technology. If you want more refinement, less manual effort, and better build quality, the Gamo is a superior choice.
2. Gamo Raptor Whisper Air Rifle .177 Cal
- .177 Cal pellet single cocking break barrel, 1300 fps with PBA Platinum
- The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) is a gas piston that replaces the spring delivering more terminal velocity (1300 fps), less vibration, more consistent power...
Similar to the Mach 1, the Raptor Whisper is another gas-piston rifle from Gamo. It’s known for being lightweight, quiet, and consistently accurate. It’s a great option for shooters who prioritize stealth and a smooth shooting cycle over the variable power offered by the Winchester. It’s an excellent pest control rifle that is generally more user-friendly, lacking the frustrating loading system of the 1977XS.
3. Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10X GEN 2 Air Rifle
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 1300.00 ft/sec
If your biggest frustration with single-shot rifles is the reloading process, the Gamo Swarm Maxxim is the answer. Its standout feature is the 10-shot rotary magazine, which allows for rapid follow-up shots. This completely changes the shooting experience, making it ideal for plinking or dealing with multiple pests. It’s a more advanced and convenient system compared to the Winchester’s single-shot pellet loading.
Final Verdict: A Powerful but Flawed Budget Rifle
So, should you buy the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle? Our verdict is a conditional yes. If you are on a tight budget, primarily shoot BBs, and need the high-velocity power for pest control, this rifle offers tremendous value. Its accuracy with iron sights is commendable. However, if you plan to shoot pellets frequently and value a smooth, frustration-free experience, the flawed loading mechanism is a serious drawback. It’s a rifle that demands patience from its owner. It’s best suited for the practical user who is willing to work around its quirks to access its impressive power.
If you’ve decided the Winchester 1977XS Air Rifle is the right fit for your 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