Crosman 2250B

[ airguns ]
Mark Camoccio gets to grips
with the Crosman 2250B
pistol with carbine stock
Gas
Power
A
s a lifelong fan of the classic pump-up
pneumatic Crosman Medallist pistol
(later renamed the 1322 pistol), I’m
more than familiar with this famous American
name in airguns, and its contribution to good
old ‘fun shooting’.
The Crosman 2250B is my test model here,
and whilst it looks familiar, it’s a different
animal to the Medallist. For a start it’s CO2
powered, but it’s effectively a gas-powered
version of that very same pistol; save for a few
significant add-ons. The main chassis owes
much to that classic favourite of mine. The
distinctively familiar profile should come as no
surprise, since an identical rear sight, and bolt
housing assembly (to name but two areas) hail
from the same parts bin; helping keep
production costs to a minimum into the
bargain. Add that rugged shoulder stock, and a
highly individual and appealing airgun is the
result, with a feel and character all of its own.
capsule
CO2 is a completely different ball game to
conventional air power, and for those
unfamiliar with this branch of the sport, let’s
run through the preliminaries.
24
Power is derived from a sealed capsule of
CO2 gas, which, in the case of this Crosman,
is the 12gram size, and similar in appearance
to the old Soda Stream bulbs. At around 80p
a go and good for around 50-shots when
mark Says:
“CO2 is a completely
different ball game
to conventional air
power, and for those
unfamiliar with this
branch of the sport”
used in this model, the cost of shooting is
obviously greater than conventional air.
Whilst discussing the downsides, one of the
characteristics of C02 is that power output
varies depending upon the ambient
temperature. Ultra cold conditions for
SHOOTING SPORTS MAGAZINE
Ultra compact
and ultra fun - the
Crosman 2250B,
try it - you might
be surprised
example, will lower the pressure and thus
the number of available shots. Conversely,
very warm conditions will increase the shot
count.
On the upside, the format allows for an
exciting array of relatively lightweight guns,
due to the fact that the action doesn’t need
heavy weight spring piston innards; since
the power is derived from an external
source.
utilitarian
Build quality isn’t something that
Crosman are renowned for and this model
really does define ‘no-nonsense’, with
plastic grips and that utilitarian shoulder
stock. Yet that same down to earth
approach is also refreshingly practical, as
function distinctly overshadows style.
Accepting the no-frills tag line then, this
Model 2250B still seems on the face of it,
astonishing value for money, since it comes
as a package, complete with a 4x15 scope
and mounts. However, the 2250B does
come fitted with open sights as standard
and I would advise on giving these an
outing first, since they offer an interesting
The 12gram CO2
capsules go nose-first
into the front of the
forend tube and are
good for about 50-shots
given the temperature
A basic but perfectly
functional trigger is
part of the design
The rear sight offers
a selectable U-notch
or aperture
combination. The front incorporates a
green fibre optic element, which stands out
in poor light fairly well. The rear takes the
form of Crosman’s tried and tested design,
with a reversible leaf offering either a large
square notch, or peep sight. Given the
potential of these guns though, the scope
route must make sense.
intermount
w e r e c ko n
n More than the sum of its parts
n Surprisingly accurate and
enjoyable
n A great introductory airgun
expectations
The Model 2250B has proved extremely
popular since its inception and having now
put it through its paces, I can see why. If I’m
honest, my expectations were low regarding
performance, due as mentioned, to the fairly
basic scope on offer. Yet gradually, as the
shots continued to tear tight clusters down
range, I was forced to concede. With my
preconceptions kicked into touch, I was left in
no doubt as to just why this model has sold
in such numbers.
Trigger-wise, the design is undeniably
basic, yet that said, it still trips after a
reasonable pressure is applied. A wider blade
would help to spread the load over the pad of
the finger, yet in practise, performance is
wholly acceptable.
Groups of a little over ½” at 25 yards,
using the Crosman Pointed pellets supplied
for the test, were, in my opinion, quite
excellent for this type of gun, and better than
many rifles costing far more.
sport for all
Handling is refreshing due to the incredible
lightness overall, and at 3lbs, just about
25
s
With this in mind, my first task was to
piece the combo together - an eye opener
in itself. Crosman don’t include rails in the
design, so fitting the scope sees an
unusual method employed. Termed as an
‘Intermount’ two sighting blocks are
utilized, which are first unscrewed so that
the halves can clamp around the barrel,
with their squared-off bottom allowed to sit
on the cylinder. Whilst this method is
unorthodox, in practise it works a treat!
With the glassware now neatly locked
into place, the next task was to fire up the
CO2. A knurled, threaded cap just forward
of the action needs to be unscrewed and a
capsule dropped into the chamber. The cap
is then replaced and carefully screwed in,
until gas is heard to gently hiss; signifying
that the end piece has been pierced to
release the gas. In the event that this
doesn’t happen, then a coin or similar
object can be inserted into the slot on the
front of the cap, to exert greater pressure,
to eventually break the seal.
With the system powered up, the small
brass bolt is drawn back and cocked, a
pellet rolled into the breach, and the
action closed. I find loading is best
achieved by nudging the pellet into the lip
of the transfer port, before returning the
bolt, which stops the pellet from getting
caught up in its channel. Zeroing was
simplicity itself and whilst I’m no great fan
of the 4x15 spec, on test, I had no
complaints.
Serious accuracy
is on offer here
[ airguns ]
s
Overall a neat and
highly effective
little gun
Technical Specifications
n NameCrosman Model 2250B
n Type
CO2 single shot
n Calibre
.22 only
n Weight3lbs
n Length30”
n Barrel 14.5”
n Stockcomposite
n Shot Count
50 approx
n Trigger
Single stage
n Average Velocity400fps using Crosman Pointed pellets
n Energy
Up to 6.8ft/lbs on test (up to 8ft/lbs
possible)
n RRP£132
n Contact
ASI, 01728 688555
26
anyone should be able to enjoy the
experience, making this an ideal gun for
beginners, juniors and lady shots across
the board. On that note, the inclusion (as
with all guns from this stable) of the
Crosblock safety device, which effectively
locks the trigger from unwanted
attention, is a great touch, and Crosman
deserve praise for leading the way in
matters of safety.
Relatively low power output will of
course restrict the use of the 2250B, yet
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the manufacturers only ever intended it for
general purpose use, and informal target
shooting and in that regard, to say I was
mightily impressed is an understatement.
With serious accuracy on tap, any shooter
can be rightfully rewarded once their
technique improves, allowing this model to
leapfrog many supposedly better equipped
rivals out there.
Quite the most enjoyable airgun I’ve
shot in some while - and something of a
bargain too! Nice one Crosman.