Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
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Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
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Topic: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun! (Read 9614 times))
SmilinKev
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Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
on:
July 26, 2012, 10:08:04 PM »
I'm not the kind of buyer that marketing gurus label as an "early adopter." I like to wait until enough people have tried out a new product so that any consistent flaws (and strengths, too) can be identified. So, I wasn't on any of the first several bandwagons that have driven by since Crosman introduced the M4-177. This week, however, I just couldn't wait any longer - so yesterday UPS brought me one of these attractive and inexpensive air rifles, along with a UTG 1X30 red/green dot scope to mount on its integral Weaver-style rail.
Based on what other folks have said, shown (on YouTube) and written, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Lots of folks were impressed by the rifle's accuracy with a variety of .177 pellets and thought the overall appearance was an excellent imitation of the Colt M4 Carbine. However, other folks were disappointed by what they saw as a "toy" with too much plastic, too little power and no semi-automatic or automatic firing capability. Without more metal, more velocity, and a fully functional "rock-'n'-roll" switch, they deem Crosman's rifle to be unworthy of designation as an "M4" analog. However, after just a bit more than 24 hours with the Crosman M4-177, I'm already a member of the "impressed" group. Keeping in mind that it currently retails for just $80 or so, it seems to me that this air rifle offers exceptional levels of accuracy, durability, fit-and-function, and just plain FUN!
After unboxing the M4-177, which was well packed and protected from routine shipping jolts, jabs and bounces, I checked all the seams, joint and screws. Everything was tight and nicely aligned and joined. I then swabbed out the bore with a patch soaked in Goo Gone, followed by untreated patches passed through the bore until they came out clean and dry. I then passed a patch with a very light load of MilSpec metal treatment down the bore to guard against any corrosion and ran through another batch of untreated patches to remove any MilSpec residue.
The exterior of the M4-177 didn't need any dusting, cleaning or polishing. Ah, tough and textured plastic is so wonderfully low-maintenance. However, a few drops of Crosman Pellgunoil had to be swiftly applied at the key points on the pump arm. This instantly cured the M4-177 of "Tin Man Disease," which is a screeching stiffness of one's metal joints that can be fixed only with bit of outside help. Just like in "The Wizard of Oz," the "oil can" worked its magic!
Finally, I put a small strip of adhesive-backed, thin felt on the inside of the M4's pump handle/forearm. This unobtrusive padding (the kind used on the bottoms of ceramics before setting them on glossy wood tabletops) keeps the plastic pump from striking the M4's metal barrel and making a loud SMACKing sound with each pump. Now, all that can be heard is a very soft "thump" with each pump - one that is probably not audible more than 15-20 feet away. After all, you wouldn't want to alert the enemy to your presence by going CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK-CLACK just before each time you took a shot!
The M4-177 is a very well made air rifle. The plastic body doesn't look fragile or cheap. The dimensions and weight of the rifle are substantial enough to make it feel stable and balanced in the shooter's hands. The adjustable stock is very stable, although I wouldn't use it as a "grab handle" when pumping the rifle. I can get plenty of leverage by just wrapping my right hand over the rear of the Weaver-style rail - directly above the pistol grip - and using my left hand and arm to do the pumping.
With the preparatory maintenance out of the way, I mounted the dot sight - and I was pleased to note that the integral plastic mounting rail had no problem with the sight's mounting screws being snugged down firmly. I loaded up five magazines (you'll want to order extras, too) and plinked with them outside, just to get a feel for the gun's weight, balance and operation. I found that the magazines were very easy to index from shot-to-shot, with a light but firm push moving the magazine to the next pellet. And, once seated in position for loading the first pellet into the bore, the magazine stayed put in its slot.
With the heat getting to me (104 today, here in southern Illinois), I moved indoors to the 10-meter lane in my garage and got the dot scope sighted-in with just two magazines (10 pellets). Then I set up my Beta Chrony and shot through 10 magazines of 7.9 grain (sorted and weighed) Crosman Premier Hollow Points before I found it impossible to resist the resetting metal mini-silhouette targets I also have at 10 meters away in the lane. I shot for another half hour, just having a blast by blasting away at metal pigs, ducks, rabbits and turkeys.
I bought the M4-177 to use as a sort of "plinker" for picking off cans, plastic toy soldiers, etc. For that purpose, the 1X dot sight is perfect - as would be the adjustable open sights that come with the rifle (but which my aging eyes can't use). However, the M4-177 would probably be a very good "target practice" rifle, capable of consistent 1/3" - 1/4" center-to-center groups, if it had target sights or a magnifying AO scope mounted on it. Using only the dot sight, I took 50 shots (in magazine-sized groups of five) from 10 meters at NRA 5-Bull air rifle targets. The groups averaged just over 1/2" - to be precise, the center-to-center average across the 10 groups (with the widest inter-pellet pair in each group measured with digital calipers) was .52". All shots were in the black center region - and there were even eight solid "bullseyes"! Of course, I was shooting from a sitting position at a bench, with my left hand (open palm facing up) cradling the M4-177's forearm on top of a Caldwell front bag. I'll work my way up to shooting the M4-177 offhand, once it cools down and I can stalk empty water bottles along the margins of our backroads in the Shawnee National Forest.
I took each of my "shots for record" after giving the M4-177 eight full, controlled pumps. Although the M4-177 is fairly sturdy, no "pumper" with a lever arm deserves to be yanked open hard and slammed shut even harder! Here's a 10-pellet string, from the middle of my NRA 5-Bull session, that is representative of the M4-177 performed:
First magazine:
Shot 1: 530.4 feet per second (fps), measure at 3 feet from the muzzle
Shot 2: 547.1 fps
Shot 3: 527.6 fps
Shot 4: 521.6 fps
Shot 5: 527.6 fps
Second magazine:
Shot 6: 524.7 fps
Shot 7: 545.6 fps
Shot 8: 528.3 fps
Shot 9: 532.8 fps
Shot 10: 529.0 fps
The 10-shot string yields an average muzzle velocity (with eight pumps) of 531.5 fps, with a standard deviation of 8.4 fps. I think that's a highly commendable level of consistency for such an inexpensive air rifle - and the velocity is great for both indoor and outdoor plinking and, at relatively short distances, informal target practice.
When I add these kind of performance results to the obvious ability of the M4-177 to create and sustain fantasies of being a "Spec Ops" sharpshooter, it seems to me that the air rifle is an incredible value. In terms of my most important criterion "How Fun Is It To Shoot?", it gets a rating of 9.95 (with a "10" being "perfect"). The slight deduction is because, after all, it does need to be pumped. The only air rifle I own that beats it is my Beeman R-7, which does not need to be pumped, is more accurate, is made from attractive wood and deeply blued metal . . . and cost more than four times as much.
Of course, your experience may vary and your opinion (as equally valid as is mine) may be different. However, if you're "on the fence" about buying the M4-177, then I don't think you'll be disappointed if you decide to order one. It's a keeper!
Thanks for considering my input. All responses are welcome, although I will believe and praise only those that agree with my opinion . . . ;^)
Keep smilin' and keep shootin',
Kevin
Logged
wrecktangle
Marksman
Posts: 376
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #1 on:
July 27, 2012, 08:24:35 AM »
Great review Kevin.
I too find my M4-177 too much fun. The pumping gets a bit tedious (i'm not much of a "pumper" person, though I do own several of these types of guns). I equipped mine with a Leaper's BugBuster scope (the newer generation with the thinner reticle). I haven't run too many brands/types of pellets through it yet, but I'm seeing it does have potential.
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Hagerstown, MD
aack73
Nitrogen is the way to go :)
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 4586
Real Name: Chad
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #2 on:
July 27, 2012, 08:42:00 AM »
nice write up.
only thing that would make it any better would be pics.
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"come over to the darkside you knob"
N.E.Dan
New England Dan ie NEDan
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 856
Dan
Real Name: Dan
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #3 on:
July 27, 2012, 09:36:49 AM »
Fantastic write-up !
Thanks for taking the time to write such an entertaining, extensive, well written review.
A pleasure to read. Your obvious effort deserves praise.
I personally don't need pics since you haven't changed it's appearance and I've seen it hundreds of times. Or more !
I am interested in exactly where you placed the felt furniture protector? A pic of that would be great.
I too have sat on the sidelines waiting for the initial craze to settle.
Heck I,m 55 yrs old and just bought my first Benjamin 392 pumper ?? I waited so long the quality actually went down.
At least I don't have to hide it from Mom & Dad.
«
Last Edit: July 27, 2012, 09:41:59 AM by N.E.Dan
»
Logged
South Of Boston
Sam yang Sumatra .25
Hatsan .25 Vortex Striker
PCP's; Gen 1 M-rod .22, P-Rod .22, Disco .22, 2260hipac,,
China; MM.AR2078/A, TF89 .22, qb57, QB36-2 .177, B2, QB78 22 &.177,
Russia; IZH-61, 2,Baikal 512 .22, IZH 53m, & 651K
Mexico; Mendoza RM200 .22,
Crosman; 4 Custom shop, 760+2100,Sierra Pro, 1077.
Benjamin Hb17 & 22, 392. 2100
Daisy 953, 822,880 & 25.
Winchester 1000 .177, Turkish I know.
Spain, Tuned Gamo Hunter Pro .177.
And over 30 pistols.
Need to sell them all.
Shu, Egyptian god of the wind and air
SmilinKev
Guest
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #4 on:
July 27, 2012, 11:19:17 AM »
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words!
I've taken three photos of the "silencing pad" nestled in the spot on the inside of the M4-177's pump/forearm. The first photo shows the pad - and the other two demonstrate the minimal effect that it has on the forearm's position when it's closed. I'm trying to figure out how to get them uploaded! I've got them pared down to the right size and I've listed them in the "Attachments and other options" section of the "Reply" page . . . but they don't show up in the preview. So, if they don't show up on the forum when I hit "Submit," I'll keep trying until I get it figured out.
N.E. Dan, it's nice to find a kindred spirit here on GTA. I think it's safe for you to go ahead and get the M4-177 . . . especially since you don't want to someday discover that you really, REALLY want it, but it's gone!
Keep shootin' and keep smilin',
Kevin
Logged
BerkshireHunter
Marksman
Posts: 472
Pb, Fe, and Au.
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #5 on:
July 27, 2012, 02:19:38 PM »
Great write-up! Mine has really grown on me, got a TKO brake for it and have mulled the possibility of a laser for close range.
Logged
aack73
Nitrogen is the way to go :)
GTA Senior Contributor
Posts: 4586
Real Name: Chad
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #6 on:
July 27, 2012, 11:59:13 PM »
always nice to see pics of out standing groups accompanied with the shooter. i have one and have seen them lots of times, but a write up that nice deserves pics. not necessarily for me but rather for someone new that is maybe on the fence. that's all. wasn't being negative or critical. a really well written write up. deserves pics.
Logged
"come over to the darkside you knob"
N.E.Dan
New England Dan ie NEDan
Sharp Shooter
Posts: 856
Dan
Real Name: Dan
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #7 on:
July 29, 2012, 02:53:03 PM »
I agree
Logged
South Of Boston
Sam yang Sumatra .25
Hatsan .25 Vortex Striker
PCP's; Gen 1 M-rod .22, P-Rod .22, Disco .22, 2260hipac,,
China; MM.AR2078/A, TF89 .22, qb57, QB36-2 .177, B2, QB78 22 &.177,
Russia; IZH-61, 2,Baikal 512 .22, IZH 53m, & 651K
Mexico; Mendoza RM200 .22,
Crosman; 4 Custom shop, 760+2100,Sierra Pro, 1077.
Benjamin Hb17 & 22, 392. 2100
Daisy 953, 822,880 & 25.
Winchester 1000 .177, Turkish I know.
Spain, Tuned Gamo Hunter Pro .177.
And over 30 pistols.
Need to sell them all.
Shu, Egyptian god of the wind and air
birdmove
Expert
Posts: 1670
yes
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #8 on:
December 28, 2012, 06:49:47 PM »
Nice writeup. I'm just now researching this rifle and basically reading about everything I can find on it. Seems like many owners are happy with the accuracy of this air rifle, and that's promising.
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Keaau, Hawaii
Jon in Keaau, Hawaii
Crosman F4, Phantom, 1377, 1322, Custom Shop 2400KT, 2240, C11, CO2 revolver, Hatsan Alpha, Daisy Winchester 1100S, Daisy Red Ryder, Daisy Buck, Daisy 880,
jayclimber
N.U.A.H. Sharpshooter
Marksman
Posts: 451
yes
Real Name: Jason
Re: Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!
«
Reply #9 on:
April 07, 2016, 08:44:49 AM »
Very informative review! Great little gun in the right hands!
I found all of your points on this rifle to be true, especially with adding the felt (I used a strip of craft foam) to dampen the pumping noise! No use in letting the squirrels know what's coming!
Keep on shooting!
«
Last Edit: April 07, 2016, 08:49:01 AM by jayclimber
»
Logged
Northern Ohio
If you're not having fun air gunning, then you're doing it wrong!
N.U.A.H Club Member
Crosman M4-177 (Modified)
Ignite Black Ops Tactical Sniper Rifle .177 (Gas Piston)
Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 (CO2)
Chinese B3-2 .22
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Initial Review of the Crosman M4-177: Great Gun, Great Fun!