To me its always been fascinating which of the big three: Sheridan, Benjamin, Crosman had the best vintage rifles. Crosman at times is thought of as on the short end at times. Understandable as often they tried to be the most cost effective. But the early CO2 rifles I think were their crowning vintage achievement. I would put out there that the Sears or JC Higgins 400 repeater is the one to beat. I think it takes the JC Higgins models to get Crosman at their best, they had to be keep their most important customer happy. Here you have the total package: nice wood stock with a butt plate, 10 pellet repeating, use of 2 CO2 capsules, and the ability for easy resealing. Not sure any of the competition at the time matched it?
I've had both a Crosman branded 160, and a 180. On my two, the bore was mediocre at best. A friend had a Sears model 160 and no question where the the top of the crop went to..it had a much better bore, scope grooves, and finish. The $$ always wins in the end.
Was there much competition?Sheridan didn't release the f until much later, and the Benjamin co2 rifles were mostly all smooth bore bb repeaters weren't they ?If there is a mid 60's variant which has the adjustable power and adjustable trigger unit then I think it would have to take the title over this variant.If such a rifle doesn't exist then this one would certainly be deserving of the crown, because Crosman definitely had the best co2 rifles in the 50's and 60's.The 60's especially because of the adjustable trigger group.
The genius of Rudy Merz lies in the "Trigger Block" of the 160's. 180's, and 400's.....not to mention the 600 semi-auto pistol! Those basic designs are as good as it will ever get!.... .dave
What do you guys think of the Crosman Model 700? It's the only CO2 model I have. I got it at a yard sale and the guy wanted it gone so bad he actually gave it to me. I have shot it and it shoots pretty nice.
Quote from: fivestar45 on June 23, 2022, 01:02:38 PMI've had both a Crosman branded 160, and a 180. On my two, the bore was mediocre at best. A friend had a Sears model 160 and no question where the the top of the crop went to..it had a much better bore, scope grooves, and finish. The $$ always wins in the end.Sad but true, Crosman tended to send it out if it was made? Sears by putting their name on it made Crosman step up their game with the Sears guns. The difference on my Sears 400 vs my Crosman is evident as well. I really think the Sears guns deserve a premium.