Beeman P1

[doormann]

I have been wanting a Beeman p1 ever since I saw the reviews on youtube. I think I've decided on .20 cal. but I wanted to get feedback from any of you guys that may have one. I checked them out at pyramid air and they will have them back in stock this month. I like that the gun has 2 power levels and I was wondering if this is a new feature or have they always made the gun this way? I found one for sale that the seller claimed he purchased new back in 2005 but he wasn't sure if the gun had 2 power levels or not. my question is has Beeman recently upgraded the power and features of the p1 or is the model basically the same as it has been. thanks in advance to anyone that has an opinion on this or onfo on the gun, andy r.

[Hanabata808]

I believe the two power level is exclusive to the .177/.20 caliber P1. Always been that way as long as I can remember.

[MDriskill]

I have a very early P1, bought it in March 1986!  As far as I know (and I could be wrong!), the only mechanical change over all that time, is that newer guns use a bigger O-ring for the breech seal (that being said, this component has never given any problems on mine).  Also I suspect different exterior finishes have been used over time, but it's basically exactly the same gun.

It is an absolutely outstanding design--accurate, solidly made, with the best trigger you can buy outside of a match pistol, IMHO.  You could argue with a perfectly straight face, that the P1 is the finest recoiling springer sporter air pistol ever made.

The trigger sear engages a notch on the exterior face of the piston, so achieving two power levels is a fairly simple matter of cutting two notches.  As previously mentioned, I believe this is now done only on .177 pistols.  Note--the point of impact will vary HUGELY between the two power levels, which has much more to do with the gun's recoil movement, than with velocity.  At close ranges, it actually shoots much HIGHER on LOW power (I suspect that on the .20 and .22 guns, this effect actually fell outside of the adjustment range of the rear sight, which may be why it was discontinued).

An really outstanding accessory for the P1, FWIW, is the old Beeman shoulder stock.  The gun is tremendously fun to shoot as a small carbine and also amazingly accurate--the stock pretty much eliminates movement under recoil.  Be aware you need a taller front sight (originally supplied with these stocks) and longer grip screws to make it work, though.

[EMrider]

After wanting one for a couple years, I finally bought a new hw45 (same as P1) in .177 about 9 months ago.

It is indeed an outstanding airgun.  Built like a tank, comfortable to hold, very powerful and most importantly accurate.  These pistols are a plinkers best friend, although they are capable of hunting too.  I can easily smack a soup can at 30 yards.  Mine shoots JSB RS 7.3gr at a consistent 550fps for a power level of about 4.9fpe.  I was recently out at a shooting range with my kids and some friends.  On the accuracy front, my hw45 made the glock 19s in 9mm look foolish.  They could knock the can down with 1 of 5 shots and the hw45 was usually good 5 of 5. 

I prefer the flatter trajectory of the .177 cal.  Initially, I was attracted to the low power option, but now cannot see any real advantage and just shoot on high.  My accuracy and consistency is better on high power.  Noise is important where I shoot and IMHO the hw45 is acceptably quiet. 

Good luck.

R

[tomykay12]

If you do a search, you will find that extended shooting on "low" power will cause seal issues. I was surprised to find this myself. I bought a used P1 last year which had been shot a lot on low, or more correctly half cock. The seller fully disclosed the gun was shooting below spec and the price reflected that. Studying up indicated that a few dry fires would resize the seal to the compression chamber. Knowing dry firing a springer is a no-no, I was hesitant, but further reading proved this is done at the factory after assembly to set the seal. Bottom line is the technique worked, the P1 came right up to spec without a teardown and has been fine since. It never gets shot half cocked anymore. YMMV, tk

[doormann]

thanks for the great info guys, now I am really excited!!! I have to get one of these beauties.

[SerottaJoe]

I've had a .177 P1 since I believe 1987.  I'm a new member and just based on this topic have learned a lot (low power seal damage). I've shot on both high and low power and perhaps because of that have had no seal problems. I have the Beeman shoulder stock but have never put a scope on it.

Does anyone have a specific recommendation on a scope/rings?  I don't want to spend a fortune - maybe up to $150 for scope and rings. I know virtually nothing about scopes other than for a spring pistol I know I need to get a scope that wil handle the recoil. I'm not even sure what sort of reticle would be best for informal plinking and basement shooting. 

Thoughts?

Thanks.