Beeman P1 Magnum - .20 Caliber Review

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Beeman P1 Magnum - .20 Caliber
4.6 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.6 out of 5

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N Carson's Review of Beeman P1 Magnum - .20 Caliber

14th Apr 2004

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
Good Points

Accurate, hard-hitting (for a pistol) and solidly constructed. Minimal recoil.


Bad Points

It can sometimes be awkward to load pellets because the barrel is recessed within the cocking lever. Relatively expensive.


General Comments

I'm not sure why this review section covers just the .20 version. I've got an earlier P1 in .177 and I'm sure it shares the same characteristics. While no match in power for a springer rifle, there is a satisfying "crack" when you pull the trigger and I've yet to shoot an air pistol that seems more accurate. I haven't shot any match pistols though.

The velocity of the P1 is clearly higher than the newer, overrated Diana P5 (aka RWS 5G) Magnum which purports to achieve 700 FPS, but apparently only with super light pellets. The P1 seems to shoot with 10% to 20% more power than those models, and is actually easier to cock than break barrel pistols. I think the upward lever motion gives more mechanical advantage (you push instead pull). The short bodied, rear-firing spring design is clever and seems to minimize recoil.

Until they make an air pistol that shoots 1,000 FPS you probably can't do better than the P1.

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Members' Comments onN Carson's Review

  • Dual Mag Mike Rank: Major on 8th Nov 2006

    Do you own both the Beeman P-1 and the P-5? Have you had the chance to chrony them both pellet for pellet, side by side? I have, and my P-5 consistently posts 30 - 50 fps faster than the P-1, depending on pellet. Velocities are almost always given with the lightest pellets around from any manufacturer. Call Beeman and ask them, and they will tell you their velocity figures come from testing with the Silver Bear pellets. Even though the Lasers are lighter than the Silver Bears, the Silver Bears have posted higher chrony in almost all of my guns. Look around on the web and you should find pretty consistently that people who have chronied their guns show the P-5 having higher velocities than the P-1. I still love the P-1, and given a choice to own one or the other I would opt for the P-1. The trigger is better, it is a bit smaller, you can use any .45 auto grips and it is easily scoped. But if you are looking for the highest velocity piston pistol, then the P-5 has it all the way.