Gamo R77 4 Review

Overall Rating

It looks like a real revolver. It functions like a real revolver. It gets quite a few shots per one 12 gram powerlet. Rubber grips fit the hand fairly well. The paragraph of disclaimers molded into the side plate of the pistol makes for good reading on rainy days.

Overpriced. Poor sights which are loose and sloppy. Plastic trigger, Plastic side plate with molded in printing, Plastic sights, Plastic barrel shroud, Plastic cylinder, Plastic lockwork inside which operate the cylinder and hammer, Poorly designed, unnecessary safety, Unrealistically light, feels like a toy, because it is a TOY. Non-functional fake cylinder release. Non-uniform color between painted metal and molded plastic parts.

On first look, this gun appears to be the real thing. It has the well respected brand name of "GAMO" and what sets it apart is that it is the only revolver with a swing out cylinder. S&W and Crosman use a revolving disc which can be quickly replaced as a magazine, but not a true revolver cylinder. The design of the Gamo adds a measure of realism in function and appearance. One might assume this feature would be useful in training new recruits to load and fire a real handgun. Having said all of that; unfortunately the Gamo R-77 in all of its varieties is a cheap, plastic, rubbish, TOY GUN. I have the four inch "Combat" model and if we are ever at war with empty aluminum soda cans; then we may have a chance. Unfortunately, on my first mission I had to return fire upon a squad of vegetable cans and my pellets merely bounced off. The problem with the R 77 is in the execution of the details. The cylinder does not have a mechanism to keep it from randomly rotating if it should be bumped or pushed around. The only time the cylinder actually locks up is when the guns is cocked and ready at the very instant before firing. In fact that whole process is very odd. Upon cocking the cylinder rotates to ALMOST line up with the barrel and then at the instant that the trigger is pulled through, the cylinder hops over the last little bit to actually lock up for an instant. The part inside which rotates the cylinder is called the "hand". This piece is made from plastic as is the entire cylinder. The remaining lockwork is part plastic, part metal and has the smoothness and feel one would expect from a three dollar cap pistol. The sights are completely loose and flop around of their own volition. The cylinder actually swings out and opens, not by the fake cylinder latch molded into the frame, but by an extra button in front of the barrel. This is another inconsistency with real revolvers and might be a problem when using the Gamo as a training aid. In summary I would have to rate this gun as a pitiful little toy gun pretending to be a quality air pistol. As for my perspective; if I don't like the Gamo R-77; what do I like? Save up and buy a Walther CP88 or even a PPK which shoots BB's and has a gas operated recoiling action. I got used to the old Crosman 38T and 38C. You can still get them from time to time on the auction sites. If you must have a revolver, the Crosman 357 is a much better gun by far. Crosman 2240 and 1377 models are also much better choices in the same price range. I sincerely hope this was helpful. I would not want anyone to make the same mistake I did by purchasing this gun. Had I seen it up close and held it beforehand, I would never have bought it. SHOOT STRAIGHT and be SAFE.

Members' Comments onLonegunman SA TX's Review

• RookRocks on 23rd Mar 2007

  It sounds like you know what you're talking about. I do agree!
  -Rook_Rocks