Benjamin Crosman EB17 Co2 Pistol Review

Overall Rating

All wood and metal construction
Very accurate
Above average power
Proven design
Loud

Loud
Average trigger
Low number of shots per Co2 cartridge
Painted finish
No windage adjustment

I've wanted one of these guns since the first time I saw it. The compact design, good weight, and quality materials make it feel like more than the average pellet gun.

Fit and finish- Let me start by saying this, no plastic. Seriously, none in the entire gun (inside or out). This is unheard of this day in age! Sure, the painted finish leaves something to be desired and perhaps the quality of the wood grips could be a tad better but I don't think you are going to find anything better in this price range. The gun is well proportioned and fits nicely in a standard pistol holster which is a pleasant bonus.

Internals- The tube, barrel, and receiver are all manufactured using brass which would explain the painted finish. It is the same method used on the Benjamin line of rifles and has certainly stood the test of time. The valve / hammer arrangement is the same as most Co2 pistols meaning it is robust but nothing technically challenging. Servicing the valve is easier than on the rifles as there are no special tools required for removal. The trigger is stiff out of the box however, a lighter spring and some lubrication results in a light but somewhat creepy pull that is certainly tolerable. The bolt uses a small internal catch to hold in the open and closed position. This is adjustable and can be accessed by removing the two screws found on the side of the receiver. Touches like this show that this gun is made to last.

Velocity and accuracy - The moment we've all be waiting for. The bottom line, this is one of the few guns I've tested that would meet it's advertised velocity. Using standard weight pellets (7.9 grain Crosman Premiers) at an ambient temperature of 86 degrees, this gun can do all of 500fps. The lowest readings I've obtained have been high 400's which may be too low for hunting purposes, it is certainly enough for duty as a back-up gun or plinking over longer distances. Accuracy is quite good as well with 5 shot 10 yard groups barely larger than a single pellet hole. There is a fair amount of muzzle flip to contend with due to the short barrel but once you figure this out, getting good groups becomes second nature. Although the sights have very limited adjustment, I found them to be dead on target out of the box. The sight blade is narrow enough to allow for very good accuracy without the need for an additional sighting system.

The bottom line- This is one of those guns that everyone should have. The quality of the materials and the robust design show that it is in in it for the long haul. Although paint is not my favorite finish for any gun, whatever it is Benjamin uses, it is tough stuff and maintains it's appearance very well. If I had to choose one word to describe this gun, it would be "heirloom".