Crosman 454 Reviews

guru1ofatl's review has yet to be rated - Be the first!
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Good Points: Mostly metal construction
It is a classic airgun
Good weight for an adult
Well balanced

Bad Points: Poor trigger
Fair accuracy
BB only
Awkward BB magazine

General comments: The gun this review is based upon has been in my family since new which makes it more than 30 years old. Because of this, there will be some history mixed in with this review as I feel it adds relative information to those interested in buying one. The fact that it has survived 30 years and still functions well certainly says something doesn't it.

Fit and finish - The entire action including the internals is made of "pot" metal which was typical for the time when this gun was produced. Since this material can't be blued, the finish is the typical black paint found on many BB guns of this vintage. The seams are tight and well machined and all character lines are nice and crisp. Plastic can be found in the grips, both front and rear sights, the BB magazine, as well as the plug used to support the muzzle end of the "soda straw" barrel. Paint finish is among the best with a smooth and even appearance. After 30 years of use only a few nicks are present on some of the hard edges. The loading port (hole) for the BB magazine is rather small making it somewhat difficult to load.

Internals- Like most BB guns, the Co2 cartridge is held in the grip and is punctured using a thumb screw from below. There is a rubber o-ring that seals the co2 cart. which is prone to deterioration over the years. The barrel is a thin wall tube housed within the casting. It is held in place by a small grub screw which means it could be replaced with a tube that offers tighter tolerances for improved accuracy. The trigger feels like a double action due to the hammer arrangement. There is a link from the trigger blade to the hammer that allows the hammer to release once the blade reaches a certain point. There really isn't much adjustment in this area and it is one of this gun's only weaknesses. The valve is the typical "knock-open" style found in most co2 guns. After sitting in a closet unattended for 10+ years, this was the only are I had trouble with. Any lubricant installed at the factory had hardened over time which caused this valve to stick open. Disassembly and removal of this lubrication is a must for anyone who plans on shooting some of these older guns. Once this has been done, the gun functions like new.

Velocity and accuracy- In all honesty, I don't know what this gun was rated at new and haven't tested to see what it's velocity is now. Frankly I just don't think it is important unless perhaps yours seems terribly weak. These guns were intended for casual "plinking" and paper punching so velocity is not much of a concern. It is quite capable of puncturing both sides of a soda can or cardboard box if that means anything to you. Accuracy is fair with it typically keeping all BBs within a 2 inch circle at 10 yards. Perhaps some ammunition works better than others but I don't think this gun was ever meant to be spectacular in this area. Perhaps a new barrel would improve this as well but if you want real accuracy, buy a pellet gun. What this gun does offer is the chance to unload 15+ BBs as quickly as you can pull the trigger with enough power to turn a can into scrap metal. It is a fun gun to have and a nice piece of history but mine spends most of it's time on display in all honesty.

The bottom line- This gun is simply a blast from the past. Nothing exceptional but a worthy addition to your collection due to it's character. They are currently available for the price of a new mid-range BB gun which makes it a bargain in my opinion. If you already have one from your youth, hold onto it and enjoy the memories.

kingstripe's review has yet to be rated - Be the first!
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Does anyone have a Crosman 454? I used to have one many years ago and I forgot if the barrel is rifled or not. I am looking to buy one soon. It was a classic looking gun with all metal frame. It was very easy to shoot, 16 shot. The 454 was the New York classic BB gun in the 80s.