This week I reviewed the Crosman 1077TAC, which is a version of the 1077 that has been around for quite some time. The 1077TAC gives the 1077 model a “freshening up” and appeal to those who appreciate tactical, law enforcement or military looking firearms ... now in airgun format!
Out of the box
When I first pulled the rifle out of the box I was a bit surprised at how lightweight and compact it was. (I am 6’2”, so keep that in mind.) At this size, the rifle would is perfect for a smaller-framed shooter who just wants to have some backyard fun knocking around some cans. This is not a precision shooter’s gun; it is a fun gun for shooters of all experience levels. I noticed that the rifle has a few Picatinny rails should someone wish to put on lights, lasers or a scope.
Specifications:
Caliber: .177
Barrel: Rifled Steel
Sights: Open with fiber front sight and adjustable windage and elevation blade for the rear
Dovetailed for scope mount
Velocity is stated to be up to 780 fps
Stock is synthetic with adjustable cheekpiece
Weight: 3.69 lbs.
Powered: Single CO2
Ammo: lead or alloy pellets in a 12-shot magazine housed in a faux box magazine
Safety: Crossbolt
This air rifle is available at most box stores and online retailers. It does not come with a scope, but it does come with two magazines. The directions are thorough, but in small print in sheet format. (If you’re over 40, you may need reading glasses … just saying.)
On the range
I personally liked the open sights. Obviously, the rifle will shoot more accurately with a scope if you are trying to hit tiny targets or competing informally in a backyard setting. However, with the feet per second rating, the energy of this rifle and the fact that the CO2 powers it, its best use is plinking targets under 30 yards. I think trying to hit small targets consistently past 30 or 35 yards is admirable and possibly doable, but not the best use for this air rifle. That said, the open sights are plenty good for the intended purpose.
When I shot the air rifle, I found the 12-round magazine to be a nice feature. I had no jams or misfires or any issues with the magazine. It is easy to load and use. The gun is very light and enjoyable to shoot. I think it is very backyard friendly. When I shot the air rifle, I got plenty of shots from each CO2, over five magazines to be specific. I was shooting in 50-degree weather and not shooting rapid fire though either. Warmer weather would yield more shots. Remember, rapid fire is going to reduce shot count per CO2.
The trigger pull averaged around 3.7 lbs. for me, and there were no grating or rough spots. It was not a bad trigger, especially considering the rifle is not a “top end” gun. When it came to shooting targets, I consistently shot groups averaging around 1” at 20 yards. A few were slightly under and a few just over. Shooting at cans produced a satisfying CLUNK or POP depending on where I hit the can. Most shots went through soda cans, and some pierced vegetable cans.
Final thoughts
There is one other use for this gun that some may find odd. This gun and its power is perfect, in my opinion, for ridding barns or chicken coops of mice or rats if your barn cat is not doing the job. A flashlight at night strapped to the forearm is perfect, or use the rails to attach a good tac light and have some fun.
Hey, don’t laugh! Small rodents are very destructive, and this gun is just powerful enough to humanely dispatch mice, but not so powerful your pellets are going through siding or other things. Just do not shoot at concrete or other hard surfaces that may cause the pellet to bounce back at you.
Overall, I have no complaints about this rifle at all. There are a lot of things that could be changed about many firearms, but the rifle as built for its intended purpose is a good product and seems reliable. If you need something with a lot of power, you will have to get something else. A quiet, fairly accurate, short range, backyard or barnyard plinker is what this gun is and it is fun to use too! MSRP is $129, but I’ve seen it for less in brick-and-mortar stores. Crosman.com.
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