There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from setting up a few cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon honing your marksmanship. For many of us, the goal is to find an air pistol that doesn’t just feel like a toy, but like a genuine training tool. We look for heft, for the familiar clack of a metal slide, and for an action that mimics a real firearm. The search often leads to a compromise: you can get realism, or you can get affordability, but rarely both. And then there’s the ultimate feature—the exhilarating, giggle-inducing capability of full-automatic fire. The dream is a single, accessible package that delivers an authentic feel, reliable performance, and the sheer joy of sending a stream of BBs downrange without breaking the bank on ammunition. Finding a CO2 pistol that ticks all these boxes, especially one that promises both semi-auto precision and full-auto fun, can feel like searching for a unicorn. This is the exact promise that led us to test the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser.
- FULL-SIZE ALL METAL FRAME/SLIDE – for realistic weight and handling
- FUELD BY ONE 12-gram CO2 CARTRIDGE - delivers speeds up to 400 fps (CO2 cartridge not included)
What to Consider Before Buying a CO2 Air Pistol
A CO2 air pistol is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for accessible, affordable, and frequent firearms training, as well as a source of incredible recreational fun. It solves the problem of expensive ammunition and the logistical challenge of visiting a formal shooting range. The main benefits are skill development in a low-pressure environment, improved muscle memory for handling, aiming, and trigger control, and the simple pleasure of plinking targets in your own backyard. These pistols bridge the gap between dry-fire practice and live-fire training, offering tangible feedback with every shot.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a desire for regular practice without the associated high costs and time commitment of traditional shooting. This includes firearm enthusiasts looking to maintain their skills, new shooters wanting to build a foundation of safety and handling, and anyone simply seeking a high-quality, realistic recreational plinker. However, it might not be suitable for those who require competition-grade accuracy, as BB pistols are generally less precise than pellet pistols. Those individuals might consider a dedicated single-shot pellet pistol. Similarly, if the goal is pest control, a higher-velocity air rifle would be a much more appropriate and ethical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Realism & Handling: The weight, materials, and features like blowback action are critical. A full-metal frame, like that found on the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser, provides a realistic feel that plastic models can’t replicate. Blowback, where the slide cycles with each shot, adds to the authenticity and is invaluable for training.
- Performance & Power: Muzzle velocity, measured in Feet Per Second (FPS), dictates the BB’s speed and impact energy. A velocity of up to 400 FPS is excellent for target practice. For full-auto models, the Rate of Fire (RPM) is a key fun-factor, but be aware that it dramatically increases CO2 consumption, leading to a cooling effect that can temporarily lower velocity.
- Materials & Durability: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Full-metal construction is generally superior for longevity and feel. However, the quality of the internal components is just as important. User feedback and expert reviews often highlight weak points in the trigger mechanism, barrel, or slide lock that can lead to premature failure.
- Sights & Accessories: A good pistol should have usable iron sights. Many, like the P1, include an accessory rail for mounting lasers or lights. While an included laser seems like a great value, its ability to hold zero under the vibration of blowback action is a frequent point of failure and something to investigate closely.
Understanding these factors will help you navigate the market and determine if a feature-packed, full-auto model is the right fit for your specific needs.
While the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser is an excellent choice for a specific type of fun, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 15-Shot, .177 Caliber Bb Air Pistol
- 177 cal. BB Pistol with a smooth bore steel barrel
- Semi-automatic; .50 Caliber; 385 fps; 7.32" long
First Impressions: Heavy Metal and High Hopes
Unboxing the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser is an immediately gratifying experience. The first thing we noticed was the weight. This is no flimsy plastic toy; the all-metal frame and slide give it a substantial, authoritative heft that feels remarkably similar to a Beretta 92 series firearm, a sentiment echoed by numerous users. The finish is a clean matte black, and the ergonomics are solid, fitting comfortably in the hand. The package includes the pistol, a 19-round drop-free magazine, the rail-mounted red laser sight, and a starter pack of 250 BBs. Installing the 12g CO2 cartridge is straightforward: the grip panel slides back, and a large Allen key built into the panel is used to tighten and pierce the cartridge. The selector switch for semi-auto and full-auto modes clicks into place with a positive, tactile feel. Out of the box, it presents itself as a serious piece of equipment that promises an authentic and thrilling shooting experience. The initial quality feel sets a high bar for its actual performance on the range.
What We Like
- Incredibly realistic full-metal construction with satisfying weight and feel.
- Exhilarating full-auto mode with a high rate of fire (up to 850 RPM).
- Crisp and responsive blowback action enhances the shooting experience.
- Good accuracy with the standard iron sights for recreational plinking.
What We Didn’t Like
- Significant concerns about long-term durability and internal component failure.
- Included laser sight struggles to hold zero after repeated firing.
Performance Under Fire: A Deep Dive into the Crosman P1
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a CO2 pistol like this one is in the shooting—the feel of the trigger, the consistency of the shots, and whether the headline features live up to the hype. We put the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser through its paces, focusing on the core aspects that define its identity: the build and handling, the signature full-auto chaos, its practical accuracy, and the looming question of reliability.
All-Metal Construction and Realistic Handling
From the moment you pick it up, the P1 impresses. The full-size, all-metal frame is the pistol’s single greatest asset. It doesn’t just look the part; it feels it. The weight is substantial, mimicking the balance and presence of its powder-burning counterpart. This isn’t just for show; the heft helps to stabilize the pistol during aiming, especially in semi-automatic mode, allowing for more consistent shot placement. We found this realistic weight to be a massive benefit for training purposes, building the right muscle memory for sight alignment and trigger squeeze. The blowback action is another standout feature. With every pull of the trigger, the metal slide shoots back with a satisfying “clack,” providing tactile feedback that is missing from non-blowback models. This action is crisp and surprisingly strong, adding another layer of realism. One user perfectly captured our experience, noting, “This airgun looks, feels, and shoots like the original Beretta… It’s not the usual cheap plastic you get with most airguns, and its heavy weight makes it feel quality made.” This authenticity is the core of the P1’s appeal and what initially draws you in. The controls, including the thumb safety and slide release, are functionally placed and operate as expected, further cementing its role as a viable training analog.
The Thrill of Full-Auto: Performance and CO2 Consumption
Flicking the selector switch to the three-dot icon unleashes the P1’s wild side. The full-automatic mode is, without a doubt, pure, unadulterated fun. The advertised rate of fire of up to 850 RPM feels entirely plausible as the pistol erupts, emptying its 19-round magazine in just over a second. The combination of the loud report, the vigorous blowback, and the stream of BBs hitting the target is an absolute blast. It’s an experience that brings a smile to your face every single time. However, this exhilarating performance comes at a cost: CO2 consumption. As with any full-auto CO2 gun, rapid firing causes the cartridge to cool down rapidly due to the Joule-Thomson effect. We observed a noticeable drop in velocity and power after a full-auto mag dump. The first few shots are strong, but the last few can be significantly weaker. One user correctly pointed out that “The single CO2 cartridge gets cold fast so having an extra magazine would be great.” We typically managed to get about three to four magazines (around 60-75 shots) of effective power from a single 12g CO2 cartridge, with performance dropping off steeply afterward. This isn’t a flaw of the pistol itself, but a law of physics. It’s a trade-off you accept for the thrill. The full-auto capability is the main reason to buy this pistol, but prospective owners should be prepared to buy CO2 cartridges in bulk.
Accuracy and Sighting: Iron Sights vs. The Included Laser
For all its full-auto fun, a pistol is useless if it can’t hit what you’re aiming at. In semi-automatic mode, the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser proves to be a competent plinker. The fixed blade front and rear sights are basic but functional. We were able to consistently hit soda cans from 30 feet, and with a bit of practice, even farther. One user confirmed this, stating they “often shot soda cans at 30 yards with it,” which is impressive for a smooth-bore BB pistol. The DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) trigger has a long, heavy pull in double-action and a much shorter, crisper break in single-action (after the slide has cycled), which aids in precise shooting. The included red laser sight, however, is a mixed bag. It mounts easily to the picatinny rail and is simple to adjust for windage and elevation. Initially, it’s a great tool for quick target acquisition. The problem, as we and other users discovered, is that it doesn’t hold its zero. The vibration from the blowback action quickly causes the adjustment screws to loosen, throwing off the point of aim. As one owner noted, “The laser they include seems good initially but it loses accuracy quickly.” He suggested using Teflon tape on the adjustment screws, which is a clever DIY fix that we found helped, but it’s not a permanent solution. Ultimately, we recommend treating the iron sights as your primary aiming system and the laser as a fun, but unreliable, bonus.
Reliability and Longevity: A Closer Look at the Flaws
This is where our review must take a serious turn. While the P1 is tremendously fun, its long-term durability is a major concern, a point that is consistently raised in user feedback and was evident in our extended testing. The primary issues seem to stem from both design choices and material quality of internal components. One of the most cited problems is related to the “floating barrel” design, which mimics the Beretta. This can lead to feeding issues, where BBs occasionally fail to chamber correctly as the slide closes. More alarmingly, we encountered several reports of catastrophic failure. One user documented how their pistol “started sticking on the third clip” and then “cease to Fire and function” due to a suspected internal breakage. Another user had an even more stark experience, sharing photos of a cracked barrel on their original unit, and when they received a replacement, it “also shortly died in three days.” While our test unit survived our review period, the sheer volume of similar reports points to a significant quality control or design flaw. It appears that the stress of the powerful blowback, especially in full-auto mode, can be too much for some of the internal parts over time. This is a critical trade-off: you are getting an all-metal, full-auto, blowback pistol at a very attractive price point, but it seems that compromise was made in the longevity of its inner workings. Anyone considering this pistol must weigh the immense fun-factor against the very real risk of a shortened operational life.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from a wide range of owners, a clear and consistent picture of the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser emerges. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the initial experience. Users almost universally praise its realistic weight and all-metal construction, with many comments like, “it is very close to the Beretta” and “a cool weighty airgun that feels good in your hand.” The full-auto feature is, by far, the most celebrated aspect, described as an absolute blast and a fantastic way to enjoy shooting affordably.
However, this enthusiasm is frequently tempered by critiques of its long-term performance and reliability. The included laser sight is a common point of contention, with multiple users confirming our finding that it “loses accuracy quickly.” The most significant negative trend, however, revolves around the pistol’s durability. The reports of malfunctions are specific and concerning, ranging from feeding jams due to the barrel design to catastrophic internal failures. Phrases like “it has a tendency to break quickly” and stories of the gun locking up and becoming inoperable after just a few magazines are too common to ignore. This feedback paints a picture of a product that delivers a phenomenal “out-of-the-box” experience but may not stand the test of time and repeated use, especially when using the high-stress full-auto function.
Competitors to the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser
While the P1’s full-auto feature makes it a unique contender, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models in the CO2 pistol market, especially for those who might prioritize reliability or a different shooting experience over the “rock and roll” capability.
1. Gamo P-25 air Pistol
The Gamo P-25 represents a shift in priority from full-auto fun to semi-auto accuracy. As a pellet pistol, it inherently offers superior precision compared to the BB-firing P1. It also features a strong blowback action, providing a satisfyingly realistic shooting experience. The key trade-off here is the ammunition type and firing mode. If your primary goal is to punch tight groups in paper targets or develop pure marksmanship skills, the Gamo P-25 is likely the superior choice. However, you lose the exhilarating full-auto plinking capability that defines the P1. It’s an excellent alternative for the shooter who values precision over volume of fire.
2. Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P
- Umarex USA
- Airguns & Accessories
The Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P is a direct competitor in the replica BB pistol space. It is a well-regarded model known for its reliability and faithful replication of the S&W M&P firearm. It’s a semi-automatic, drop-free magazine pistol that provides a solid training platform. While it lacks the full-auto mode and the all-metal frame of the Crosman P1 (the M&P has a polymer frame and metal slide), it often has a better reputation for durability and consistent performance. A shooter who loves the modern polymer firearm aesthetic and prioritizes a reliable semi-auto training tool over the novelty of full-auto might find the Umarex M&P to be a safer and more dependable investment.
3. Crosman CRVL357S 6-Shot BB Revolver
- HEAVY-WEIGHT FULL METAL BODY - Velocities up to 450-fps
- DOUBLE OR SINGLE-ACTION
This Crosman revolver offers a completely different shooting experience. Instead of a semi-auto magazine, it uses realistic cartridges that you load BBs into, which are then placed in the six-shot cylinder. This manual of arms is fantastic for those who appreciate the classic revolver feel. It’s a full-metal airgun with a satisfying weight. While it’s limited to 6 shots and is single/double action only, its mechanical simplicity often translates to better reliability than complex semi-auto blowback models. For the user who is drawn more to the aesthetic of a classic firearm and enjoys the deliberate process of loading and shooting a revolver, the CRVL357S is a fantastic and durable alternative to the high-strung nature of the P1.
Our Final Verdict: A Thrilling but Flawed Firecracker
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser is one of enthusiastic caution. This air pistol is an absolute joy to shoot. The full-metal construction provides a level of realism that is rare at this price point, and the full-auto mode is addictively fun, delivering an experience that is hard to beat for pure backyard plinking entertainment. The blowback is crisp, the handling is superb, and in semi-auto mode, it’s accurate enough for satisfying target practice.
However, the thrill comes with a significant caveat: questionable long-term durability. The numerous, credible reports of internal failures, feeding issues, and cracked components cannot be overlooked. This pistol is a firecracker—brilliant, loud, and exciting, but potentially short-lived. We recommend it to the hobbyist who understands and accepts this risk, someone who prioritizes the unique fun of a full-auto replica and is prepared for the possibility of a mechanical failure down the line. It is less suited for someone seeking a dead-reliable, long-term training tool. If you’re willing to roll the dice for one of the most entertaining CO2 pistols on the market, the Crosman Full Auto P1 BB Air Pistol With Laser is available to check out now, and it promises an unforgettable shooting experience, for as long as it lasts.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API