There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from setting up a few tin cans in the backyard on a quiet afternoon. It’s a primal challenge of skill, focus, and control. For years, my go-to for this simple pleasure involved CO2 cartridges, which meant a constant awareness of my remaining shots and a diminishing power curve as the gas cooled. I was searching for an alternative—something that offered consistent power, shot-to-shot, without the recurring cost and waste of disposable cartridges. I needed an air pistol that was powerful enough for serious target practice and maybe some light pest control, yet simple and affordable enough for casual plinking. The challenge was finding a tool that balanced raw power with user control, durability with a low price point, and provided a platform for growth as my skills improved. This search for the perfect backyard companion is what led me straight to a timeless classic.
- SYNTHETIC FRAME AND GRIP WITH RIFLED STEEL BARREL
- PNEUMATIC DESIGN, VARIABLE PUMP POWER - Control velocity up to 460 fps
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Pistol
An air pistol is more than just a recreational item; it’s a key solution for developing marksmanship skills, managing small pests, or simply enjoying a safe and affordable shooting hobby. Unlike firearms, they can often be used in a backyard setting (check local ordinances) with a proper backstop, offering convenient practice that costs pennies per shot. The primary benefits are accessibility, low running costs, and a significantly lower noise profile. The ability to control power, as seen in variable-pump models, adds a layer of versatility that is hard to find in other types of airguns, allowing a user to dial down for indoor target practice or power up for longer-distance outdoor shooting.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a need for quiet pest deterrence, a hobbyist looking to hone their shooting fundamentals without the expense of a firearm range, or a parent wanting to teach a younger person about gun safety and handling in a controlled manner. It’s a fantastic entry point into the shooting sports. However, it might not be suitable for those who require rapid-fire capabilities for competitive action shooting or those who are physically unable or unwilling to perform the manual pumping action required for each shot. For those individuals, a CO2-powered semi-automatic pistol or a pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airgun might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Power Plant & Caliber: The mechanism that propels the pellet is crucial. Multi-pump pneumatics, like the one we’re reviewing, offer variable power but require effort for each shot. CO2 is convenient for semi-auto action but is temperature-sensitive and has an ongoing cost. Break-barrels are simple and self-contained but are typically found on larger pistols. Caliber, primarily .177 or .22, affects trajectory and impact energy; .177 is faster and flatter-shooting, while .22 hits harder, making it better for pest control.
- Accuracy & Sights: The foundation of any good air pistol is its ability to hit the target consistently. A rifled steel barrel is a non-negotiable feature for serious accuracy with pellets. The quality of the sights is equally important. Basic fixed sights are common on budget models, but fully adjustable rear sights allow you to zero the pistol precisely for different distances and pellets. Also, consider if the pistol can be easily fitted with aftermarket optics like a red dot or a scope.
- Build Materials & Durability: The construction determines the pistol’s lifespan and feel. Many modern air pistols use a combination of a durable synthetic (polymer) frame and a metal barrel and action. While some may prefer an all-metal build for its heft and perceived durability, a quality polymer frame is lightweight, weather-resistant, and can be very robust. Pay attention to the quality of the breech, trigger components, and pump linkage, as these are high-wear areas.
- Ergonomics & Handling: How the pistol feels in your hand is paramount. The grip size, angle, and texture all contribute to comfort and control. The weight and balance affect how steadily you can hold it on target. The effort required to pump the gun, cock the action, and the quality of the trigger pull are all part of the user experience and can make the difference between a fun tool and a frustrating one.
Understanding these factors will guide you toward a purchase that truly meets your needs, ensuring countless hours of enjoyable and productive shooting. The Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol presents a unique combination of these features, making it a compelling option for a wide range of shooters.
While the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol is an excellent choice, 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: A Nod to Tradition with an Eye on the Future
The Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol arrives in simple, no-frills blister packaging. Cutting it open reveals a pistol that is instantly recognizable to anyone who has been around airguns for a while. Its design lineage is clear, tracing back decades. Picking it up, the first thing I noticed was the balance. It weighs just under two pounds, but the weight is distributed nicely, making it feel substantial without being cumbersome. The synthetic grip and pump handle feel sturdy, offering a decent texture for a secure hold. The rest of the action, including the rifled steel barrel and pressure tube, is metal, providing a sense of robustness where it counts.
There is no assembly required; it’s ready to shoot right out of the box. The bolt action is a bit stiff initially but feels positive. The pumping action is smooth, with increasing resistance that lets you feel the power building. Compared to many modern, complex-looking air pistols, the P1322 has a classic, utilitarian aesthetic. It’s not a replica of a specific firearm; it’s a tool designed for a purpose. And as we discovered, its true beauty lies not just in what it is out of the box, but in what it can become. Many users note that this pistol is essentially a blank canvas, and we couldn’t agree more. To see what this highly-regarded platform offers, you can check its full specifications and latest price.
Key Benefits
- Incredible value for the price
- Variable pump provides flexible power control
- Surprisingly accurate with its rifled steel barrel
- Massive aftermarket support for upgrades and modifications
Limitations
- Stock plastic sights can be difficult to zero
- Heavy trigger pull out of the box
Deep Dive: Deconstructing the American Classic’s Performance
The true measure of any air pistol is how it performs when pellets meet the target. With the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol, the story isn’t just about its out-of-the-box performance, but its staggering potential. We spent weeks testing this pistol in various scenarios, from casual 10-meter plinking to more demanding 25-yard pest control simulations, and it revealed itself to be a multi-faceted and deeply rewarding tool.
The Heart of the Pistol: Variable Power and .22 Caliber Punch
The core feature that defines the P1322 is its multi-pump pneumatic power plant. Unlike CO2 pistols that offer a fixed power level or springers with their single-stroke cocking, the P1322 gives the shooter complete control over velocity. The user manual recommends a minimum of three pumps and a maximum of ten. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a game-changing feature for versatility. For our indoor testing and teaching a novice shooter, we stuck to three or four pumps. This provided enough velocity for a 14.3-grain pellet to cleanly punch through paper targets at 10 meters with a mild report and very easy pumping effort. One user confirmed this is perfect for teaching, stating, “I also wanted to shoot it with my grandson to teach him gun safety and how to shoot.”
When we moved outdoors, we ramped up the power. At six pumps, the pistol comes alive. Tin cans at 20 yards didn’t just get knocked over; they were aggressively punctured and sent flying. This seems to be the sweet spot for many, offering a great balance of power and pumping effort. Pushing it to the maximum of ten pumps transforms the P1322 into a formidable small-game hunter. The report is sharper, and the impact is significantly more authoritative. We tested this on a block of ballistic gel, and at ten pumps, the .22 pellet penetrated deeply, showcasing its potential for pest control. Several users corroborated our findings, with one exclaiming it is “frighteningly powerful,” capable of penetrating a soup can at 20 feet with just four pumps. Another mentioned it would be a “hell of a squirrel rabbit killer with proper shot placement.” The .22 caliber pellet, being heavier and larger than a .177, delivers more kinetic energy on target, making it a much better choice for humane pest dispatch. This controllable power is a feature that really sets it apart from fixed-power airguns.
Accuracy Potential: From Flawed Gem to Tack Driver
An air pistol can be powerful, but if it can’t hit what you’re aiming at, that power is useless. Out of the box, the accuracy of the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol is a mixed bag, and this is where user experiences diverge the most. Our test unit, like those mentioned by many users, demonstrated excellent inherent accuracy thanks to its quality rifled steel barrel. When shot from a bench rest at 25 feet with ten pumps, we could achieve dime-sized groupings. One user shared a photo of a target showing “four out of the five are inside a dime’s sized grouping” at the same distance, which mirrors our best results.
However, the limiting factor is unequivocally the stock sights. The front sight is a simple plastic blade, and the rear sight, while adjustable for elevation and windage, is also plastic and mounted on a plastic breech. We found, as some users did, that our rear sight was slightly canted. Another common complaint we can confirm is that some units shoot so high or low that the rear sight runs out of adjustment travel. One user stated, “My particular pistol shoots SO high that the included rear sight cannot be adjusted to compensate.” Another returned their pistol due to a “loose barrel and very hard trigger pull” that threw off their aim. This is the “flawed gem” aspect of the P1322. The barrel is capable of greatness, but the factory interface—the sights and trigger—holds it back. This is precisely why the modding community for this pistol is so vibrant. The first and most recommended upgrade is a steel breech kit, which not only provides a sturdier mount for the rear sight but also includes dovetail grooves for mounting a scope or red dot sight. Once we installed a steel breech and a simple red dot, the pistol’s true potential was unlocked, allowing us to consistently hit half-dollar-sized targets at 25 yards.
Build, Ergonomics, and The Modder’s Dream
The P1322 is built to a price point, and it’s important to frame its construction within that context. The frame, grip, and pump handle are made of a tough synthetic polymer. While some users describe it as feeling “cheap” or “flimsy” compared to older, all-metal models, we found it to be perfectly serviceable and robust for its intended use. The plastic construction keeps the weight down and makes it impervious to rust. The critical components—the barrel, pressure tube, and bolt—are all steel, providing durability where it matters most. The ergonomics are simple but effective. The grip is ambidextrous and fills the hand well, though individuals with very large or small hands might find it less than perfect.
The trigger is another area where cost-saving is evident. It’s a long, heavy, and somewhat gritty pull. While usable for plinking, it’s not conducive to precision target work. However, this is where the P1322’s greatest strength lies: its incredible modularity. It’s not just an air pistol; it’s a platform. There is a massive ecosystem of aftermarket parts available. You can upgrade the trigger for a crisp, clean break. You can replace the plastic breech with a steel one for mounting optics. You can install custom grips, different pump arms, and even convert it into a lightweight carbine with a shoulder stock. As one insightful user put it, “it’s been made with upgrades in mind right out of the box.” This pistol grows with you. You can start with a budget-friendly plinker and, piece by piece, turn it into a highly customized, high-performance airgun tailored exactly to your needs. This upgrade path is a huge part of the ownership experience and a major reason for its enduring popularity. You can start your own custom build project with this versatile base model.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we delved into the broader community feedback to see how our experience lined up. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, especially when considering the pistol’s price. The most common praise, which we wholeheartedly echo, is for its “bang for your buck.” One user stated, “This is by far your best bang for your buck pellet pistol you can buy,” after being “dead on target 9 out of 10 times from 25 feet away.” Another celebrated its cost-effectiveness for practice, asking, “where else can you practice your shooting skills for about a penny a shot.” The power and accuracy potential are also frequent highlights, with many users successfully using the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol for backyard pest control against rats, squirrels, and raccoons.
However, the criticisms are just as consistent and align perfectly with our own findings. The primary complaints revolve around the quality of the stock components. A detailed negative review pointed out, “The 2 definite reasons why I’m sending it back are because of a loose barrel and very hard trigger pull.” Another noted, “The trigger is horrible!” and found the plastic rear sight block “not perfectly aligned.” These critiques are valid. The P1322 is not a perfect pistol out of the box. It is a fantastic value, but buyers should be aware that to extract its maximum performance, some tinkering or upgrading, particularly to the sights and breech, may be necessary.
Alternatives to the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol
While the P1322 is a legend in its own right, its unique manual-of-arms isn’t for everyone. Here’s how it compares to three other popular options with different power plants and features.
1. Gamo P-25 Air Pistol
The Gamo P-25 operates on a completely different principle. It’s a CO2-powered, semi-automatic pistol with blowback action. Its primary advantage is speed and convenience. You can fire off its 16-round (8×2) magazine as fast as you can pull the trigger, and the blowback adds a sense of realism. This makes it a fantastic choice for dynamic plinking and action-oriented practice. However, it gives up the P1322’s raw power and versatility. The P-25’s velocity is fixed and will decrease as the CO2 cartridge cools and empties. For someone who values rapid-fire fun over single-shot precision and power, the Gamo P-25 is an excellent alternative.
2. Umarex Ruger Mark IV .177 Pellet Air Pistol
The Umarex Ruger Mark IV is another single-shot pellet pistol, but it uses a break-barrel spring-piston power plant. This makes it entirely self-contained, requiring no pumping or CO2. You simply break the barrel, load a pellet, and you’re ready to fire. It’s known for excellent ergonomics that mimic the firearm it’s based on and features fiber-optic sights for easy target acquisition. It’s a great choice for pure target shooting. The main trade-off compared to the P1322 is the fixed power output and the .177 caliber, which delivers less impact energy. The forward-heavy balance and unique cocking motion also provide a different shooting experience.
3. Umarex Colt Peacemaker .177 Air Pistol
- Fits the Colt Peacemaker BB Gun (2254048)
- For use with .177 caliber steel BBs
The Umarex Colt Peacemaker is all about the experience. This CO2-powered revolver is a stunningly realistic replica of the classic “Gun That Won the West.” It features a full-metal frame, realistic single-action operation, and individual cartridges that you load BBs into. It’s not designed for power or precision in the same way the P1322 is; it’s designed for immersive, historical fun. If your main goal is to feel like a cowboy and enjoy the mechanical satisfaction of an old-school six-shooter, the Colt Peacemaker is unparalleled. For utility, pest control, or serious skill-building, however, the pellet-firing P1322 remains the superior choice.
Our Final Verdict on the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol
After weeks of shooting, testing, and even a little bit of tinkering, our conclusion is clear: the Crosman P1322 .22-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol is more than just an airgun; it’s an institution. It’s a testament to a design that prioritizes functional power, accessibility, and near-limitless potential over out-of-the-box perfection. Yes, the stock sights are a weak point, and the trigger is heavy. But these are forgivable flaws in a pistol that delivers this much performance and potential for such a low investment. Its variable power makes it a jack-of-all-trades, equally at home on a 5-meter basement range as it is dispatching garden pests at 20 yards.
We recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for an affordable and effective plinker, a capable pest control tool, or a gateway into the rewarding world of airgun modification. It’s a pistol that you can not only use but also learn from and grow with. If you’re ready for a hands-on shooting experience that offers incredible value and a pathway to a fully customized airgun, then the P1322 is waiting for you. You can check the latest price and pick one up for yourself right here.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API