Beeman 2006/P17 - An absolute steal

There are often bargains to be had in the world of airguns, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one than the pistol and red dot that I have on test here. The Beeman 2006 is a single-stroke pneumatic pistol, and this will be familiar to many since it has been around for a while. There’s also way more than a passing resemblance to a certain German-made pistol, but for fear of a team of lawyers descending, I’ll leave that one there!

To go dotty or not?
This pistol is available from Sportsmarketing (SMK), either as a pistol only or sold as a set with the red dot sight included, and it’s the latter option that I have on test here. Considering that the ‘with or without’ sight options differ by only £10, it’s safe to conclude that the red dot sight featured is a relatively simple device. However, it looks the perfect partner for the Beeman, and sold as a combined set by SMK for the princely sum of £89.95, it’s churlish to be too critical. That’s a bag of shopping these days, and a seemingly small outlay for what’s on offer.

Single strokes
I’ll try not to bore on my favourite subject of single strokes, but this Beeman is a great example of why I get so worked up. Everything comes supplied in a pack, with the sight bolted in place on the dovetail rails, although if you want to, it can be unscrewed and easily removed. The open sights are the fibre optic variety, with a bright red element up front and two green elements at the rear. There are no numbered markings on the rear sight, and a screwdriver is needed for adjustment, but the sight picture afforded is good, and it all works well.

Modern looks
With modern firearms often utilising ballistic polymer for the chassis, this Beeman has a contemporary feel. Fashioned from high-impact polymer, the attractive and precisely moulded two-part chassis offers a good level of detail. The lower section is all one, taking in the grips and integral trigger guard. The finger grooves help and it’s just a great design and supremely comfortable, which is a good start for any pistol. There’s extensive use of ABS/polymer, yet the internal compression system, trigger mechanism, dummy hammer, safety slide, and of course the rifled barrel, are all metal. The 1.9 lbs overall weight lends a quality ‘feel’ in the aim, and this really doesn’t feel like a cheap pistol.
The 2-stage adjustable trigger features a broad metal blade, helping to spread the load across the finger. The first stage is very light, then there’s a small amount of creep, followed by a reasonably light final release. Overall, then, a very competent trigger, that can only promote good shooting. How much is this pistol again?

Consistency equals consistency
To prime the action, you must first pull back the silver dummy hammer to release the top section. Now, taking a firm grip, pull back the top chassis and pull right through the full arc of travel, stopping at the end to feed a pellet into the lip of the barrel, which is now exposed. A vital tip that I must point out with this style of single stroke, is to move through a full and totally consistent arc of movement, as it’s this outwards stroke which is sucking air into the chamber. The return stroke as you close the chassis down compresses that volume of air, so the idea is to get a consistent volume of air each time. A second tip is also to mind the hands as the pistol snaps back closed!
Now, with the red dot sight mounted in position, and only being of plastic construction, I would try and only press down on the rear section of the pistol body when closing it, otherwise, I reckon the sight will get damaged. This is a slightly harder process than if you were just using the open sights, but it is more about technique.

Red dot function
The red dot sight is powered by a disc-style battery. Turn on the device with the switch on the right, and then, after firing a few shots safely on the range, the device can be zeroed using the elevation dial at the rear that’s marked ‘up’. The windage wheel is positioned front right. There are no markings/numbers on either, and at first, it is a little trial and error, but subtle tweaks will get there in the end.
My main criticism during the test was the brightness of the red dot. With a new battery installed, the dot was dazzlingly bright, with no rheostat control. Hey, I’m asking too much given the cost of the sight as mentioned, and for informal tin can plinking, it’s still great fun.

Statistics
Fire one of these pistols and it’s that ultra-crisp shot release and total lack of recoil that can’t fail to impress. Accuracy-wise, over 10 yards, I managed ¾” groups, and moving back to 20 yards, and taking into account the dazzle factor, I still managed 1.5” to 2” groups when shot from a rest. As for consistency figures, first using .22 Crosman Premier Ultra Magnums, the chrono showed a 10-shot string with a total spread of 9 fps, which is very good. However, switching to JTS Dead ‘Center’ ammo, this dropped to an astonishing 2 fps total spread. How much is this pistol again?

Conclusion
Quite simply, one of the best pistols of its type available, and ridiculous value for money!
Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this air pistol.