BEEMAN 1085

Beeman Precision Airguns is a respected name in the industry, inspired by Dr. Robert Beeman back in the ‘80s. Whilst the operation is somewhat different these days, the brand lives on as part of the Sportsmarketing (SMK) stable, and on test here is a stylish little number that’s a lot of fun for under £200.

CO2 power provisos
The Beeman 1085 is a distinctively styled rifle that is powered by CO2. As can be seen, it comes with a snazzy black polymer sporter stock, which offers a thumbhole configuration, along with a good level of detail. It’s a bolt-action rifle and comes complete with adjustable open sights and a manual safety catch. I would state at the outset that this is a general knockabout rifle that’s ideal for plinking and fun shooting. The power plant isn’t designed for super consistency, so despite curious claims in certain quarters to the contrary, this is not a hunting rifle. What it is, though, is an enjoyable plinker with bags of style and character.

CO2 has a propensity for fluctuations in power depending on the ambient temperature, which can affect the shot count. Another consideration is that when handling capsules, if they have only just converted from liquid form and released any remaining gas, the capsule itself can be freezing to the touch. This is intriguing for those who haven’t encountered it, but a characteristic of the medium.

Loading CO2
The model 1085 is designed to be compatible with the larger CO2 tanks, but many shooters will opt to use the conventional 12g capsules, of which it takes two at a time. First, unscrew the threaded cap at the front of the cylinder, and here I can’t help but point out the irritatingly long thread on the cap. Once removed, two capsules can then be dropped inside, the first one neck-first, then the second in reverse. Re-tighten the cap, and when it is finally nipped up to tension and pierces the capsules, you’ll probably hear a small hiss as gas escapes.

Single or multi-shot?
If you go for single-shot, then the bolt needs to be pulled back and locked down in the rear cut-out, so that the bolt clears the breech and allows access. The single-shot tray snaps into position from the right-hand side. Once installed, a pellet is then rolled into the channel. I did find that guiding the pellet into the lip of the barrel was necessary periodically, but it worked OK. As for the ten-shot magazine, the plastic cover proved a little stiff to slide open on test, although I’m sure this would ease up with use. The cover needs to be wound clockwise all the way around against spring pressure, then a pellet is dropped into the open chamber. This holds the drum against spring pressure, and then the cover can be wound back and each chamber filled in turn.
When filling the magazine, I found it best to seat the first pellet in order to get it cleanly into position. This then holds the spring-loaded drum in the usual way. It’s not the best designed magazine, as the small, raised stud keeps catching when trying to rotate the cover, but technique plays a part. The magazine was also a little too snug in the breech, but on the plus side, there’s a pleasing, positive click as either the tray or magazine slots into position.

Sighting in
This Beeman comes with a dovetail rail on top of the receiver, so glassware can be used. However, with fibre-optic open sights included, I really wouldn’t rush to change. When adjusting the rear sight, I did hit the limit of adjustment for lowering the point of impact, but aiming slightly low isn’t a dealbreaker on this grade of rifle.
Accuracy-wise, using the open sights, I managed groups of 0.5” (c-t-c) over 20 yards while using Air Arms Diabolo Express and BSA Silver Star pellets. This is very usable accuracy indeed. Scoped up, and over 25 yards, the Beeman still posted 0.75” clusters. So, overall, we are talking about competent performance that will reward technique.

To the chrono
This Beeman, as alluded to, is more about plinking sessions and casual shooting, so getting too hung up on technical facts and figures can often miss the point. That said, we all want some idea of what to expect, so here goes. During testing, I recorded 90 shots over a chronograph, and given that the power began to drop right off over the last ten, I’ve collated figures for the 80 usable shots. And very usable they were too. The maximum power was 6.7ft/lbs, using BSA Silverstar pellets, which is very similar to the claimed figures in the supplied user manual. The total spread was 65fps, which shows a gradual drop-off through the charge.
With side-lever operation being in vogue at the moment, it was strangely refreshing to use this bolt-action Beeman. I like the way the bolt locks back to give full access to the breech area, and over the course of my test period, it cycled faultlessly, save for the odd pellet tumbling in the breech, which is possibly more to do with the pellet than with this Beeman. As for the model 1085 overall, the polymer stock feels good in the aim, and whilst a little hollow at the rear, the density up front adds a really robust feel to the proceedings.

Verdict
For fans of CO2, this model very much does what it says on the tin. It looks the part, and it’s great fun for the money. GM

Thanks to Range & Country Shooting Supplies in Sleaford, Lincs., for the kind loan of this airgun.