Sheer fun

I’m on record as being a long-standing fan of the Crosman brand of airguns, and multi-pump pneumatics have always featured in their product line-up. On test here is the Crosman M4 177, and it’s a classic example of what this American brand does best.

I was initially a little confused as to what appeared to be different versions of this model circulating, encouraged by the instructions leaflet from the manufacturer, claiming there were indeed two versions - one with the M16-style carry handle and integrated rear sight, and another with just the rear sight. A quick call to Range Right, the UK Crosman distributor, soon set me straight, however. So, I can confirm that this model if purchased in the UK, will look exactly as per my test gun, irrespective of any misleading notes to the contrary.

First impressions & features

Open the box, and pick up the M4 177, and first impressions are, to be honest, of a fairly cheap feeling airgun, not helped by the all-plastic exterior. As I say, I’m being honest, but I can also say that my opinion genuinely changed over the course of the test, as a full appreciation of what’s on offer set in. Firstly, let’s accept that this is a budget fun gun, and remind ourselves of the super competitive RRP.

As for features, this M4 177 is a multi-pump pneumatic airgun with a steel, rifled barrel, and it’s designed to shoot either steel BBs or lead pellets. It’s made in .177 calibre only, and if you take the latter route, there’s a 5-shot pellet clip to utilize. Other features include moulded loops to allow for the fitting of a sling, a host of Picatinny rails including scope rail, removable and adjustable front and rear sights, an adjustable stock for length of pull, a removable dummy magazine for storage, and single-stage trigger. That’s a pretty extensive list, so plenty of thought has been applied at the design stage.

Quick decision

Now at this point, I don’t mind confirming my total aversion to BBs, as I consider them quite dangerous, due to their propensity to ricochet, plus the fact that they are inaccurate. So, unsurprisingly, I will be foregoing that dubious pleasure, and instead use lead pellets for the duration. However, if you do want to use BBs, the M4 has the capacity for 350 of the damn things, and these are poured into the small access hole on the left side of the receiver, just above the trigger. A small catch is pulled back on the top of the action whilst pointing the gun down and twisting, which then allows the BBs to fill the internal magazine. Finally, lock them with the catch. Subsequent cocking of the bolt will then pick up a shot each time. There, I’ve tried to be balanced, now let’s hear no more about it!

Sighting system

The M4 features a large Picatinny rail, so a compact scope or red dot sight can be fitted if required. However, with fully adjustable open sights included, I decided to stick with these to evaluate the performance. The foresight quickly bolts in place up front on its own rail, and the rear sight is just as easy back on the main rail. Some trial and error is needed when getting the position right but see how it goes and move it if necessary, depending upon your sighting. Adjustment for elevation is via the front sight, and this needs the post element to be raised or lowered using the small tool provided. Not being used to this operation, my brain was a little slow to appreciate that raising the front post, actually lowers the point of impact. Windage is set with the rear sight, and it’s a shame that this wasn’t designed with a side nut, which could have taken the same adjustment tool. Instead, a screwdriver is required. No big deal, but worth a moan! One big positive though is the way the rear sight has a hinged peep section, which can be flipped up or down to instantly reduce or increase the size of the aperture. A clever feature that makes these versatile sights even more appealing.

Finished setting the sights? Then how about storing the adjustment tool inside the dummy magazine - another neat feature all built in.

Sizing it up

The M4 177 is definitely a gun that can be taken on by all shooters, given it weighs a mere 3.5lbs and the length of pull can be shut right down for juniors or opened up for adults, courtesy of the AR15-style adjustable rear stock. Just press and hold the spring-loaded catch at the rear, and the butt assembly slides in or out, increasing or reducing the length of pull by a significant 3.5”.

Control your power

OK, time to power up the system. Crosman states on the box that we can ‘control’ our power, and that’s exactly the case. To pump the system, first, get comfortable and be in control of the action. Grab the pistol grip and pull the airgun into the groin. That beefy forend then needs to be pulled down and pushed forwards in a sweeping arc, all the way through its travel, which sucks air into the chamber, and it’s this air that gets compressed as the pump handle is pulled back and up to complete the stroke. Just mind the fingers at this stage, as the action snaps shut.

The M4 needs a minimum of three strokes and can go to a maximum of 10 strokes, all achieved via the onboard pump system. In practice, completing three pumps is pretty easy, but the fourth is a little harder. Six pumps are manageable, but the ten pumps are simply not worth the added effort, given the minimal increase in power over the full cycle.

Handling & feel in use

As for cycling pellets, the routine relies on a 5-shot clip, which is first filled by simply pushing pellets headfirst into each chamber until all flush. The cocking bolt on the right side is then pulled back and the pellet clip is then inserted into its slot from the right side. Here, I have to say the design is a bit weak, as the pellet clip is just not very positive as it moves through positions within the breech. The result is that you need to keep an eye on its progress from the left side and move it across manually to the next chamber after each shot. It’s a vague, two-handed job, which it shouldn’t be!

As for the trigger, in theory, it’s a single-stage affair, but it seems one continuous creepy motion as the finger pulls through. Fairly light mind you, and wholly acceptable for this grade of hardware.

Consistency never varied by more than 10 fps over 10-shot strings with a variety of pellets, which is impressive. Whilst the accuracy, using the open sights provided, was also pretty good, and over 20 yards, I managed 2 pence-sized groups with relative ease.

As mentioned, Picatinny rails mean add-on accessories such as lasers and bipods can be utilized, but one caveat regarding that has to be that the rail on the underside of the forend will be moving through a sweeping arc, since it forms part of the pump handle. This severely limits what can be mounted here. There is, however, that additional rail up front, just behind the muzzle, and the rail on top, if the foresight isn’t being utilized. So, plenty of potential for fun and experimentation then.

Verdict

Classic Crosman then, as the M4 177 manages to put a smile on the face, despite those negative first impressions. The versatility, recoilless performance, and sheer fun on offer, easily outweigh any preconceptions. As for the multi-pump system, it works extremely well, and that lightweight adjustable stock will find a ready audience among junior shooters. In short, if the military look appeals to you, then this is undoubtedly a great budget beginner’s rifle for all the family.

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