The 1701P will be my first PCP pistol and was purchased from John Swenson of New England Airguns
I selected the 1701 because I wanted a reasonably-sized pistol that I could use for 10-meter shooting one-handed.
Along with having the heft-and-accuracy capability to use-with a two-handed-hold on targets out-to 20-yards.
As such, a Lothar-Walther barrel was imperative to me ... didn’t want to be concerned about potential barrel-related accuracy issues.
Or, having to tinker with my pistol to extract expected precision.
As-is, this little pistol certainly has filled-the-bill for me reasonably well.
My pistol is equipped-with a Crosman/Williams fully-adjustable, square-notch rear-sight.
Installing the rear-sight was simple and straight-forward.
And after mounting, sight alignment at 8-yards was much closer than I had expected to be OFF.
As I found-out while attempting to pop-off some very small pecans while performing a rough sight-in.
If there’s one thing I hate doing ... is sighting-in a new gun.
I dread the process.
With the 1701P ... everything came surprisingly easy-and-quick.
In short-order, I was firing a 3-shot string at 10-meters and was making adjustments along-the-way.
After about 5-strings, I was "ON” at 10-meters.
I got cocky and quickly placed some more targets at 15-yards.
Again, the targets were slightly-smaller than normal-sized pecans.
And, I commenced to-setting the sight-adjustments for 15-meters.
As I attempted to smack some pecans (of course, I missed a few), I noted the placement of the POI.
If I was consistently impacting LEFT ... I corrected-for the misalignment.
By the way, I never had to touch the front-sight ... it remained in-place as it came from the factory.
Being reasonably satisfied-with my “ZERO” being very close.
I put the pistol away until the next day - as it was beginning to cloud-over.
In the morning after the sun was nice-and-bright, I fired about 20-warmup shots.
Then at the spur-of-the-moment, I selected a freshly-hung paper-target at the 15-yard mark.
I fired-off a shot and heard a satisfyingly clear “ting,” while-at the same time. I saw the target move.
With my binoculars, I noted a POI right-at 6-o’clock, slightly to-the-left, at-the-bottom of the 3-inch target.
I had held the pistol with the whole orange “pumpkin on the post.”
The POA/POI was what I had been employing on the smallish pecans.
As such, the “6-o’clock” POI was correct.
For my next shot, I split-the-pumpkin with the front-sight post and rested the black-diamond of the orange-target on-top of the front sight.
I really took-my-time squeezing this shot-off ... the pellet impacted just as-I-held with a soft “tong” and the target not swinging much.
This last shot confirmed my “final ZERO” ... feeling smug with myself ... I called-it quits for the day - no sense in pushing my luck any further.
Standing Offhand. Two-Handed Hold
Crosman Destroyer 7.4gr
Two-shots at 15-Yards
Nice! I’m looking to purchase something for my dad, not sure what I’m going to get yet.
My post was primarily about my first impressions of the 1701P.
I didn’t provide any photos of the gun because it is in OEM configuration.
Exactly as it came out-of-the-box … with the exception of the optional sights.
Anyway, pictures of a box-stock 1701P are very easy to find.
The 1701 arrives sans sights … ya need to select your sights when ordering the pistol.
I made the mistake of omitting the sights … I wasn’t thinking.
But John Swenson proved a set in short-order.
Yes … yes, I know the trigger is adjustable.
I was figuring, the test-fire technician would correct a completely out-of-spec trigger-pull prior to shooting the included target.
Which turns-out to-be, a one-hole group slightly larger than a .177 pellet.
The failing of this little airgun will be the trigger mechanism.
It will never have a 500-gram let-off ... that’s nearly the weight of two adult-sized aspirin tablets.
But, for my purposes … that’s OK - I’m not a match shooter.
Anyway for a target pistol, the grips are usually the first item to-get-tossed.
Some inexpensive target-grips are on my shopping list.
Everything is flat/matt-black … air-cylinder, barrel, front-sight, sight-post base, rear sight-assembly, grips, frame.
Except the receiver … with a dark blue/black luster - even the top of the sight mounting surface is reflective.
Quite a contrast to the rest of the pistol ... the dark blue/black sheeny-finish being the only frill.
The 1701 exhibits good-balance with a slight weight-bias favoring the muzzle.
However, be cautioned about buying this pistol without first handling-one in-person.
If you’re expecting the refinements of a high-dollar match-grade pistol - this airgun ain’t it.
But, if your priorities are for a serviceable, good-quality air pistol with a match-grade barrel - this is the airgun for ya.
With this pistol, if ya miss-a-shot ... much-more than-likely ... it is YOUR FAULT - not the gun.
Here is a photo of the 1720 to the 1701. The 1720 is like a single shot Prod in size.
I did put a 1720 transfer port in my 1701 for a little while. Off the top of my head
it was about a 150 fps increase. I've since gone back to stock with it.
I also put a set of Vernon Austin target grips in my 1701. Compared to stock.
Going to be an interresting time for you; these are quite good pistols and likely to shoot it alot.
Like you,not a competitor, other than against myself,so wasn't looking for a match pistol.
Are right...the trigger is good,pretty much a P-Rod trigger, but not match-good.
Didn't play around with it too much. Settled on a less pretty set of grips that fit my hand better, shrouded it for a little more quiet, keep to the open sights.
(Actually, it's the older 1700 rather than the 1701....but the trigger got a bit of a rework).
About as large/long as I care to call a pistol or use off hand.
@ribbonstone ... I've seen your pistol before ... very nice sight set-up:
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=149872.msg1531423#msg1531423
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=108805.msg1037795#msg1037795
https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=169339.msg155904757#msg155904757
Well ... ribbostone, after seeing your 1700 with iron-sights - I wanted something similar.
However, the ideas of a longer sight-radius than the 1701 plus more velocity/FPE was irresistible.
As-such, I became the owner of a 1720T.
My 1720 is "box-stock" ... right-out of the shipping container.
Did absolutely-nothing to the pistol ... other than, installing the rails and sights.
However, this set-up has resulted in a 16-inch sight radius.
(By-the-way, anyone notice what's wrong with the following photo?)
1720T with Leapers AR-15 Peep-Sights on Pictinney Rails
Front sight rail 13-3/4 inches, Rear sight rail - 1.45 inches
These are a few-shots I took while walking-on the sights on-target.
However, prior to printing-on-paper.
I was shooting at some smallish pecans that littered-the-ground at about 8-yards.
The pecans established my rough sight-in.
Standing, Off-hand, 10-meters, CPHP 7.9gr
The “black marks” at the POIs indicate successive groups ... so I could keep track of additional impacts sites.
Nonetheless, I was surprised at the group-tightness at 10-meters.
And, didn’t see the need for more shot-strings on the same target.
So, I got-cocky and took-aim further-down-range at an old target that was slightly weathered.
But, had no prior POIs.
I took-my-time and fired-off three very careful shots.
I must confess, for this last group, I cheated a bit ... braced my off-hand arm.
Standing, Off-hand Arm Braced Against Window Sill, 15-yards
I must admit, I didn't expect the results I got.
Didn't think the G.I. peep-sights would be this effective on a hand-gun.
I am very-surprised ... actually, shocked at my 3-shot-group at 15-yards ... and equally-pleased.
Incidentally, I have another 1701P on-order plus a 1720T.
I already have accessory shoulder-stocks for both second pistols.
If ya have the impression, I like the 1701/1720 pistols - you're right.
I hope ya read this:
"I must admit, I didn't expect the results I got.
I am very-surprised ... actually, shocked at my 3-shot-group at 15-yards ... and equally-pleased.
I must confess, for this last group, I cheated a bit ... braced my off-hand arm."
Why do ya think I stopped at three-shots?
I don't think I could produce such a tight 3-shot group at 15-yards ... again.
Sometimes the "stars are in alignment."
Also, the groups I shot at the 10-meter mark was performed rather quickly.
I was just trying to get-a-sense of what adjustments were required.
At the 15-yard distance, I really took-my-time and focused-on concentrating.
The "fly in the ointment" ... did anyone notice what was wrong with my first photo of the 1720T?
Here's a hint:
I had the front-sight on backward.
In this image the sight orientation has been corrected.
After I reviewed the posted photo ... I realized what I had done wrong.
Oh-well, the time spent sighting-in the 1720 was wasted ... or, so I thought.
When I utilize dovetail-to-weaver/pictinney adapters, I've always wondered what-side of the adapter should be oriented towards the fixed-jaw of the pictinney mount.
I try to be consistent, in-this-case I placed the smaller-side of the adapter towards the fixed-jaw of the pictinney-mount.
Once I realized, the front-sight needed to be reversed.
I detached the the front-sight-assembly and turned-it completely around ... I intentionally did not reorient the adapter-base.
I made a single-sight-adjustment, I reduced the elevation on the front-sight ... that is all.
Then, I took a couple-of-shots to see how-far off-zero this little exercise would place my sight alignment.
Note the two unblackened POIs in the black diamond
These were the check-zero impacts after the front-sight was reoriented.
To my astonishment, there was no discernible change-in the POI ... other than the down-shift in elevation I dialed-in.
I was very impressed.
Another "fly in the ointment" ... how I must-hold my 17120T.
Because of the G.I. rifle peep-sights, I use a very unconventional hold.
I grasp the pistol in a closely clutched-in manner.
This hold places the peep-sight as-close to-my-eye as possible ... imagine holding a rifle that's missing the butt-stock section.
My arms are not extended ... rather they are held close-in.
And, both of my elbows are anchored against my lower-body above-the-waist.
The pistol is so-pulled-in ... the trailing-end of the rear-sight can lightly-touch my nose.
This slight-contact helps to stabilize the pistol-hold even-further.
And, the closeness of the peep-aperature helps replicate a rifle-like sight-picture.
I hope ya read this:
"I am very-surprised ... actually, shocked at my 3-shot-group at 15-yards ... and equally-pleased.
I must confess, for this last group, I cheated a bit ... braced my off-hand arm."Why do ya think I stopped at three-shots?
I don't think I could produce such a tight 3-shot group at 15-yards ... again.
Sometimes the "stars are in alignment."
I play with 10 meter pistols and my 1720 is my "garage gun" for sparrows. So I can appreciate when the stars a line and you hit that magical group. I can appreciate more how hard it is to repeat the performance. ? I don't care if a little support was used. That is an impressive group!!!
I've also done the early stop. Meant to do a 5 shot group and stopped at three not to push my luck. ? ?
It is interesting you mentioned sparrows.
That-is the primary-use I intend-for my 1720T and 1701P.
One-of-the-two will accompany me when I take our cats-out for exercise in our backyard.
Gonna help keep-me from being too-bored. LOL
The 1701P I'm gonna use at 10-meters or less.
While the 1720T at full-power will be employed at ranges out to 15-yards on sparrows
And, maybe out-to 20-yards for Eurasian dove.
It is interesting you mentioned sparrows.
That-is the primary-use I intend-for my 1720T and 1701P.
One-of-the-two will accompany me when I take our cats-out for exercise in our backyard.
Gonna help keep-me from being too-bored. LOLThe 1701P I'm gonna use at 10-meters or less.
While the 1720T at full-power will be employed at ranges out to 15-yards on sparrows
And, maybe out-to 20-yards for Eurasian dove.
I use the 1720 at 20-25 yards using the new Hades in a .177. I have a bird feeder that seems to attract more sparrows than song birds.
Rats hate it too.
For Continued Information:
Crosman 1720T Field Target Pistol with Iron-Sights ... Crossed the Rubicon Again: My Second PCP Pistol
Crosman 1720T on Crosman Challenger Stock, Regulated 9-FPE, Center-Point FFP Spectrum 3-12X44, Sun Optics Medium Adjustable Rings
For More Information:
Crossed the Rubicon - Twice: First PCP Purchases ... First Fully Adjustable Scope Mounts
When the local sparrows and Eurasian-dove learned the safe stand-off-range from my bird feeders.
They'd take-turns swooping-in to snatch grain and sunflower-seeds from the feeders.
Mobbing the bird feeders to-the-exclusion of the more docile house finches.
I couldn't let this situation stand.
The synthetic-stocked 1720T extended my precision shooting distance.
Very effective on sparrows and humane on Eurasian dove when employing a head/neck shot with Crosman 7.4gr Destroyer pellets.
However, I'm finding an OEM, unstocked, 1720T is much-more convenient to tote-around while in the backyard.
To this end, I'm planning on-scoping an additional 1720T in the near future.
CROSMAN 1720P PERFORMANCE STATISTICS
Trigger Pull: 1lb-15.3oz to 2lb-2.2oz, Out-of-Box
Name: 1701P 7.9g
Notes: FILL PRESSURE
Pump Gauges: 3.0K psi
Reservoir Gauge: 3.1K psi
Transfer Port: Low Velocity
Shots: 5
Average: 380 ft/s
SD: 2 ft/s
Min: 379 ft/s
Max: 384 ft/s
Spread: 5 ft/s UNREGULATED
Pellet: Crosman Premier Hollow Point
Weight: 7.9 gr.
CROSMAN 1720P PERFORMANCE STATISTICS
Trigger Pull: 1lb-15.3oz to 2lb-2.2oz, Out-of-Box
Name: 1701P 7.4g
Notes: FILL PRESSURE
Pump Gauges: 3.0K psi
Reservoir Gauge: 3.1K ps
Transfer Port: Low Velocity
Shots: 5
Average: 402 ft/s
SD: 2 ft/s
Min: 400 ft/s
Max: 405 ft/s
Spread: 5 ft/s UNREGULATED
Pellet: Crosman Destroyer
Weight: 7.4 gr.
You experienced PCP-guys, ya ... I know what you're thinking.
About the fill-pressures ... in an UNREGULATED airgun, maximum velocity IS NOT generated at maximum-fill-pressure.
I filled the gun-reservoir to the indicated-pressure on my hand-pump ... two gauges: the pump-guage and an additional inline gauge.
This was done to check the relative-accuracy of the reservior-mounted gauge.
Then, I dry-fired the pistol to check the trigger-pull and to-drop the maximum pressure.
Thereafter, I began velocity testing.