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Crosman 1701P Silhouette Pistol ... Crossed the Rubicon - Again: My First PCP Pistol

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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.

image

Standing Offhand. Two-Handed Hold
Crosman Destroyer 7.4gr
Two-shots at 15-Yards 


   
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marflow
(@marflow)
Washington
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1602
 

i can see your smiling face from my house 

nice post 


   
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(@bob_in_wv)
West Virginia
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 377
 

Great pistol and nice post.

 

Bob in WV


   
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(@golom)
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2
 

 

Nice! I’m looking to purchase something for my dad, not sure what I’m going to get yet. 

 


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.

I made no adjustments to the trigger … as-is, right out-of-the-box.
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.
Looks-like two-pellets, out-of-five, were slightly overlapping.
 
A match pistol aficionado/connoisseur will immediately recognize.
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.
 
When I first looked-at and held the pistol … the 1701 appears-bigger than it's actual-mass belies.
Oddly, the grips were prominent in-my-mind and rightly-so.
As the grips felt flimsy to-the-hold, have shallow-checkering and were slightly shifting - the screws were loose.
I’m thinking, minimally adequate, the best that I can say about them … they’re grips - that’s it.
 
But for plinking and informal target practice, the OEM-grips are gonna-do OK.
Anyway for a target pistol, the grips are usually the first item to-get-tossed.
Some inexpensive target-grips are on my shopping list.
 
The appearance of the 1701P is-of-being purposeful, no nonsense, uncomplicated ... nothing more than what ya need.
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.
 
That aside, the pistol holds-well in-one-hand … even-better with a two-handed grip.
The 1701 exhibits good-balance with a slight weight-bias favoring the muzzle.
Doesn't feel heavy while holding-steady with a one-handed-hold ... but still, quick-to-respond to shooter-input.
 
Over-all, a satisfying pistol … well-worth the expenditure.
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.

   
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pluric
(@pluric)
Utah
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1054
 

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.

image

I also put a set of Vernon Austin target grips in my 1701. Compared to stock.

image

   
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ribbonstone
(@ribbonstone)
Louisiana
Rest In Peace
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 510
 

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.


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

@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

Sure wished Crosman had shrouded the 1701P barrel and alternatively, provided the 1720T Field Target Pistol with an iron-sight option.
Not that the 1701 is loud - it isn't.
However, in OEM FPE setting, it makes itself evident with every shot.
Nearly silent would be nice.

   
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ribbonstone
(@ribbonstone)
Louisiana
Rest In Peace
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 510
 

Have been playing with it  for 8-9 years, been posted a time or two. Haven't had any serious complaints, haven't changed anything.

 

Shroud started off life as part of a wind chime,front sight an old QB front sight (solid...not one of the day glow ones)...done.


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.

 


   
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pluric
(@pluric)
Utah
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1054
 

Must be something wrong with mine, it doesn't off hand group like that. ? ?  Nice shooting!!!


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

@pluric

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.


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.


   
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pluric
(@pluric)
Utah
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1054
 
Posted by: @aom22

@pluric

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. ? ?  

 


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.


   
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pluric
(@pluric)
Utah
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 1054
 
Posted by: @aom22

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.

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.

708 g

   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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. 

 


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.

image

 


   
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A_O_Martinez
(@a_o_martinez)
Texas
Joined: 7 years ago
Posts: 236
Topic starter  

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.

image

 

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.

 

 


   
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