Author Topic: Beeman P1 powerful ? (Read 6694 times)

JJHACK · « **on:** February 07, 2003, 07:44:36 AM »

Any body know about this pistol? Is it powerful enough to kill pigeons, rats, squirrels rabbits etc with head shots? Grouse maybe? is it accurate enough to make head shots? Would this be reasonable to expect to 20 yards? I have access to one cheap but not sure it will provide enough power to be useful. How loud is it compared to a CO2 pistol or a Pump Pistol?

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2003, 08:52:23 AM »

JJ,

The P1 is a very good hunting air pistol. I've taken squirrels and rabbits out to 25 yards with mine. I scoped mine to make all shots easier so if it's in good shape go for it. The P1 will do it if you can. Lawdog

JJHACK · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2003, 10:06:53 AM »

What caliber is your's in? The one I can buy has had only one tin of pellets through it and it's 200 bucks. It is in .20 caliber too. That's fine with me as I have a RX-2 in .20 caliber and a Sheridan Air rifle in .20 caliber.

I also have a custom made Pro-Elite in .22 caliber, not that that means anything but I do shoot a lot and find that using my air rifle frequently makes me a much better centerfire rifle shot.

This P1 looks good and is small enough to bring along where ever I go. Seems like a fun gun to shoot frequently as well. How does it compare to the Sheridan HB-20 pistol for power?

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2003, 08:49:07 AM »

JJ,

My P1 is in .20 caliber, same as my Crow Magnum IV. I know nothing about the Sheridan HB-20. What is the posted velocity for it? All I know is that the P1 packs a punch for a pellet pistol. It hits harder than any of my other pellet pistols. Got a couple of Crosman 1377's and a couple of Crosman .22 co2 that look like a S&W .357 that I use for indoor combat practice. For hunting I use the P1. Lawdog

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2003, 07:28:35 AM »

My P1 is .177 and it chronos at about 570fps with 8 grain pellets. I have no doubt that it would chrono the advertised 600fps with lighter pellets.'

The gun is perfectly suitable for hunting small vermin and rabbits. Squirrels require a good hit because they're so tough. The best pellets for the job seem to be RWS superpoint pointed pellets. They penetrate very well and they create a great wound that bleeds a lot. A squirrel shot through the lungs with one typically expires-- believe it or not-- quicker than a squirrel shot with a 22 long rifle, at least in my experience it does.

The P1 is a bit finicky about how you grip it. It's very similar to the 1911 in this regard. You really need a consistent grip. The trigger is excellent. It makes a good firearms trainer because it's so much like a good firearm. The only problem I've had with it has been that the pin that holds the rear sight together kept slipping out until I krazy-glued it in. The gun will hold the 10 ring if you can, although I haven't mastered it that well myself. I can hold the 9 ring on a 10M air pistol target.

It has two modes, low velocity and high velocity. Both modes are quiet enough to practice in the basement with. I generally shoot in high velocity mode with the sights adjusted for center hold. This makes it most consistent with hunting.

I agree with the idea of scoping it if you're planning on shooting out to 25 yards on small critters like squirrels. I'd recommend zeroing it at a distance closer than 25 yards because most of your shots should be closer than that.

If you want an air pistol for hunting, I don't think you'll find a better one. I'd buy another one.

Uncle Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2003, 08:06:12 AM »

P-1 Owners--

What kind of mounts and scope do you recommend I put on my P-1?

-UB

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2003, 09:11:03 AM »

Uncle Bob,

I use Beeman two piece mounts to hold a 2-7x Burris Handgun scope with Posi-Lock system on my P1. With over 1,500 pellets through my P1 and it hasn't changed POI and is clear and sharp. The only thing I would change if I could is to make it parallax adjustable. Add a side focus feature to it and it would be as close to perfect as you could get in a scope. Lawdog

Uncle Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2004, 03:30:49 AM »

Lawdog--

What pellets for your P1 .20 have you found to be the best suited for accuracy, killing power, etc. I think you mentioned before that you use Beeman Crow Magnums for hunting. Have you chrony'd velocity/muzzle energy for each kind of pellet?

Thanks.

-UB

Lawdog · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2004, 10:54:57 AM »

Uncle Bob,

I have chronographed my P-1 using both H&N Match(11.87 grs.) and Crow Magnum(12.80 grs.) pellets. With H&N I get close to the 500 fps. that the P-1 is rated. The last time I checked it I got 491 five shot average. Crow Magnum pellets gave my a five shot average of 483 fps.. Yes I prefer the Crow Magnum for hunting as I want my pellet to expand which the Crow Magnum does quite well. Basically I only use these tow types of pellets. I do try different pellets when I hear about one that is doing really well for someone but I always go back to what works best for me. Lawdog

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2004, 05:07:15 AM »

There is the Beeman model 20 which has its own rings and the two leupolds which are eer models in 2 abd 4 x I do have a set of ringd to use with these as well just generic rings for a 1" scope to use on airgun/rimfire dovetails.
Right now I am just using the iron sights and prefer ti that way.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2004, 10:14:24 AM »

Its really a completely different gun. Being a spring gun it has some recoil requiring a good hols to shoot it accurately. It is somewhat more powerful that the eb20 but not by more than 100 fps sometimes even less.
The Eb dows however have 1 advantage it has 0 recouil making it a bit easier to shoot. But the CO2 makes it somewhat useless in cold weather.
The real solution is to do what I did buy 1 of each! both are great guns but designed for different purposes. Personally I like them both. As well as a whole host of other airpistols I currently own over 25 of them and I am just getting started.

Airsporter · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2004, 02:24:09 AM »

IMHO, the P-1 is extremely hold sensitive, especially in .177. Even slight differences in grip pressure or hand/finger position caused substancial vertical stringing. I did not find this acceptable for use as a hunting pistol where shots tend to be infrequent and under varied conditions.

It does have a good trigger. I tried it in various calibers. Not quite so jumpy in .20 or .22.

Questor · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2004, 02:26:39 AM »

I completely agree with the hold sensitivity post. It took me a lot of rounds to figure it out, and still there are days when my point of impact is signifcantly off the previous days' point.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2004, 04:03:27 AM »

I have not noticed an major problems hitting my crosman bell ringer target at that range and it has a 1 inch square to make the bell ring. I can hit it pretty consistantly but I did modify myn gun with RB target grips so these may actually elimnate the problem becouse I have to grab the gun each time the same way. I can't say for sure. If you have a problem with hold senstivity try a set of grips that position your hand the same way each time. that may be the difference. I know I have had no trouble shooting the gun nor hitting the target with it. A lot of other folks hunt with this pistol so they must have come up with a solution to that problem it is the most powerful pistol avaiable unless you go to a PCP Falcon and now you are talking $1000 minmum investment. You can find a P1 uned for $200 or less new for $350 or less I have seen them new for $298 plus shipping.
Jim L

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2004, 09:12:58 AM »

I, like Deaf Smith, have never had any trouble with my P-1(.20) being hold sensitive. Of course my P-1 is scoped and has had custom grips since the day I brought it home. The P-1 is extremely accurate and powerful with a great trigger. I use mine for taking squirrels(both ground and tree) and brush bunnies at a few farms that are a little sensitive about shooting any kind of rifle or shotgun. I recommend the P-1 over other pellet pistols to all. Lawdog

Airsporter · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2004, 11:00:58 PM »

If its over 50 degrees, don't forget the $400 LD pistol. This is Mac-1's Crosman Mark I long-barrel conversion. Does up to 550fps in .22 with rifle-like accuracy! Also has a great trigger, grooved for scope, no noticable recoil, and no hold sensitivty.

You can get it for about $100 less without the "bulk" setup.

http://www.mac1airgun.com/ldpistol.html

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2004, 04:53:10 AM »

Its up to $520.00 now. I can't say for sure its worth it. thats up to you. I prefer the P1 pistol but thats my opinion.

Uncle Bob · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2004, 06:14:37 AM »

I finally got my .20 cal P1 this weekend! Compared to my Beeman P3 (a.k.a the STINGER), this is a brute! Think I'll call this one the WHACKER. Bought it brand-new at Airguns of Arizona for $295 plus shipping. Best deal I could find.

After about 50-60 shots, here are some of my initial impressions:

- Piece is a lot heavier than I thought and barrel heavy. And I don't even have a scope on it yet. Really a minor point since I shoot it two-handed.

- I'm glad I ordered the walnut $30 combat pistol grips with wrap-around finger grooves rather than keeping the stock grips. Makes the gun feel a little more comfortable and stable in my hands.

- The recoil that I heard so much about in this piece is nothing to worry about. In fact, it's rather comforting getting a satisfying little jolt to the hand to confirm a bit of horsepower.

- This is one hard-hitting puppy. Bunnies & squirrels be warned.

- Pleasantly surprised with the accuracy! I'm finding targeting it in at 20 yards is probably the best distance for my needs (plinking, pest control).

- The P1's report is a shade or two louder than on my P3. Not so much as to disturb neighbors, though.

- The right-hand safety latch came loose after 10 shots. Fortunately, I was provided a small 2mm allen wrench to tighten. So far, no further problems.

- A small portion of the little o-ring seal that fits over the port which aligns over the barrel breech (breech seal?) after the gun is cocked and ready to fire looks like it's been sliced off. It looks as if the sharp corners of the barrel breech caught a piece of the rubber and shaved it during one the cocking sequences. Not sure but fear this could cause eventual power loss due to air leakage when firing. (Anybody ever have this happen?) In addition to the 2mm star wrench, I was provided a little black rubber o-ring. Could this be a replacement breech seal?

- The 2-stage trigger is a dream just like that on my P3.

- I like the solid feel of quality workmanship that went into this piece.

- Overall, no regrets. I give it an "A" so far.

-Uncle Bob
Newport News, VA

Uncle Bob · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2004, 06:17:32 AM »

I finally got my .20 cal P1 this weekend! Compared to my Beeman P3 (a.k.a the STINGER), this is a brute! Think I'll call this one the WHACKER. Bought it brand-new at Airguns of Arizona for $295 plus shipping. Best deal I could find.

After about 50-60 shots, here are some of my initial impressions:

- Piece is a lot heavier than I thought and barrel heavy. And I don't even have a scope on it yet. Really a minor point since I shoot it two-handed.

- I'm glad I ordered the walnut $30 combat pistol grips with wrap-around finger grooves rather than keeping the stock grips. Makes the gun feel a little more comfortable and stable in my hands.

- The recoil that I heard so much about in this piece is nothing to worry about. In fact, it's rather comforting getting a satisfying little jolt to the hand to confirm a bit of horsepower.

- This is one hard-hitting puppy. Bunnies & squirrels be warned.

- Pleasantly surprised with the accuracy! I'm finding targeting it in at 20 yards is probably the best distance for my needs (plinking, pest control).

- The P1's report is a shade or two louder than on my P3. Not so much as to disturb neighbors, though.

- The right-hand safety latch came loose after 10 shots. Fortunately, I was provided a small 2mm allen wrench to tighten. So far, no further problems.

- A small portion of the little o-ring seal that fits over the port which aligns over the barrel breech (breech seal?) after the gun is cocked and ready to fire looks like it's been sliced off. It looks as if the sharp corners of the barrel breech caught a piece of the rubber and shaved it during one the cocking sequences. Not sure but fear this could cause eventual power loss due to air leakage when firing. (Anybody ever have this happen?) In addition to the 2mm star wrench, I was provided a little black rubber o-ring. Could this be a replacement breech seal?

- The 2-stage trigger is a dream just like that on my P3.

- I like the solid feel of quality workmanship that went into this piece.

- Overall, no regrets. I give it an "A" so far.

-Uncle Bob
Newport News, VA

Airsporter · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2004, 11:15:16 PM »

I knew they were going up a little but $520 must be the shrouded barrel version.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2004, 02:44:07 AM »

nor do I intend to at those prices. Tim announced the price hike last month to give forum members a heads up and a chance to order one befour the price hike sometime in Feb 04. Thatd on the Fun Suppily airgun forum if you are not there come on over its very busy and lots of information. great forum.

Airsporter · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2004, 01:55:17 PM »

Been an airgun aficionado for years. Have dozens. Used to post often on the Airgun Forum. Before that on Gaylord's forum. But, I've been on the "dark side" lately (burning powder). That's what brought me to Graybeard.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2004, 04:36:42 PM »

the ngaylords pulled the plug so suddenly. James Kitching of fun suppily was one of us and gracesly offered to holt the forum and years later here we are. the Fun suppily looks similar to /AGL with the yellow background and black letters but its a much freeer envirment no 12 rules of airgun ediquete and edith lording it over us all. We do have rules and for the most part we get along well we do get the occosional troll. You should stop over you will be welcomed I visit all the forums a bit so I do get around a bit mostly in the airgun sections mainly as its my major intrest I havnt touched a powder burner is over a year just airguns nos a days. Mainly I am house bound so airguns enable me to shoot indoors. Its a way of keepimng myself sane. Come on over you will like it I think.