New to crosman - A little advice is needed

[jessestr]

Hi all

I'm Jesse and new here on the forums. I wanted some advice before I dive into modding everything. Since I always know I'll end up with the feel "if I knew this I would have done it different".

Backstory
Maybe a little back story. Shot a Gamo Black Knight for over 2 years. After having much trouble with the loudness of this gun. And also the size was too big for my likings. I wanted to get into pistols. I bought myself a Umarex Colt 1911 with co2 and .177 pellets. Great gun, having a few issues though. I have a co2 leak and the single shot mode is broken somehow. So I called my shop and I can get a new one, or choose another model from their shop. I traded the Gamo (€325) for the Colt 1911 (€230) - not too bad after using it for 2 years. The accurace of the Colt was quite good and predictable in the first two mags, after that co2 dropped quickly.

So I got a little sad upon discovering these problems. Could only get 30 shots out of the co2. Long story short, I placed a reddit topic and people suggest the Crosman 2240 and also suggested registering here. I kinda disliked the looks at first but I quickly changed my mind upon seeing it in action and the possibilities. (I'm a DIY'er too) Now it actually looks like a pretty gun which is aimed towards serious shooting.

Advice needed:
- So I have a budget of 230 euro and the gun costs 95 euro in the shop. Should I get two? The shop doesn't sell custom parts sadly enough but I think they do sell red dot sights etc. I was thinking of keeping one pistol stock with minor adjustments to make it co2 friendly and accurate (maybe with red dot sight too). And then another gun fully loaded with nice stuff on it, stock, longer barrel, muzzle brake, red dot sight..

So now the actual question: How easy is it to convert these from rifle to pistol? If it's fairly easy I can just get one and switch the barrel/stock upon how I'm feeling that day? Or does it really take a few hours to change this stuff? If it's easy I might just spend my remaining money on pellets, co2 and targets.

- Next question, if my store sells any kind of red dot sight. Will I be able to mount it in some way or do only specific models work?

- Maybe the most important question: What mods are NECESSARY and what not? (Is there like a list in order what to upgrade first?) I heard the sights and trigger were quite awful stock.. The mods looks quite expensive and I don't want to throw a ton of cash on it instantly, but build it up. (If I could only use the remaining 130 euros on mods... - hopefully it's a possibility to get the rest in cash).

- Personally I'm thinking for a power adjuster (also for reducing to get more pellets out of a co2 can.), maybe a better trigger? not sure, better sights, muzzle brake, ..

- For sights, I really liked the fiber glass sights on my Gamo. I could hit 1 on 1 cm objects from 15-20 meters with 1-3 try's. But what are better options: red dot sight?

-----

My main focus for the gun is shooting targets with great accuracy, and power in a small package. The gun should run smooth and feel comfortable. I like a little weight on a gun too.

Thank you very much!

[mudduck48]

Welcome to the CAPOF. Now hang on to your credit card.

[onebaddj]

Welcome aboard! First mod for an off the shelf gun, take the grip off and work the trigger. use nylon washers sanded to thickness to take all the slop out of the sear and trigger. cost about $1 us for the washers is you don't have them. 2nd, if it does not have the metal receiver then get the mounts that clamp to the barrel so you can mount your optics. 3rd I use an aftermath dot sight from the paint ball section. Its exactly the same as the BSA sight but was $15 cheaper. was right around $20.

to convert to carbine just add the shoulder stock. takes about 5 minutes. Later if you want a longer barrel they are easy to swap out. about 15 minutes if you take your time.

These guns are extremely easy to work on and parts are pretty inexpensive. Really all about how much you want to spend.

Welcome to the sickness!

dj

[KevinP]

Welcome to the forum  ...   

[1377x]

A 2240 is a great platform to stArt with. Google gmac airgun parts the site should pip up, they take are of you all  across the pond.
If you want some reasonably priced aluminum parts arkmaker has you covered. He makes breeches barrel bands along with some other parts all quality made.  With that  said you have many options
Hope this helps any other questions feel free to ask we are here to help

[jessestr]

Thanks! I send Arkmaker a message. Basically I found out I should upgrade the trigger and breech for better performance and mounting options.

Personally I want the power adjuster too.
For sights, is the stock rear sight that bad? And what are not so expensive upgrades for this?

I will get a second gun if they don't cash out the rest of the money. If they do I use the rest on mods so I can go wild sadly enough the breeches are so expensive.

[mr007s]

Personally I'm thinking for a power adjuster (also for reducing to get more pellets out of a co2 can[Unquote]
You will probably be disappointed with the PA if your intent is to reduce power and increase shot count. Most stock 2240's get around 30-40 shots with each powerett. I suggest a lighter hakker spring, slightly smaller transfer port, a lighter hammer, or reduce valve volume to lower air consumption and reduce muzzle report. What will be the lowest FPS that you can live with? Invest in a chrony and play with the hammer spring suggestion to see if that will get you where you want, If not  have Arkmaker fab a smaller TP and install it. Test that mod to see  the effect on FPS. While the plastic breech is off please consider swapping it for a steel or aluminum one with dovetails for a red dot . After all you do want the nice gun you own to be accurate as possible.

[jessestr]

You will probably be disappointed with the PA if your intent is to reduce power and increase shot count. Most stock 2240's get around 30-40 shots with each powerett. I suggest a lighter hakker spring, slightly smaller transfer port, a lighter hammer, or reduce valve volume to lower air consumption and reduce muzzle report. What will be the lowest FPS that you can live with? Invest in a chrony and play with the hammer spring suggestion to see if that will get you where you want, If not  have Arkmaker fab a smaller TP and install it. Test that mod to see  the effect on FPS. While the plastic breech is off please consider swapping it for a steel or aluminum one with dovetails for a red dot . After all you do want the nice gun you own to be accurate as possible.

I see. I saw that Arkmaker power adjuster was possible to bring out the spring tension a little on a video I saw... Could be wrong. I don't want it permanently to be downsized. I want to have great power too when it's necessary (further distances etc). Lowest FPS I'd like to have is 400. I read it was possible to cut off 2.5 coils of the stock spring, reducing the FPS by 10% but obtaining almost twice the shot count? Because the stock spring is too heavy for the stock barrel? Is it true?

I'm currently considering buying a steel/alu breech first together with some trigger adjustments. However why would you need a dovetail if you have a red dot?

[KevinP]

For sights, is the stock rear sight that bad?

If you have good eye sight they are fine. A lot of us older folk use red dots or scopes ....   

Just sayin .   

[mudduck48]

I myself, change the breech and the rear sight to have a sight that is easier to adjust. The stock sight is fine, once you get adjusted where you want it. IMO.

[jessestr]

If you have good eye sight they are fine. A lot of us older folk use red dots or scopes ....   

Just sayin .   

I'm only 23 so that's quite okay:)!

[onebaddj]

If your changeing out the breech spend a few more bucks and get a long probe bolt too.

If you decide later on the power adjuster just drill out the stock cap, tap threads in it and use a bolt with the tip ground to a point. Thats how i made one of mine. Works finr and was free! I like free!

Not sure how much stuff you have to work with but ya might want to expand you tool collection, you gunna need lots of cool tools to work on your new shooter! Lol seriously though man these guns are so easy to work on and so many aftermarket parts you will find yourself tearing into it regularly. I know i do.

[jessestr]

If your changeing out the breech spend a few more bucks and get a long probe bolt too.

If you decide later on the power adjuster just drill out the stock cap, tap threads in it and use a bolt with the tip ground to a point. Thats how i made one of mine. Works finr and was free! I like free!

Not sure how much stuff you have to work with but ya might want to expand you tool collection, you gunna need lots of cool tools to work on your new shooter! Lol seriously though man these guns are so easy to work on and so many aftermarket parts you will find yourself tearing into it regularly. I know i do.

Haha awesome to read / hear! I finally settled on a "build" project. Being overwhelmed with all the parts and options I figured out that lot's of the mods are doable without buying extra stuff, just changing it yourself.
I'll make a new post soon for the build plans I have. It's somewhat a pistol build that could be converted to a lightweight small sniper! Looking forward. I also try to work on mechanical camera's and stuff so I have some tools already, precision jewelers tools etc. Might be helpful then!

[Flex]

Welcome aboard! First mod for an off the shelf gun, take the grip off and work the trigger. use nylon washers sanded to thickness to take all the slop out of the sear and trigger. cost about $1 us for the washers is you don't have them. 2nd, if it does not have the metal receiver then get the mounts that clamp to the barrel so you can mount your optics. 3rd I use an aftermath dot sight from the paint ball section. Its exactly the same as the BSA sight but was $15 cheaper. was right around $20.

to convert to carbine just add the shoulder stock. takes about 5 minutes. Later if you want a longer barrel they are easy to swap out. about 15 minutes if you take your time.

These guns are extremely easy to work on and parts are pretty inexpensive. Really all about how much you want to spend.

Welcome to the sickness!

dj

I completely concur with OBDJ!
The Crosman 2240 is relatively inexpensive and the mod potential is a shallow slope. (You can make it steep if you want tho ;-)). I modded mine into a carbine-esque rifle by adding an 18" barrel, shoulder stock and the steel breech. Many folks do employ a "RedDot" type scope but I opted for a 4x pistol scope (old guy eyes). I did add the Crosman "Power Adjuster" (Pressure Adjustment Assembly) which does allow for squeaking a few more shots out of each CO2 cartridge. Once I saw how it worked tho, I realized it would be a very easy DIY mod.
I can't imagine a better entry level starter air gun than the Crosman 2240. Parts availability may be a bit of an issue for you in Belgium. Don't know your situation there but your command of the English language leads me to think that you might be an ex pat, working, studying or maybe in the military. If any of those are the case, you just might be able to get some parts (not all) from Crosman in New York. Just a thought.
Anyway, welcome to a great forum. There will be no shortage of suggestions, ideas, facts and yes, opinions on things to do with and/or to your creations. Good luck.
Flex

[oldgearhead]

Or you might go with a 2X pistol or bow scope and mount the thing ahead of the loading port. Whatever you do a metal breech and a longer barrel are nice aditions.