CROSMAN ST-1 CO2 STEEL BB RIFLE 4.5MM

Type: BB Rifle.
Manufacturer: Crosman.
Model: ST-1.
Materials: Metal & plastic.
Weight: 6.07 pounds (2.75 kilograms).
Total Length: 17.75/33 inches (Pistol/Rifle).
Barrel Length: 15.5 inches.
Propulsion: 12-gram CO2 dual cartridges.
Action: Blowback - single action only.
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm steel BB's.
Ammunition Capacity: 25 Round/Spring - 300 Round/Hopper.
FPS: 480fps.
Rate of Fire: 1400 rounds per minute in full auto

Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun is single action only since the right-side charging handle must be cocked first before you can shoot it to engage the action. The trigger is short and fairly light but not overly light. The real fun happens with the Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun when you switch it over to semi-auto mode and, with just one pull and hold of the trigger, you empty the 25-round magazine in a mere matter of seconds at 1400 rounds per minute.

Accuracy: Starting with the velocity test, we used brand-new CO2 for this, and the temperature was around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit), so not too cold or warm. With the barrel extension installed, we managed to average 418 fps shooting four rounds. With the barrel extension removed, as expected, the velocity dropped a bit to 373 fps, shooting four rounds and averaging out.

For our accuracy test, we placed the Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun in semi-auto for the first portion and fired 10 shots into the paper target set up 30 feet away. We used a semi-rested shooting position with a sandbag up front to rest the gun on while sitting on a stool in the back. We did not sight the red dot in and found that out of the box, the Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun shot down and to the right a fair amount, but at least we were able to get most of the shots on the paper target and on camera. The grouping was around 2.5 to 3 inches—not super great, but not bad either. We then flicked the main selector to semi-auto since this is what most people want to see. We also reloaded the magazine with 25 rounds from the onboard hopper and unloaded the full magazine in a second or two. We aimed a bit higher and to the left this time to get the shots closer to the bullseye, and we were able to do so, with most of the 25 shots landing within about 2.5 to 3 inches. So, there was no significant difference in accuracy between semi-auto and full-auto.

Build Quality: The Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun is well-made all around, weighing 6.07 pounds without any add-on accessories other than the included compact Red Dot sight. It feels solid and well-built. There is a lot of metal inside and out of this rifle, but keep in mind the top and bottom receivers are plastic, with metal parts where they need to be—like in the internals. Pretty much all the working parts are metal: the magazine, buffer tube, charging handle, selector switch, magazine release, bolt release, trigger, and, of course, the barrel.

Realism: The Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun is not modeled after any real steel gun we know of. It resembles a futuristic weapon you would see in a sci-fi action movie or an alien first-person shooter. Initially, we were not fans of it when Crosman first released it, but after seeing and holding it in person, it is growing on us quickly.

Pros:

• Very unique, unlike regular replica rifles—very futuristic in design.
• Drop-out magazine doubles as the 300-round hopper and holds CO2 and BBs.
• Comes with a Red Dot Sight and lots of rails for mounting accessories.
• Can be configured as a Pistol, Rifle, or PDW by adding/removing the barrel extension and rear stock.
• The barrel extension actually lengthens the barrel and should increase FPS—not just for show!
• Tactile, comfortable rubber padding in multiple locations.
• Semi-auto selectable.
• Expected higher FPS of up to 480.

Cons:

• Some people may not like the look—not like your normal modern rifle.
• Front rubber grip comes off really easily, at least on mine.
• Requires barrel extension for full velocity.

Comments: The Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun is a bold move by Crosman. Initially, I was unsure if it was a good idea or not, but after seeing it in person and actually holding it, I feel much better about it. It will definitely appeal to those looking for a futuristic airgun or something that looks like a weapon from a video game or sci-fi movie. I also like the versatility of the Crosman ST-1 CO2 Blowback Semi-Auto Steel BB Machine Gun, allowing you to configure it as a Pistol, full-on Rifle, or PDW-style shooter.