Sears 180

[jirushi]

In the last few months I have caught an infection of the vintage-american-airgun-itis. It is a lovely condition!

Here's a short report about my Sears 180. I bought it from Baker Airguns in Ohio (the first photo was their advert photo). Delivery with UPS was fast and problem-free, but expensive. It was worth it though.

The 180 is light, compact, accurate, easy to use, well designed and easy to service. It was made by Crosman for Sears, an American warehouse. This is a first variant, with the cross-bolt safety. Produced between 1955 and 1959. See BB Pelletier's report for more information: https://www.pyramyda...e-worth-owning/ (a second variant with the die-cast trigger housing).

Unfortunately the airgun had issues. After some research, I found out that someone had done a bad DIY repair on the valve. A new valve and seals from Baker Airguns did not work either.
I ordered replacement parts from JG Airguns, and luckily the 180 is finally alive.
It spits out the .22 15.89 gr JSB's out at 480 ft/s (480-483-487). More than enough for some backyard plinking.

This airgun has made me "discover" CO2 as a good power source. Easy, cheap enough, no pump or diver's bottle or recoil.

Any more owners of 180's or other vintage US CO2 airguns? Photos please

[AllanM]

At about 35" long the Crosman 180 is a neat and accurate little plinker although, personally, I prefer the J C Higgins made for Sears Roebuck withe the longer forearm.

[Josie & John]

I have a boxed Montgomery Ward 180, which is a beauty to shoot, despite the small size and weight. I'll feature it in my Airgun World column in the not too distant future.

John M

[Geezer]

I have a second series which looks exactly like the one in Tom G’s blog. Lovely little carbine.

[Benelli B76]

One of my favourite Crosmans I had was the multi shot 400, lovely little rifle. Had to be careful you didn't lose the magazine. Got a bulk fill Crosman cap as an option on this one.

Baz

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[AllanM]

I too am a big fan of the Crosman 400's (both versions) -- as you say Baz you have to take care not to lose the magazine as it can be very expensive to replace. Last one I bought was $50 from Baker Airguns plus shipping.
I have a second version that I bought from Ged Finn that has a magazine made from scratch and a fine bit of engineering it is too, even though it only accepts ball ammo rather than pellets.