Barra Cowboy Series pellet and BB multi-pump pneumatic.
This report covers:
- Rifle
- Multi-pump
- 1866 Winchester
- Manual
- Safety
- Bolt
- Loading
- Sights
- Summary
Today we start looking at something entirely new — at least for me — the Barra Cowboy Series pellet and BB multi-pump pneumatic rifle. I’ve been looking at this rifle for several years as I navigated around the Pyramyd AIR website and, as I did I thought, “Oh no, another CO2 BB gun.” Well, it’s not CO2, it’s not a BB gun and it’s not just another airgun. This one is completely different from what I thought.
Rifle
People use the term rifle for any gun that is long and meant to be fired from the shoulder. But we don’t. The Daisy Red Ryder is NOT an air rifle as many call it. It’s a BB gun because the barrel is not rifled. A gun has a smoothbore barrel. This Barra has a barrel that is rifled, hence it is a rifle.
Yes, it does shoot BBs, but because it has a rifled barrel it’s not correct to call it a BB gun. If anything It’s a BB rifle, but since it also shoots pellets I will call it a pellet rifle that also shoots BBs.
Multi-pump
The Barra Cowboy Series 1866 is also a multi-pump pneumatic. The manual says you can pump it from 2 to 10 times for each shot. Obviously 2 times is for close range and 10 is for the greatest power. The specs say 800 f.p.s. is the highest velocity you can expect and I would think that is either with a steel BB or a super-light lead pellet. I will test it for you on all numbers of pumps with both BBs and pellets.
The Barra Cowboy Series 1866 is a multi-pump.
1866 Winchester
The Barra 1866 attempts to copy the Winchester 1866 lever action rifle that was the first rifle to carry the Winchester name.
1866 Winchester rifle.
Like that firearm the Barra has an octagonal outer sheath that encloses its inner rifled barrel. Also, like the 1866 Winchester, the Barra Cowboy does come with a gold-plated receiver that resembles the brass receiver of the Winchester. The test rifle is silver. It is the same air rifle as the one with the gold-plated receiver. Order it as a separate item — not as a choice of finishes on the Barra Cowboy Series 1866 web page.
Barra Cowboy Series 1866 gold.
Because this rifle is completely unknown to me I read the reviews — something I rarely do. The lowest-rated review of the rifle I am testing (the silver Cowboy Series rifle) was 4 out of 5 stars and said this, “It is a nice air rifle. Very quiet and precise. But, have to pump 3-4 times for each fire is a bit tidious. It would be nice, if it is made: 1 pump for normal fps and 2-3 pumps for extra power. Perfect for backyard shooting practice and fun.”
Excuse me? Having to pump 3-4 times for each shot is tedious? It’s a multi-pump. What did you expect? What this customer wanted is the Barra 1866 Rosie Air Rifle. That one is a single stroke pneumatic and shoots BBs and pellets with a top velocity of just 350 f.p.s.
Manual
I also read the manual because this Barra is so different from anything I have ever tested. For example, consider the safety
Safety
The safety is the hammer. Pull it back and a red dot appears on its side, indicating the rifle is ready to fire. Push it forward and the dot disappears, meaning the rifle is on safe. Best of all. the safety is 100 percent manual, allowing the shooter to use his discretion whether to apply it or not. And what about the bolt?
Pull the hammer back to make the rifle ready to fire.
Bolt
Unlike a true lever action, the Barra Cowboy is really a bolt-action rifle. The lever is just the user end of the pump handle. There is a bolt on the action that must be withdrawn to cock the rifle.
The Barra bolt action is really made to feed BBs and not pellets.
Loading
I plan to have a lot to say about loading this rifle. I find it quite difficult to load pellets. The first pellet I tried to load fell into the receiver and it still in there rattling around. I have to find a way to load the breech that doesn’t let that happen.
The loading makes me feel Barra intended the rifle to be a BB gun, but if so, why did they put on a rifled barrel?
Sights
I LOVE the sights! Barra did something so many other airgun manufacturers could do but miss! They used some thought to make the sights!
With folded sheet metal Barra made a front sight that has a bright spot without any plastic parts.
The rear sight has a wide notch in which to center the front post. And it adjusts both ways with a minimum of cost. This is how it’s done!
This is how an inexpensive rear sight is made adjustable!
Summary
It was obvious to me from reading the manual, and also from examining the rifle, itself, that Barra wants to sell a quality product. Do I expect it to be as easy to pump and as accurate as the Dragonfly Mark 2? Of course not! But for less than half the price, has Barra made a multi-pump they can be proud of? That’s what we shall see.
An adult-sized version of the single-stroke 1866 would be a fun plinker. Do believe it just has a youth stock, though.
i second that notion.
I third that notion. But give me a little more horsepower. Say 575-600 fps
Doc
My eight year old self would have lusted after this rifle not the Red Ridder.
-Y
Yes, I was a “Rifleman” and “Branded” fan…
Branded?! Alright! Do you have any idea how many people there are that have not heard of that show?! I really like that shortened sabre Chuck had!
How many have seen this movie? Ok, so it is not a ’66 model.
Basil,
I own it. And the shooting was done by Herb Parsons who never missed his shot.
BB
I did; it’s a real classic. 🙂
Saw it.
Yogi, me, too; I grew up on both of those shows…and many Western movies as well. 😉
Tom,
You read the manual? 😎
The buyer complaining about the number of pumps is just the tip of the iceberg of the population that we all have to help pitch in and educate.
Siraniko
PS Section 1866 Winchester 4th paragraph 7th sentence: “That one is a sinbgle (single) stroke pneumatic and shoots BBs and pellets with a top velocity of just 350 f.p.s.”
Siraniko,
Corrected. Thanks,
BB
Tom,
On loading you might have find your tweezers again just to ensure proper loading. Preferably the reverse type of tweezers.
Siraniko
Siraniko,
Right now the tweezers look like the best option.
BB
Also the tip of the iceberg for the not insignificant population needing exercise.
Are you talkin to me,,,, Are you talkin to me. (Sorry,, that was the first thing that came into my head)
Of course you are. PCPs have made me lazy. Break barrels and multi pumps I have,, but the poor things get pulled out, shot a few times, wiped clean and put back in their places while my PCPs get all the action.
This is one I will be paying attention to while BB checks it out.
Ed
B.B.,
In: last sentence in 1866 Winchester
“That one is a
sinbgle
stroke pneumatic and shoots BBs and pellets with a top velocity of just 350 f.p.s.”
REAL Gold plated or Silver like the Test Rifle!?!?
or are they gold/Silver color anodized or electroplated?
“Also, like the 1866 Winchester, the Barra Cowboy does come with a gold-plated receiver that resembles the brass receiver of the Winchester. The test rifle is silver. It is the same air rifle as the one with the gold-plated receiver.”
shootski
shootski,
It says gold-plated in the manual. Perhaps their wording is loose.
BB
shootski,
I just checked the manual and can’t find where they say the receiver is gold-plated. The description on this website says gold-colored, so the plating is my error. Sorry. I’m leaving it that way unless it becomes a problem.
BB
B.B.,
Mostly just being a STICKLER and a little bit of FUN.
BUT, we did all get the answer from out of your vast, resourceful, and Knowledgeable READERSHIP!
THREE CHEERS!
shootski
Shootski-
PA says gold plated in their description. On Barra’s website it says electroplated plastic receiver and buttplate.
pacoinohio,
THREE CHEERS!
and Thank you,
shootski
shootski,
“The Man with the Electroplated Gun”? Sounds like a hit — NOT.
I know what solid, plated, and electroplated mean. But I have been struggling for 50 or so years to figure out “Gold Filled.” Long ago I found that it likely does not mean “filled with gold.” Talk about disingenuous industry terminology. Gold filled sounds like something The Ministry of Truth or Ministry of Peace might come up with.
I can declare with personal knowledge that the gun looks fantastic. Close-up the plastic wood becomes identifiably plastic, but to me the action looks legit. Just by picking the whole thing up does a lack of real metal become evident.
Michael
Michael,
Gold filled is a watch term. It means gold plated and very heavy plate. How it differs from Heavy Gold Electroplate, I don’t know.
BB
Tom,
I’ve also seen Gold Filled on costume jewelry. And then there is “Rolled Gold” (and not the potato chip). I have a watch that is 40 year rolled gold and another that is only 20 year.
It’s enough to make one sputter.
Michael
Michael,
https://www.onthologie.com/blogs/education/gold-plated-vs-gold-filled-vs-gold-vermeil?gclid=CjwKCAjw8symBhAqEiwAaTA__FhZF7kMkUSvoSb02VUwaxUafgGnphqeEXQk593YP5aISdrI8eFngRoCYPwQAvD_BwE
hth,
shootski
shootski,
Thanks very much for that.
Michael
Michael,
De nada,
I like how the jewelry world makes, weighs, and prices things in all different units/ways to bamboozle us rubes!
shootski
shootski,
Absolutely. And the whole diamond market in general has been price-fixed to the maximum.
Michael
Every time I read about multi pump guns the Zoraki always comes to my mind. Its action seems especially suited to long guns like the Barra. Oh well!
Bill,
The Zoraki is similar to a probably a copy of the HW 45.
BB
BB
If you care to remember, since you have tested them both, one is a springer the other is a 1 to 4 pumps pneumatic. There is a similarity only in the stroke.
So a Zoraki type piston could be very productive, considering the long pumping arm and the relative easiness it provides.
Bill,
I wrote the wrong model number. I meant the HW40. That is the SSP Weihrauch makes. But when did I test the Zoraki?
BB
BB
You probably remember it as Webley Alecto.
Bill,
Yep. Thanks,
BB
Tom,
I met him once at a trade show in Istanbul — Alecto Zoraki. I picked up a beautiful hand carved Meerschaum pipe in the shape of William Shakespeare on that trip.
Michael
Here.
Don’t know whether anyone checked out the PA website. They are asking 90$ for the rifle.
It certainly is an amount of hard earned money, but compared to other airguns that doesn’t seem very much at all.
Can’t wait for the reports to come.
BB-
I got one of these a few years ago for my wife. She had won a Henry Golden Boy 22 at a local Friends of NRA banquet, and I thought this would make a nice companion piece. Until I opened the package, that is. The Barra has the grace and feel of a 2×4. The wrist of the stock is square and then abruptly flares in width to the rear stock profile. It’s plastic for crying out loud. It could be any shape they wanted and this is what they chose? I honestly think the designers saw a gun on a video game and then designed this. Obviously, not created by someone who has actually held a gun before. The shiny plastic ‘receiver’ doesn’t inspire confidence for longevity. Barra is to be credited for including a metal pump handle. My disappointment was such that I repackaged the gun and it has been on the shelf ever since. My take- buy a Daisy 880 multipump. It’s been around for 50 plus years and it feels ‘right’ like a gun should.
BB,
Well, I cannot say that I am impressed so far. It does not look like something I could own. I would probably break it before the week was out. I bought my 101 and a rebuild kit for it for less.
When you go to load pellets, sorta kinda try laying it over on the left side a bit. The pellet rattling around inside will remind you that quality is not always job one.
P.S. Just because it has a rifled barrel does not mean it was really designed to shoot pellets. It is cheaper to have one stack of barrels than two.
B.B.:
“Sights
I LOVE the sights! Barra did something so many other airgun manufacturers could do but miss! They used some though[t] to make the sights!”
Looks like an interesting twist on the archetypal BB lever action. I’m interested to see how it compares to the Red Ryder. Can it reach out there to take out feral soda cans at range? Or will the extra velocity just scatter the BBs around?
Hi everybody…
this rif… err gun looks cool. If it does come to Germany at all, however, it might be double the price (as it is with many Crosman products).
BTW, here’s a picture and a little update on my HW30S:
Yes, it is probably too small for me. Yes, it looks funny when I shoot it. And still, I don’t have any issues with the stock (even when using the iron sights). I guess everybody’s facial structure is different or my technique is just weird 🙂
For me, the rifle points towards the target quite naturally. Also, the spring “twang”, that was mild to begin with seems to have disappeared. The trigger might be wearing in and getting even nicer than it was out of the box. Yes, I could install tuning parts and I might some day, but I feel very little urge to do so at the moment.
I don’t have any issues with the automatic safety, either. It’s either in or out.
Stephan
CptKlotz,
Nice HW 30! Looks just fine with you shooting it.
Doc
Stephan,
I think it looks perfect, not too small at all. 🙂
I’m 6-foot tall, 185 pounds, and the rifle fits me perfectly.
The HW30S is a rifle to love…and shoot often. 😉
Blessings to you,
dave
Doc & Dave,
I don’t really care how it looks anyway 🙂
The HW30 is quickly becoming a favourite because it is so light and easy to shoot (not to mention extremely accurate).
I can see why people get a custom stock made. A HW50, while a great gun in its own right, is just not the same thing.
Stephan
HW30 = light, easy to shoot, and extremely accurate…yes, yes, yes…I concur. 😉
Stephen & Davemyster,
STOP LOL. I already want one and you are making it worse. That said I’m thinking the Beeman R7 but it’s the same, just a little different styling.
Doc
I originally had an R7, but sold it…HUGE mistake!
HW30S or R7, you will be happy either way.
Both are an excellent piece of fine German engineering! 🙂
Dave,
Okay, you pried it out of me.
I have a new/old Beeman R7 that I will blog.
BB
Awesome! Now that’s a report to which I am looking forward. 😉
dave,
Okay, it just became the weekend blog.
BB
Sweet! 🙂
Stephan, my Haenel model 1 will be 85 years old next month; I guess she was just an “inexpensive youth rifle” when she was made, but she blows away many of the “high quality” airguns made today.
She’s got a solid steel barrel latch and screws to retain the pivot screws.
The trigger is non-adjustable, yet pretty light and quite predictable.
It took me a while to get used to them, but now I can do good work with the rear v-notch and Perlkorn front.
Those old German engineers in the 30s knew a thing or two about gun making.
This little gem cocks with one finger and shoots like she just came from the factory. 😉
Dave,
cool gun. I think many people underestimate how smart and resourceful our ancestors were and that doesn’t only go for ancient philosophers.
That barrel latch looks pretty similar to what is on the HW35. I like it, as it lets you break the barrel without force and locks it in place firmly after loading.
I’ve never owned a Haenel gun, only shot one at a shooting gallery briefly and I don’t remember any specifics.
But if one came my way for a reasonable price, I’d probably want to try it…
Stephan
Stephan, yes, the barrel latch is similar to what is on the HW35; it’s a sweet little rifle.
It’s not a powerhouse; it gets 525 fps for 4.4 fpe with Falcon 7.33-grain pellets (similar to JSB RS 7.33-grain).
She shoots pretty flat out to 15 yards; and at that range, she can hit a 3/4″ diameter plastic bottles.
Well, pretty much every time from a rest, not so often standing…but that’s my fault, not the gun’s!
It can’t be scoped – no grooves – but I’m fine with that; the open sights are quite nice.
If one comes your way, I think you’d enjoy one of these little gems. 🙂
Tom,
My fingers are like fire hydrants, but I find fumbling can be avoided or at least minimized by using the Air Venturi pellet pen. I can’t get the pellet right into the breech, but I can get it right up to it and not drop it into the rifle. /product/pellet-pen-holds-20-177-cal-pellets?a=2934
Michael
Tom,
On the subject of front sights, I received my Crosman Special Edition 362, and I like it very much. The problem is that the front sight’s diameter is so great it entirely blocks the bull and 9 ring on my targets. I found myself having to try a 6:00 hold on the bottom of the 8 ring and hope for the best.
Has anyone changed out this front sight for something less huge?
Michael
Michael,
I plan to use something much bigger, some sort of scope or dot. Can’t use the peep myself. Bad eyes.
The sight is thinner below the glowie thingie. Perhaps you can file it off and adjust the rear as needed or shim it up as required? Looks like it may come off with that small straight slot screw on top. Be careful picking the right screwdriver, looks very delicate.
Bob,
I like your suggestion about removing the glow worm and thinning the stubs below, although they would be they short.
Or I could remove the front sight and install one of these (below). They come in black or brass, too.
Michael
Michael
You are one up on me there. Nice find. Be nice if it is a direct replacement. Especially if the threads are the same.
May be able to use the screw that is on it now?
Bob,
That would be a good excuse to buy a thread identifier.
Michael
Michael,
Sweet on the rifle. With the front site, have you tried to “blacken” out the fiber optic? Can be done usually with a permanent marker (if you don’t like it the mark can be removed). Also does this Special Edition still “clack” when being pumped like the reg. 362 does? I didn’t know if they changed anything or maybe the wood stock helped.
Again congrats on a nice gun.
Doc
Doc,
I don’t have a plastic 362, if I just compared my Special Edition to my Sheridan Blue Streak. Neither are loud when the pump lever closes. but the Special Edition is a little quieter and makes a lower pitch sound than the Blue Streak.
I’m ready to say the Special Edition is the best air rifle Crosman has made since the last Blue Streak left the line at the Racine factory. It just needs something other than that huge front sight.
Michael
Doc,
The plastic one could be made significantly quieter by doing the old multipump shooter’s trick, strategically placed thin felt strips glued on the pump arm. Also, if there are “echo chambers” in the pump arm and/or forearm, a little modeling clay can deaden the sound somewhat.
Those standard 362s long tempted me, being so nice-performing but affordable.
Michael
I second Doc’s questions.
Roamin’,
It’s not loud enough for me to have thought of it until I read Doc’s question.
Michael
Michael,
I found even the front blade on the stock 362 to be too fat to use when trying to hit small targets.
I spent a lot of time trimming it with files into a tapered “Perlkorn” pattern.
It is now VERY thin (less than .050″) at the top, and works well for hitting small objects. 😉
Blessings to you,
dave
Dave,
I suppose someone with a steady hand and a sharp X-Acto blade could carefully carve off two of the little pedestals that support the tube. Then shave the remaining one into a thin (and quite short) remaining pedestal .
A red dot or scope would be a solution, as Bob M. suggested, but it seems sad to not use the nice peep it comes with.
The front sight does appear to be removable with a screw on top. If a suitable replacement could be had . . .
Michael
Dave,
Just above I posted a picture of something that could replace the glow-worm with, it seems, no modifications. They also come ion black and brass. They are pricey at $34-36, but they might work
Michael
Michael
Wonder if the sight on the original 362 is interchangeable or compatible with the peep. Evidently it can be thinned out easier.
The Skinner one above is .055 inches wide, I recall, nearly as thin as the 362 Standard sight Dave modified his to. Removing just the enamel is not an option as the Skinner is blued steel. Yes, blued steel! The brass one expertly ground down might work. Take it to a machinist to be safe not sorry.
Now you’ve done it, reminded me I have a dial micrometer I haven’t seen in over 13 years since I retired.
Boy, this kind of stuff drives you crazy. But I don’t feel too alone. My neighbor finds tools he used working on an unfinished project longer than that. Finding a missing rake, you left behind a bush a year ago is about normal these days.
Bob,
Oh no! You made me realize I left a garden rake leaned up against the shed at the house we owned in the 1990s! We moved out in 2001. Well, it would be pretty rusty by now.
Did you read about the Winchester rifle left leaning up against a tree in a wooded area that later became a national forest? A park ranger found it more than 100 or so years later! It was a bit rusty, but really not too bad if my memory is correct.
Michael
Make that a Winchetser 1873 in 44-40 found in Great Basin National Park in Nevada.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jan/16/132-year-old-cowboys-rifle-found-propped-up-against-tree-in-nevada-desert
https://www.cnn.com/2015/01/15/us/nevada-century-old-rifle-park/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgotten_Winchester
Michael
Michael,
First I heard about it. Seriously doubt the owner survived the situation. Obviously seeking shelter from the elements.
I did hear about a skeleton found in a shallow cave with two Colt six-shooters in his hands. But then again, I may have read it in a Louis L’Amour western book?
I personally have found a split open cast iron frying pan in a small fire pit along with a clear, half-buried corked whiskey bottle. The exposed portion was sand blasted by the wind. It was in the Anza Borrego Desert here in CA. Also found a land claim in an upside-down coffee can with a rock on top.
Sounds like a good solution! 😉
B.B.
Wow. I’ve never looked at these because it looked like a plastic typical pump gun. Then I read where you said metal sights! So I stopped reading and hit to the like to PA’s site. Well I be. A metal (Cast) receiver! That right there trumps Daisy pumps and Crosman pumps (save for the $399 one). Also at the listed 5.88 lbs, has a non toy like heft to it. It’s not the Dragon. But is it as good as the Crosman 362? The 362 is more powerful, accurate and not much more money. Now I’m like hmmm. Do I need this. Can wait to see how this one pans out.
Also I like single pumps. Even though this in the Jr version is a single pump, it’s a little too weak for me. Also I didn’t see where the Jr one is rifled. So I’d stick to the pumper.
Thank You,
Doc
I just went to Pyramid and looked. Looks like the receiver is plastic.
“ Every 1866 comes with a 20″ steel octagonal barrel, iron sights, cast iron pumping arm, manual safety, synthetic wood stock and foregrip, a user manual, and the plastic receiver and butt plate finished in golden electroplating so good it looks and feels like metal!”
Single,
I stand corrected. You are right that the receiver is plastic. Not sure how I got that wrong. I did see a metal cocking arm.
Doc
Doc, get a 362. I went ahead and had Pyramyd install the steel breech, then scoped it when I got it.
If you want to shoot BBs as well, just buy an adult Red Rider.
OhioPlinker,
I have thought of that set up instead of the nice $399 362. But I’m an open sight guy. It’s still on the list though. I’d just have to figure out which rear sight for the metal receiver.
Doc
I’m thinking of getting a second 362, and mounting the Williams peep Pyramyd sells.
Had to deal with a sky full of smoke and no info on the source last night. Found out it was a 90 acre brush fire nearby.
Border Fire #24. Too many to name these days. Drove all over, looking for signs of it. Decided to continue my comments here.
The Ruger 1022 firearm will get dirty fast, well eventually, when you are shooting a brick (500 RDS) of ammo. Don’t know if it’s the bullet shape, coating, design or lubricant but Remington’s seem to feed and cycle better. Not sure about accuracy, I was usually plinking for fun. But with most plinkers, the brick with the lowest price, or the only one available at the time is the winner!
I thought about getting this Cowboy for my collection, simply because it was different and looked nice. I already have more than a half dozen lever actions and some pumpers, but nothing clicked with me on this. Awkward comes to mind and plastic killed it for me.