In this table top review, we are taking a close look at the Crosman 2240XL Special Edition, a .22 Caliber CO2 Pellet Pistol. While I haven't shot this exact model yet, I have shot the standard 2240 non-XL version, and they share a very similar firing mechanism. The biggest draw to the XL version is the factory-upgraded metal breech with an 11mm dovetail rail, and the threaded muzzle for added versatility.
Key Specifications:
Model: Crosman 2240XL Special Edition
Type: Pellet Pistol
Caliber: .22 caliber lead pellets
Power Source: 12-gram CO2 (1 cartridge)
Velocity: Up to 460 FPS
Action: Single-Shot Bolt Action
Safety: Cross-Bolt Safety
Barrel: Rifled Steel Barrel, Threaded muzzle (1/2" x 20 threads)
Stock/Grips: Plastic grips
Construction: Mostly metal (steel breech, barrel, loading chamber) with plastic grips
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Overall Length: 12.5 inches
Sights: None included
Optics Rail: 11mm Dovetail Rail
First Impressions & Build Quality:
The 2240XL brings a much-needed factory upgrade to the legendary 2240 platform: a full steel breech. This alone is a huge addition, making the gun stand out and providing a much higher quality feel. The gun is almost entirely metal, including the barrel, CO2 loading chamber, bolt, and breech. The grips are plastic, which is fairly standard, but one of the best things about the Crosman 2240 platform is how highly customizable it is. There are countless aftermarket parts available, and you can even easily swap out the grips fro wood grips or for a Crosman shoulder stock to turn it into a backpacker-style carbine.
Weighing in at 1.8 pounds and measuring 12.5 inches long, The Crosman 2240XL Special Edition has a solid feel in the hand. The threaded barrel comes with a thread protector and gives you options for adding mock suppressors or other attachments.
How It Works:
This is a single-action, bolt-action pellet pistol. To operate it, you must first cock the bolt and manually load a .22 caliber pellet into the chamber. Once the bolt is pushed forward and locked down, the trigger is engaged and ready to fire. Powered by a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge housed in the lower tube, it is capable of firing up to 460 FPS depending on the weight of the pellets used. Because it's a single-shot bolt action, you'll need to manually load a pellet for every shot, but you won't need to pump it since the CO2 provides the power.
Pros:
Upgraded steel breech from the factory provides a robust build and premium look.
Built-in 11mm dovetail rail makes adding a red dot or magnified optic easy.
Threaded muzzle (1/2" x 20 threads) with an included thread protector for attachments.
Solid CO2 power at up to 460 FPS.
Highly customizable platform with endless aftermarket parts available.
Excellent light single-action trigger with very little take-up.
Mostly metal construction ensures long-lasting durability.
Cons:
Does not come with any open sights, an optic is required out of the box.
Relies on CO2, meaning velocities will fluctuate as the gun cools down during rapid fire and potentially as CO2 volume lowers.
Standard plastic grips are somewhat basic.
Final Thoughts:
The Crosman 2240XL Special Edition takes an already proven pistol and adds the features most shooters end up buying aftermarket anyway. Having the steel breech and dovetail rail right out of the box makes mounting an optic straightforward, and the threaded muzzle is a fantastic touch, even if it’s just mainly for looks. If you're looking for a powerful .22 caliber airgun for small pest control that can be modified to your exact liking, the 2240XL is a superb starting point.
Stay tuned for the Field Test Shooting video coming up down the road.
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