Topic: Challenger Arms Corporation Plainsman (CO₂) Pistol
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2023 6:51 am
Another relatively rare antique brought back to to life 
this 0.22" pistol was made for only a few years in the late 1950s and was originally designed for 8 gram CO2 cartridges, Carbon Dioxide isn't really my thing however so I've converted it for pneumatic use. It was purchased non-functional but complete except for a missing front sight.
Original parts disassembled
Literature that came in the original box
"C 22" marking indicating it is from the second of four apparent variations in production
New endcap machined and valve resealed with Delrin
First test with compressed air, this thing is loud!
Detail of the power adjuster, by unscrewing the central bolt from the hammer mass one can increase or reduce the depth to which the valve is struck
Front sight installed along with the parts that are not used, namely the cartridge piercing pin, cartridge itself and cartridge cap
Slow motion firing showing the trigger mechanism and the considerably hammer bounce at full power
Ten shot group fired from 5 meters, not too bad
this 0.22" pistol was made for only a few years in the late 1950s and was originally designed for 8 gram CO2 cartridges, Carbon Dioxide isn't really my thing however so I've converted it for pneumatic use. It was purchased non-functional but complete except for a missing front sight.Original parts disassembled
Literature that came in the original box
"C 22" marking indicating it is from the second of four apparent variations in production
New endcap machined and valve resealed with Delrin
First test with compressed air, this thing is loud!
Detail of the power adjuster, by unscrewing the central bolt from the hammer mass one can increase or reduce the depth to which the valve is struck
Front sight installed along with the parts that are not used, namely the cartridge piercing pin, cartridge itself and cartridge cap
Slow motion firing showing the trigger mechanism and the considerably hammer bounce at full power
Ten shot group fired from 5 meters, not too bad