Beeman General PCP Air Pistol with Folding Sliding Stock Add-On

Beeman isn't usually the first name that springs to mind when you're looking for a modern PCP platform. The brand has had its fair share of products that have felt like an attempt to look traditional without quite having the heritage to back it up. So, somewhat unexpectedly, the Beeman General may actually be a much better direction for them.
 
Rather than trying to imitate a classic rifle, the General is a straightforward, utilitarian PCP air pistol with a modular design, multishot action and a supplied 1913 Picatinny folding/sliding stock.
And the biggest selling point isn't pretending it will compete with much more expensive PCP platforms. It is the price.
 
With approximately 8 joules of power, a regulated PCP action, multishot capability, a 1/2" UNF muzzle thread, Picatinny accessory rails and a folding stock included in the box, there is quite a lot of hardware here for the money.
 
It isn't going to replace an AGT Manaf in terms of performance, and it probably won't challenge something like the CP2 for sheer modularity. But that isn't really the point. The General is an inexpensive, compact PCP that offers a surprisingly useful package without requiring a particularly large budget.
 
Compact PCP, Practical Configuration
At its core, the General is a short PCP pistol with a 285mm barrel, regulated action and approximately 8 joules of energy.
 
The supplied 1913 Picatinny stock can be fitted to turn it into a much more conventional shoulder-fired configuration, while the folding mechanism makes the whole package easier to transport and store.
 
With the stock removed, the pistol measures just 425mm. With the stock extended, overall length increases to approximately 665mm.
 
The 380mm length of pull provides a useful amount of adjustment for different shooting positions.
 
Multishot PCP Action
The General uses a side-lever action and self-indexing rotary magazines.
Two magazines are included, with capacity depending on calibre:
.177: 12 shots
.22: 10 shots
 
A single-shot tray is also included, although we'd class this more as a useful extra than a particular highlight of the package.
 
The approximately 50cc air cylinder is filled through the supplied Foster QD fill probe, with a maximum fill pressure of 206 bar.
 
Beeman quotes an approximate shot count of 40-70 shots, depending on calibre, power and shooting conditions.
 
Modular Stock & Accessory Setup
The supplied 1913 Picatinny stock adapter accepts the included folding/sliding stock, giving the General considerably more flexibility than a conventional PCP pistol. Or, of course, if you want to fit a different 1913 Picatinny stock, you have the option to.
 
There is also a Picatinny rail underneath the pistol for mounting compatible accessories, while the upper Picatinny rail provides a straightforward mounting point for an optic.
 
The muzzle is threaded 1/2" UNF, giving you the option to fit a suitable compatible muzzle accessory.
 
Is It Going To Be A Match Gun?
Probably not.
 
The General's appeal is much more straightforward. It offers a lot of useful features at a price where you don't have to treat the thing like a family heirloom.
 
We're still waiting to see exactly what sort of accuracy the platform is capable of, but as a short-range utility PCP, it makes a compelling case. For a farmer looking for a compact airgun to keep on the tractor, or someone wanting an inexpensive PCP platform for general plinking and pest control where legally appropriate, the combination of compact size, stock, multishot operation and price makes a lot of sense.
 
Sometimes the sensible option isn't the one with the most impressive specification sheet. It's the one that does the job without emptying your wallet.
 
Key Features
Regulated PCP air pistol
Approximately sub-8 joules
Side-lever action
Multishot operation
Self-indexing rotary magazine
Supplied 1913 Picatinny folding/sliding stock
Adjustable trigger
Fibre optic iron sights
Removable rear sight
Picatinny optics rail
Lower Picatinny accessory rail
1/2" UNF muzzle thread
50cc air reservoir
Foster QD filling connection
Approximate 40-70 shot count
Synthetic grip and stock
Cross-bar safety
 
Specifications
Action: Side Lever
Type: Regulated PCP
Stock: Synthetic
Trigger: Adjustable
Safety: Cross Bar
Barrel Length: 285mm
Muzzle Thread: 1/2" UNF
Magazine: Self-Indexing, Single Action
Magazine Capacity: .177 12-shot / .22 10-shot
Optics Rail: Picatinny
Accessory Rail: Lower Picatinny
Rear Sling Point: Eye Style
Fill Connection: Foster QD Fill Probe
Maximum Fill Pressure: 206 bar
Fill Volume: 50cc
Approximate Shot Count: 40-70
Iron Sights: Fibre Optic, Adjustable Rear / Fixed Front
Power: Approximately sub-8 joules
Length, Pistol Only: 425mm
Length, Stock Extended: 665mm
Length of Pull: 380mm
Weight: 1.95kg
 
Included
Beeman General PCP Air Pistol
1913 Picatinny folding/sliding stock
2 × multishot magazines
Single-shot tray
Foster QD fill probe
 
A surprisingly well-equipped PCP pistol for the money. It isn't trying to be an AGT Manaf killer, and frankly it doesn't need to. The General's job is to offer a practical, modular PCP platform at a price that makes it very easy to justify.