The model 105/106, actually called the "Bullseye" until 1949, was the
first pistol ever sold by Crosman. It was also the first original airgun design of Crosman head-designer Rudolf "Rudy" Merz.
Introduced in late
1947, the Bullseye pistol was an instant hit, so, as a consequence, it is not
rare. However, neither Crosman, or anyone else for that matter, has ever
produced a better pneumatic pistol. Made entirely of brass with a super-bronze barrel, this is
a great air pistol that
is consistently overlooked by both collectors and shooters. These guns can often be obtained
for less than the cost a new gun, yet, it excels for close- in shooting where only two or
three pumps is all it takes for living room target practice or for those occasions where
lethal power is not desired.
There are 2 major production variations. The original, and most
common, version (pictured above) has a dove- tail rear sight which had a problem of falling off and is often found missing. It was later
replaced on the second major variation with, what would become the standard,
open Crosman rear sight.
Values: due to no fault of their own, low. A nice 105 or 106
mint-in-the-box is hardly worth more than $100. Prices only plummet
after that. One of these days, these guns will get proper respect.
Until then, they are still one of the best bargains in vintage airguns.
I have several that are always on-hand for around-the-house duty.
Note to anyone interested in repairing a 106/106. The exhaust valve
design of the 105/106 was used essentially intact for all the 107-thru-120 series of guns.
This makes most of the internal parts readily available. Just don't lose
the the dove-tail rear sight!
