Crosman 2250 XL Ratcatcher — Review, Power & Accessories

Crosman 2250 XL Ratcatcher Review — The Classic CO2 Carbine

The Crosman 2250 XL Ratcatcher is one of the most popular CO2-powered air rifles ever sold in the UK. Built on the legendary 22xx platform, the Ratcatcher features an 18-inch barrel, a lightweight synthetic stock, and a simple, reliable bolt-action mechanism that has made it a favourite among pest controllers and plinkers for decades. In factory form, the 2250 XL delivers around 9 to 10 foot pounds of energy in .22 calibre — less than the 12 ft/lb legal limit but more than enough for rats, rabbits, and other small quarry at close to medium ranges. The rifle is lightweight, pointable, and genuinely fun to shoot, whether you’re controlling vermin on the farm or plinking in the garden.

Crosman 2250 XL Foot Pounds — What Power to Expect

The Crosman 2250 XL foot pounds output in standard UK form is typically between 9 and 10.5 ft/lb depending on temperature, pellet choice, and individual gun variation. This is significantly more powerful than the smaller 2240 pistol but noticeably less than a full-power spring or PCP rifle. In our testing, a well-sorted 2250 XL will produce a consistent power curve of around 30 to 35 useful shots per 12-gram CO2 cartridge, with velocity slowly tapering off as the gas depletes. For those seeking a Crosman 2250 XL power upgrade kit, several options are available that can increase power to near the legal limit of 12 ft/lb — but care must be taken not to exceed it.

Crosman 2250 XL UK — Legal Status and Suitability

The Crosman 2250 XL UK market is unusual in that the rifle is sold without a silencer as standard, unlike the similarly named Ratcatcher models of the past. In standard form, the 2250 XL is legal for purchase over the counter with no firearms certificate, as it delivers well under 12 ft/lb. However, buyers should be aware that any power upgrade kit or modification that pushes the rifle over 12 ft/lb would legally require an FAC. For pest control use, the standard power level is perfectly adequate for rats at ranges up to 20 or 25 metres. The rifle’s light weight and CO2 convenience make it an excellent choice for farmyard ratting or indoor pest control where discretion is key.

Crosman Ratcatcher 2250 XL Accessories — Must-Have Upgrades

The 2250 XL is often described as the VW Beetle of airguns — endlessly customisable and almost impossible to break. The most popular Crosman Ratcatcher 2250 XL accessories include trigger tuning kits, which replace the heavy factory spring with a lighter unit or a magnetic system for a much improved trigger pull. A Crosman 2250 XL silencer is another common addition, as the factory rifle is surprisingly loud. A longer bolt probe can also improve power by allowing more CO2 to flow behind the pellet. For those seeking a Crosman Ratcatcher multi shot conversion, the Gravmag system is available — though owners report it can be pellet fussy and requires careful use to avoid double loading.

Crosman 2250 XL Magazine and Multi-Shot Options

The standard Crosman 2250 XL magazine does not exist — the rifle is a single-shot design, requiring you to load each pellet manually via the bolt. However, aftermarket solutions are available. The Gravmag system is a gravity-fed multi-shot adapter that sits on top of the breech and drops a pellet into the port each time you cycle the bolt. On UK shooting forums, owners report mixed results — some find the Gravmag works perfectly with certain pellet shapes, while others experience jams or double loading. For those seeking a genuine Crosman 2250 XL magazine, the best approach is to fit a 2240 multi-shot breech and aftermarket magazine system, though this requires significant modification.

Crosman 2250 XL Power Upgrade Kit — Tuning for More Performance

For shooters who want more from their 2250 XL, a Crosman 2250 XL power upgrade kit is available from specialist UK tuners. The kit typically includes a modified high-flow valve, a stronger hammer spring, and a larger transfer port. In factory form, the 2250 XL is deliberately restricted to keep it well within UK legal limits. A power upgrade can increase energy to near the full 12 ft/lb, but this requires careful chronograph testing to avoid exceeding the limit. At Fieldcraft Airguns, we stock tuning components from T R Robb, including stainless steel valves, longer bolt probes, and hammer spring sets. For those wanting a factory-new Crosman Ratcatcher 2250 XL night hunter variant — these have been produced in limited runs and feature a silencer and upgraded stock. Every Crosman 2250 XL sold by Fieldcraft Airguns comes with our exclusive 12 month warranty and delivery straight to your door.