Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the sport, choosing the right air pistol can be a challenge. The market is filled with options, from realistic CO2 replicas for plinking and training to powerful PCP models for serious pest control and small game hunting. Each type—CO2, pellet, BB, and PCP—offers distinct advantages in terms of power, realism, and cost of operation. This variety ensures there’s a perfect air pistol for every need and budget, but it also makes the selection process critical.
Our goal is to simplify that process for you. We’ve compiled a detailed roundup of eight top-performing air pistols, highlighting their key features and intended uses. From the tactical feel of a blowback semi-auto to the raw power of a pre-charged pneumatic, this guide will help you identify the ideal model for your next backyard target session or outdoor adventure.
The Best Air Pistols for Every Shooter
- Umarex Beretta MOD. 84FS Compact .177 Caliber BB Gun
- Benjamin Marauder BP2220 .22-Caliber PCP Air Pistol
- Tanfoglio Witness 1911 Full Metal Airgun .177 cal Pistol
- Umarex Legends Cowboy .177 Caliber Lever Action CO2 Air Rifle
- Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Air Pistol
- Hatsan Blitz PCP Air Rifle High Capacity Magazine
- Crosman 2240XL .22 Caliber CO2 Powered Pellet Pistol
- Beeman P17 Pneumatic Single-Stroke Pellet Pistol
Umarex Beretta MOD. 84FS Compact .177 Caliber BB Gun
For those seeking a highly realistic training tool or plinking pistol, the Umarex Beretta MOD. 84FS is an excellent choice. Its high-quality, full-metal construction provides an authentic weight and feel that closely matches the real firearm. The blowback action adds another layer of realism, simulating the slide movement of a centerfire pistol with every shot.
This model is designed for comfortable handling and easy operation. The controls are accurate and give you a true-to-life handling experience. It features a removable magazine that holds 17 BBs and a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge, allowing for extended shooting sessions. Remember that CO2 is not included, and for optimal performance, using Umarex-brand cartridges is recommended to ensure a proper seal.
Benjamin Marauder BP2220 .22-Caliber PCP Air Pistol
When you need serious power and accuracy in a pistol format, the Benjamin Marauder stands out. This PCP-powered .22-caliber air pistol is built for hunters and precision shooters who require consistent performance. Its durable synthetic stock and integrated pressure gauge make it a practical and reliable tool in the field.
The Marauder features a 12-inch rifled steel barrel that is both choked and shrouded, which significantly reduces noise for quieter shooting. With a 3000-psi compressed air capacity, this pistol can generate velocities up to 700 feet per second, delivering the energy needed for small game hunting and pest control. It represents a significant step up from standard CO2 pistols in terms of power and shot capacity.
Tanfoglio Witness 1911 Full Metal Airgun .177 cal Pistol
The Tanfoglio Witness 1911 brings the classic 1911 aesthetic to the airgun world with impressive authenticity. This CO2-powered pistol is made with full metal construction, resulting in a realistic feel, authentic size, and a substantial weight of 3 pounds. It’s an ideal option for 1911 enthusiasts looking for an affordable way to practice handling and shooting.
This model shoots 4.5mm /.177 cal ammunition at a velocity of 325 FPS. It is ready to play right out of the box, as it includes 50 starter pellets. The pistol also features a hop-up system, which can help with shot consistency and range. The combination of its powerful blowback action and classic design makes for a very engaging shooting experience.
Umarex Legends Cowboy .177 Caliber Lever Action CO2 Air Rifle
Step back in time with the Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action Air Rifle. This unique long gun brings the classic arms of the Wild West to life, styled after the iconic Model 1894. It’s not just a shooter; it’s an experience, complete with a wood stock that enhances its traditional look and feel.
The rifle loads and shoots in a highly realistic fashion. Its lever action doesn’t just chamber a new round—it also spits out spent shell casings, adding a fantastic tactile element to your plinking sessions. It shoots .177 caliber steel BBs from individual cartridges at speeds up to 600 fps and comes with 10 BB cartridge casings to get you started.
Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Air Pistol
The Sig Sauer P320 M17 is the ultimate training companion for fans of the U.S. Army’s service pistol. Modeled directly after the military-issue P320-M17, this air pistol offers an economic and authentic way to practice more often. It captures the look, feel, and function of its centerfire counterpart with remarkable accuracy.
This semi-automatic, CO2-powered pistol features a full blowback metal slide for a realistic recoil impulse. It field strips just like the real M17, allowing for familiar handling and maintenance procedures. A significant advantage is the included 20-round .177 caliber rapid pellet magazine, which lets you practice with pellets for better accuracy compared to BBs.
Hatsan Blitz PCP Air Rifle High Capacity Magazine
This is the high-capacity magazine designed for Hatsan’s formidable Blitz PCP air rifles. If you own a Blitz, this magazine is an essential accessory that maximizes the platform’s potential for rapid follow-up shots. Its lightweight synthetic and acrylic design ensures reliability and smooth operation during high-paced shooting.
The magazine’s capacity is impressive, offering 45 shots in .22 caliber, 39 shots in .25 caliber, and 33 shots in .30 caliber. This high round count means less time reloading and more time shooting, whether you are target shooting or engaging in pest control. It is a must-have for any Blitz owner who wants to make the most of their semi-automatic airgun.
Crosman 2240XL .22 Caliber CO2 Powered Pellet Pistol
The Crosman 2240XL is a classic .22 caliber pellet pistol known for its reliability and modifiable design. As a CO2-powered single-shot pistol, it provides a great balance of power and accuracy for plinkers and hunters alike. Its larger .22 caliber projectile can deliver more energy on target compared to .177 models.
This pistol has a long-standing reputation in the airgun community for its robust build and consistent performance. The platform is also famous for its vast aftermarket support, allowing owners to customize and upgrade nearly every component. From custom grips to precision barrels, the 2240XL can be tailored to fit a shooter’s specific preferences, making it a project gun as much as a tool.
Beeman P17 Pneumatic Single-Stroke Pellet Pistol
For shooters looking for an accurate and economical option that doesn’t require CO2 cartridges, the Beeman P17 is a top contender. This single-stroke pneumatic pistol is powered by a single pump of the barrel, which compresses air to fire a .177 caliber pellet. This design eliminates the ongoing cost of CO2, making it very cost-effective.
Despite its budget-friendly nature, the P17 is well-regarded for its surprising accuracy and solid build quality. It features an automatic safety and a rifled steel barrel for improved precision. The single-pump mechanism is simple and efficient, providing enough power for casual target shooting and plinking in your backyard or basement range without the noise of a CO2 pistol.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Air Pistol
Choosing your first, or next, air pistol can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time with these guns, and the best way to narrow it down is to think about what you actually want to do with it. Are you looking for casual plinking in the backyard, serious target practice, or perhaps pest control? Your intended use is the biggest factor in your decision.
The first thing I always consider is the power source. This is the engine of your air pistol and it dictates a lot about its performance and feel. You have four main types: Spring-Piston, CO2, Pneumatic (both single and multi-stroke), and Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP). Spring-piston guns are simple and powerful but have a distinct recoil. CO2 pistols are fantastic for realistic semi-auto action and are easy to use, but power can vary with temperature. Multi-pump pneumatics give you control over power for each shot, and PCPs are the top-tier for accuracy and power, but require a separate air source like a dive tank or hand pump.
Next, think about the ammunition. Are you using BBs or pellets? BBs are generally cheaper and are common in CO2 replica pistols. They’re great for fun, high-volume shooting. Pellets, however, are almost always more accurate. They are diabolo-shaped and engage the rifling in the barrel, which stabilizes them for much tighter groups. If precision is your goal, a pellet pistol is the way to go.
Then there’s the build and feel. Do you want something that feels like a classic target pistol with a long barrel and adjustable sights, or are you after the look and feel of a tactical firearm? The ergonomics, weight, and sight options all contribute to how the gun handles. For me, a comfortable grip is non-negotiable for an enjoyable shooting session. Also, don’t forget about safety features. A good, positive safety mechanism is crucial, especially if you’ll be around others.
Finally, balance your budget. Remember to factor in the ongoing costs. A CO2 pistol needs a steady supply of CO2 cartridges. A PCP gun needs that initial investment in a pump or tank. A springer might just need pellets and targets. By matching the powerplant and ammo to your primary use, you’ll find a great air pistol that you’ll be happy with for years. This guide should help you make sense of the different types as you read through our 8 best air pistols reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate type of air pistol?
For pure, repeatable accuracy, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air pistols are generally at the top. Because they use stored high-pressure air and have no significant recoil or vibration like a spring-piston gun, they allow for incredible shot-to-shot consistency. Following that, well-made single-stroke pneumatic and multi-pump pistols are also very accurate, as they minimize shooter-induced error. CO2 pistols can be accurate, but their power can fluctuate with the temperature of the cartridge, which might affect point of impact over a long session.
Can an air pistol be used for self-defense?
I would strongly advise against relying on a standard air pistol for self-defense. While some high-power PCP models can be formidable, they lack the immediate stopping power and reliability of a firearm for a life-or-death situation. Their primary use is for target shooting, plinking, and pest control for very small animals at close range. For home defense, there are more effective and reliable tools designed specifically for that purpose.
How many shots do you get from a CO2 cartridge?
This number varies a lot depending on the pistol and the weather. A full-power, single-shot CO2 pistol might get 40-60 good shots per 12g cartridge. A semi-automatic BB pistol that uses a lot of gas to cycle the action might only get 40-50 shots before you notice a significant drop in power. Cold weather is the biggest enemy of CO2; you’ll get far fewer shots on a chilly day than on a warm one. It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare cartridges on hand.
What is the main difference between a BB and a pellet?
The main difference is in their shape and purpose. BBs are perfectly round steel balls, typically 4.5mm (.177 cal) in diameter. They are smooth and don’t engage with the barrel’s rifling, which limits their potential accuracy. Pellets are lead or alloy projectiles with a hollow, skirted base (a diabolo shape). When fired, the skirt expands to grip the rifled barrel, spinning the pellet for stability and much greater accuracy. For serious target work, pellets are the clear winner.
Do I need a special permit to buy an air pistol?
In most of the United States, you do not need a special permit or license to purchase an air pistol. They are generally not classified as firearms. However, this is not a universal rule. Some cities and states, like New York City or Illinois, have specific regulations regarding air guns. It is your responsibility to check your local and state laws before you buy. Always treat an air pistol with the same respect and safety precautions as a real firearm.