Serious air pistols are the perfect weapon for every type of shooter, no matter your budget or level of experience. Read hands-on reviews of my top picks.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. Glock 17 - Blowback .177 Air Pistol
Highlight: Twenty one shot fed by belt magazine design.
Helpful review: Honestly, I don’t usually write reviews unless something really stands out—regardless of whether it’s bad or good. And then I came across this air pistol. Just wow all the way around. So worth the praise. I brought it to a buddy’s place, who owns a real gun, and man, does his glock look so much like this pistol.
Unless you pop the clip out or you look straight down the barrel, they’re pretty much identical. The end of the barrel has a nine mm diameter and both that and the recessed BB part look incredible. This air gun’s internals look eerily similar to the real thing.
I did have to adjust the rear sight since it was shooting a bit to the left and kind of low, but it wasn’t a biggie. I ended up grabbing an adjustable sight for a Glock for just over twenty bucks from Amazon. Now, I can aim dead on without guessing where the target is. At fifty feet, I’m getting a four inch grouping, which is pretty solid for a BB gun with such a short barrel. Pro-tip: Def go for the steel BBs over the copper ones. Maybe it’s just personal preference, but I think they’re way more accurate, and I figured that form just a few of my target practices.
Oh, and another big yes? The weight and feel of this thing. It’s seriously so realistic, I use it to train newbies in firearm handling. The blowback feature and magazine release are pretty much just like the real thing and actually mirror the actual Glock experience. Umarex, you knocked it out of the park on this design.
I got another one for my nephew and he loves it. His is still running on its first CO2 cartridge. How cool is that? Just remember to use RWS oil on the O-rings for the cartridge. That part was left out of the manual, but it’s really important to keep it functioning right.
So there you have it. If you’re eyeing this gun, well here’s your sign to go for it. You won’t regret the quality and accuracy of this thing. Can’t slay it enough. — Paulette Duffy
Get it from Amazon now: $169.99 & FREE Returns
2. Crosman SNR357 - Snub Nose .177 Revolver
Highlight: Heavy weight and sleek. Body is full metal.
Helpful review: This air gun is seriously impressive. Heavy and made of all metal, it has this sleek black finish that so closely mimics the snub nose thirty eight that you can’t even tell the difference between this and the real thing.
This revolver shoots even more accurately with pellets than BBs and even at forty feet, I was hitting a nine inch target. It shoots a bit on the high side and a little to the left, but that just might be my aim. I also discovered that the casings are interchangeable with other revolver casings like my cousin’s Colt.
I did have a little hiccup with the slide safety where it has the cylinder release. It wouldn’t budge when I first opened it. I had to take a rubber mallet to shake it up and loosen it up. The tech support recommended I remove the screw on the safety button and work the slider to smooth it out using a piece of wood to avoid scratching the finish.
Other than that, seriously, the revolver works great. After just over forty shots, I still had plenty of air left, probably enough for around a hundred shots per CO2 cylinder.
If you’re looking for the best quality, most affordable price, and a solid replica, then this piece is everything you’ve been looking for and more. I have a family in law enforcement who agree—it’s better than any other revolver powered by CO2. Stick in some blanks, and it will make a kinda loud spark noise that could control a situation without causing harm. It’s so realistic, though, that you need to be careful. Police won’t give you a chance if it looks like a real firearm, so treat it with the same respect as you would a normal weapon and always be careful.
Truly top of the line. I just love how it feels in my hands and how realistic it is. I’d recommend ignoring any complaints about the safety or grip, I didn’t have any of those problems. The hammer is also made of solid metal and is super strong. Highly recommend this to any revolver enthusiast. You won’t regret it! — Drew Lewis
Get it from Amazon now: $100.99 & FREE Returns
3. Beretta M92 A1 - Full-Auto .177 Steel BB Gun
Highlight: Semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes; authentic and long-lasting all-metal build.
Helpful review: The quality and craftsmanship of this BB gun exceeded my expectations. It's a BB gun that comes the closest to the real steel centerfire Beretta 92 that is available. It feels and weighs almost exactly like the real gun because it is made entirely of metal, with the exception of the plastic grips. Since the takedown procedure is almost identical to that of the 92f, field stripping for upkeep and cleaning is definitely possible. It also has two firing modes: full auto and double-action or single-action.
Without a doubt, this is not an airsoft gun or a toy. Since the full-auto mode empties the 18-round CO2 cartridge quickly– in just under two seconds to be exact–you're gonna run out of them quickly.
But just shooting it is fun enough to make every cartridge worth it. When the gun blows back, the heavy guide rod spring, full metal slide, and barrel give it a hard kick like a.22 rimfire cartridge. The full-size metal magazine can hold 18 BBs and a 12g CO2 cartridge. If you have small hands, the grip might be a bit too big. It's more useful because it has fixed front and back sights and an accessory rail for a tactical light or laser.
The quality of the construction is great, and shooting it is a lot of fun, but I did notice a few small problems. In semi-auto mode, the gun sometimes shoots two or three shots at once, which can be a surprise. Also, there is a small tab that can get in the way of the slide when field stripping, so you have to be careful not to jam it.
In the end, the fun factor is much greater than these small problems. I've always wanted this BB gun since I was a kid. It's a great gun for kids to learn how to use because it has a full-auto setting, blowback, slide lock on the last round of ammunition, and reliable field stripping. Even people who are very serious about guns will respect how this air gun acts. This is the BB gun to get if you want to shoot things in an accurate way that you will enjoy.
But just shooting it is fun enough to make every cartridge worth it. When the gun blows back, the heavy guide rod spring, full metal slide, and barrel give it a hard kick like a.22 rimfire cartridge. The full-size metal magazine can hold 18 BBs and a 12g CO2 cartridge. If you have small hands, the grip might be a bit too big. It's more useful because it has fixed front and back sights and an accessory rail for a tactical light or laser.
The quality of the construction is great, and shooting it is a lot of fun, but I did notice a few small problems. In semi-auto mode, the gun sometimes shoots two or three shots at once, which can be a surprise. Also, there is a small tab that can get in the way of the slide when field stripping, so you have to be careful not to jam it.
In the end, the fun factor is much greater than these small problems. I've always wanted this BB gun since I was a kid. It's a great gun for kids to learn how to use because it has a full-auto setting, blowback, slide lock on the last round of ammunition, and reliable field stripping. Even people who are very serious about guns will respect how this air gun acts. This is the BB gun to get if you want to shoot things in an accurate way that you will enjoy. — Erin McFadden
Get it from Amazon now: $169.99 & FREE Returns
4. Benjamin Marauder - PCP .22-Caliber Air Pistol
Highlight: The best air pistol for shooting small game.
Helpful review: This Marauder pistol was what I needed for shooting rabbits and squirrels without drawing attention to myself. It's small enough to fit in my backpack and is very quiet. The "p-rod" comes close. The skinny:
WEAKNESSES:
– Picky about pellets. At first, I was getting terrible groups of two to three inches at twenty yards with Crosman hollow point premiers. When I switched to H&N Field Target Trophy pellets (5.53 head size), I hit groups the size of coins at 25 yards. Much better!
– Pretty Loud: Unlike the very quiet Marauder rifles, this pistol is very loud and shouldn't be used in the garden. It helped having a TKO muzzle brake, but it wasn't enough. The last thing that worked was a Neil Clague LDC, which made it completely quiet.
– Stock Problems: The stock isn't very good. I bought an ACE folding stock kit and an AR stock connector. It looks great and now fits nicely in my backpack.
STRENGTHS:
– Power Efficient: Even though the air tank is small, it's power efficient.
– I get about 24 shots (3 clips) at 650 frames per second. The small tank also makes it easy to pump by hand.
– Very Correct: It's accurate up to 40 yards once you find the right pellet, which makes it great for small game.
– Carbine Configuration: The carbine style is easy to carry and looks and works like a combat rifle, especially if the stock folds down.
– Can be changed: You can customize it with a lot of aftermarket music and gadgets.
BUYERS NEED TO KNOW:
– The source of high pressure air (HPA) needs 3,000 psi of compressed air.
– Hand Pump: Crosman sells a hand pump that makes getting this HPA easy.
– Weight Limit: The Crosman hand pump is only good for people who weigh more than 120 pounds.
– Def not a Toy: This item needs to be supervised by an adult.
– Stock Options. The stock that comes with the package is fine, but there are better choices.
– Magazine Tray: Def put some oil on the magazine tray to make it easy to put in and take out.
– No sights come with it; you'll need to add your own optical sight.
– Red Dot Sight: A red dot with one power (no magnification) works well at close ranges and makes the gun light.
– Buy a lot of pellets: They're fun to shoot, so you'll need a lot.
– Shot Count: Each HPA fill will give you more than 40 shots.
Points to Fill and Stop: Shoot at 3,000 psi and stop at 1,000 psi.
– Scope for Long Range: You need a good scope to shoot from a long distance.
– Air Pressure Management: Change the air psi range to get accurate long-range shots because air pressure changes the speed of the ball.
Honestly you can’t ask for something better. This air gun is exactly what I wanted and right out of the box. Plus, it’s the right size for kids and even for women with smaller frames, especially since the AR-style stock can be adjusted, which is definitely what I was looking for. A hand pump makes it easy to fill up the small air tank, and SCUBA tanks can also be used. You should definitely spend the money on it. I know. I don’t regret it at all. — Bruce Seals
Get it from Amazon now: $428.99 & FREE Returns
5. Crosman Vigilante - CO2-Powered .177 Pellet/BB Revolver
Highlight: To help you stay on target, there’s an adjustable rear sight and a fixed blade front sight.
Helpful review: After my Gamo PT-85 started giving me a lot of trouble with accuracy, I bought the Crosman Vigilante. As an outdoor plinker, I expect this revolver to be pretty accurate, and it is. Even though it claims to have a lower FPS rate, it seems to have more power than the PT-85. Because it has a rifled barrel, I only shoot pellets, which it does cleanly and reliably. I think you should get more clips, whether they're for BBs or pellets, so you can shoot for longer.
Just so you know, this is the loudest CO2-powered gun I have. Even though it's not as loud as a real gun, it sounds and looks real enough that if you live in the suburbs, you might want to warn your neighbors. On a range from 1 to 10, it sounds like a solid 7
And yeah, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Gotta be honest: this gun doesn't look good and isn't meant to look real. Put the 357 similarities out of your mind. It's cheap, accurate, gives you a lot of shots per CO2 tank, and the rotating clips are easy to load. You'll love it.
Also, the clips are really cheap, so get at least a dozen of them.. It's a little hard to open, but not a big deal. The sights can be adjusted, and the safety is easy to use. You can tell right away if the safety is on or off. It's not very good at shooting BBs, but it's a lot of fun with pellets, though some longer, pointier ones might get stuck. Get 18 clips and three guns. Ask your friends to come over for a can shootout. You'll love it!
In terms of where to get it…Amazon had the Vigilante for less money than the big box shops. I don’t buy a lot from Amazon but this was seriously right on the mark right out of the box. It's definitely not a toy, but the trigger pull is pretty good for a pellet gun so keep that in mind. I had a blast shooting at targets all afternoon. The pellets went right through an empty sardine tin made of metal haha. I got skills, that’s for sure.
Oh, and it really is a great deal. The price - with free returns on Amazon - you can’t really beat that. I highly suggest it to anyone who wants to have fun with a reliable revolver that runs on CO2. — John Watson
Get it from Amazon now: $72.99 & FREE Returns
6. Sig Sauer M17 - CO2-Powered Air Pistol
Highlight: Most popular for training.
Helpful review: This air pistol boasts all the realistic characteristics one would hope from a training tool. Though it doesn't run a hammer like a genuine semi-auto single-action pistol, the blowback is gratifying. Thanks to the rifled barrel, accuracy is great, but, def stick to pellets instead of steel BBs—unless you find BBs.
One aspect of the magazine design that I love is its twenty round ammo belt in the same magazine and rapid lever approach for piercing the CO2 cartridge. One CO2 cartridge will easily provide three 20-round magazines before you start to see a power reduction.
Having all the quarantine time off like the rest of the world, I chose to target practice at home and purchased this mainly cause of its awesome magazine design. It feels the way I wanted, and the rotating mags are excellent. The simple CO2 housing and activation works great too. Def make sure to lubricate like the instructions say, otherwise the quality may deteriorate.
I also received the Sig Sauer black MPX, but this M17 is the obvious victor when compared. Though I enjoy Sig Sauer's approach, the M17 surpasses the MPX in leaps and bounds.
The only drawback is the clip length…it kinda seems odd and makes it feel less real, but that’s just a personal preference thing. This pellet gun is really excellent overall. Just be careful and remember to have fun! — Bill Rubenstein
Get it from Amazon now: $119.98 & FREE Returns
7. Crosman 2240 - CO2-Powered .22 Pistol
Highlight: The bolt design has been improved to make cocking easy.
Helpful review: The Crosman 2240 is a good choice right out of the box, but it's super easy to upgrade and change how you see fit. It's great to have the steel breech kit because it comes with rails for attaching optics. I love the holographic sight, but beware that it's pretty loud and kinda annoying. I made a steel silencer, which sounds illegal, but it's actually not cause it's not a real gun. I
When equipped with the steel breech, optic, and suppressor, it gains some weight. The grouping could be improved, but it seems that the quality of the ammunition I use may be a contributing factor.
I must say, Crosman truly came through on quality. The construction is quite powerful, with the majority of the components made from steel. The only plastic parts, such as the stock breech and grips, can be easily replaced with higher quality alternatives. The steel breech is a significant improvement. The trigger mechanism is expertly crafted, with the exception of the area where the hammer sear engages its spring, resulting in a slightly gritty sensation when pulling the trigger. Many individuals choose to enhance their firearms by incorporating spring guides or completely replacing the trigger system in order to improve accuracy.
When it comes to power, it's highly effective for taking down small pests weighing less than six pounds. The .22 pellets have a slower velocity and greater weight than the .177 pellets, resulting in reduced penetration but a faster transfer of energy to softer targets. It effortlessly slices through fruit and punctures soup cans with impressive force. I prefer using Crosman Premier hollow points due to their affordability, although I have found that the stock 2240 does not cause the pellets to expand in any of the mediums I have tested.
Although it’s not a toy, it is comforting to know that a mishap with the 2240 would probably result in a trip to the hospital rather than a fatal outcome. However, it is important to remember that mishandling firearms can have serious consequences. It’s seriously so important to exercise caution and handle them as if they are loaded, even when there’s evidence to the contrary.
After firing my 1000th pellet through this firearm today, I can’t be happier. Flawless performance, seriously endless enjoyment. If you know how to use guns and you’re responsible, then this is for you. And seriously, consider getting the steel breech—it can make a significant difference! — Colin Barnes
Get it from Amazon now: $84.69 & FREE Returns
8. Colt Defender - Semi-Auto .177 BB Gun
Highlight: All-metal frame. Slide is super sturdy and realistic.
Helpful review: When you first pick up the Colt Defender, it seems like you're holding a real pistol. The weight and heaviness are right on. Many people underestimate airguns, although they may be a very pleasurable method to train target shooting or effectively control tiny pests. I have numerous air rifles and pistols, and I value them just as much as my shotguns and treat them with the same level of safety.
This pistol fires brilliantly. After a brief break in time, it was providing tight groups without requiring any rear sight adjustments. The front sight has an important dot for your sight image, however adding two extra dots on the rear sight would have been great. Loading BBs is simple: push back the grips with the mag release button, draw the follower to its stop position, and insert BBs via the cambered port. You may drop a few, but it's not a huge issue. Once loaded, release the follower, shut the handle, and you're ready to go—provided you've loaded a CO2 cartridge.
The trigger action is effortless and requires some finger effort, but nothing crazy. Even with just a dot on the front sight, I was able to fire rather accurately. A single CO2 cartridge provides over 50 rounds, and I believe you could get even more because I stopped at approximately 50 and still had gas remaining.
This rifle is very appealing, which is just a nice perk. Love the way it looks. While the majority of the slide features are primarily cosmetic, the rear sight adjustment, safety, and handle release all operate well. The ejection port is coated in silver, which looks weird but provides a unique touch. The beavertail grip is pleasant and probably ambidextrous.
Overall, this is a nicely-made CO2 BB pistol that is well worth the money and enjoyable to fire. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy some backyard plinking or target practice. — Rudy Levin
Get it from Amazon now: $79.99 & FREE Returns
9. SIG Sauer 1911 - We The People .177 BB Pistol
Highlight: Warranty lasts one year.
Helpful review: I was a bit unsure about grabbing this baby after scanning some negative reviews, but thought what the heck? And man am I glad I gave it a go. It’s truly a remarkable replica and the airgun features a weathered appearance and intricate engravings that I love. It has metal grips, which closely resemble the .45 ACP version and can be easily disassembled for maintenance.
The firearm is precise and effective, with a single round lasting for approximately three complete magazines. The full blowback action is quite impressive to witness and experience.
The firearm is def on the heavy side and that’s part of what makes it so realistic. Really has a strikingly authentic appearance, which could be intimidating to those who are not well-versed in guns, or you know, cops. Don’t show it off unless you can handle the consequences that come with real guns.
The gun uues twelve gram CO2 cartridges that you insert into the magazine and the gas blowback mechanism allows the slide to function in a manner similar to a traditional 1911. This BB gun is perfect for some fun, just remember to handle it with caution.
As someone who’s new to handling semi-automatic pistols, this CO2 pistol has proven to be an excellent training tool. It performs admirably in both dry and CO2-powered conditions. The blowback action functions smoothly for two full magazine loads of BBs, and the slide locks open once the last round is fired. Although not the best if you’re all about precision or if you’re gonna fire in competitions, it is seriously perfect for honing your gun safety and handling skills without the loud noise and strong recoil of an actual firearm.
It’s also just fun to use. Highly recommended if you’re interested in learning proper handling techniques and enjoying realistic target practice. — James Shaffer
Get it from Amazon now: $119.00 & FREE Returns
10. Umarex XBG - .177 Air Pistol
Highlight: Fires 177 caliber BBs with a maximum velocity of 410 feet per second.
Helpful review: I recently had the chance to try out the Umarex XBG, and I honestly couldn’t get to my computer fast enough. Just wowzer on this thing.
Let's talk about the power and penetration of BBs: I was so excited to try out a new CO2 cartridge, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I couldn't believe it when I was able to shoot right through a steel bean can AND a steel soup can. It was absolutely amazing! After giving the cans a quick check with a magnet, I double checked that they're definitely not just your typical aluminum. I've heard that you can actually get plenty of shots with just one CO2 cartridge, too, which makes this gun really efficient in terms of power usage.
Phone book test: To calculate these numbers, simply divide the double-sided pages by two. So, you'll need to divide it by two and then add around ten or fifteen pages for the cardboard cover and target. I noticed that there are about 130 pages that have some denting and tearing, but I found that most BBs were recovered at around seventy five to eighty pages. Serious depth if you ask me. Just keep in mind that this is still a weapon and watch what you're aiming at and only shoot if you intend to do some damage.
Moving on! I love how accessible the drop down magazine is! It's conveniently located on the left side of the rear trigger guard and it makes things operate so so smoothly and in general it just fits perfectly in my hand. It's also super easy to load, which is a great feature.
In terms of accuracy and sights, I’ve found it has a longer trigger pull, which can def affect its accuracy. However, I must say that the pistol itself is quite accurate. I found that the trigger pull was quite long, but surprisingly, I managed to place half of my ten shot string within a half inch bullseye at a distance of about twenty feet. However, the remaining shots were not as accurate and ended up being flyers, but so it goes.
Either way, I really like how the sights have a white dot on the front post, making it super easy to acquire targets. However, there is no white outline on the rear sight, but you get used to it.
Weight: The best part is that the XBG is super lightweight, coming in at just under one pound. This product is so lightweight that you can easily take it backpacking or jogging without feeling weighed down. The trigger pull is so smooth and the single action is a dream.
The safety is designed with modern features that automatically disengage the trigger bar action when it's turned on, which makes me feel better about using it, so that’s cool. When I'm not pulling the trigger, the gun is considered in gear and ready to fire. It’s definitely designed with utmost safety in mind, which def lowers the risk of accidental firing.
Although some reviewers mentioned leaks, I haven't experienced that with my CO2, prob because it’s still pretty new. I wonder if those people purchased their gun brand new or second hand. If there are leak problems in the future, I’ll def be using an affordable O ring kit, but that hasn't happened yet. Overall, I absolutely love this pistol! It's got incredible power, impressive accuracy, top notch safety features, and it's a breeze to load. Plus, it's so lightweight, which makes it even better. I couldn't be happier with it! — Alex D. Ruben
Get it from Amazon now: $34.99 & FREE Returns
11. Daisy Powerline 415 - Air Pistol Kit
Highlight: Everything is included: paper targets, CO2 cylinders, shooting glasses, and BBs.
Helpful review: This is a super straightforward little BB pistol. It doesn’t have many of the gaudy features like blow-back action, which was exactly what I was looking for. I really don’t need that extra thrill. However, I deducted one star because it can be a bit difficult to quickly check if there are any live BBs still loaded. More on that in a bit.
The design of the magazine well allows for the possibility of two or three BBs, even when the top loading spring appears fully extended. Even if you keep track of your shots, the only guaranteed way to ensure it’s completely empty is to fire until it’s completely empty, which is annoying. But even with that, I still love it, and it’s true what they say–benefits can outweigh the negatives. Not every BB gun is made to show which BBs are still in the chamber.
Whatever you do though, be sure to handle this BB pistol just as you would any other firearm. Not a toy kiddos. The same safety rules apply like they would with any gun: never point this at anything you don’t intend to fully destroy, and always, always, always treat it as if it’s loaded. Firing at these speeds with a fresh cartridge can cause significant and lasting damage to soft tissue, so it’s really no joke. (I’m an EMT so feel like I need to make this clear!)
This BB gun fires small ball bearings with a diameter of .177 inches, or 4.5 mm. Finding these BBs isn’t hard—there are plenty of options available for purchase online. While the package claims it can shoot "up to" 495 feet per second, in reality, you should expect speeds in the low 400s. It doesn’t fire pellets.
Remember, as the CO2 cartridge depletes, the velocity will drop, with your maximum speed closer to 495 feet per second. This pistol uses a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, typical for single shot pellet type guns. It can hold up to twenty-one BBs at a time and fire them without needing to rechamber a round. I haven’t tested it extensively yet, but I expect it to work flawlessly based on my initial experience.
As mentioned earlier, this model doesn’t have "blow-back action," so unlike a real firearm, the slide won’t move back and forth when you pull the trigger.
In my experience, BB guns with blow back tend to use up CO2 cartridges faster, which adds up in those dollar bills yo. This pistol is a basic, no frills, functional. What I wanted. A real piece of equipment, a tool you can use when you need it. Essentially, when you break it down, fewer moving parts mean less maintenance and a lower risk of something breaking.
It’s simple. And it’s effective, even setting a standard by which other CO2 BB guns are measured. It def deserves the ratings it’s been given.
The design is focused on its core purpose, and that simplicity has its own appeal. When these come back in stock, I def plan to buy a few more.
Oh, also, the front sight is one of those green fiber optic sights. It’s easy to aim with and see. A nice touch—kudos to the manufacturer for that pleasant surprise. However, there’s a blind spot where two or three BBs might remain active in the gun, which poses a safety concern. Also, every time I lose one CO2 cartridge worth of air, it feels like a significant safety risk to others, which is why I deducted one star.
Most of the gun is made of plastic, just so you know. Gone are the days when BB guns were built from steel to last for generations. While I can’t speak to this item’s longevity, I’m old enough to remember when companies used to overbuild their products to ensure they lasted as long as possible for their customers.
These days, products are made where they last just long enough so you can use them until they decide you don’t need them anymore. They don’t seem to realize that building a high-quality product serves as a form of advertising that lasts longer than any commercial.
This isn’t to say that this product isn’t well-made—it is. I just wish it were overbuilt, like the good old days. Still, go ahead, take my five stars. I may be older, but I can still recognize quality.
And it’s really great if you’re looking to teach your children proper firearm handling. It serves as a great stepping stone to a real gun, I’d just also recommend adding an airsoft gun to your collection so you can get experience with other types as well. If you’re after something reliable that meets your needs, this is definitely my top recommendation. — Rick Gilbert
Get it from Amazon now: $59.99 & FREE Returns
12. Sig Sauer P365 - CO2-Powered Air Pistol
Highlight: Full blowback metal slide.
Helpful review: After firing about a hundred rounds with this Sig Sauer air pistol, I decided I had already made up my mind on my feelings on this and wanted to give it a good review. While this might not sound like a crapload of shots, it was enough to sway me in one direction, so that’s why I’m writing this. Take from it what you will, but spoiler alert–I know I’m talking about.
In my honest view, this air pistol is best for those who already own or are thinking about purchasing a real Sig P365. The size and overall feel closely match the actual firearm, making it an excellent tool for practicing holster draws and sight alignment. However, if your main goal is to enjoy a BB gun for casual plinking, you might want to explore other options.
PROS:
- Authentic Design: This BB gun is almost indistinguishable from the real P365, which makes it an ideal training device for current and prospective P365 owners. Its realistic size and appearance are its strongest points and def what drew me to it.
- Trigger Response: The trigger pull is short and crisp, allowing for accurate shooting. It mirrors the real firearm’s trigger feel, making it great for training, and gets you ready for the real thing.
- Full-Size Magazine: The full size drop-out magazine adds to the realism of this baby, offering a genuine reloading experience.
CONS:
- Accuracy Concerns: The accuracy of this BB gun leaves much to be desired if you ask me, and is one of the main reasons I say it’s only a stepping stone to the real thing. At ten yards, I could only achieve a six inch grouping, double the size I get with my Glock 19. Some of the reviews said that accuracy may improve with use, but I’m thinking otherwise. My initial experience was frustrating, with BBs sometimes visibly veering off course in good lighting.
- CO2 Efficiency: This pistol doesn’t retain CO2 well at all, which kind of seems to go against its purpose. With a fresh canister, I managed about forty shots (about three magazines) before performance noticeably declined. Even when some gas remains, it’s often not enough to fully cycle the slide, causing double feeds. It also can’t store CO2 over long periods, which is really annoying.
I left a nearly full canister in the gun for two days, and the first shot released all the gas in a large cloud, leaving the slide locked back for nearly half a second. This means you can’t fire a few rounds, leave it for a couple of days, and then return to it.
If Sig were to make changes, I’d recommend removing the blowback feature for real. While the blowback action adds to the realism, at the end of the day it’s not a real gun, and it compromises the reliability and the CO2 efficiency. Prioritizing a more reliable and accurate shooting experience would be beneficial.
This air pistol is excellent if you’re using it as a training aid to complement your real P365, mainly with the realistic design and trigger pull, which are superb for practicing safe handling and shooting techniques.
However, if you’re looking for a BB gun to play around with for plinking and casual shooting, this might not be the best option due to its accuracy and CO2 efficiency issues. Despite these drawbacks, I’m still giving it five stars because it perfectly meets my needs as a training tool.
So there you have it. If you're seeking a realistic training tool and can overlook these issues, it's a great choice. For general BB gun use, maybe consider other models that offer better performance and reliability, but that’s just my opinion. You can decide what it’s worth. — Michael Gagnon
Get it from Amazon now: $99.99 & FREE Returns
13. Smith & Wesson M&P 40 - .177 BB Gun
Highlight: Closely replicates the newest Smith & Wesson design.
Helpful review: I'm genuinely surprised by some of the negative reviews this BB gun has received. So yeah, I’m gonna address these concerns one at a time, but focusing specifically on the BB gun, not the airsoft version.
How about the magazines? There's a complaint about the difficulty in finding magazines, but that's simply just not true. Walmart sells a package of two magazines under the Crosman name for about thirteen bucks, and they fit perfectly. The magazines are easy to load, which is a major plus compared to others I've seen.
You can even make a simple BB loader to feed a stream of BBs right into the hole, thanks to the groove for the spring slider being in line with the BB loading hole. The magazine holds 20 BBs without jamming, even though it's advertised as holding 19. Additionally, the same magazine fits the Umarex Elite II replica gun.
On to the CO2 leaks commentary… Some reviewers mentioned issues with CO2 leaks, but um, I have no idea what they’re talking about. I've had no issues, but maybe that’s because I use a tiny dab of Pellgunoil on the end of the cartridge before I load it. This simple step has prevented any leakage problems. This gun handles CO2 pretty efficiently if you ask me. In the summer, I can easily go through eight or nine twenty round magazines on one cylinder. Honestly, from my experience, the gun remains accurate over varying CO2 levels, which is impressive.
Accuracy? Yeah, the trigger is long and hard (double action only), but like any gun, you need to get used to it. Things take time, friends. And once you get used to it, you can fire accurate shots quickly. Remember, you’re shooting a round projectile (BB) down a smooth bore, so you can’t expect rifled accuracy. You will get fliers, but anyone who has any experience with basic guns knows that’s typical.
I shoot soda cans at twenty-five feet and hit them almost every time. I can also hit a can hanging from a branch less than thirty yards away, albeit with fewer hits, but still, that's twenty five yards off-hand. On one knee, I can hit that can at 25 yards about a third to half the time. It’s so much fun that I’ve switched to homemade tubular targets at 25 yards.
How about the sights? The sights are non adjustable but bright and easy to see, with white in the front and fiber-optic green in the rear. They are wonderful for target acquisition, no complaints at all.
No Blowback. Some might miss the blowback feature, but honestly, it’s not a big deal. If you want a blowback gun, buy one. The lack of blowback in this model doesn’t detract from its performance as a solid BB gun.
A couple of minor points, I think I should add: The CO2 door (the sliding handle) is a bit too easy to come off and can be tricky to get back on, but this doesn’t happen often enough to be a significant issue. Another point is that if you partially pull the trigger and then change your mind, a BB will be released into the barrel and can slide out when you lower the muzzle. This is a minor inconvenience and not uncommon in BB guns.
Overall, this BB gun is an excellent value for the money. Not sure what all the negativity is about. It’s simple, powerful, and gets the job done without unnecessary extras. It’s a reliable option for target practice and casual shooting. The build quality is solid, and it handles well. For the price, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck and I really can’t recommend it more if you’re looking for a no nonsense air pistol.
While it has a few minor quirks, they’re easily manageable. For the price, this BB gun offers excellent performance and reliability. Whether you’re using it for practice or fun, it’s a great addition to your collection. Highly recommended. — Paul Unger
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14. Gamo Blowback - Pellet Pistol
Highlight: Plastic grip comes textured. Steel barrel is rifled.
Helpful review: As a long time air gun enthusiast with several pellet rifles, I can confidently say the Gamo Blowback is the most fun I've had with an air gun, like ever.
My previous models pale in comparison to this beauty. When I shot it for the first time, I was amazed at how realistic it felt. The blowback action is fantastic and makes it an excellent training weapon, as many reviews have noted. I've gone through about eight clips so far (like sixteen rounds per clip) so far, and the CO2 is still going strong, which is awesome. I'm also getting consistent one inch groups at about thirty feet, though I haven't tested it at longer distances yet.
The gun is mostly metal, giving it a solid, yet hefty, realistic feel when you hold it. It’s essentially a real gun that uses air instead of gunpowder to propel the projectiles. One minor downside is the safety—it’s quite stiff and requires two hands to disable. However, this can be seen as a positive aspect, emphasizing its safety feature.
Overall, this model is incredibly fun. If you're considering buying it, stop thinking and do it. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to buy lots of ammo and CO2 because you'll go through a few hundred rounds quickly—you won't want to stop shooting it.
I feel like I should also add that this pistol is well made for honing aiming and shooting skills on inanimate targets. However, it’s not the solution for pest control, especially for larger animals like raccoons. I purchased this pistol to deal with a raccoon problem in my yard, expecting it to be a non-lethal deterrent.
Using pellets at less than six feet away, I shot at a raccoon, expecting it to run off and stay away. Initially, they scattered, but to my surprise, they returned shortly after. Even after a close-range headshot, the raccoon came back and continued to eat, showing little concern.
This experience demonstrated that while the Gamo looks and feels like an actual firearm, it doesn't have the knock down force needed for effective pest control, but that may be a personal experience thing, not sure.
I think it might require larger grain pellets, but you might just need a more powerful gun. My next step is to try a sonar approach, but if that fails, I may have to resort to a lethal pellet rifle. So be it if necessary. Caging and transporting these pests or using poisons are not options I really want to consider. I simply want them gone so my property can remain undamaged.
At the end of the day, the Gamo is an excellent pellet pistol for having some fun while shooting and training. Its realistic feel, consistent accuracy, and enjoyable blowback action make it a standout choice. However, for pest control, especially against resilient little buggers like raccoons, it might not be good enough. If you're looking for a reliable and fun air gun for target practice, this is it. For pest control, from my experience, you might need something more powerful. — Terry Kelly
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15. Umarex Steel-Storm - .177 BB Gun
Highlight: Pick from single shot modes or six round full auto in burst mode.
Helpful review: I absolutely love this gun so much. It comes with a plethora of weaver rails, making it easy to add accessories and transform it to look just like my real gun. The only thing missing is the telescopic buttstock, but that’s okay. With a foregrip, a PVC barrel extension made at home, and some additional accessories like a red dot scope and a tactical light, it closely resembles an actual weapon, so keep that in mind.
The versatility in shooting modes is fantastic and what made me really love this. You can keep it in the single-shot mode or enjoy the excitement of the six-round burst. If you prefer full auto, it’s easy to convert, and there are plenty of videos on YouTube demonstrating how to do this. Personally, I stick with the two options of single-shot or six-round burst because converting it to full auto would likely consume more CO2 cartridges than it already does.
Speaking of CO2, be prepared to buy them in bulk if you plan to do a lot of shooting. The hopper holds about three hundred BBs, and the chamber holds thirty at a time. However, by the time you’ve gone through all three hundred of those in six-round burst mode, you’ll need to replace the CO2 cartridges. This gun takes two CO2 cartridges at a time, so it can go through them quickly. That’s just the nature of CO2 guns and not a flaw of this particular model.
What surprised me the most is how accurate this gun is. Even in six-round burst mode, the BBs don’t spray randomly; they stay almost as accurate as in single shot mode. At fifteen yards, using a decent red dot scope or laser sight, I can hit the bullseye every time. I’ve added both to the many weaver rails, enhancing its performance and appearance.
The build quality and aesthetics of this gun are exceptional for the price. It looks and feels like it should cost twice as much. Once you accessorize it with a few attachments, it becomes a formidable and stylish BB gun.
PROS:
- Versatile Shooting Modes: Single shot and six round burst modes offer variety in shooting experiences.
- Customization: Plenty of weaver rails allow for extensive customization. You can even add laser sight, a red dot scope, foregrip, and more to enhance its performance and look.
- Accuracy: Surprisingly accurate, even in burst mode. Consistently hits the bullseye at fifteen yards with proper sights.
- Realistic Feel: The gun has a solid, realistic feel and even looks genuine.
- Value for Money: Excellent quality and appearance for its price. It feels like it should be more expensive.
CONS:
- CO2 Consumption: This gun goes through CO2 cartridges pretty quickly, especially if you’re using burst mode consistently. Be prepared to buy CO2 cartridges in bulk.
- No Telescopic Buttstock: While it can be made to look like an HK MP7, it lacks the telescopic buttstock that completes the look.
- Full Auto Conversion: Although possible, converting to full auto can further increase CO2 consumption.
Overall, I love it. I think it’s an outstanding BB gun, offering versatility, customization, and accuracy. It’s a blast to shoot and easy to modify to look like a high-end firearm.
Despite its high CO2 consumption, it makes up for it in fun and performs really well, enough to make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a stylish, accurate, and customizable BB gun, this is it. — Peter Shaw
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16. GAMO P-430 - CO2-Powered Dual-Ammo Air Pistol
Highlight: Dual ammo, 16 round capacity.
Helpful review: I've owned this baby for over a year, and I really love it. It’s a fantastic CO2 gun with the versatility to shoot both pellets and BBs. This dual-ammo capability is one of its standout features. The gun is lightweight, making it easy to handle, and it shoots so fast that you can barely see the BBs fly out of the barrel. It often leaves me wondering if I've fired a shot or if the gun is dry!
The accuracy of this gun is impressive, but you need to compensate for the downward movement when pulling the trigger, so keep that in mind. Since there’s no recoil, the gun doesn’t bounce, so you’ll need to adjust for the slight downward pull caused by your finger.
To make reloading faster, I keep three extra magazines on hand. Each magazine holds two sets of eight BBs or pellets in a revolver-style setup, totaling sixteen rounds. While it’s easy to empty half the mag and flip it around, I prefer to avoid this if possible as fewer reloads mean more shooting time.
Reloading can be a bit of a pain in the rear end since you can’t simply pour BBs into the magazine–I wish! So you have to place each BB or pellet individually into the revolver-style slots. The exterior construction is plastic, but the internals are metal, providing a good balance between durability and weight. Inserting a CO2 cartridge is for the most part easy and straightforward, though you might need tools to screw it in unless you have very strong fingers. Each CO2 cartridge lasts about a hundred shots, which is quite efficient.
Reliability is another strong point of this thing. I’ve never experienced BB jams or misfires, which I’ve heard from other people on other brand models, which makes me like this even more. It’s great for target practice without constantly worrying about CO2 consumption.
One time, I left a CO2 cartridge in the gun for like three months and when I finally realized it, I was shocked that there was barely any drop in pressure. You can tell it just has excellent gas retention capabilities (though I wouldn’t recommend this as a regular practice haha).
As an entry level air pistol, I can’t recommend it enough. It's lightweight, and I love the dual ammo aspect of it. The performance is reliable and that’s just awesome.
PROS:
- Dual ammo capability: Shoots both pellets and BBs, offering versatility.
- Light weight: Easy to shoot and handle, making it great for extended use.
- Accuracy: Consistent accuracy, though requires some compensation for trigger pull.
- Magazine Capacity: Double magazine holds sixteen rounds, which kind of reduces the frequency of reloads.
- CO2 Efficiency: Each cartridge lasts about a hundred shots, and the gun retains gas well over time.
- Reliability: No jams or misfires experienced, making it dependable for target practice.
CONS:
- Reloading: Takes a bit to reload it, as BBs and pellets must be individually placed into the magazine, which is a pain.
- Plastic Exterior: While the internals are metal, the plastic exterior looks kinda cheap and might not make it appealing to everyone.
- Trigger Pull Adjustment: Does require some adjustment to compensate for the downward pull when shooting.
Overall, honestly it’s a reliable fun air pistol, perfect for those new to CO2 guns. If you’re looking for an enjoyable target practice experience, then this is it! For an entry level CO2 pistol, you’re not gonna get much better than this. — Joel Ellis
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17. Crosman Phantom P10 - Air Pistol Kit with FREE BBs
Highlight: Comes with copperhead BBs, shooting glasses, and two CO2 cartridges.
Helpful review: I never write reviews, but knew I had to with this. This kit has an under-barrel Picatinny accessory rail and removable grip for easy replacement of CO2, which just makes it so easy. I've purchased three of these and for good reason.
The first one I got looked so real, my father in law, who is a cop, thought it was a real gun! He liked it so much I got him one for Christmas. Then, I got a third so my wife and I could both shoot cans together. Every time someone sees this gun, they are one thousand percent convinced it's a real firearm. The look on this is that convincing.
The CO2 cartridges are so easy to install, and loading BBs was no problem. The magazine conveniently slides out with the push of a button, though I wish it held more BBs—that's my only complaint. This gun packs a punch, too!
I’ve shot cans off a fence post from a good distance, and the BBs have embedded themselves about half an inch into the wood. I've used many BB guns, and this is by far my favorite. The look, feel, and performance are top-notch, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Despite being made of plastic, the gun feels very strong and durable. The CO2 lasts about seven magazines' worth of shots.
One issue I encountered was the white dot on the front sight being off center, but I fixed it with a white marker, and now it’s super accurate. I can even hit a one cm pole from fifteen ft. with no problems. Of course, you should prob keep in mind that accuracy depends on the shooter.
The kit is seriously a great value, and comes with the pistol, the targets, plus two CO2 canisters and even a pair of safety glasses. Oh, and of course–a generous amount of steel BBs.
Honestly, it’s everything you need to start shooting right out of the box. It’s an excellent backyard plinker and pretty loud, which adds to the fun. The trigger pull is quite hard, which might be a downside for some, but it's manageable. I also appreciate that the magazine is metal, adding to the durability.
Overall, this is just a fantastic air pistol for both beginners and experienced shooters. It's realistic looking, easy to use, and has a serious powerful performance that packs a punch. The complete kit is just a great value in general, making sure you’re ready to start shooting right away. — John Yale
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18. Umarex SA10 - .177 Caliber Pellet/BB Gun
Highlight: Blowback feels pretty real.
Helpful review: I really wanted to give this gun a perfect review, but I'm gonna have to settle for four stars, and lemme tell you why. It’s undeniably super cool looking and feels just great to shoot. The blow back action and recoil are really satisfying, giving it a realistic shooting experience.
However, I've encountered a few issues that hold me back from giving it a full A plus or five stars.
I’ve been using pellets only, leaving out the BB rotary, mainly because it kept falling out every time I removed the magazine. After about ninety shots, the first CO2 cartridge died—not the best experience, obviously, but also not the worst I’ve had. That’s when the jamming started. Even with a new CO2 cartridge, the jamming persisted. At one point, the trigger got stuck in the back and wouldn’t move. When the trigger wasn’t stuck, the hammer wouldn’t settle properly, which was def frustrating.
The next day, I switched out the wadcutters for pellets, and the gun performed better at first. However, around the sixty shot mark, the gun started losing power and eventually stopped shooting altogether. The trigger jammed again, and I couldn’t remove the magazine. This was quite a letdown, especially since the gun shoots well when it works.
I decided to order an extra magazine, hoping the original was defective. After field stripping the gun and checking for obstructions, I discovered that the jamming issue was due to the type of pellet I was using. This gun doesn’t like pointed pellets. Once I switched to H&N and Crosman hollow points, the jamming issues disappeared. I’ve since run over two hundred and fifty rounds through it without a single jam.
With an extra magazine and the right pellets, it was honestly incredibly fun to shoot. It offers nice recoil and delivers a solid forty eight shots per CO2 cartridge, usually requiring a magazine swap. Adding a laser sight enhanced the shooting experience significantly. This gun is now fun, pretty reliable, and just so much fun to shoot. With the right setup, it’s a blast and I def recommend it. — Thomas Fabacher
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