Air pistols are perfect for learning the fundamentals of using firearms.
They're also great for:
- Pest control
- Target shooting
- Backyard plinking
- ...and yes, even for self-defense
Gamo PT-85 came out as the best CO2 pellet air pistol from the list of 34 air guns that we examined. This pellet pistol has everything you could possibly want from one - accurate, realistic, powerful, and comes with a blowback action.
To find the best air pistol out there, we went out and reviewed 35 different air pistol models.
As a result, we picked out 12 models that are best in their specific categories, including:
- Best Co2 Pellet Pistol (Self-Defense Pick)
- Best Co2 BB Pistol
- Best Blowback Air Pistol
- Best PCP Air Pistol
- Most Powerful Air Pistol
- Most Accurate Air Pistol
- Most Realistic Air Pistol
- The Best Air Revolver
- The Cheapest Air Pistol
... and 3 great replica air pistol models that look just like the real thing.
Ready? Let's get started...
IN THIS ARTICLE
Compare The Best Air Pistols
P.S. click the blue links below to check the latest price on Amazon:
| Air Pistol | Type | Power (FPS) | Ammo | Caliber | Mag. Size | Blowback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gamo PT-85 - Best CO2 Pellet Pistol | CO2 | 450 | Pellet | 0.177 | 16 | Yes |
| 2. Glock 19 Gen 3 - Best CO2 BB Pistol | CO2 | 410 | BB | 0.177 | 16 | No |
| 3. Benjamin Marauder - Most Powerful Air Pistol | PCP | 700 | Pellet | 0.22 | 8 | No |
| 4. Benjamin Trail NP - Best Break-Barrel Pistol | Break Barrel | 625 | Pellet | 0.177 | Single Load | No |
| 5. Crosman Vigilante - Best Revolver Gun | CO2 | 435 | BB & Pellet | 0.177 | 10 Pellets, 6 BBs | No |
| 6. Crosman SNR357 - Best Small Revolver | CO2 | 350 | BB & Pellet | 0.177 | 6 | No |
| 7. Crosman P1322 - Best Pump/Multi Stroke Pistol | Multi Stroke | 460 | Pellet | 0.22 | Single Load | No |
| 8. Crosman PSM45 - Best Spring Air Pistol | Spring | 190 | BB | 0.177 | 20 | No |
| 9. Daisy Powerline 426 - The Cheapest | CO2 | 430 | BB | 0.177 | 15 | No |
| 10. Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm - Replica Pick #1 | CO2 | 380 | BB & Pellet | 0.177 | 16 | Yes |
| 11. Umarex Colt 1911 Commander - Replica Pick #2 | CO2 | 325 | BB | 0.177 | 18 | Yes |
| 12. Umarex Colt Army 45 - Replica Pick #3 | CO2 | 410 | Pellet | 0.177 | 6 | No |
Best Air Pistols: 30-Second Summary
- Price: The sweet spot is around $90 for a reliable air pistol (Gamo PT-85), $40 if you're on a budget (Umarex TDP 45) and don't mind having plastic construction. Powerful PCP pistols are more expensive and will cost you $300+ (Benjamin Marauder).
- Types & Uses: CO2 air pistols are the "jack of all trades" of air pistols and a great starter gun - we recommend starting with these. But if you need an air pistol for pest control or serious target shooting, you're better off going with a break-barrel or pump air pistol for more power and accuracy.
- Ammo: Air pistols shoot either pellets, BBs, or both. Steel BBs are common and cheap, but pellets are more powerful and accurate.
- Power: The maximum you can get is ~ 480 FPS with a regular CO2 pistol. Larger pistols shoot up to 700 FPS – those are your PCP, break-barrel and pump pistols - but they're often single loading and bulky. Hate to break it to you, but the "1000 FPS Air Pistol" is a myth - you need a rifle for that kind of power.
- Magazine: Most air pistols will come with at least an 8-round magazine. The single-loading air pistols are usually more powerful and accurate.
- Blowback Action: CO2 pistols with blowback action simulate the recoil of an actual handgun, which makes for a more realistic shooting experience. While they're less CO2-efficient, we feel that the added realism is worth it.
- Self Defense: A realistic looking air pistol is enough for most self-defense situations you'll come across. As long as your attacker thinks it's real – research shows you stand a 92% chance of scaring him off. Read More About Using Air Pistols For Self-Defense.
Top 12 Best & Most Powerful Air Pistols Reviewed [BB, Pellet, CO2, Pump & PCP]
1. Gamo PT-85 Air Pistol - Best Overall Pellet Pistol For Self Defense (.177 Pellet, CO2, Realistic Blowback Action)
Why It's Our #1 Pick
Gamo PT-85 came out as the best CO2 pellet pistol from the list of 34 air guns that we examined. This air pistol has everything you could possibly want from one:
- Realistic - it looks just like a real gun
- Great shooting performance
- Rugged build quality
Most importantly - Gamo is a reputable high-end brand whose pistols are have been tried and tested in the field for years. And while PT-85 is not the cheapest air pistol on the market, we feel that the price is well worth the performance.
Let's Take A Closer Look
Gamo PT-85 looks so real that you could easily mistake it for an actual gun. This means that you can use it for self-defense to scare away your attacker.
Side note: This should go without saying, but don't carry realistic air pistols out in the open, since people will think that you have a real gun on you.
While it's not a direct replica, the pistol looks just like Beretta PX4 Storm from the distance. Not all parts are made of metal, but the plastic is strong enough and looks the part.
The semi-auto pistol is CO2-powered and shoots standard .177 caliber pellets. The pellets are housed in a double-sided 16-round magazine. After shooting 8 rounds, you eject it, flip it over, and put it back in to use the other 8 pellets.
The blowback action on Gamo PT-85 simulates the recoil of a real gun when fired, which makes for a more realistic shooting experience. It comes with fixed reflective white dot sights to help you aim.
Things To Watch Out For
While Gamo PT-85 is the most powerful CO2 pistol on our list, note that its high 450 FPS rating was achieved using platinum pellets. If you shoot regular pellets, expect your FPS to be slightly lower than that.
Overall, the pistol is not powerful nor accurate enough to be used for pest control or professional target shooting. But that's more the territory of break-barrel pistols - no CO2 pistol can do that for you.
Bottom Line
Gamo PT-85 is our top pick for an "all-rounder" air pistol that can do everything. Whether you need it for plinking in the backyard or teaching your kids proper gun handling - Gamo PT-85 is objectively one of the best pellet pistols on the market.
Because of its realistic looks, Gamo PT-85 also takes the #1 place in the "best air pistol for self defense" category, as you can use it to scare off a potential unarmed attacker if it comes to that.
Similar Models: Gamo P-25 is a version of Gamo PT-85 without the tactical rail below the barrel.
2. GLOCK 19 Gen3 - Best CO2 BB Pistol (BB, CO2)
Why It's Our #2 Pick
There’s just something about the classic Glock-19 design that nearly everyone can recognize. It is the most popular firearm in the U.S., after all.
While it can’t compete with Gamo PT-85 above on the specs – this pistol shoots only BBs and not pellets – Glock 19 Gen 3 is by far one of the best- and most realistic-looking air pistols that we’ve seen.
It is the best BB pistol on our list and a great pick if you're looking for a basic, reliable, and affordable BB gun.
Let's Take A Closer Look
As the name suggests, this Glock 19 Gen 3 is an officially licensed BB replica of the American favorite sidearm, produced by Umarex.
Construction copies the original Glock design – the slide, trigger, magazine, magazine release are all made of metal, while the lower part of the pistol is made of plastic. Although the pistol does not come with a blowback feature, the simple design gives it better durability, as there are fewer parts that can break down.
Power-wise, Glock 19 is a winner. The high powered BB pistol averages around 390-400 FPS in real-life conditions - that's about 50-100 FPS more than other pistols at this price point. Aside from the slightly higher velocity, this is your standard .177 caliber, CO2-powered BB air pistol with decent CO2 efficiency. You'll be shooting about 3 magazines of BBs per one CO2 canister.
Oh, and if you need a quiet air pistol - look no further. Glock 19 sounds like a clap when you shoot it, which makes it great for apartments & other less-noisy places. What's great about the 16-round universal metal-stick magazine is that it fits into different air pistols.
Things To Watch Out For
The double-action trigger is on the heavy side, meaning that you might have to pull harder to shoot. There is no blowback feature on this pistol, which makes for a less realistic shooting experience. But it also means that the pistol is more CO2-efficient - you’ll get more shots off before your CO2 canister runs dry. Finally, the sights are not adjustable as with most pistols in this price range.
Bottom Line
While there are more "advanced" BB pistols out there, they also cost more $. Glock 19 Gen 3 gives you decent performance without being too hard on your wallet. If you want a "fun" pistol to plink around in your backyard without spending too much money - check it out.
Similar Models: Umarex TDP45 is another air pistol from Umarex that costs about the same and is similar to Glock 19 in its specs and construction.
BONUS PICK!
BYRNA SD - Best Non-Lethal Self Defense Air Pistol
Why It's Our Bonus Pick
This is clearly NOT a traditional air pistol, but we decided to include it as a bonus pick because of its strong self-defense properties.
The UN-GUN looks like a gun and performs like a gun, but it is meant to be non-lethal. It is designed to defend lives, not take them.
In many locations, no background checks or permits are required to own and carry the Byrna SD, although you must be at least 18 years old to purchase.
Let's Take a Closer Look
Like several other options on our Best Air Pistols list, the Byrna SD is CO2-powered. But instead of firing BBs or pellets, the SD fires either kinetic or chemical projectiles at speeds that average 300fps - this powerful air pistol had an effective deterrent range of approximately 60 feet.
The chemical projectiles are designed to burst on impact, dispersing a cloud of powerful chemical irritants like pepper and tear gas powder that incapacitates potential attackers.
The kinetic projectiles are hard, solid plastic that do not break on impact. They pack a good punch and are great for both self defense and training purposes.
Many users recommend an effective self defense strategy of loading a 5-round mag with two or three kinetic rounds, followed by several chemical rounds... if getting walloped with the first few kinetic rounds doesn't deter an attacker, following up with a few chemical rounds should do the trick.
The SD is roughly the size of a compact 9mm, fits in a universal semi-automatic holster, and comes in your color choice of realistic black or 4 additional choices.
The Byrna SD can be purchased in kits that typically include:
- 1 Byrna SD UN-GUN
- 1 tube (5 count) of Eco-Kinetic Training Ammunition
- 2 tubes (5 ct each) of Kinetic Self-Defense / Training Ammunition
- 7 Cannisters of 8g CO2
- 2 5-round Magazines
- Additional Ammunition - Kinetic or Chemical (depending on the kit)
Things to Watch Out For
When firing the SD, there is no recoil or blowback, so it offers a less realistic shooting experience than air-pistols with blowback action - however, this could be a good thing for people who are not familiar or comfortable using traditional firearms.
Price. The full kit as listed above retails between $300 - $450 depending on available promotions - so it's not cheap.
The Byrna SD is made specifically for self defense (hence the 'SD' in the name). It is not something you'll want to use for professional target shooting, pest control or general backyard plinking.
The SD may not be legal in all US states - be sure to check your state and local laws.
Bottom Line
The Byrna SD may not be for everyone, but it offers enough advantages and firepower to rival the Gamo PT-85 for our choice as Best Air Pistol for Self Defense.
3. Benjamin Marauder - Most Powerful & Accurate Pellet Air Pistol (.22 Pellet, PCP, Hand-Pump)
Why It's Our #3 Pick
Power baby! Benjamin Marauder is one of the strongest, most powerful air pistols in the world - and it's the best .22 pellet pistol on our list. This is a high powered PCP pellet pistol made for target shooting and pest control (like rats & squirrels).
CO2-powered air pistols shoot like toys next to Marauder, based on both power and accuracy.
Let's Take A Closer Look
The Benjamin Marauder PCP Pistol is big, and the included shoulder stock makes it even bigger. Size-wise, it's somewhere between a rifle and a pistol. It fits in your backpack - but not your holster.
The shooting mechanism is as high-powered as it gets - PCP-Powered bolt action. There's a gas chamber inside the gun that will give you about 30 good shots before you need to refill it. You can refill the gas chamber with:
Side note: Using a regular hand pump, the chamber takes a few minutes and about 40 pumps to refill)
Marauder pistol shoots larger caliber .22 pellets and is rated for a maximum of 700 FPS. It is the highest fps pellet pistol on the list. The real power varies between 500 and 700 FPS depending on the type of pellets you use.
While you can't call a .22 pellet "big bore", shooting one at 700 FPS is a serious force - enough to kill pests and even smaller animals over a short distance. And it's about as close as you'll get to getting that magical 1000 FPS with a pellet pistol.
Adjustable sights and long barrel make Marauder the most accurate pellet pistol on our list - and one of the best air pistols for target shooting.
What we love the most about the Marauder is its revolver-style 8-pellet magazine, as these kinds of pistols are usually single-loading. There's an internal noise-dampening shroud - but the gun is still too loud to be called backyard-friendly.
Finally - there are plenty of aftermarket parts for Marauder - you can make it into a carbine, silence it down, etc.
Things To Watch Out For
The included stock is cheap and might come loose. Most people end up replacing the factory stock with an aftermarket one.
Unless you have a pump at home, you'll have to get one to be able to refill the gas chamber. The official Benjamin pump is not cheap, but you also have budget options.
Benjamin Marauder is also as close as it can be for being the best pellet pistol for hunting, but... it's simply not powerful enough. You'll need an air rifle to do real hunting. It's a good air pistol for killing pests like rats & squirrels, but for killing anything bigger, you'll need a bigger air rifle.
Bottom Line
Benjamin Marauder is easily the best PCP air gun/pistol you can get at its price point. It's the most accurate and powerful pellet pistol that you can find. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
4. Benjamin Trail NP - Best / Most Powerful Break Barrel Air Pistol
Benjamin NP Trail is like a poor man's Marauder - power on a budget. It doesn't cost as much, but still packs a bigger punch than a CO2 pistol.
Let's Take A Closer Look
Benjamin Trail is a high-powered, break-barrel, single-loading pellet air pistol. This means two things:
- You can only fire one pellet at a time
- You need to cock the pistol after every shot
(Fortunately, the pistol is easy to cock.)
Benjamin Trail shoots 0.177 caliber pellets at a maximum of 625 FPS. In real-life conditions, you should expect somewhere between 500 and 600 FPS - good enough for pest control, but not enough to take down any animals in a hunt.
Besides power, Benjamin Trail's main advantage of over CO2 pistols are adjustable rear and front sights - you won't see that on most air pistols.
Things To Watch Out For
The rear sight can lose its zero on short distances because of a design flaw - the elevation thumb screw comes loose easily when it's maxed out. It's nothing that can't be fixed with a cheap red dot sight. You'll also need to get used to the heavy trigger.
Bottom Line
What's great about Benjamin Trail is that it only needs to be cocked once before each shot. The closest competitors - Crosman P1322 and P1377 below - need 10 pumps to shoot at their full power.
Probably the cheapest pest control pistol on the market - it's your best bet for power & accuracy under $100.
5. Crosman Vigilante - Most Powerful Revolver Pellet Gun (BB & Pellet, CO2)
Introducing Crosman Vigilante - one of the biggest, most badass-looking air pistols around. The best selling air revolver on the market. Need I say more?
Let's Take A Closer Look
Even with the plastic build, Vigilante looks like a tactical revolver. People will mistake it for a real gun in public. (The only areas made of metal are the trigger, cocking mechanism, and the lower receiver area.)
Crosman Vigilante shoots both .177 pellets and BBs, which makes it one of the most versatile air pistols on the list. The magazine holds either 10 pellets or 6 BBs. One CO2 canister lasts for about 80 rounds, which is more than any semi-auto pistol will give you.
It's rated at 435 maximum FPS. Shooting lead pellets you can expect to get about 390-410 FPS consistently, which is a solid performance for an air pistol in this price range. When you shoot, the full action hammer gives you a more realistic firing experience.
Things To Watch Out For
Crosman Vigilante shoots loud - louder than your average CO2 pistol. Accuracy could be better - the barrel is not rifled, so shooting pellets will be inaccurate no matter what you do. The full-action hammer also makes the trigger stiff, which in turn makes the gun more difficult to aim.
The sights that the pistol comes with are adjustable, but they don't always zero in properly. Consider getting a red dot sight for this one.
Bottom Line
Crosman Vigilante is the best revolver you can get for the money. Sure, it's not the most accurate air pistol around... but man - shooting this huge, loud-banging revolver is just too much fun.
6. Crosman SNR357 - Best Small Revolver (BB & Pellet, CO2)
While the Crosman Vigilante above is great, it's also on the large side and won't fit in your pocket. If you need a pellet revolver that you can actually carry around with you - say hello to Crosman SNR357 - one of the smallest BB/Pellet guns on the market.
Let's Take A Closer Look
The full metal construction is the first thing you'll notice about SNR357. This gun looks and feels like a real snub nose revolver - both far away and close up. It's your own Saturday Night Special.
Side note: There are no markings on the body indicating that this is an air pistol. Be careful carrying this in public.
Like the Vigilante above, SNR357 revolver shoots both .177 pellets and BBs. The magazine can fit either 6 BBs or 6 pellets. It's rated for 350 FPS and will shoot around 300 FPS in real-life settings using pellets. It's less powerful than other air pistols... but hey - this banger's so small that you need to sacrifice something.
You'll get about 70 shots per one CO2 canister before the accuracy and power start dropping.
Because of its realistic full-metal construction, the Crosman SNR357 is a popular choice for home defense. It just looks like a real handgun.
Side note: We're not recommending that you rely on an air pistol for home defense, but if you do, do your best to make sure that your intruder does not have a real firearm on him.
Things To Watch Out For
The barrel is short and not rifled, so don't expect extreme accuracy either with pellets or BBs.
Like all pellet revolvers, Crosman SNR357 is going to be louder than your average air pistol because of its smaller size.
Bottom Line
SNR357 is a great small pellet/BB revolver with a realistic full metal construction and a reliable performance. It's also the smallest air pistol on the market. Lower accuracy is the only real downside here, but that's the cost of keeping things small.
7. Crosman P1322 - Best Multi Stroke/Pump Air Pistol (.22 Pellet)
Another sharpshooter on the list - Crosman P1322 is the closest competitor to Benjamin Trail NP when it comes to power and accuracy. But keep in mind - you'll have to pump this one.
Let's Take A Closer Look
Crosman P1322 looks like a proper air pistol. Despite the large size, the gun is light thanks to its mostly-plastic construction. It comes with adjustable sights and is more accurate than any CO2 pistol. It's fairly silent - more silent than the CO2 revolvers above.
P1322 shoots .22 caliber pellets. They give you more kick than the .177 pellets but are also heavier and slower. The gun shoots consistently above 400 FPS with a maximum power rating of 460 FPS. It's strong enough to break thick plastic bottles and shoot through quilted blankets.
If pest control is your goal - the P1322 can reportedly kill a rat at about 10 feet with 5 pumps.
As a multi-stroke/pump pistol, you'll need to pump up the gun by hand for every shot. You can pump anywhere from 3 to 10 times - more pumps = more power. It is single-loading and has to be reloaded after every shot. (Check the video below for a demo)
Crosman P1322 has many aftermarket parts and accessories available. You can get stocks, sights, a longer barrel, receivers for it... limitless possibilities.
Side Note: Crosman P1377 is the .177 caliber model of Crosman P1377. It has a higher FPS rating, but the smaller .177 pellets have less stopping power than P1322.
Things To Watch Out For
This air pistol is a muscle-trainer. The pistol gets hard to pump after about the 7th stroke. The 10th stroke is extremely hard.
It can be difficult to get the adjustment right on the rear sight. The trigger is also hard to pull and takes time getting used to.
Bottom Line
No other pistol at this price point comes close to Crosman P1322 in accuracy and performance. It's the cheapest high powered pellet pistol you can get for target shooting and pest control around the house (rats, squirrels).
8. Crosman PSM45 - Best Spring Air Pistol (BB, The Quietest)
Simplicity is underrated. At least in the world of air pistols.
Crosman PSM45 is the best spring-action air pistol you can get. The most simple and reliable design out there, this pistol needs no CO2 and no pumping to do its job.
Let's Take A Closer Look
The construction is mostly plastic, but you do have a metal slide and a metal clip giving the pistol weight. Most important - it looks real and can be mistaken for a real handgun.
Spring action means that you'll have to cock the pistol after each shot. But you can always rely on it - unlike CO2 pistols this one never runs out of power. And since it has a magazine of 20 BBs, you can get a decent firing rate once you get used to cock the gun with your second hand.
With an FPS rating of 190, the PSM45 is not terribly powerful compared to other air pistols, even though it is one of the most powerful spring powered pistols around. It's about strong enough to penetrate one layer of cardboard at close range. This banger won't break through an aluminum can - so forget about killing any rats with it.
On the upside, Crosman PSM45 is the quietest air pistol on our list, because it's less powerful than other, more "serious" air pistols on the list. This makes it perfect for plinking in apartments and other places where you can't make as much noise.
Things To Watch Out For
The sights that the pistol comes with are not adjustable. It's only accurate up until 30-40 ft. The gun will eventually need lubing with motor/gun oil to keep it from jamming. This may come sooner or later, depending on how well they lubed yours in the factory.
Bottom Line
PSM45 is a decent, well-built plinking pistol for a low price. We don't feel that you should pay more than $30 for a spring-powered pistol - and this one checks all the boxes. If you don't want to mess with CO2 canisters - this is the gun for you.
9. Daisy Powerline 426 - Cheapest Air Pistol (BB)
Daisy Powerline 426 is one of the cheapest air pistols you can get. It retails for less than $30 on Amazon. But what can that money get you? Is it worth the price?
Let's Take A Closer Look
Despite the low price, the Powerline 426 has features that compare favorably to air pistols at 2-3 times the price. And those features make this cheapie the best air pistol value for the money.
It looks real enough to be mistaken for an actual gun, and at a solid one pound, it feels good in your hand.
It's a semi-automatic CO2 powered pistol that fires .177 caliber BBs at an extremely respectable 430 FPS. That's good enough to make it the third most powerful CO2 pistol on our list.
The 426 has a small picatinny rail on the bottom of the barrel for mounting a light or laser sight. But traditional aiming is done using simple, old school iron sites that are non-adjustable. Quick Tip - Putting a dab of white paint on the front site makes aiming a bit easier in low light situations.
Things To Watch Out For
Reloading the built-in 15 shot mag takes some getting used to. It's done through a small spring-loaded slot on top of the pistol. I lost my fair share of BBs during my first few reloading attempts, but it gets easier and faster with practice.
The 426 has a fairly heavy trigger pull compared to comparable air pistols.
Bottom Line
The Daisy Powerline 426 is one of the first air pistols I purchased as an adult, and at less than $30, it has been more than worth the price. It's the third most powerful air pistol on our list, has a solid hand feel, and is fairly accurate. Overall, a great option if you're looking for a fun, realistic air pistol for back yard plinking or self-defense.
10. Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm - Best CO2 Pistol For both BBs & Pellets
Umarex Beretta is the best semi-auto air pistol capable of shooting both BBs and pellets. From the specs, it's similar to our #1 pick Gamo PT-85 - but has a slightly lower FPS and more common quality problems.
Let's Take A Closer Look
This is Umarex's certified Beretta PX4 Storm replica. It looks and feels just like the real gun - they make these as close to the original as possible. The pistol is mostly metal, but has plastic bits here and there - just like a real firearm would have.
It's a CO2 pistol that shoots both .177 pellets and BBs. You'll need about one CO2 canister per two magazines. Like Gamo, it comes with a 2x8-round double-sided magazine. When you've shot through 8 rounds, you turn the magazine around and have your other 8.
You can get about 350 FPS consistently, which is decent but not as good as our top picks. There is blowback action, which makes shooting more realistic with recoil. Finally, you can attach a flashlight or a laser sight to the accessory rail under the barrel.
Things To Watch Out For
The sights can't be adjusted and quality issues are more common than on Gamo.
Bottom Line
Umarex Beretta PX4 Storm is the best air pistol if you want to shoot both BBs and pellets - without having to get a revolver.
11. Umarex Colt 1911 Commander - The Most Realistic & Quietest CO2 BB Air Pistol
We didn't include Umarex Colt 1911 Commander for its accuracy or FPS. In fact, it doesn't perform as well as other air pistols on our list.
No. Colt Commander made its way to our list because it's one of the best-, real-looking BB pistols around. It is the best 1-to-1 replica air pistol on our list.
Let's Take A Closer Look
Modeled after the legendary Colt 1911, Commander is a solid, full-metal air pistol. It looks just like the real thing - you won't tell them apart. Handles are the only plastic parts on this handgun, but you can easily change them for better ones.
It's a CO2 pistol that shoots BBs only. One CO2 tank lasts for about 3 magazines - 18 rounds per magazine. The accuracy starts dropping after about 22 shots - which is average for CO2 guns. Colt Commander is a relatively accurate gun, compared to other air pistols. It comes with adjustable sights and is accurate up until 30 feet or so.
Commander is rated for a maximum 325 FPS, which is not a lot for an air pistol in this price range. We'd like to see more power, but you need to keep in mind that blowback action takes up more CO2 on a large gun like this. On the upside, the low FPS makes this cold the quietest CO2 BB air pistol on our list.
Bottom Line
While it gets 10/10 in the looks department, we would expect a better performance from Colt Commander at its price point. Still, if you want a realistic-looking 1911 air pistol - it's hard to go wrong with this one.
12. Umarex Colt Army 45 - Best Realistic Revolver
Continuing on the realism wave. Like the Commander above, Umarex Colt Army 45 is an extremely realistic replica of an actual Colt Peacemaker revolver. It's one of the most realistic-looking air revolvers that we've seen.
Let's Take A Closer Look
Army 45 comes with full metal construction. The handle is the only plastic part of this gun. It looks and operates like the real thing. Even the 6-round cylinder loads just like on peacemaker - instead of swinging out, you load it through the loading gate on the right of the cylinder.
And people will mistake this one for a real gun, so be prepared.
It shoots .177 pellets and has a rifled barrel. You can make it into a dual pellet/BB pistol, as there are BB cartridges available for this model. It's rated for 410 FPS, which is a little less than Umarex Vigilante that we reviewed above.
As all CO2 revolvers, this one is loud when it shoots - louder than the semi-auto pistols. You get about 70 shots per CO2 cartridge with the velocity dropping after about 30 rounds. With its fixed front sights, the revolver is accurate out to about 30 yards.
Things To Watch Out For
The hammer doesn't rest inside the frame of the pistol but sits outside by a quarter to 3/8ths of an inch. And that's just enough to catch your thumb when you try to do a forward spin. And while this flaw is not fatal, you can't call this gun a 100% replica because of it.
Bottom Line
Colt Peacemaker looks amazing. And if you want that realistic revolver look - go for it. But be warned - this revolver's not cheap. All in all, you'll get a better performance out of Crosman Vigilante for the price. It retails for about 50% the price of Colt Army 45.
Air Pistol Buyer’s Guide
What Is An Air Pistol?
An air pistol is any pistol that can fire projectiles with compressed air without using gunpowder. That does not mean that they're harmless, though - air pistols can still be dangerous if not handled properly, especially the replica models that look like real handguns.
There are 5 main types of air pistols:
- CO2
- Spring
- PCP
- Break-Barrel
- Pump-action
And there are 2 different types of ammo that air pistols shoot:
- Steel BB rounds
- Pellets
Below is a short breakdown of air pistol types, and the differences between shooting BBs and Pellets.
Air Pistol Types
Spring Pistols
Maximum Power: ~300 FPS
There's a large spring inside the pistol driving the piston and pushing out the projectile out. You have to cock the pistol by hand after every shot. You also don't need to worry about your CO2 canister running out.
This is your cheapest and weakest air pistol - like the one that kids play around with.
CO2 Pistols
Maximum Power: ~500 FPS
A CO2 pistol is your generalist air pistol - jack of all trades and master of none. It is powered by disposable CO2 canisters and will let you shoot anywhere between 50-100 rounds in a row before you need to change the canister.
Side note: CO2 pistols have problems with power and accuracy in colder climates - in case you're planning to shoot outdoors in winter.
Pump Pistols: Single-Stroke and Multi-Stroke
Maximum Power: ~600 FPS
Both single stroke and multi-stroke pump pistols have an air reservoir inside.
With single stroke pistols, you'll compress all of the air needed to fire in one stroke. These pistols are usually a bit of a challenge to cock since you're compressing a lot of air with your hands.
Multi-stroke means that the pistol has a pump built inside of it - you pump the air into it with multiple strokes. You control exactly how much power you want your shots to have.
Break Barrel Pistols
Maximum Power: ~650 FPS
A break-barrel pistol is also powered by a spring. But instead of cocking it by hand, you "break" the barrel and use it as a lever to cock the gun. Break barrel pistols are more expensive and pack serious power. They're good for target shooting and pest control.
PCP Pistols
Maximum Power: ~750 FPS
A PCP pistol has a canister of gas inside of it with a valve to push the projectile out. The gas canister can be refilled from:
- Dive tanks
- Hand pumps
- And specially designed air compressors.
PCP pistols have no recoil and are known for their power and accuracy. PCP pistols are the most powerful and accurate air pistols, but they're also the most expensive ones.
Side note: PCP stands for pre-charged pneumatic.
Air Pistol Ammo: BBs vs Pellets
Air pistols shoot either:
- BBs
- Pellets
- Or both
BBs are small balls made out of steel and plastic. They're less aerodynamic and less accurate than pellets. BB pistols are good for "fun" shooting, but not accurate enough for anything serious.
Pellets have sort of a "skirt" that expands when they are fired, sealing the pellet against the barrel. Pellets are more accurate and powerful compared to BBs. This makes them better for more "serious" shooting - like pest control and competitions.
Pellet pistols also usually end up costing more since you need a rifled barrel to shoot pellets accurately.
Side note: Lead pellets are most common, but platinum pellets give you the highest FPS because of their lightness. There are different pellet designs, but Diablo is the most common.
Power Matters, But Not As Much As You Think
"What's the most powerful air pistol?"
That's one of the most common questions I hear about air pistols. Here's the short answer:
The maximum you can do with a CO2 pistol is a little below 500 FPS. If you want 600 or 700, you'll have to get a break-barrel or PCP pistol.
What many people don't know is that FPS claims on air pistols are usually exaggerated. Most of the pistols advertising "480+" FPS on Amazon shoots around 400 in real-life conditions.
Which is why we did extra research - and included the actual FPS performance of these pistols in reviews and the comparison table.
At the end of the day, there is little difference between a 350 FPS pistol and a 500 FPS pistol. Because having a high FPS only matters if you're shooting over long distances.
And the CO2 pistol is simply not accurate enough to shoot over long distances - whether target practice or pest control.
Blowback Action On CO2 Pistols
Blowback action adds realism to the CO2 BB guns, simulating the recoil of a real handgun and allowing for a true single action trigger operation.
Many CO2 pistols even lock the slide back on the last shot so that you know that you're out of ammo. So you can practice your magazine drops and reloading.
The downside of blowback action is that it uses a bit more CO2 to operate the slide of your air pistol. You're losing out on 50 or so FPS in power with blowback action, but we believe that the realism you're getting is well worth it.
With blowback action, you'll get:
- A better, more realistic shooting experience
- Slightly lower FPS (-50 or so)
Air Pistol Brands
Good air pistol brands are:
Most replicas are made by Umarex. If you ever see an air pistol being sold as Sig Sauer, Beretta, Colt, S&W, etc. - there's a good chance that it's made by Umarex.
Optional Reading: Using Air Pistols For Self Defense
When it comes to self-defense, nothing can beat a real firearm. The thing is, you don't always have access to real firearms.
Maybe you can't obtain a gun legally. And even if you can, there are the gun-free zones where you can't take it - government buildings, schools, etc.
In situations where don't have access to a real firearm, getting an air pistol is the best thing you can do. Here's why:
A realistic-looking air pistol has about 92% chance of stopping your attacker.
Sounds too good to be true? Not according to research. Here's what criminologists Kleck and Gertz found out in their study on armed resistance to crime.
There are about 2.5 million armed self-defense incidents in the U.S. per year. In less than 8% of these cases would the armed citizen actually kill or wound his/her attacker. Most of them ended with attackers getting scared off - either through brandishing the firearm or firing warning shots.
What this means is -
An air / gas pistol is enough for most self-defense situations that you'll come across. As long as your attacker thinks it's real.
Here are 3 rules to help you choose an air pistol for self-defense.
Rule #1: It Must Look Real
The more realistic your air pistol looks, the better. If it looks like a toy - even remotely - forget about using it for self-defense.
Rule #2: Use A High-FPS Pellet Pistol
In the 8% chance that you don't manage to scare off your attacker, you're going to want something that can hurt your attacker.
You're going to want an air pistol that:
- Shoots pellets
- With a minimum of 400FPS
Pellets rip through clothing and cause serious pain, especially from a short distance. Depending on the thickness of clothing, they might even penetrate through the skin.
Of course - this is assuming that your attacker doesn't have a firearm. If he does, there is nothing you can do.
Rule #3: Reliability
If you're getting an air pistol for self-defense, make sure that it's reliable. Any decent, reliable air pistol is going to cost you about $80 - $100.
You can get cheaper air pistols, but we don't recommend them as they're unreliable and have more plastic in the construction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is The Best Air Pistol For Self Defense?
The best air pistol for self defense is a pistol that:
- Looks like a real gun
- Shoots pellets
- Has a reasonably high FPS rating.
We recommend using Gamo PT-85 that took #1 on our list, but any quality replica air pistol will do as long as it looks real.
Important: Using an air pistol for self defense only works against unarmed attackers. If you pull out a realistic-looking air pistol against an armed attacker, you are putting your life in danger.
Pellet Pistols vs. BB Pistols: Which Are More Powerful?
Pellet pistols are more powerful and more accurate than BB pistols. The downside is that pellets (and pellet guns) cost more than BBs (and BB guns), and also take more time to load into the magazine. Go for pellets pistols if you need power & accuracy, and go for BBs for easy backyard plinking.
How Many Shots Can You Get Out Of A CO2 Cartridge?
One CO2 cartridge will give you 50-80 shots depending on the construction of your particular air pistol model. Air revolvers are more CO2-efficient, while air pistols with blowback action spend more CO2 per shot (but give you a more realistic shooting experience).
Can A BB Or A Pellet Gun Kill You?
Under normal circumstances, a BB or a pellet gun is not powerful enough to kill a human. But everything depends on the circumstances – how far you are from the gun, how powerful your gun is, etc. While they can’t kill, air guns can most certainly make someone lose their vision if the shot hits the eye. They are not toys, and you should treat an air gun like you would an ordinary handgun. Especially with kids in the house.
If you’re worried about safety, we recommend going for a less powerful air gun, and always wearing protective eyewear while shooting. Even the weakest BB gun can cause serious damage to eyes if you get a direct hit.
What Are BB Guns Used For?
BB and pellet guns are usually used for the following activities:
- Plinking (shooting cans & targets)
- Target shooting
- Firearms handling training
- Pest control
- Self- and home-defense (against unarmed attackers)
- Hunting (only powerful air rifles)
Will A Pellet Gun Stop An Intruder?
Yes, a pellet gun will most probably stop an intruder – studies (referenced above) have shown a 92% chance of scaring off an attacker when using a realistic-looking air gun. We only recommend using air guns against unarmed attackers. If you have reason to believe that your intruder is armed, it’s best not to put your life in danger by threatening him with an air gun.
Are Air Pistols Legal? (Pellet & BB)
Air pistols are legal in most of the U.S. states, but some states have extra rules and regulations. More specifically, you should look at your local laws if you live in:
- NY & its boroughs
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington DC
- Chicago
- New Jersey
Even if you don't live in one of those states, your local legislation might change in the future, so make sure to look up your state’s airgun laws before making a purchase.
Do Air Guns Make Noise?
Yes, air guns make noise when shooting. Usual CO2 pistols are not terribly loud when shooting, and you should be fine unless you live in an apartment with thin walls. Even then, you can choose to go for one of the weaker FPS air pistols, as less power = less noise. For example, a spring-powered air pistol will be quiet enough for an apartment.
Competitors That Didn’t Make It
Out of the total 34 air pistols that we reviewed, only 12 made it into the list. Here is a list of competitors with their specs - and the reasons for why we didn't include them.
Crosman 2240. 460 FPS, Pellet, CO2, 0.22 Cal., Magazine - Single Load. While 2240 is a solid pellet pistol, it is bolt loading which means that you can only fire one pellet at a time. And Crosman P1377 or Benjamin Trail NP are both better single loading choices at this price point.
Sig Sauer P226. 450 FPS, Pellet, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 16. Sig Sauer P226 is made for training muscle memory for police and military personnel. The pistol looks extremely realistic but has major accuracy issues which make it a bad deal at the high price point.
Sig Sauer P320. 430 FPS, BB & Pellet, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 30. Unfortunately, Sig P320's 30-round rotary magazine is so poorly made that you'll have a hard time firing off all the BBs without the magazine jamming. Combined with Sig's high price point, this one's a pass. You can get a realistic-looking air pistol from Gamo or Umarex instead.
Beeman P17. 410 FPS, Pellet, Single Stroke, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - Single Load. Beeman P17 is a single stroke, single load pellet pistol that comes with a cheap red sight dot attached. But with single load pistols, you'll get better quality from established brands, Crosman or Benjamin.
Beeman Sportsman Series Deluxe. 410 FPS, Pellet, Single Stroke, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - Single Load. Another of Beeman's single load pistols - same as above.
Winchester Model 11K. 410 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 16. Winchester 11K retails for about the same price as Sig Sauer but is made cheaper and has quality issues with magazines falling out etc.
Daisy 5172 Power Line. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 21. Daisy 5172 Power Line looks good on the paper, but it doesn't live up to its advertised FPS rate. We didn't like the odd design, either.
Daisy Unisex Powerline 415. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 21. Daisy 415 is an alright BB pistol, but it loses to Crosman and Umarex in build quality and reliability.
Crosman 40001 1911. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 20. The magazine has issues with BBs falling out when it is removed. The construction is full-plastic. You'll get more value for your money with one of our Umarex picks above.
Crosman C11 Semi-Auto. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 18. C11 Looks good on paper, but defects are common - the magazine not staying in place, the handle sliding etc. ... Crosman usually makes quality, but this pistol is not up to par with the rest.
Umarex Colt 6" Python. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 10. Umarex Colt 6" Python is a fantastic-looking revolver, but it can only shoot BBS and not pellets. You can get a better deal with one of the revolvers included in the list - they shoot both pellets and BBs.
Umarex Legends Luger. 400 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 21. Unless you want a replica of a WW II German pistol, this one's a pass.
Umarex Brodax. 375 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 10. Another decent revolver from Umarex, but since it can shoot BBs only we prefer Crosman's Vigilante.
Umarex Legends M712. 350 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 18. Unless you want a replica of a WW II German pistol, this one's a pass.
Remington 1911RAC. 320 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 18. Remington's 1911 replica is decent, but considering its high price you can get a better deal with Colt or Beretta if you want a replica. If you want performance, Gamo and Benjamin beat this one out any day.
Smith & Wesson M&P 40. 310 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 15. A decent blowback BB pistol that unfortunately has CO2 and magazine quality issues.
Umarex Beretta M92. 310 FPS, BB, CO2, 0.177 Cal., Magazine - 19. We liked the other Beretta replica better. This pistol doesn't load pellets, while the other one does. All in all, it's not worth the money.
Beretta M92. 260 FPS, BB, Spring, 0.22 Cal., Magazine - 12. The BBs fall out of the barrel if you hold the pistol downward while it's loaded. The magazine is also sensitive.
The Final Word
While researching, we noticed a massive lack of information on the topic of air pistols.
More specifically:
- How to choose & what to look for
- What the best air pistol models are on the market
- Whether the most powerful ones are necessarily the best ones
- Whether you can use it for self-defense
- And the BB vs. Pellet pistol dilemma
All we could find were:
- A couple of TOP 10 lists that don't explain why their air pistol picks are the best
- Videos on Youtube are mostly reviews of single guns or explanatory videos like the one that I linked to about using an air pistol for self-defense
We hope this guide helped you choose the right air pistol for you.
- Have you used any of the pistols we listed above?
- Or do you think that а particular pistol should be added to the guide?
Let us know in the comments!
Wow, thanks for this excellent article. I bought a Gamo PT85 as a result and am very impressed with it's realism and fun factor..
One of the reasons I bought it was for protection, but then I read that you can't leave the CO2 cylinder in the gun too long because it will damage the rubber seal. How long is too long?
Would I be better off with a pistol like the Benjamin Trail, assuming it will retain the air? Your advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe
That’s an ongoing concern for me as well best for me to insert co2 prior to using then remove it costly but should extend life of pistol. Also ruined a pistol by leaving co2 inside for too long!!
the vigilante does have a threaded barrel. They are actually very accurate.. and with H&N Hornets deadly to some pesky usurpers..
Thanks for your comment. I was about to say the same things.
I definitely think you guys missed one the browning 800 express break barrel i saw one at a sportsmans wharehouse store and bought it haven't seen another one except on line it has good power but does kick pretty good it's hard to keep the sights accurate because of the kick. Anyway if you can find one check it out
Hi, I'm blind, would like one for self defence, one I could carry in a hoster, maybe one of the PCP's, but not sure what would be best! Thanks!
Hi Tim, while I have no experience with being blind and the regulations for carrying air pistols (if there even are any!), I would recommend a normal CO2 pistol like Gamo or Umarex Beretta clones over the PCP options. PCP pistols tend to be on the large side, and you usually won't be carrying one in a holster. Hope this helps, and thanks for writing.
Rob
I can't say that I agree with this advancements have been made with pellet pistols and rifles if it can kill a deer it's going to stop a human threat. Would I carry a pellet pistol for self-defense in the community or public absolutely not because then I'm gambling with other people's lives! I am a felon who because of a nonviolent felony 17 years ago cannot have a gun I haven't had so much as a speeding ticket in 15 years! Am I supposed to just be helpless If somebody tries to come into my home in the middle of the night? NOPE! what they will get instead is 30 arrow tipped Platinum pellets coming at their head and chest area at close to 1,000 feet per second from a PCP charged Benjamin rifle! While my wife releases a 30-foot stream of bear mace in their general direction! while we make a tactical retreat in any direction other than the direction of the threat! If I am going to die I will die fighting and since the government feels that I do not have the right to protect my family this is the only viable option I have!
I too have a non violent felony from almost 30 years ago actually for a DUI and have no violence on my record so can't own a fire arm but still have a driver's licence doesn't make sense so I own several air guns and a cross bow and compound bow which are very deadly
Hi Charles. I'm in the same boat I'm 53 and had a run in with the law at 20 years old due to a friend carrying a gun in NYC. Friends talked me into pleading guilty and getting 5 years probation which I hate myself for doing so. Now I live in Western NY own our home and can't get a gun unless I pay like $3K for an attorney to expunge my case but that's a gamble. I did purchase a Gamo pellet rifle and was looking at the legality of shooting the pellet rifle in our yard and apparently the law states a person with a felony isn't even allowed to shoot bb / pellet gun or rifle. Wow how bad laws are in the state of NY.
Thanks Rob. Great research. You answered questions I didn't even know to ask. Thanks for stopping me from throwing money into a POS. I'll decide between the Vigilante & the Benjamin trail. I'll be be using it for fun & vermin. I've got, I think it's a crossman or Benjamin series H9A. Serial #202700137. Can you tell me anything about it? Thanks again.
Thanks for a great read. My air pistol bit the big one and died. I really enjoyed your in depth research. Much love from Texas
I just wanted to mention that the comment above you left for the Blind Guy probably didn't help him cause he can't see it lol. But that aside I want to purchase one of the Air Pistol Glocks to add to my collection. But which one has a full metal body if none at least a metal slide and full blowback action and preferrably a drop out magazine ? I get so confused when looking through them on Ebay cause all these different sellers have them listed all whacky like 1 sellers page when describing a particular Glock will say 2 or even 3 different FPS ratings throughout the description instead of just 1 FPS. I'm sitting there like well which one is it ? Can't have 3 different FPS's for 1 gun. Also have seen crazy asking prices for them as well ranging from $99.oo all the way up to $500 !! I want one with Full Blowback, Metal, Drop Out Mag, and as much FPS for being a blowback as possible. Do you know which model has these features and approx. Price I should expect to pay ?
Just FYI…..Blind is a legal term and is not the same as sightless, although it includes sightless. Years ago I worked with an individual who was legally blind. He used a white-tipped cane and could not drive, but was able to read with very high magnification. I don’t have any details beyond that. I also suspect today there is camera-based software that can convert the written words to audible.
I agree… not to mention anyone with a phone that was made in this decade or probably millennium has the ability to read any written text it can display on its screen… txt, email, website, address book and phone numbers for incoming calls… I mean I can tell Siri to set my light to warm white and 50 percent and turn the heat up to cozy warm 74 degrees and put some Percy Sledge on the stereo in the LR and have here put “I love you” up on the TV for my significant other to see all while driving a car that brakes and turns to keep my dumb butt between the highway lines and avoid accidents after of course I stopped at the local florist and got some roses brought to the curb so I don’t have to get off my lazy tail and go inside. Now that is just the phone… of course if I was really that lazy why why would I want any type of air gun or anything else that would mean I actually had to do something besides ask for the world to be brought to me… That is just my lazy speech, I am a disabled Veteran and fully support traditional gun totin “Merican” values. For the felony guys look into paper cartridge black powder replicas of the 1850’s to 1870’s if you want a not a firearm “gun” that would kill any threat that would be in your home with ill intent and protect your family…
awesome review thanks for the info i have the guerrilla Beretta and Markov from kwc i now know a Lott more about my C02's thanks again
The african-boss shooter
This is a great site - thank you. I live in England and need your advice.
Now, I know less than nothing about air weapons - or any other kind! However, being a disabled 76 year old, I feel I must have some form of convincing, legal weapon with which to defend myself at home should the need ever arise.
This is what I think I need:
* An air pistol capable of firing more than one shot at a time
* A weapon with "stopping power" - but not at a lethal level!
* Obviously, the weapon must be capable of convincing others of its lethality (even though it's not).
I'd love to hear the opinions of those who have the necessary knowledge to advise me.
Thank you all in advance.
I just returned the Sig P226 as the magazine jams all the time and I finally gave up. I followed all the videos I could find on how to get the magazine out and decided I wasn’t returning it to Sig to be repaired since I was within my return period and had been using the proper pellets. It’s a shame something that looks and feels so nice is junk..
I had purchased PX50 Match Pro Air Pistol from Precihole Sports It has very easy to use. I suggest to Precihole sports.
I've had a Hatsan Model 25 Supercharger .22 cal. break-barrel for 8 years now and am getting ~520FPS with 14.3 grain Crosman pellets, about 8.5FPE. Very well-built gun, cost $130.00. The .22 cal versions are hard to find now but .177 models are available and also perform very well. It's a bit awkward to shoot off-hand (at least for me) but the power is there.
Surprised to see no mention of Weihrauch pistols, any reason why
Unless you speak German, The Site is useless!
do you have updates on this topic? Did newer and better pellet pistols come out?
Hey Jonik, thanks for your question.
I try to update each article regularly - tweaking them as new info becomes available, and product availability or quality changes. Once per year or so, I do a more thorough review and re-write. The Best Air Pistols update should be coming soon - stay tuned!
Best,
Robert
I purchased the Crossman Vigilante. I'm 63 and walk for exercise. This has saved my butt several times. No quick draw as it is decent lengthy barrel. But,I had a custom holster made. Quick release magnetic enclosed. And lots of practice. I like the pellet cartridge inserts. I carry at least 10 when I'm walking. Can change out around 8 seconds. Again,lots of practice. I "retired" the real thing years ago. Just basically dealing with punks and pussies today. World has changed.
Good post, Joe Mac - thanks for the info.
Have read this and other articles but have only seen one mention of the biggest problem I have - changing CO 2 cartridges .
I’ve got arthritis and changing the CO2 cartridge is very difficult with the design unless you use pliers and it’s still not easy. There’s always too much gas loss.
My current gun is a Beretta APX and the swivel tab broke off but was difficult to use even when new. I’m not sure what my previous gun was because I already disposed of it.
Is there any good brand of inexpensive gusto use for discouraging pests? It doesn’t need to be lethal . I’m in the country and it’s mainly cats, dogs and coyotes , but there are snakes and wild pigs.
I would appreciate any information on a good , reasonably price gun.
Thank you,
Hey Rick,
Good question - and you're right, changing CO2 cartridges on some of these pistols can be a chore.
My recommendation is to look for a PCP air pistol like the Benjamin Marauder - you can check out our review above. You fill the canister using a hand pump or air compressor (I recommend the compressor due to your arthritis). It's definitely not cheap - but it's fun, powerful (up to 700fps), accurate and should be much easier for you to use then trying to manipulate CO2 cartridges.
Let me know what you think if you decide to give it a go.
Rob -
Quick question that I'm not having any luck Googling.....Can a hi-powered pellet pistol puncture a car tire?
anyone heard of sempster air target pistol mod m79 need owners manual m 79