Best Air Pistols of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2025

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Air pistols are a type of air gun that uses compressed air to shoot pellets or BBs. They are popular among hobbyists, target shooters, and hunters alike due to their accuracy, ease of use, and affordability. Air pistols come in various shapes and sizes, from classic revolvers to modern semi-automatic models. Some are powered by CO2 cartridges, while others use a spring or pump action mechanism. They can be used for plinking, pest control, or even competitive shooting. Overall, air pistols offer a fun and practical way to enjoy shooting sports without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Cover #TOP 1
Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Crosman P10 CO2 Powered Semi Auto BB Air Pistol Cover #TOP 2
Crosman P10 CO2 Powered Semi Auto BB Air Pistol
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Cover #TOP 3
Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Air Pistols

Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

2255200
Black
One Size
Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Cover
Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

The Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a 15-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge. It shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 410 FPS and features an integrated Weaver rail for easy mounting of accessories, fixed Glock-style sights, and officially licensed Glock markings. This air pistol is made of metal and plastic and is suitable for ages 16 and up.

What We Like
Authentic design
Comfortable grip
Consistent performance
Durable construction
Realistic blowback action
What We Don't Like
Limited magazine capacity
CO2 cartridge dependency

Crosman P10 CO2 Powered Semi Auto BB Air Pistol

P10KT
Multi
Crosman P10 CO2 Powered Semi Auto BB Air Pistol Cover
Crosman Phantom P10KT CO2-Powered Semi-Auto BB Air Pistol Kit

The Crosman P10 Kit CO2 Powered Semi Auto BB Air Pistol is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable air pistol. It features a steel barrel, removable grip for easy replacement of Co2, quick release, 20 round drop-out magazine, and an under barrel accessory rail. The kit includes P10, Copperhead BBs, 2 Co2 cartridges, and Shooting glasses. Customers have praised the kit for its accuracy and power, and it's a great choice for target practice or as a gift for a pre-teen.

What We Like
Great quality
Comes with targets
Perfect size for kids
Helps with coordination
Accurate shooting
What We Don't Like
Not very powerful
Potential jamming issues
#TOP 3

Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

2254804
Multi
One Size
Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Cover
Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol , Black (pack of 1)

The Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a lightweight and durable air pistol powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge. It shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 410 fps and features an integrated Picatinny accessory mount for easy addition of optics, lasers, or lights. It has a 19-shot drop-free metal magazine and a lightweight, compact design. Customers have found it to be accurate and powerful, with an average of 150 shots per CO2 cartridge.

What We Like
Great price-to-value ratio
Accurate for non-adjustable sights
Sturdy and well-designed
Comfortable grip and feel
Fun to shoot
What We Don't Like
Trigger pull could be lighter
Possible jamming issues
#TOP 4

Umarex GLOCK 17 Air Pistol

2255208
Black
One Size
Umarex GLOCK 17 Air Pistol Cover
Umarex GLOCK 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, Gen3

The Umarex GLOCK 17 Air Pistol is a .177 caliber BB gun with 18-shot capacity and realistic blowback action. It can shoot up to 365 fps with .177 caliber steel BBs and is powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (not included). The pistol features a full metal slide, drop-out metal magazine, and realistic controls. It also has fixed Glock-style sights and officially licensed Glock markings, making it compatible with most aftermarket duty holsters.

What We Like
Realistic feel and operation
High-quality craftsmanship
Accurate shooting performance
No CO2 leakage
Fun for backyard practice
What We Don't Like
Trigger pull inconsistencies
Some minor mechanical issues
#TOP 5

Daisy Powerline 415 Pistol Air Gun Kit

985415-242
Black
Daisy Powerline 415 Pistol Air Gun Kit Cover
Daisy Powerline 415 Pistol Air Gun Kit

The Daisy Powerline 415 Pistol Air Gun Kit is a CO2 powered semi-automatic air pistol with a 177 cal. BB Pistol and a smooth bore steel barrel. It has a 21-shot built-in BB magazine and a max velocity of 500 fps. The kit includes shooting glasses, targets, 350 ct. BB tube and three CO2 cylinders. Customers have praised the gun for its solid construction, accuracy, and easy loading, though some have noted that it can be difficult to quickly and visually inspect remaining BBs.

What We Like
Realistic appearance and weight
Easy CO2 loading mechanism
Powerful performance
Includes safety glasses
Great value for the price
What We Don't Like
Sights may need adjustment
Somewhat loud noise

Crosman P1377BR American Classic Multi Pump Air Pistol

P1377BR
Brown
0.177CAL
Crosman P1377BR American Classic Multi Pump Air Pistol Cover
Crosman P1377BR American Classic Variable-Pump .177-Caliber Pellet Air Pistol, Brown

The Crosman P1377BR American Classic Multi Pump .177-Caliber Pneumatic Pellet Air Pistol is a great choice for skill development training. It features a synthetic grip with a rifled steel barrel, a pneumatic design with variable pump power, a single shot bolt action for easier cocking and loading, and a crossbolt safety. It also has a fixed blade front sight and adjustable rear sight for accuracy. Customers have noted its accuracy and power, though some have experienced poor accuracy with certain pellets.

What We Like
Low cost of shooting
Easy to upgrade
Accurate performance
Fun for all ages
Sturdy construction
What We Don't Like
Plastic parts may feel less premium
#TOP 7

Umarex Colt Defender Semi Automatic Metal Frame .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

2254020
Black
Medium
Umarex Colt Defender Semi Automatic Metal Frame .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Cover
Umarex Colt Defender Semi Automatic Metal Frame .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

The Umarex Colt Defender Semi Automatic Metal Frame .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a powerful and realistic air pistol that shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 410 fps. It has a durable and realistic all metal frame and slide, fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight, and an integrated accessory rail. It is powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 NOT included) and holds up to 16 shots. Customers have praised its accuracy, weight, and realism, though some have noted that it can be prone to jamming and leaking air.

What We Like
Accurate and realistic design
Easy loading mechanism
Good weight and balance
Quiet operation
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Feeding issues with BBs
Very realistic appearance
#TOP 8

Crosman C11-N BB Air Pistol

C11-N
Black
Crosman C11-N BB Air Pistol Cover
Crosman C11-N Semi-Auto CO2-Powered BB Air Pistol, FFP

The Crosman C11-N Pistol is a semi-automatic BB air pistol designed for high performance and user convenience. It operates using a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge, allowing you to achieve impressive speeds of up to 480 feet per second, making it great for target practice. With a 20-round magazine, you can enjoy extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads. The addition of a Picatinny rail lets you easily attach accessories, enhancing your shooting experience. Plus, the fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight help you maintain accuracy, ensuring you hit your target consistently.

What We Like
Affordable price
Fun for casual shooting
Good power and capacity
Durable construction
Comfortable weight
What We Don't Like
Loading can be tricky
Some accuracy concerns
#TOP 9

Gamo P-430 CO2 Pellet/BB Pistol

611137836PK3
Multi
One Size
Gamo P-430 CO2 Pellet/BB Pistol Cover
Gamo P-430 Dual Pellet/BB Air Pistol air Pistol

The Gamo P-430 CO2 Pellet/BB Pistol is a .177 caliber air pistol that shoots alloy pellets at 495 FPS. It features a 16 pellet/BB double magazine, fixed sights, manual safety, smooth bore barrel, non-blowback, and an accessory tactical rail. This pistol is great for target shooting and small game hunting. It comes with a 1-year warranty and includes the pellet/BB pistol and magazine.

What We Like
Lightweight and fast shooting
High accuracy
Good CO2 efficiency
Reliable for target practice
Easy to load magazines
What We Don't Like
Loading BBs can be tedious
Some quality control issues
#TOP 10

Umarex Trevox .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Pistol

2251348
Multi
One Size
Umarex Trevox .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Pistol Cover
Umarex Trevox Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Gun Air Pistol

The Umarex Trevox air pistol features the TNT power system, providing smooth and consistent shooting, and a 5-chamber SilencAir sound dampener to reduce noise. It is suitable for close range varmint control and plinking, shooting .177 caliber pellets at up to 600 fps. The air pistol also includes adjustable fiber optic sights and is built with a durable all-weather frame.

What We Like
Accurate and powerful
Quiet operation
Easy to sight in
Good for pest control
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Trigger pull is lengthy
Cocking requires effort
Buying Guide Image

The Right Air Pistols for You

When choosing an air pistol, the most important factor to consider is the type of pistol that best suits your needs. There are several types of air pistols available, including CO2-powered pistols, break-barrel springers, and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) guns. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand what each offers before making a purchase decision.

CO2-powered pistols are powered by disposable carbon dioxide cartridges and offer a high rate of fire with relatively low recoil. They are ideal for target shooting and informal plinking but lack accuracy at longer distances compared to the other types of air pistols. Break-barrel springers require manual cocking for each shot, but provide good accuracy and excellent power. They are great for hunting, target shooting, and field target competitions. PCP guns require a separate air tank and offer the highest level of accuracy and power of any type of air pistol. However, they are more expensive and complex than the other types.

Once you've chosen an air pistol, it's important to properly maintain it to ensure peak performance. This includes regularly cleaning the barrel with a soft-bristled brush and lubricating all moving parts after every use. Additionally, store your gun in a cool dry place away from dust or moisture to avoid corrosion or wear on any metal components. If you're using a CO2-powered pistol, make sure to replace the cartridges periodically so your gun will always function properly. With proper maintenance and care, you can enjoy your air pistol for many years to come.

In addition to the tips above, it's also important to practice safe shooting techniques when using an air pistol. Always wear eye protection when handling or shooting a gun, and ensure that the area around the target is clear of people or other animals before pulling the trigger. Moreover, if you're having trouble with accuracy or performance, consult a qualified gunsmith for advice on how to improve your results. By following these steps and taking good care of your air pistol, you can continue enjoying its use for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there lethal air pistols?

While common air pistols are generally considered toys, there is a small chance that they can be lethal. However, it is important not to play with them or use them for self-defense. Piston-powered air pistols are typically the most powerful, although there are also powerful CO2 and pneumatic models available.

2. Are air pistols good for self-defense?

No, air pistols are not recommended for self-defense purposes. Using an air pistol for self-defense can result in charges of assault with a deadly weapon, regardless of whether the attacker has a weapon. Even if some air pistols are powerful enough to inflict harm, it is crucial to understand that they are not suitable or legal for self-defense.

3. Are air pistols effective?

The effectiveness of air pistols can be a controversial topic. Some air pistols, such as the Gamo PT-85 Blowback CO2 Pistol or the SPA CP1-M CO2 Pistol, can potentially harm an aggressor due to their high power. However, caution must be exercised when handling any type of air pistol.

4. How powerful is a .22 air pistol?

Most air pistols and replicas have a power range of 2-3ft/lbs, as they are not designed to be highly powerful. The Crosman 2240 is considered one of the most powerful .22 air pistols, with a power output of around 5-5.5ft/lbs.

5. What damage can an air pistol do?

Air pistols have the potential to cause serious injuries. Cardiac injuries can be fatal, while penetrating abdominal injuries involving organs or blood vessels require immediate medical attention. If possible, intracranial air weapon pellets should be removed. Pellets lodged in the lung or muscle can typically be left in place, but there is a risk of infection.

6. How far can an air pistol shoot?

The effective range of an air pistol varies depending on factors such as shooting technique and the specific model. Most shooters find a limit of around 20-30 yards for consistent hunting accuracy. However, some skilled shooters can accurately hunt beyond 50 yards with certain air pistols.

7. What are the disadvantages of air guns?

One of the main disadvantages of air guns, specifically PCP air rifles, is that their reservoirs need to be filled using a compressor or a special pump. Hand pumps require a significant number of strokes to reach the required pressure of 2,000-3,000 psi. This can be time-consuming and physically demanding.

Editor's Notes

During our air pistol research, we found 24 air pistol products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 213,701 customer reviews through our big data system to write the air pistols list. We found that most customers choose air pistols with an average price of $58.59.

The air pistols are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of air pistols, including Umarex, Crosman, Daisy, Gamo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,143 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.

Air Pistols Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Umarex Crosman Umarex Umarex Daisy Crosman Umarex Crosman Gamo Umarex
Color Black Multi Multi Black Black Brown Black Black Multi Multi
Item Weight 1.6 Pounds 1.31 Pounds 0.7 Pounds 1.5 Pounds 0.93 Pounds 1.88 Pounds 0.82 Kilograms 0.76 Pounds 0.95 Pounds 2 Pounds
Air Gun Power Type Electric CO2 CO2 CO2 CO2 Pump-Piston CO2 CO2 CO2 Gas-Piston
Barrel Material Type Metal Metal Metal Metal Alloy Steel Alloy Steel Metal Alloy Steel plastic
Frame Material Polymer Plastic Plastic Metal Plastic Plastic Metal Plastic Plastic Metal
Rounds 15 20 19 18 21 - 16 16 16 1
Team Name Air Pistol Air Pistol Air Pistol Air Pistol - Classic Air Pistol - P 430 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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