Part air rifle, part air pistol, the MP661k-09 DROZD has a select-fire system—one-, three- and six-round burst—with a 600-rpm rate of fire. Equipped with a 400-round, hopper-fed magazine, the DROZD is fueled by 12- or 88-gram CO2 cartridges and has a velocity of 541 fps through the rifled barrel. A weaver rail allows a user to mount a red-dot sight. The stock is detachable.
This snub-nose revolver from ActionSportGames (ASG) shoots realistically and comes with a slick silver finish. This full-metal replica of a Dan Wesson revolver is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA). One BB is loaded into each realistic-looking cartridge, then each cartridge is loaded into the cylinder’s chambers. The cylinder rotates as each pellet is fired. A speedloader comes with the revolver. The CO2 cartridge is stored under the grip.
This .177 bolt-action pistol is powered by CO2 cartridges and features a rifled steel barrel to aid accuracy. This pistol has a cult-like following with users who customize the 2240 to their personal preferences. The grip angle is ergonomic and ambidextrous. Similar to a bolt-action rifle, the 2240’s small bolt is racked to singularly load a pellet. Available in .22 (Model 1322). For more information, visit http://www.crosman.com or call 800-724-7486.
The P-25 Blowback is powered by a CO2 cartridge that uses some of the gas to move the slide rearward after a pellet is fired in single- or double-action mode. The 16-pellet magazine is loaded into the pistol similarly as a firearm. The steel rifled barrel ensures good accuracy. The P-25 Blowback Tactical is a tricked-out version with an extended barrel and a faux suppressor, a red/green/blue-dot sight and an 80-lumen tactical light. For more information, visit gamousa.com or call 954-581-5822.
Unlike other air pistols that are powered by either a single-stroke cocking mechanism or a CO2 cartridge, the American Classic allows a user to pump up the pistol. Pump it up from three to 10 times, which offers a 600-fps velocity. The user can adjust the velocity to suit the shooting scenario. The steel barrel is rifled. For more information, visit http://www.crosman.com or call 800-724-7486.
The PowerLine Model 717 is Daisy’s entry-level target pellet pistol with plenty of power and accuracy. The pistol uses a single-pump pneumatic system to fire the pellet at velocities of about 395 fps. The pump lever is located on the left side of the air pistol. The 717 employs a rifled steel barrel to aid accuracy. For more information, visit http://www.daisy.com or call 479-636-1200.
The P11 Piccolo offers Olympic-style accuracy in a PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) pistol. A PCP pistol is charged with air from a large tank like a scuba tank. The P11 is virtually recoil-free, accurate and consistent. Virtually every thing on the P11 is adjustable, from the front and rear sights to the five-way adjustable trigger and grip. This is a high-end, 10-meter competitor.
The P-900 IGT is a single-shot, break-action pistol that shoots pellets through a rifled steel barrel. Cocking effort is about 30 pounds, and is smoother cocking than other similar break-action pistols. It also smoother shooting, since there is no spring torque. The two-stage trigger is adjustable, and the fiber-optic front sight offers good accuracy. For more information, visit http://www.gamousa.com or call 954-581-5822.
The 1911 RAC at first glance looks like a government-issued 1911A1 from WWII. Though the styling is classic, this is a blowback BB pistol juiced with CO2 cartridges. The weight and controls are nearly identical to a 1911A1, and the field-stripping process is similar. As a steel BB is fired, the slide cycles backward to simulate actual recoil. For more information, visit http://www.remingtonairguns.com or call 877-387-6691.
The LP8 Magnum is a high-power air pistol that shoots pellets at a sizzling 700 fps. The break-action barrel only requires 25 pounds of effort to cock. This single-shot is high quality offering repeatable accuracy. The LP8 is a big pistol that delivers big accuracy—enough to make the squirrels very nervous. For more information, visit http://www.umarexusa.com or call 479-646-4210.
Umerex has transformed the HK P30 into a pellet or BB shooter with the same heft, similar trigger pull and controls. Using an eight-shot rotary clip, the HK P30 fires pellets, or you can swap out the rotary clip and use the 15-round BB magazine. The slide remains stationary during firing. Powered by CO2, the HK P30 offers a single- and double-action trigger pull, an accessory rail and adjustable sights. For more information, visit http://www.umarexusa.com or call 479-646-4210.
Get your cowboy on with the Colt Peacemaker and practice your fast-draw more safely. This all-metal replica of a Single Action Army has a realistic revolver-style action: If you cock the hammer, the cylinder rotates. The Peacemaker uses CO2 cartridges hidden in the ersatz ivory grip. Blue and nickel finishes are available. For more information, visit http://www.umarexusa.com or call 479-646-4210.
The Tempest is a classic air pistol with a barrel-over-cylinder design that is a direct descendant of the Mark I that was developed in 1924. The Tempest was released in 1979. It’s like the 1911 of air pistols with a natural grip angle and an excellent trigger. Two of the unique characteristics of the Tempest are its silent report and the cocking force. Since the Tempest is compact, the cocking lever takes some leverage to cock the pistol. The trigger is adjustable, and the barrel is rifled. It is not uncommon to get less than 1-inch groups at 25 feet. For more information, visit http://www.webleyandscott.com or call 775-825-9835.
The WE-Tech P08 is a full-metal replica of the legendary German Luger from WWI and WWII. Using green gas, the P08 fires a soft 6mm BB with realistic blowback action—the toggle actually cycles. This P08 also breaks down similar to a Luger firearm. For looks and realism, this is as close to real Luger as you can get. Finished in flat black or chrome, other models are available with different barrel lengths. To power it up, hold a green gas canister upside down and insert the nozzle into the P08’s magazine.
Air pistols let shooters train any time anywhere. You can train in a basement or living room or in your back yard—and at a fraction of what it costs to fire live ammunition. The cost per shot with an air pistol is about one to three pennies. That includes pellets or BBs plus CO2 or other canned air to power these pistols. BB and pellet models have more velocity and accuracy than airsoft pistols, but airsoft pistols offer blowback actions that replicate recoil (as can some air pistols). You can also fire an airsoft pistol in your living room using the plastic 6mm BB. Air pistols can provide safer holster drills, a reprieve from dry firing and enhanced control. There are precision models that can dispatch pests or hunt small game. Then there are those models that replicate legendary firearms at a fraction of the cost. Here are some of the best air pistols on the market to consider.
