Pistols are a very popular type of air gun. Their attractiveness is due to a number of factors:
- compact size;
- ease of transportation;
- the ability to use with equal convenience both at home and outdoors;
- as a rule, a high level of copy number of military analogues;
- some models allow automatic fire;
- opportunity to practice basic weapons handling skills.
Given the high demand for such weapons, numerous brands are constantly introducing new models of pistols to the market. Among which, the most fastidious weapon lover will be able to choose a suitable model for himself. But the problem of which air gun to choose is quite complex. But it’s better to buy a good, albeit expensive, gun than to be disappointed in a cheap toy.
Air pistols are absolutely not suitable for self-defense!
Criteria for choosing an air gun
The criteria for choosing an air pistol include:
- price;
- design features:
- charging method;
- single-shot, multi-shot;
- what energy is used to fire the shot;
- materials used;
- copy level;
- type of ammunition used during shooting;
- weight and size.
Let's look at these criteria in more detail.
One of the most important parameters for choosing a pistol is its price, which is quite logical. If the price exceeds the financial capabilities of the buyer, then no matter how wonderful the gun is, its purchase will not take place. There are models on the market at different price levels, due to:
- quality of execution;
- design features;
- copy number level;
Pistols designed for high-precision sport shooting are quite expensive, which is understandable. The cost of recreational-class pistols is due to their high level of reproduction of military analogues, but at the same time they, as a rule, are characterized by low accuracy. The cheapest are entry-level spring-piston pistols.
Based on the charging method, the following types of pneumatic pistols can be distinguished:
- loaded directly into the breech of the barrel. As a rule, these are breaking spring-piston pistols;
- loaded using a clip, that is, a special device for holding bullets.
- charged using a pencil-type or full-size magazine. As a rule, such stores are equipped with steel or lead balls of 4.5 mm caliber.
As a rule, sports compression and SPP pistols are single-shot.
Repeating pistols are extremely widely represented; they are loaded with either lead bullets in clips or steel balls in stores. Some models have the ability to fire automatically.
According to the energy used for the shot, they are divided into:
- spring-piston;
- compression and multi-compression;
- CO2 gas;
- with pre-pumping or PCP.
Spring-piston pistols use the energy of a compressed spring to fire, which pushes the combat piston to compress the air in the cylinder. Compression guns are more accurate; the shot uses the energy of compressed air, which is compressed using a special lever before each shot.
When installing a Co2 canister into the pistol magazine, the seal is punctured, and gas escaping from the canister pushes the projectile out of the barrel. Pneumatic cylinders are sold in specialized stores. Such a pistol is the Crosman C31,
In PCP systems, a special tank filled with air compressed under high pressure of 200-220 atmospheres is built into the design of the weapon. This allows you to fire an amplified shot.
Each of the described types has its own characteristics. So PPP pneumatics are the most mobile, easy to use and quite accurate. Compression is characterized by high accuracy and lack of recoil. CO2 pneumatics are ideal as weapons for plinking and leisure shooting, but use in the cold season dramatically reduces its effectiveness. PCP is the most accurate, powerful, but at the same time the most expensive. For use, as a rule, it requires the purchase of a pump or high-pressure cylinder, hoses and charging devices, an optical sight, a moderator, and so on.
In the production of air pistols, various alloys, plastic, aluminum, and steel are used. Of course, the most reliable are pistols made using steel or hard alloys.
The most interesting for recreational shooting are pistols that replicate the appearance of their combat counterparts; some models have a blowback system, that is, when fired, the bolt moves like a combat counterpart, the safety and trigger work, which makes shooting especially interesting. Umarex Walther is famous for its high copy number.
For shooting are used:
- steel or lead balls;
- lead bullets.
Balls are the cheapest and most common ammunition. They are characterized by low accuracy, but high ability to penetrate solid objects. Used for recreational shooting.
Lead bullets are fairly accurate ammunition, as they are stabilized in flight by the rotation created by the rifling in the weapon table. Used for precise shooting. For lead bullets, rifled barrels are used.
An important criterion for choosing a pistol is its weight and size. Thus, a lightweight pistol will be inaccurate; the shot will be too much affected by hand tremors and the recoil of the shot. And too heavy will simply be inconvenient. The optimal weight is from 700 to 1000 grams.
Important! All types of pistols described are sold without a license.
Design features of pneumatic multicompression pistols
The design features include, first of all, the materials used in the manufacture of the pistol body. Engineers use alloyed weapons metal as the main material.
Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve a serious margin of safety, which was proven by numerous tests before the weapon went on sale. To prevent corrosion, the metal is coated with a special solution.
Some elements are made using aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This alloy is common when making elements of aircraft or space rockets. It is distinguished by its resistance to moisture and low weight.
The secondary material in the manufacture of the case is impact-resistant ABS plastic. Its distinctive feature is a high degree of protection against corrosion and mechanical damage.
Polymer, like aircraft alloy, is lightweight, and this will have a positive effect not only on transportation, but also on the quality of shooting.
The Best Air Pistols for Accurate Shooting
The best domestic pistol for accurate shooting is the IZH46/46m. This is an entry-level compression sport pistol. With its help you can shoot a master of sports. It is characterized by low power, but at a distance of 10 meters it is capable of making one hole in a target with a series of bullets.
Among pistols with good accuracy and entertainment class, we can mention the MP 651KS.
This bullet pistol with a good rifled barrel shoots lead bullets loaded into an 8-round clip with an energy of up to 3 J. In terms of the totality of its characteristics, it is a very good price/quality ratio. Among the disadvantages, we should mention poor sealing in the clip-bullet-barrel system. However, this can be easily resolved.
Among foreign precision pistols, we can mention the Umarex Walther CP 88 Competition. German weapons are synonymous with quality. A good long barrel, high initial rate of fire, bullets loaded in an 8-round clip make this pistol a good choice for accurate recreational shooting. Of course, the accuracy of the IZH46 is not even close, but you can draw beautiful groups on targets and drive beer cans across the field at a distance of 15-20 meters. In addition, the high level of copyability of the combat analogue. There is only one minus - the high price.
The Gamo Compact clearly says by its appearance that it is designed for precision shooting. Refers to compression guns. An ergonomic handle, a well-adjustable trigger, and a long rifled barrel ensure good shooting accuracy. Confidently shoots most air pistols, with the exception of sports pistols. It's definitely worth purchasing for precision shooting enthusiasts.
The German competitor of the Gamo Compact is the WeihrauchHW40. Accurate, lightweight compression pistol. The best trigger, good appearance, high hit accuracy. The Chinese have released its analogue, worse in quality, but also at a much lower price, Beeman P17.
Very interesting gas pistols for precision shooting Crossman 2300T and 2300S. In terms of ergonomics and tactile sensations, they are very reminiscent of a Margolin pistol. They are equipped with a very good trigger, high build quality, in addition, the 2300S model is equipped with a Lothar Walter barrel and excellent sporting sights. In addition to their outstanding technical characteristics, they are often used as donors for the creation of PCP pistols for sporting and hunting classes.
The best air pistols in terms of copyability
Of the domestic pistols, this is definitely the MP654k, which is quite understandably produced from decommissioned military pistols. Easy to tune, reliable, unpretentious. In fact, a real mock-up of a Makarov pistol with a firing function.
High-quality pneumatic replicas of military weapons are produced by the Gletcher brand, for example, the Parabellum model,
This is a remake of the Airsoft model from KWC. The model perfectly implements the operation of the shutter, and after shooting the magazine, the shutter becomes delayed. What adds to the collector's value of this pistol is that the original linings from the combat pistol fit perfectly onto the pneumatic pistol. The power is low, since a significant portion of the gas cylinder is used to operate the shutter, but the shooting ambiance and the high copyability of the model are worth it.
In addition, it is worth mentioning the NGT model from Gletcher, which is a perfectly executed replica of an officer’s Nagant, that is, a model with a double-action trigger.
Shooting can be carried out both from pre-cocking and self-cocking. The reliability of the implementation of this revolver is facilitated by the use of false cartridges. In addition, a version is available that can fire lead bullets.
Top 10 best air pistols
Walther cp88 competiton
A powerful and accurate gas-cylinder pistol that closely replicates its combat counterpart. Equipped with 8 lead bullets per clip. Due to the good implementation of the clip-barrel assembly, as well as the long barrel, they provide good accuracy. Available in both black and nickel plated versions. does not require permission to purchase.
Mr 654k
Domestic replica of the Makarov pistol. It stands out for its indestructibility and scope for tuning and upgrades. Moreover, both appearance and technical characteristics. The magazine is made in a single unit - balls and a CO2 cylinder, which makes loading the pistol very similar to a combat one. The operation of the fuse and double-action trigger is implemented, despite the fact that the bolt is movable, there is no blowback function. Partial disassembly of the pistol is identical to its combat counterpart.
Anix a 112
It is a collective image of a firearm pistol, made of alloy, with plastic lining on the handle. Outwardly, it is very unassuming, with a hard trigger, which interferes with aimed shooting. But considering that without any upgrade it is very powerful, the bullet flies out of the barrel at a speed of 160 m/s, and its potential for modernization, it becomes a very good option for recreational shooting at aluminum cans, or plinking.
Gletcher brt 92 fs
It is a well-executed replica of the Beretta 92. The advantages of this model include the blowback system, as well as the ability to fire automatically. The model is made at a high level of copyability and fits well into the hands of shooters with large palms. An excellent option for leisure.
Steel storm umarex
It is a replica based on the HK MP7 submachine gun. Very light, 3 times lighter than the original. The automatic fire function is implemented with a cut-off of 6 shots. The magazine is for bunker-type balls, the false magazine in the handle is equipped with 2 CO2 cartridges. The model is perfect for use in hardball games or for outdoor plinking.
Crosman c11
A fairly powerful CO2 pistol with a collective external fork. Made of plastic, the magazine is pencil, the can is placed in the handle. Why do you need to move the handle pads back? The model is quite popular due to its good price/quality/power ratio. Its analogue is Borner C11. These are inexpensive but well made pistols.
Asg dan wesson 8
This is a realistic replica of a Dan Wesson combat revolver. Made entirely of metal alloy, with the exception of plastic lining on the handle. Produced by the Danish company ASG. Loading the revolver with false cartridges, a double-action trigger, and adjustable sights contribute to the pleasure of operation. The CO2 cartridge is installed in the handle of the weapon.
umarex walther cp99
It is a replica of the combat P99 compact, quite weighty, made with a good level of copyability. A blowback system has been implemented, with very noticeable recoil when firing. Under the barrel there is a rail for installing a laser laser or tactical flashlight. Equipped with a CO2 canister and 18 steel balls in the magazine.
umarex beretta elite ii
Made of impact-resistant plastic, equipped with a Co2 canister and 18 copper-plated steel balls. It has good power, the balls fly out at a speed of 140 m/s. Produced at a good level of copy number.
borner sport 331 beretta
It is a replica of the Taurus Beretta 92 combat pistol. The pistol is made of plastic, like most of its classmates, and is equipped with 19 balls and a CO2 cylinder. The bullet's ejection speed is about 110 meters per second. It is a good, budget option for recreational shooting.
Functional features of pneumatic multi-compression guns
A fundamental functional feature includes a serious power reserve, which can easily be varied by the number of strokes. With two or three swings, the speed of the ammunition reaches 150-160 meters per second.
At the same time, the design of the pump is simple and will last a very long time, and will not fail at a critical moment. Even an inexperienced shooter can handle pumping.
Another important aspect of multi-compression pneumatics is the ability to install additional equipment using special Weaver-type bars.
By the way, such a bar is not present on every model and this point can be clarified with consultants or read in the product characteristics on our website.
Using the Weaver rail, the user can easily install devices such as a tactical flashlight or laser designator on a weapon. Thanks to this, shooting in the dark will remain as accurate as during the day.
The upper part of the pneumatic gun body is equipped with open-type sighting devices with a front sight and an aiming rib. With their help, you can easily hit the target at close and medium range.
Tests carried out on the aiming range of the shot showed that the most optimal distance is within 30-40 meters. A very good indicator, comparable to some modifications of air rifles.
With all the undeniable advantages, the price of pneumatic multi-compression pistols will be a pleasant surprise for every professional shooter and recreational shooting enthusiast.