“Clash of the Titans” or TOP 10 manufacturers of air pistols

Review of the 10 Best Air Pistol Manufacturers

The AirSoft-RUS website presents interesting offers from TOP manufacturers of air pistols:

• ASG;
• Ataman;
• Baikal;
• Borner;
• Crosman;
• Gamo;
• Gletcher;
• Sig Sauer;
• Stalker;
• Umarex.

What are the companies like, and what models should you take a closer look at?

Nutrition

A clip for an air pistol is used to store bullets and send them into the “chamber”. As a rule, air pistols have a multi-shot design with automatic loading of bullets. For pistols that fire lead bullets, clip drums are used that operate on the revolving principle. For weapons that fire balls, a magazine is used, which is usually located in the handle, like its military counterparts. It is designed like children's pistols - a spring-loaded groove with a lock. The magazine capacity may vary depending on the model of the pistol and its design. It can range from tens to hundreds of bullets.

ASG

ASG is a Danish company that produces pneumatic short barrels to high standards. Each model exactly replicates combat weapons. The manufacturer is young, but already symbolizes quality, practicality, and reliability. ASG received high marks and recognition from pneumatic enthusiasts from all over the world.

Any ASG device is suitable for entertaining, practical shooting, and collecting. Users are in demand for a budget smoothbore model - CZ SP-01 shadow. Initial speed up to 130 m/s in combination with a spacious magazine (21 balls). Equipped with an under-barrel rail, which allows you to install add-ons (flashlight, laser pointer).

Ataman

Ataman is a brand of Demyan LLC (Russia), engaged in the development and production of exemplary pneumatics with pre-inflated air (PCP). Each model combines elegant performance and high shooting performance.

It is worth noting that the company focuses on PCP rifles, but there is an air model - AP16. This is a rifled weapon intended for recreation, sport, and hunting small game or bird. Sold in two calibers - 4.5 and 5.5 mm. The downside is the high price, but it's worth it.

Baikal

Baikal is a brand of the famous Mechanical Plant from Izhevsk, owner of a large line of unique products. The manufacturer has long maintained leadership in the Russian market: coverage of more than 75%. There is good demand for Baikal pneumatics abroad: air enthusiasts from 70 countries have given positive ratings.

It’s worth taking a closer look at the MP-654k, MP-655k models – replicas of the combat PM (Makarov), PYa (Yarygin). The design of compressed gas weapons uses the same parts as in firearms (traumatic, combat). Made from weapon grade steel. Possibility of partial or complete disassembly to replace parts, clean, and lubricate.

By placing an order with delivery of a Baikal air pistol to AirSoft-RUS, the buyer will enjoy shooting and hone his weapon handling skills.

The effect of pneumatics on the body

When buying pneumatics, a person must be fully aware that he is purchasing a weapon. And, like any weapon, it carries an increased danger if handled improperly, both for others and for the owner himself.

Is it possible to hurt?

When questions of this kind are asked, people usually ask not about causing severe pain, but about penetrating wounds that are guaranteed to stop an attacker and allow them to protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal attacks. So is it possible to injure a person with a pneumatic gun?

Yes, it is quite possible to inflict such a wound with it, but to do this you will have to shoot at certain parts of the body that are most vulnerable to pneumatic weapons.

However, you need to be quite careful and not hit points that could lead to death.

Parts of the body that are vulnerable to injury but are not fatal include:

• knees;
• buttocks;
• hands.

Is it possible to kill?

You can kill a person or shoot yourself with a pneumatic weapon if you shoot at parts of the body that are particularly dangerous, these include:

• temporal areas;
• eyes;
• neck, throat area.

It is also generally not recommended to shoot in the area of ​​the head, genitals, and breasts of women; these places are extremely vulnerable to mechanical influences and even an accidental hit can lead to irreparable consequences.

Borner

Borner is an American company of cheap air pistols, characterized by high performance. It quickly gained popularity in its homeland, and in Russia since 2011. The model range is analogues of well-known gas cylinder products from competitors. It is not surprising that users comment on the exact similarities. Borner's main focus is the production of replica firearms.

Pneumatic Makarov, Tula Tokarev - PM49, TT-X deserve attention. Very accurately repeat the originals.

Air gun manufacturers

The demand for air guns has generated a supply of a large number of models from foreign and domestic manufacturers. A significant part of the market is controlled by the best manufacturers producing high-quality models.

The most popular of them:

1. Crosman. He is the undoubted leader. The largest US corporation. Inexpensive products aimed at young people.
2. Umarex. German company. The success of the product is ensured by high technical characteristics and powerful pneumatics. The accuracy of the sights is amazing, which is especially important for small arms.
3. Cometa. Italian arms factory. The products are distinguished by reliability, durability, and ease of use.
4. Beretta. The Italian weapons company is the oldest in the world. Successful use for self-defense and sports activities.
5. Hatsan. Turkish company. Its seriousness is evidenced by the fact that the company equips all armament structures of its country with weapons. Pneumatics has numerous international certificates. Quality and reliability are combined with ease of use.
6. LLC "Demyan" Assembly and testing of Ataman air rifles takes place in Russia, and barrels are manufactured in Germany. The unique design makes it easy to use.
7. Baikal. Trademark of the Izhevsk plant. It features a large assortment of high-quality products.

To use it, it is better to take an air gun from well-known brands, which will guarantee good quality and comfortable operation.

Crosman

Crosman is a US manufacturer that designs, manufactures and exports air pistols throughout the world. The difference from competitors is that it meets the needs of customers with different budgets. Cheap models are not inferior in quality and shooting performance to expensive models. In addition, Crosman produces bullets, parts, and accessories for weapons.

AirSoft-RUS has several interesting samples - these are C-TT (Tokarev), C11. The latter is a cheap, lightweight (635 g) option, with a declared initial speed of up to 146 m/s. The magazine capacity of the two models is 18 balls.

Principle of operation

Air pistols, the characteristics of which we are considering today, fire using the energy of compressed gas. Typically, carbon dioxide or air is used. The simplest airgun is a blowpipe, which was used for hunting thousands of years ago. Modern pistols are a miracle of technology in comparison, but the basic principles of operation have remained unchanged. When the trigger is pulled, the gas is released and transfers its energy to the bullet. In air guns, this principle can be implemented in the form:

1. Pumped systems.
2. Carbon dioxide systems.
3. Spring-piston system.

The latter is usually used in rifles, while the first two are used in pistols. Let's talk about them further.

Gamo

Gamo is a manufacturer of practical, durable, ergonomic pneumatic devices from Spain. An excellent option for relaxation, playing sports, and learning how to handle weapons. Gamo models are practical, comfortable to hold in the hand, and have low recoil when fired.

Gamo pneumatic pistols are produced in gas-cylinder, spring-piston versions. The latter have good user demand due to autonomy. CO2 samples are compact.

It is recommended to pay attention to the model – PT-80 20th Anniversary. The peculiarity is in the non-standard method of loading bullets - by tilting the bolt. An attractive device with a rifled barrel. There is a cheaper option, but with similar technical data - Gamo P-27 Dual.

Useful tips

Today, manufacturers offer a variety of solutions that are designed to bring air guns closer to the feel of firearms. Or add an element of additional drive.

Blowback

A pistol with a blowback tries to get closer to a firearm in terms of authenticity of sensations: when firing, its bolt frame moves. This creates moments of inertia, and the user experiences a feeling of recoil. In addition, the movement of the frame completely imitates the behavior of a firearm. At the same time, the BlowBack model allows you to dramatically distort the shutter. There is also a frame zero position, like a firearm after the last shot of the magazine.

BlowBack will be interesting for beginners and those who are improving their fluent shooting skills. In a strong hand, the vibration of the body is almost imperceptible. But still, to practice the skill of quickly returning the line of fire to the required position, such an imitation of recoil is extremely useful.

Automatic fire

Air pistols that fire in bursts allow you to add drive to the entertainment process. This option is also useful when choosing a means of self-defense.

Important! A pneumatic submachine gun quickly consumes its magazine and, most unpleasantly, wastes its air supply. However, if you want to have fun, this does not matter. And in a critical life-protection situation, the automatic fire option may be the most important.

Gletcher

Gletcher is a brand from the USA that produces high-quality short-barreled weapons using compressed gas. High demand in the local market, in the EU countries and Russia. The products receive flattering user reviews. The main production is concentrated in Taiwan, like most leaders in the arms market.

Glatcher pneumatic samples repeat firearms 1 to 1. The models are made of plastic and metal, with a double-action trigger. It is worth highlighting the Gletcher JRH 941 with a magazine of 21, an initial speed of up to 130 m/s, as well as the TT-P (TT) model.

Sig Sauer

Sig Sauer - this brand from Germany does not lag behind competitors by producing replicas of combat pistols. In general, the company (formerly SIG) is part of the Swiss holding Luke & Ortmeier Gruppe. Representative offices are located in Switzerland and the USA.

An interesting assortment of CO2 smoothbores - the high demand for Sig Sauer is natural. From one can you can shoot up to 50 copper-plated 4.5 mm balls. The power of models up to 3 Joules allows you to purchase them freely, without obtaining a license.

Users' choice is Sig Sauer P226. This Japanese-assembled sample is equipped with a capacious magazine (16 balls) and a non-standard loading function - rotary. The initial speed declared by the manufacturer is up to 155 m/s. Attractive, with a rifled barrel, in black finish.

Stalker

Stalker is a brand of the well-known CYMA factory in China, which has been producing airsoft and gas short-barreled weapons for more than 20 years. The product is valued by local as well as Russian pneumatic enthusiasts.

Differences from competitors are the similarity of pneumatic analogues with combat ones, among which there are PM, Beretta, Glock, Colt. The models fit well in the hand, have a durable body, and weigh little. Stalker products demonstrate high shooting performance. Working distance – up to 20 meters.

Stalker brands of air pistols are available at amazingly low prices in the AirSoft-RUS online store. Makes a great gift for any gun collector. Hits – Stalker STT, as well as S92PL (favorable price, quality).

Circuit breakers

The safety is an integral part of any weapon, with the exception of air pistols. The characteristics of this weapon are far from their combat counterparts, but it is still dangerous. The fuse can be automatic or non-automatic. The former prevent a shot when the lever is cocked, the barrel is not closed, and so on. The second includes the same flags and sliders that we are used to seeing on pistols. As additional safety equipment, the design of the pistol may include: decocking levers, indicators of the cocked state of the weapon, etc.

Umarex

Umarex is an example of German quality air pistols, a large enterprise in the EU. Granted the right to produce samples using compressed air that exactly replicate firearms. Users will be pleased with the pleasant recoil, which creates a resemblance to shooting from a real weapon.

In the production of short-barreled pneumatics, high-quality materials are used. This made it possible to increase the service life, reliability, accuracy, and power of the models.

Users prefer Umarex PM. An interesting model is with a magazine for 30 balls and rails for installing additional accessories – Umarex Morph.

Features of models offered on the market

The convenience and functional suitability of a pistol can be correctly assessed by its design, materials used, characteristics, speed and type of bullets.

Power

Most of the models on the market have a power of up to 2 J. Weapons of this class can operate with both steel balls and lead bullets. The pistols are quite light and comfortable. They can be used both for entertainment purposes and for acquiring or improving shooting skills.

Advice! Models with power up to 2 J are the ideal choice of air gun for a beginner.

The power of an air pistol up to 3 J means that the weapon belongs to the high-precision class. Models with pumping correspond to this characteristic. They provide excellent hit accuracy. When working with special lead bullets, for example, DiaBolo Monster, they are capable of aimed shooting at a distance of more than 100 meters. An indicator of 3 J and higher will be provided by a compression gun if it is properly inflated.

Weapons with a power level above 5 J are classified as sporting weapons. The pistols are designed for targeted shooting over long distances. Professional-grade pneumatics produce more than 25 J of power and are capable of hitting targets at distances of 100 meters or more.

Bullet speed

According to the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation, the speed of a pneumatic bullet for free sale should not exceed 143 m/s. In practice, some manufacturers deliberately conceal the indicators in the passport for their weapons. Thus, the inexpensive Beretta Elite 2 gas cylinder provides acceleration of the metal ball to an indicator of 151 to 153 m/s.

The initial speed of the bullet directly depends on the power of the pistol. Thus, models without a compression-type gas cylinder accelerate the projectile in direct proportion to the pumping pressure. PSP systems are designed for the maximum range of stable bullet flight, releasing it at a speed of 230 m/s and above. The average model for beginners or entertainment shows the acceleration of a projectile from 100 m/s.

Advice! You need to choose a weapon based on bullet speed depending on the purpose of its use. The relationship is simple: the higher the initial speed, the more stable the flight of the projectile and its predictability.

Therefore, spring-piston air pistols have a limited aimed firing range. And PSP systems and compression-type models show a respectable range of precision combat.

Materials

Every man intuitively understands that a metal gun is more reliable than a plastic one. In addition, such weapons are more solid, more authentic, and feel better in the hand. In practice, it is worth paying attention to the material of the case. Made of steel, it should have embossed plastic lining on the handle for a comfortable grip and no discomfort in winter. The outlet tube through which the bullet moves must also be made of metal. This guarantees the weapon's durability.

Important! If the design does not use an iron exit path, the bullets will stretch the plastic tube over time. This will lead to an increase in internal diameter, pressure leakage, and a decrease in the final velocity of the bullet.

Ideally, the entire pistol is not only steel, but is also a copy of an existing firearm . As an example, we can give a copy of the famous Makarov. This multi-shot air pistol not only repeats its original in all design details, but is also produced by the same weapons factory.

The shops

In modern pneumatics, three types of magazines are used.

1. With spring-fed balls, stack mechanics similar to those used in firearms.
2. Drum, used in models that fire lead bullets, the operating principle is a revolving rotary cam mechanism.
3. A detachable unit in which a source of compressed air and a set of bullets are connected. Provides an authentic feeling of the mass of the magazine and its dimensions, as in a firearm.

Which option to choose depends on the user’s wishes. The drum has a small supply of shots and takes a long time to remove and load. The detachable unit is expensive enough to buy many spares. But the spring one is small and does not give the feeling of firing a firearm.

Bullet type

Air pistols can fire lead bullets or durable alloy metal pellets. Both types of projectiles, or more precisely, the mechanics of their use, differ in some features.

1. The lead bullet sits tightly in the barrel and shows accuracy of hits and accuracy in multiple shots. PSP pistols can operate with shells of increased destructive power for hunting. Thus, the Rabbit Magnum II lead bullet weighs 1.02 g (versus 0.39 for a regular one) and provides an impact force of up to 25 J. For accurate shooting, Diabolo Exact Monster can be used, which combine an increased weight of 0.87 g and a special configuration for sighting range of 200 meters.

2. Metal balls are inexpensive. They are magnetic, which simplifies the feeding mechanism of the gun. The impact force of such a bullet is significant. PSP systems are able to guarantee good accuracy with an impressive firing range. However, such a projectile has a drawback. It inevitably breaks the barrel and the pistol's accuracy decreases over time.

Separately, it is worth considering a class of weapons that operates with two types of charges. These are usually compression-grade pistols. They can shoot both balls and bullets. However, the practice of using such weapons shows their fragility. The balls quickly break the grooves of the barrel, accuracy decreases. Moreover, this happens for both types of bullets. Therefore, if the manufacturer promotes the use of pellets and bullets from the same barrel as an advantage, such a generous gift should be refused.

Body kits

Today, air pistols have standardized Picatinny rails for mounting additional accessories. It could be:

• optical or collimator sight;
• device with a laser sight or rangefinder;
• flashlight;
• video camera and much more.

The problem for beginners is that they tend to turn compact and convenient pistols into bulky mastodons, hung with a wide variety of options. And manufacturers indulge such desires. Therefore, when purchasing, it is worth evaluating the benefits of the devices offered in the kit. For example, a laser sight is useless on a gas pistol. Likewise, it makes no sense to use it on PSP systems that need optics for long-range shooting.

However, the most controversial body kit is the muffler. For most air pistols, it serves a purely decorative function. Gas-cylinder, piston, compression solutions do not shoot so loudly as to create inconvenience for owners. However, with a muffler they can lose useful power.

Important! The only application where such a body kit shows its effectiveness is for hunting, when it is necessary to quietly shoot targets using PSP pistols.

Rating of weapons companies from AirSoft-RUS

It is difficult and incorrect to construct a rating of such companies - they are all leaders, the best. However, you can go from the other side by compiling the TOP arms companies in terms of benefits for the buyer. The following parameters will be the guideline:

1. Depth of choice.
2. Price range.