Air pistols are excellent for target practice and sometimes small game hunting.
There are plenty of models to choose from, and many are designed precisely like pistols by famous brands like Colt or Smith and Wesson.
For example, if you own a 1911, you may want a 1911 air pistol for practicing in your backyard.
Note: You need to be at least 18 years of age to purchase any of the below air rifles, as well as adhere to the local laws governing their usage.
Additional Note: While hunting some small game such as birds and squirrels is technically possible with an air pistol, you would have way better results using an air rifle.
Click Here to see our article on the 10 Best Air Rifles.
What Makes a Good Air Pistol?
There are a few things to consider when buying an air pistol: the caliber/ style of round, the power system, and the trigger action.
Caliber
Air pistols come in various calibers such as .177, .22, and .25.
The larger the caliber, the more stopping power it will have, but the slower the round will be.
Air pistols will either fire BBs or pellets and are personal preferences.
Mechanism
Something to consider when choosing an air pistol is how it fires its ammo.
Many air pistols use CO2 cartridges to pressurize the gun, but some use compressed air from a tank or through pumping.
Trigger Action
With a single action trigger, the shooter will have to manually cock the hammer of the air pistol.
A double action trigger will cock the hammer automatically when the trigger is pulled.
Below are the 12 best air pistols.
#1. Diana Bandit (Uses: Small game hunting / Plinking)
- Caliber: .177, .22
- Velocity: Up to 725 FPS
- Powered By: High-Pressure Air
- Ammo: Pellets
- Action: Single
- Price: $179.99
The Diana Bandit is a beast of an air pistol delivering a velocity of up to 725 FPS with .177 caliber pellets and 630 FPS with the .22 caliber model.
High-pressure air powers the bandit with the included 50cc tank.
A bike pump can quickly recharge the 50cc tank.
This air pistol is beautiful with the finished beech wood grip and the 9.5″ barrel.
For a customized shooting experience, it has a 2-stage Diana Improved Trigger with an adjustable take-up.
It has excellent stock sights, but it includes an 11mm dovetail rail to add your favorite scope or red dot sight.
The Diana Bandit is great for target practice, and it has enough power for small game hunting.
It is important to note that the grip is larger than many other air pistols, so if you have small hands choose another weapon.
If you want a high-powered pellet air pistol below $200, look no further than the Diana Bandit.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#2. AirForce TalonP Spin-Loc Pellet Pistol (Uses: Hunting Squirrels, Rats, Snakes, & Other Small Game)
- Caliber: .25
- Velocity: Up to 900 FPS
- Powered By: High-Pressure Air
- Ammo: Pellets
- Action: Bolt
- Price: $479.99
The AirForce TalonP Spin-Loc Pellet Pistol is an absolute monster of a pellet pistol.
The .25 caliber pellets can have a velocity up to 900 FPS with the high-pressure air delivery system.
A .25 caliber pellet is some serious stopping power with over 50 ft-lbs of energy.
Its power makes the TalonP an excellent choice for small game hunting and target practice.
The combination of power and force allows the .25 caliber pellets to travel much further than a standard air pistol.
It has a 213cc tank, which can fire 12 pellets on high power and 30 on low.
The 2-stage trigger, textured grip, and 12″ barrel provide a solid shooting platform for precise shots at a distance.
The downside to the AirForce TalonP Spin-Loc Pellet Pistol is the hefty price compared to the other pistols on this list.
However, you are getting what you pay for.
If you are looking for a premium high-powered pellet air pistol, the AirForce TalonP Spin-Loc Pellet Pistol is an excellent choice.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#3. Walther CP99 Compact BB Pistol (Perfect for those with small hands)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 345 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Single
- Price: $84.99
The Walther CP99 Compact BB Pistol is perfect for those who want a compact-sized air pistol.
It is perfect for those with small hands since it has a short trigger reach and is easy to shoot.
It has a realistic look and feel of a Walther compact with solid construction and a slide that blows back after every shot.
It comes with a magazine that carries up to 18 steel BBs and is semi-automatic with a CO2 power source.
Once you fire all of your BBs, the slide will lock back like with a real pistol.
Like a real P99, it has a weaver rail under the barrel for attachments such as a laser.
A downside to the CP99 is that the velocity only gets up to 345 FPS, which is the lowest on this list.
However, it is still excellent for backyard target practice.
For Walther fans or those with small hands, the Walther CP99 Compact BB Pistol is an excellent pick.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#4. Beretta PX4 Storm BB & Pellet Pistol (Uses: Self defense / Fun)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 380 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Single, Double
- Price: $99.99
The Beretta PX4 Storm fires .177 caliber BBs and pellets to fit your preference.
It has a combination of features that make it an excellent weapon for a day of target practice.
It includes a 16 round magazine, is powered by CO2, and is semi-automatic, allowing you to fire eight consecutive rounds before flipping your mag for another eight rounds.
If your air runs low, you can quickly swap it out with easy access to the CO2 chamber.
The weapon looks and feels like a real Beretta PX4 Storm pistol for a natural shooting experience.
It even includes a mounting rail for accessories under the barrel.
A downside to the PX4 is that compared to many other air pistols on this list, it has the second lowest velocity on this list at 380 FPS.
380 FPS is plenty of velocity for target practice, but the PX4 will not have the range of other the weapons.
With that said, it does make an ideal air pistol that can be used for close-range self-defense.
Is it a perfect substitute for a real Beretta? Of course not.
However, it can deter an attacker from continuing on with their assault.
The Beretta PX4 Storm BB & Pellet Pistol is an excellent semi-automatic air pistol at $99.99.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#5. Crosman 2240 Pellet Pistol (Uses: Plinking / Fun)
- Caliber: .22
- Velocity: Up to 460 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: Pellets
- Action: Single
- Price: $67.99
The Crosman 2240 Pellet Pistol provides solid performance and accuracy that is comfortable for anybody to use.
Weighing only 1.81 lbs, it is super lightweight, making it great for a day of target practice.
The .22 caliber pellets hit the target with a punch with a velocity of up to 460 FPS.
Power by CO2, the bolt-action hammer will seamlessly fire every pellet at a consistent velocity.
It has an iron sight for precise targeting, and the rifled steel barrel will provide superior accuracy.
Compared to other air pistols, the 2240 is on the louder side, but that is not a big deal especially considering the overall value you are getting at only $67.99.
If You are looking for a high-performance .22 caliber pellet air pistol, the Crosman 2240 Pellet Pistol is your logical choice.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#6. Colt Peacemaker SAA BB Revolver, Nickel (Uses: Plinking / Fun)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 410 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Single
- Price: $119.99
The Colt Peacemaker SAA BB Revolver is a .177 caliber BB replica of the Colt Peacemaker.
This air pistol is just plain cool.
If you are looking to practice your quick draw like Clint Eastwood, you can not find a better air pistol.
A unique feature of this replica Peacemaker is that they loaded each steel BB into an imitation casing for an authentic six-shooter experience.
It has a slick nickel-plated coating and a plastic handle instead of the original ivory design.
This replica handles like the real deal and has an excellent feel to it.
The air pistol is single-action only and has a working ejector rod.
It is CO2 powered so that you will get a consistent 410 FPS with each shot.
So cue the tumbleweed and get ready for a showdown with the Colt Peacemaker SAA BB Revolver.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#7. Crosman Vigilante Combo (Uses: Target practice / Plinking)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 465 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: Pellets
- Action: Single, Double
- Price: $62.99
The Crosman Vigilante Combo combines value and performance with their #1 selling air pistol.
It has a velocity up to 465 FPS with either a .177 BB or pellet.
The CO2 powered design allows you to fire repeated shots with the same intensity.
With a 12 gram Crosman CO2 cartridge, you will get about 70 shots per load.
Each shot feels natural with both single and double action shots.
Crosman made it to last with a metal frame and a rifled steel barrel.
This air pistol is unique compared to the weapons on this list since it comes with a holster for a range ready experience.
A cool feature is the included 3/8″ dovetail rail to install things such as a red dot sight.
If you are looking for a high-performance .177 caliber pellet/BB air pistol, the Crosman Vigilante Combo has an unbeatable price.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#8. Crosman C11 BB Pistol (Ideal for those on a low-budget)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 480 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Single, Double
- Price: $39.99
The Crosman C11 BB Pistol delivers excellent performance at the lowest price point on this list.
It has a velocity up to 480 FPS with .177 caliber BBs, which is very high for an air pistol in this price range.
The combination of CO2 power and semi-automatic action provides you a great BB pistol for backyard shooting.
With a simplistic design and a textured grip, it is easy and comfortable to fire.
It has a C11 magazine that can load 20 BBs for a great shooting session between reloads.
Much like the PX4 Storm, the CO2 cartridge compartment is easy to access when you need more pressure.
At $39.99, you can not get a better air pistol.
A downside is that the design is plain, but that does not matter at such a great price.
If you are looking for an entry-level air pistol, look no further than the Crosman C11 BB Pistol.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#9. Beeman P17 Pellet Pistol (Uses: Target Practice / Fun)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 410 FPS
- Powered By: Single-Stroke Pneumatic
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Single
- Price: $45.99
The Beeman P17 Pellet Pistol earned its spot not only because of its price but also its unique power mechanism.
This is the only air pistol on this list that is powered by a pump.
A single pump will provide a velocity of up to 410 FPS for .177 caliber pellets.
Not needing compressed air or CO2 is a pretty neat feature.
You can also add attachments like a reflex sight with the included 11mm dovetail rail.
Beeman constructed it out of lightweight polymer and a rifled steel barrel for added durability and accuracy.
A downside to the single-stroke pneumatic design is that it may be difficult for some shooters to pump.
The pump system is cool to have, but it also reduces your fire rate.
If you do not want to bother buying CO2 cartridges, the Beeman P17 Pellet Pistol is an excellent choice.
However, if you want a semi-automatic at around the same price point, go with the Crosman C11 BB Pistol above.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#10. S&W M&P 40 BB Pistol, DEB (Uses: Training device for S&W M&P firearm holders)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 410 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Double
- Price: $44.99
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 BB Pistol is based on the S&W Military and Police firearm, making it perfect for M&P owners.
A similar design will allow you to practice firing drills in your backyard.
It has a 19 round magazine with a drop out design with a magazine release.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 BB Pistol velocity gets up to 410 FPS and has plenty of power for plinking and target practice.
The weapon feels great in your hand and has a high-performance double action trigger for realistic training.
Like many other CO2 powered air pistols, the S&W M&P allows for the quick exchange of CO2 cartridges.
At $44.99, this air pistol is a great entry-level weapon for those interested in backyard target practice.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#11. Colt 1911 A1 Pellet Pistol, Black (Uses: Plinking / Fun)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 425 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: Pellets
- Action: Single, Double
- Price: $269.99
The Colt 1911 A1 Pellet Pistol has a beautiful design and looks and feels like the real deal.
One thing that sets this air pistol apart is the all metal design.
The 1911 has a black finish that is made of high-quality die-cast metal.
Its quality can not be beaten.
If you are a 1911 fan, this air pistol is a must have to add to your collection.
It will provide you a realistic alternative for backyard target practice.
It has a velocity of up to 425 FPS for .177 caliber pellets and is powered by a single CO2 cartridge.
The pistol is fully adjustable and has a realistic single and double action trigger.
The only real downside to the Colt 1911 A1 Pellet Pistol is the price.
The Colt 1911 A1 Pellet Pistol is a work of art and is an excellent choice for anyone.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#12. Glock 19 Gen. 3 BB Pistol (Uses: Training tool for Glock 19 firearm holders)
- Caliber: .177
- Velocity: Up to 410 FPS
- Powered By: CO2
- Ammo: BBs
- Action: Double
- Price: $69.99
The Glock 19 Gen. 3 BB Pistol is an officially licensed Glock air pistol by Umarex.
It has everything that you would expect from a Glock 19 to include official markings, fixed sights, and the signature Glock trigger.
It is a repeater-style BB air pistol that has a velocity of up to 410 FPS.
The magazine has a 16 round capacity, and the pistol is semi-automatic.
It also has a weaver-style mount under the barrel for accessories such as a flashlight.
The CO2 system provides a reliable and accurate shot every time.
Another awesome feature of the Glock 19 Gen. 3 BB Pistol is that it is a steel replica of an actual Glock 19.
The Glock 19 will take your backyard target practice to the next level.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
See Also
Best Air Rifles For Squirrels, Birds, & Pests
Best Non-Lethal Self Defense Weapons
Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
References / Resources
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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