The world of firearms but can be a bit of a jungle. There’s a tonne of choice when it comes to buying a firearm, and choosing an air pistol is no different. Although, it’s worth remembering that air pistols do differ slightly from traditional firearms, particularly in how powerful they are and what they’re used for.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re purchasing an air pistol. What will you be using it for? Where will you be using it? How powerful does my air pistol need to be?
Well, the good news is that the hard work has been done for you and in this article, we’ll take a look at the most powerful air pistols on the market today, and give you a comprehensive overview of what to look out for.
The Best Air Pistol of 2020: Crosman
Our Winner: Crosman
Our pick for the most powerful air pistol is the Crosman. After reviewing ten air pistols, the Crosman ticks nearly every box of things you’d want in an air pistol. It has a powerful shot, it’s lightweight, it’s comfortable in your hands, and it’s easy to use.
The Crosman is also multi-purpose. It’s effective at getting rid of pests and rodents should you need to, but can also be used for recreational and social shooting activities. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, user-friendly air pistol, then we’d highly recommend the Crossman air pistol. Happy shooting!
The Most Powerful Air Pistol in the World - Crosman
- Shoots .177 Caliber Pellets
- Velocity (fps): 600 Pellet
- Single shot bolt-action
- Variable Pump Power
- Adjustable rear sight (peep or open)
The Crosman air pistol is the classic American Pump Pistol. The Pistol comes in a black or brown finish, whichever you prefer. It has a velocity of 460 FPS if you’re shooting .22 sized pellets or 600 FPS if you’re firing 0.177 pellets. The Crosman has an adjustable rear sight, which you can have set to peep or open.
The gun is lightweight, weighing just 2 lbs, and has a total length of 13.6 inches. Included with the air pistol is a manual included, which will show you how to pump and load the gun and also runs through some important safety best practices. The site at the front of the gun is made from plastic, while the barrel is made of metal.
A metal guard protects the trigger, and Crosman has done a great job of making sure nothing can obstruct the trigger when you go to fire the air pistol. The grip of the pistol is made of plastic and is non-abrasive, so it’s a comfortable fit in your hands, and you can fire the air pistol in comfort.
Although it’s an air pistol, be prepared for a little bit of kickback when you fire the pistol, so make sure you’re well-positioned and have a nice solid shooting stance. The rear sight is also adjustable for wind and elevation.
It can take a little while to get comfortable with the adjustment, but once you’ve got the hang of it, the adjustment process becomes much easier. If you’re unsure, you can always check the user manual for more best practices at adjusting the sight on the air pistol.
The air pistol can be used for close-range target shooting but is also more than capable of taking down vermin at close range such as rats. Overall, Crosman has done a great job with this air pistol. It’s easy to use, very user-friendly, has a clean, modern look and can be used for different types of shooting.
Most Powerful .22 Air Pistol: Benjamin Marauder
The Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol at first look is an imposing looking air pistol. Manufactured by Crosman, the Benjamin Marauder shoots .22 caliber pellets at an FPS of up to 700. The air pistol is bolt action and has a magazine capacity of shots.
The barrel of the firearm is tough and made entirely of steel. This air pistol is perfect for taking out small game and can take small game out from a distance of up to 33 yards.
Benjamin Air Pistol
- Shoots .22 caliber pellets upto 700 FPS
- Pre charged pneumatic with integrated pressure gauge
- Interchangeable shoulder stock included. With 3000 psi of compressed air this gun has the muscle to quietly and dependably get the job done
- Bolt action with 8 shot magazine, two stage trigger and internal noise dampening shroud
- Ideal for small game hunting. Barrel Material: Steel
Included with the pistol is a shoulder stock, which helps to give the air pistol more structural support and helps to reduce recoil when you take a shot. One minor downside is the air pistol was louder than expected when taking a shot, so you may want to wear ear protection when firing the air pistol. You can charge the gun with up to 3000 PSI of compressed air, which will give you anywhere between 24-32 powerful shots worth of air capacity.
This amount of shots will give you plenty of practice at getting used to the pistol and will also help you know how many shots you’ll get from a single CO2 cartridge.
The Benjamin Marauder is lightweight, so it’s easy to move at speed with the firearm, should you need to move quickly to hunt your target. You can pick up the ammo you’ll need from most gun stores.
We really liked the Benjamin Marauder, it’s a lightweight air pistol; the shoulder stock allows you to set the firearm up as a carbine or use it just like an air pistol and the Benjamin Marauder was the most powerful .22 air pistol that we tested.
Best Air Pistol for the Money: Umarex
The Umarex is a little bit different from the two air pistols we’ve looked at so far. The Umarex is a Glock 19 air pistol and will shoot .177 pellets. A 12-gram CO2 cartridge powers the air pistol, and a pellet will shoot up to 410 FPS. The sights on the air pistol have officially licensed Glock markings and the pistol is lightweight and easy to move around.
The Umarex Air Pistols are fixed with a textured grip, which makes it easy to hold the air pistol, easy to aim it, and you’ll be able to practice magazine reloading drills. The air pistol has a drop-free magazine that’ll hold up to 15 steel pellets. The trigger is integrated with a push-button, and trigger blade safety allows you to handle the air pistol safely.
Umarex
- 15-shot, .177 caliber BB air pistol
- Powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 NOT included)
- Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 410 fps
- Integrated Weaver rail for easy mounting of accessories
- Fixed Glock-style sights and officially licensed Glock markings
Due to its lightweight nature, the Umarex is straightforward to use and is perfect for low-cost marksmanship, especially if you’re looking to practice drills or just want to enjoy some low-pressure practice shooting.
When you’re firing the Umarex, you’ll notice it has a quick rate of fire; it’s easy to use up a whole magazine of pellets in a short amount of time. As the Umarex is an official replica of a regular Glock 19, you’re getting a high-quality, tidy air pistol. The Umarex is 17 cm in length and weighs just 1.9 lbs.
The Umarex is easy to load, and you can fit a CO2 cartridge into the back of the firearm. If you’re unsure about how to load the air pistol or fit the cartridge, then consult the instruction manual that’s included with the firearm. We really liked the fact that there wasn’t much kickback when firing the air pistol, this makes for a comfortable shot with the gun remaining steady in your hands.
You’ll find sights on the back of the gun; it can take a bit of practice to perfect your shot using these sights. But half the fun of trying out a new firearm is learning how to perfect your aim with it. Last but not least, the Umarex was the best value for money air pistol we tested.
Best Blowback Air Pistol: Winchester Model 11k
The Winchester Model 11k is a semi-automatic bb pistol fitted with a steel smoothbore barrel. The Winchester fires .177 cal BB pellets and has a 16-shot BB clip. One of the first things you may notice about the Winchester is its nickel finish; this makes a nice change as many of the air pistols on the market generally come in a matte black finish, so it’s nice to see a bit of variation in design.
The manufacturer has also included 12-gram CO2 cartridges and a 750 count tin of BB pellets so you can start using the gun straight away when you get it. Although you may already have ammo in your home, it’s nice to know that the manufacturer has included some ammo for you to get started with.
Winchester Air Pistol Model 11
- .177 cal. CO2 semi-automatic bb pistol with steel smooth bore barrel
- 16-shot bb clip
- 410 fps max velocity and realistic blowback action
- Solid metal construction with nickel finish
- Kit includes two 12 gram CO2 cartridges and a 750 count tin of Winchester BBs
The pistol comes enclosed in a durable hard-shell case fitted with protective foam inserts, so it won’t get damaged while it’s en route to your home after you’ve ordered it. You can refill the magazine at the bottom of the gun.
On the side of the firearm, you’ll also see a compartment for the CO2 cartridge, of course, if you’re unsure at all about how to reload the pistol or how to fit a new CO2 canister then check out the instruction manual that comes with the gun.
The gun fires a pellet at a rate of 410 FPS, so it’s quite a powerful gun. The firearm is a blowback action shot, so you may experience a slight bit of kickback when you fire the pistol. It’s semi-automatic, and the gun has a good rate of fire.
Best CO2 Air Pistol: Smith & Wesson
The Smith & Wesson is a smart-looking blowback air pistol that comes in an all-black finish, which is powered by a 12g CO2 capsule that is housed in the magazine. The Smith & Wesson air pistol fires at a rate of 300 FPS, so it’s a little less powerful than some of the other air pistols we’ve looked at.
The magazine can hold 15 pellets at a time, and these the gun fires .177 sized pellets. A great feature included with this pistol is a series of additional backstraps. These additional backstraps come in a range of sizes: small, medium, and large; this enables you to have a comfortable grip no matter your palm size and is a really great feature that makes the air pistol accessible to many different people.
Smith & Wesson
- Realistic blowback action and controls allow for realistic training; Great for practicing holster work and the basics of accuracy
- Metal slide and slide catch work like the original; Features adjustable sights
- Comes with replaceable backstraps to match your hand shape and size
- 15-shot drop-out mag is weighted to feel like the original; Integrated rail allows addition of lights, lasers or other accessories
- Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 300 fps
Included in the box of the pistol are a full instruction manual and an Allen key, which can be used for replacing the CO2 canister. Inside the instruction manual, you’ll find instructions on how to adjust the sights to get the appropriate windage depending on the weather conditions you’re using the pistol in.
The pistol is a semi-automatic blowback pistol, so it has a quick fire rate. This air pistol is a fully licensed replica of the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 standard pistol. It makes for a great addition to your airgun collection no matter what kind of shooter you are, and it provides an affordable option to improve your shooting skills.
It’s a great air pistol, it’s comfortable to hold, comes with full instructions on how it can be used effectively and looks great. For us, it was the best CO2 air pistol we tested.
Best Air Pistol for Target Shooting: Sig Sauer P226
The Sig Sauer P226 is a semi-automatic air pistol which measures 8.85 inches in length. The air pistol is powered by a CO2 cartridge and has a magazine size of 18 pellets, as well as BB’s. It’s great to see an air pistol that allows you to choose between pellets and BBs and is a great sign of how Sig Sauer continues to develop the versatility of their air pistols and it’s ammo.
The air pistol will fire with a rate of 300 FPS. The air pistol is very lightweight, weighing 2.55 lbs, and comes in a full black finish. The air pistol is made completely from powder-coated metal, apart from the grip that is made from plastic.
Sig Sauer P226
- CO2 (12-gram cartridge), Semiautomatic,Overall Length: 8.85"
- 18-rd BB magazine, Double-/single-action, Max Velocity: 300 fps, Loudness: 4-Medium-High
- Blowback, Fixed sights, Weight: 2.55 lbs
- Metal construction, Weaver accessory rail under the barrel
On the left-hand side of the pistol, you’ll see a small button that releases the magazine for when you need to reload it. If you’re unsure of how to reload the air pistol at all, then check out the instruction manual that comes with the air pistol. Both sights at the front and the rear of the air pistol are fixed.
The P226 has a sliding top rail, which means between each shot, the pistol will blowback. On the back of the gun, you’ll see a little catch, which if you press opens a chamber where the CO2 canister can be stored.
On the magazine, you may notice that there is a little magnetized section, this is to help prevent you from dropping any BBs or pellets when you’re loading the pistol. It’s only a small feature, but it makes reloading the magazine all that much easier.
Overall, the P226 is a well made, versatile replica handgun, it fires pellets and BB’s, so you have a choice over the type of ammunition you use. The air pistol looks great and would be a fine addition to anyone’s air pistol arsenal.
Best Air Pistol For Hunting: Gamo 611138254 Pt-85
The Gamo 611138254 Pt-85 is a CO2 powered air pistol. It has a magazine capacity of 16 pellets and has fixed sights with white reflective dots. The air pistol is easy to hold and has a nice firm-textured plastic grip, so the air pistol feels comfortable in your hand. The air pistol is extremely lightweight, weighing just 1.5 lb and is a relatively small firearm measuring just 7.8 inches.
The Gamo has a much more powerful shot than some of the other air pistols we looked at with an FPS of up to 450. It’s perfect if you want to do some plinking or any other type of recreational shooting.
Gamo Air Pistol
- Blowback Slide Mechanism
- Capacity: 16 Pellets Double Magazine
- Fixed sights with Reflective White Dots
- Textured Plastic grips
- CO2-powered air pistol with authentic look and feel
On the front of the gun, you’ll see a rail attachment, so you can attach a light or laser to the firearm should you wish. On the back of the gun, you can remove the grip and this is where you’ll see the chamber for storing the CO2 canister, and there’s a screw you can loosen to replace the canister.
As always, if you’re unsure about any of the best safety practices, how to reload the air pistol, or replace the canister, then make sure you check out the instruction manual. The air pistol is semi-automatic, so it has a rapid rate of fire, and you’ll probably use up a whole magazine fairly quickly, so be prepared to reload often.
Best Air Pistol for Self Defense: Daisy Powerline 415
The Daisy Powerline 415 is a matte black air pistol with a high-capacity 21 shot capacity magazine. The pistol fires .177 metal BB’s and has a fire rate of 500 FPS. The air pistol is semi-automatic and powered by CO2 canisters. Included with the air pistol are a pair of shooting glasses, targets, and three CO2 cylinders.
With a fire rate of 500 FPS, the air pistol shoots extremely quickly, and you really can shoot the gun as quickly as you like. The air pistol is 8.6 inches in length and weighs 0.93 lbs. One of the first things we noticed about the pistol was that the grip felt very comfortable.
Daisy Air Pistol
- 177 cal. BB Pistol with a smooth bore steel barrel
- 21-Shot built-in BB magazine
- 500 fps max velocity
- CO2 powered semi-automatic
- Kit includes shooting glasses, targets, 350 ct. BB tube and three CO2 cylinders
The grip isn’t too rough like some grips can be but felt comfortable in the palm of the hand. On the side of the gun, you’ll see the safety catch, which is easy to turn on and off.
The air pistol is made out of plastic, apart from the trigger, which is made out of metal. At the front of the gun, you’ll see a sight which makes it easy to aim the pistol. At the bottom of the grip, you can take off the bottom part, and this is where you’ll find the chamber where the CO2 canisters are held.
It’s a powerful air pistol, it looks great, its lightweight and has a great rate of fire. Due to the power of it’s shot and it’s quick rate of fire, we’d rate this air pistol as the best air pistol for self defence out of the selection of air pistols we tested.
An instruction manual is included with the air pistol should you be unsure of how to set up or use the air pistol at all.
Quietest Air Pistol: Umarex Colt
The Umarex Colt is an air pistol with a classic look. It’s a fully licensed replica of the Colt Single Action Army pistol. The Umarex Colt is easy and straightforward to use, it’s made from an all-metal frame and shoots with realistic action.
The firearm has a six-round capacity and included with the gun are six BB casings. The gun is powered by 12-gram CO2 cartridges and shoots .177 caliber steel BB’s.
Umarex Colt
- Iconic Frontier Six-Shooter Colt Peacemaker air gun is as much fun to look at as it is to shoot; All metal frame and realistic action
- Easy and simple to use; Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs from individual cartridges at up to 410 fps
- 6-round capacity; Includes 6 BB casings
- Powered by economical and easy-to-find 12-gram CO2 cartridges; CO2 housed in the grip
- Own a piece of history; Great gun for the history buff in your family!
The air pistol fires at up to 410 FPS, so it produces a powerful shot. The action of the air pistol is very smooth, and the gun fires extremely well. To load the pistol, you simply load every single pellet into one of the six slots in the magazine, just like you would with a real revolver. The Colt has been made with precision and real quality craftsmanship.
Although the Colt is an airgun, it’s important to remember it’s not a toy, so do be careful when you’re firing the gun. The Colt is a single action air pistol, so you can take your time when shooting this firearm.
On the grip, you’ll notice that you can take a part of it off; this is where you’ll find the chamber where the CO2 canisters are stored. The Umarex Colt is perfect for shooting tin cans, plinking and other types of recreational shooting.
It was the quietest of the air pistols we tested and The Umarex Colt is a fine-looking air pistol; if you’re looking for an air pistol that’s easy on the eye, then the Umarex Colt is for you.
Most Accurate Air Pistol: Beeman Sportsman Series
The Beeman Sportsman Series fires .177 pellets with a 410 FPS. The firearm weighs 1.7 lbs. The air pistol is 9.5 inches in length and is a well-engineered, good looking pistol. The air pistol has good fiber optics, which makes the firearm easy to aim.
The air pistol is a single pump made with a solid polymer frame. Unlike most of the air pistols we’ve reviewed, the Beeman isn’t powered by CO2.
Beeman Air Pistol
- CALIBER: .177 Pellet; VELOCITY: 410 FPS; Single Shot High Precision
- WEIGHT: 1.7 lbs.; OVERALL LENGTH: 9.5", BARREL LENGTH: 4.5"
- PUMPS: Single Pump (Recoilless); ACTION: Single Stroke Pneumatic
- BARREL: Rifled; FINISH: Polymer Frame; FRONT SIGHTS: Post; REAR SIGHTS: Adjustable for windage and elevation
- Please refer to User Manual attached below for instructions and troubleshooting steps
Instead, to load the pistol, a bit of arm strength is required, on the back of the barrel, there will be a lever to pull back, this opens up the chamber where you can load the firearm. It can require a bit of getting used to, so you may want to make yourself familiar with the instruction manual, which contains full guidance on how to load the air pistol.
The trigger on the gun is made of metal and is very light, making for an easy shot. The 410 FPS gives the gun a powerful shot that isn’t overbearing, and you can easily control how quickly you fire the pistol. The firearm is fitted with rear and front sights that can be adjusted for windage and elevation, we found it to be the most accurate air pistol we tested.
What Is an Air Pistol?
The simple answer to the question ‘What is an air pistol?’ is that it’s a gun that uses gas to fire a projectile instead of burning gunpowder that an ordinary gun uses. Most air pistols are replicas, and a lot of them are officially licensed by the respective manufacturers and companies who create the real firearms.
Types of Air Pistols
While we’ve mainly focussed on CO2 air pistols in this guide, there are actually five different types of air pistol in the firearms world. The first type is spring powered air guns; these air guns work by having a piston and a coiled spring inside the chamber.
The spring gets compressed when you cock the gun and becomes decompressed when you pull the trigger. The piston compresses the air, and the pellet is propelled out of the muzzle.
CO2 cylinders power the second type of air pistol; these air pistols work by the CO2 being released when the trigger is pulled, which causes the pellet to move forward inside the barrel.
The third type of air gun are PCP air pistols and guns (precharged pneumatic); these guns work by using high-pressurized air in the chamber as the propellant force to discharge the pellet.
The fourth type of air pistol are variable pump pistols. These firearms have a piston and a pressure cylinder in the chamber. When these guns are cocked the air between the piston and the cylinder becomes compressed and has nowhere to go and is forced into the cylinder. The lock valve in the cylinder lets the air in and keeps it there until you shoot.
The final type of air pistols are gas piston-powered pistols. These air pistols work the same way as spring-piston guns, but they have a gas-filled cylinder instead of a coiled spring. The pressurized air is kept under tension until the trigger is released, which causes the pellet to be discharged out of the barrel.
What Will You Be Using an Air Pistol For?
Before you decide which air pistol you want to go for, you should consider what you’ll be using the firearm for. Are you a hunter? Do you take part in competitive gun tournaments? Or are you just looking for some recreational fun?
Whatever your answer is to these questions will determine which type of air pistol is right for you and what else you need to look for in an air pistol.
If you’re a serious hunter then a traditional gunpowder firearm may be better suited to your needs. But if you’re looking to improve your skills and have some fun then air pistols are perfect for this.
Air Pistol Safety
Air pistols are a fun alternative to real firearms, but they should still be handled with care. Air pistols are not toys and can cause injury if not handled and used correctly.
For full safety information and best practices, be sure to check out the instruction manual that will come with the air pistol you purchase. Most air pistols come with some kind of warranty, but always check how much coverage the manufacturer provides when you purchase a new air pistol.
With this in mind, always check with a professional about whether you should use an air pistol for self defence. Safety is the most important thing with any kind of firearm, so remember this when you’re buying one.
Other Factors to Consider
As we’ve already discussed, before you buy an air pistol, you should have an idea in your mind of what you’ll be using it for. You’ll also want to consider how much you want to spend on an air pistol. Air pistols are usually considerably less expensive than traditional firearms, so if you’re on a tight budget, then an air pistol is a great option.
FPS Rating and Trigger Control
You should also consider the FPS rating and what an FPS rating means for your air pistol way your air pistol will fire before purchasing. The FPS rating of an air pistol will give you an idea of how powerful the shot of the air pistol will be; the higher the FPS, the more powerful the pistols shot. It’s also important to remember than a semi-automatic air will have a quicker rate of fire than a single shot air pistol.
The rate of fire can also be affected by trigger control and how tightly you squeeze your trigger, it’s good to have an idea of the rate of fire and what kind of trigger control you’ll have when deciding on an air pistol.
Magazine Size
You may also want to consider the magazine size of the air pistol, an air pistol that is semi-automatic with a high magazine capacity will not take long to get through. Each air pistol we tested was simple enough to load and doesn’t require too much practice.
Most air pistols come with rear sights, some come with rear sights and front sights and can then be adjusted for windage and elevation.
If you’re new to shooting and looking for some tips or you’re having any problems configuring your air pistol then be sure to carefully read the instruction manual or get professional advice from the manufacturer or your local gun store.
The Final Round-Up
Our Winner: Crosman
By now, you should have a good understanding of what to look for in an air pistol. As we’ve mentioned, our winner for the most powerful air pistol is the Crosman as it has nearly everything a good air pistol should.
As long as you know the reasons as to why you want to buy an air pistol and you’re comfortable using one, then an air pistol is a great addition to any firearm collection. They are simple to use, have a powerful shot, and are less expensive than traditional firearms.
This guide should have given you an idea of the best air pistols available, and you’re all set to find the perfect air pistol for you!
Crosman Air Pistol
- Shoots .177 Caliber Pellets
- Velocity (fps): 600 Pellet
- Single shot bolt-action
- Variable Pump Power
- Adjustable rear sight (peep or open)
The post Sharpen Up Your Shooting Skills: Here Are The Most Powerful Air Pistols appeared first on ITIShooting.
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