Pellet pistols are a popular choice for target shooting and small game hunting. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to find the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pellet pistols currently available. Before we get to the reviews, let’s go over a simple pellet pistol buying guide.
Best Pellet Pistol Buying Guide
When shopping for a pellet pistol, there are a few key things to consider.
Power Source: Spring-powered pellet pistols are usually the most affordable, but they can be harder to cock and may not be as powerful as other options. CO2-powered pellet pistols offer more power and can be easier to use, but they can be more expensive to operate. There are also pneumatic pellet pistols that use compressed air, which can offer even more power but may be even pricier.
Caliber: The caliber refers to the size of the pellets that the pistol shoots. Smaller caliber pellet pistols, such as .177, are great for target shooting but may not be as effective for hunting. Larger caliber pellet pistols, like .22, pack more power and can be a better choice for hunting or self-defense situations.
Velocity: The velocity of a pellet pistol refers to the speed at which the pellet is fired. Higher velocity pellet pistols will generally be more powerful and have a longer range. Consider the velocity you need based on your intended use for the pellet pistol.
Design: Some pellet pistols are more compact and easy to carry, while others may have more features or a more realistic look. Choose the design that best fits your needs and preferences.
Range: Consider the maximum range of the pellet pistol. If you plan on doing a lot of long-distance shooting, you’ll want a pellet pistol with a longer range.
Hunting Requirements: Different game animals require different levels of power to take down humanely. Make sure the pellet pistol you choose has enough power to hunt the type of game you are interested in.
- Small birds: A .177 caliber pellet pistol with a velocity of at least 700 feet per second (fps) should be sufficient for small birds.
- Small mammals (such as squirrels and rabbits): A .177 or .22 caliber pellet pistol with a velocity of at least 800 fps should be sufficient for small mammals.
- Medium-sized mammals (such as raccoons and opossums): A .22 caliber pellet pistol with a velocity of at least 900 fps should be sufficient for medium-sized mammals.
- Large mammals (such as deer and wild boars): A .25 caliber pellet pistol with a velocity of at least 1000 fps should be sufficient for large mammals.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best pellet pistols on the market.
Best Pellet Pistols Reviewed:
| Preview | Product | Details |
|---|---|---|
 | Crosman 2240 Bolt Action CO2 Pellet Pistol (0.22) | |
 | Crosman Vigilante 357 Co2 Air Pistol Lit |
|
 | Beretta PX4 Strom .177 Caliber Steel BB Airgun Pistol |
|
 | Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol (.22) |
|
 | Dan Wesson ASG 2.5" CO2 Powered Air Revolver | |
 | Duke SAA Colt Peacemaker CO2 BB Revolver |
|
 | Colt Python CO2 Revolver Chrome air pistol |
|
 | Smith and Wesson M&P Airgun | |
 | Alfa Competition PCP Pistol air pistol |
|
 | Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol |
|
So, let’s get started with the review.
1-Â Crosman 2240 Bolt Action CO2 Pellet Pistol (0.22)
It is the best pellet pistol that increases accuracy and focus. Crosman provides a safe and exciting experience during shooting. Also, it is a single-shot pistol and shoots a .22 pellet.
The weight of the pistol is 1.8 pounds with a full length of 11.2 inches. It offers a great gripping facility with a unique design. This facility allows both left-handed or right-handed shooters to use it properly.
For accuracy, it has a rifle barrel. CO2 works with Crosman pistol.Â
A bullet of .22 caliber can reach up to 460 fps when it is passed through the barrel.
For good testing, it gives a checkered surface and thumb rest facility.Â
PROS
- Consist of high-quality components
- Product of a reputed company with good equipment and accessories
- Looks like an air gun but not a real air gunÂ
- Best for target shooting
- Available at an affordable price
CONS
- Produce a loud volume when the gun is shot.
- Most of the gun is plinking.
2- Crosman Vigilante 357 Co2 Air Pistol Lit with Holster
It is a well-made gun with high-quality material. Crosman Vigilante is the best pellet pistol of a reliable revolver style. The FPS velocity of the gun is low but still, it has good accuracy.
It is a semi-automatic air gun of revolver style having a capacity of 10-shot. Crosman uses .177 caliber pellets. The length of the Crosman Vigilante is 11.5 inches.
435 fps can reach by the pellets when bullets leave the barrel. It follows the mechanism of CO2. You can also use a nylon holster. You can attach this holster to your belt.
Crosman offers 6-BBs clips and almost 3 10-pellets clips. Also, you can shoot BBs as well as a pellet pistol.
PROS
- It can perform both single and double action
- Has an attractive design
- Available at an affordable price
- BBs and Pellets are powered by CO2
CONS
- Due to its design, it is difficult to use with thick fingers
- Produce low velocity than your expectations
3- Beretta PX4 Strom .177 Caliber Steel BB Airgun Pistol
The Beretta is developed in a way that it resembles the existing members of the Beretta family. It is a well-known family in the firearms market.Â
It is a good tribute to its family. Beretta is famous for its accuracy and great ergonomics. It gives a balanced feel due to its perfect size.Â
It becomes a shooting pellet pistol and a near-range eyelid when its velocity is less than expectations. The caliber of Beretta PX4 is .177.
It works exactly like a real firearm.Â
Beretta is a 16-shot repeater. The faster you shoot, the more you can pull the trigger. It has 2 rotary clips of 8-shot at both ends.
PROS
- Looks like a real fire gun
- Pellets or BB’s can be shot using PX4
- High capacity pistol
- Performs double action
CONS
- Have low velocity
- PX4 does not contain CO2 cylinder
4- Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol (.22)
Benjamin Air is the best pellet pistol for hunting. It is one of the outstanding brands in the firearm market. They provide a good quality product with amazing performance.
Due to its features, you may find it costly. The best thing about Benjamin air pistol is that it can target up to 33 yards and use a pre-charge pneumatic system.
It contains two indexing systems that can perform a bolt action. The caliber of Benjamin air pistol is .22. With lighter pellets of .22/5.5mm, it can achieve a fast shooting capability.
The shooting speed can be equal to the lightning speed.
PROS
- The structure is made up of stainless steel and best for hunting purposesÂ
- According to its prices range, it gives the best performance that you can expect
- With the use of 8 shot magazine, it can perform bolt action
- It has a two-stage trigger
- It has a velocity of 700 feet per second which makes it the best pellet pistol with more power
- Multiple accessories are available that you can use
CONS
- Due to its features, it is costly
- Make a loud noise on shooting
- A separate pump is required to operate PX4
- This model has no open sights
5- Dan Wesson ASG 2.5″ CO2 Powered Air Revolver, Silver
It is a well made best BB revolver. Dan Wesson has a caliber of .177 BB. It has very lightweight components but still looks like a proper revolver.Â
The structure is made up of metal instead of ergonomic grips. Usually, ABS plastic manufacture these grips. It has a CO2 cartridge of weight 12g. This cartridge is placed in the grip so that you can easily access it by sliding back the style of easy-load.Â
It consists of almost 6 cartridges. Each has a BB of 4.5 mm. These cartridges are kept in the metal cylinder that is fired every round. When you buy a Dan Wesson you will get it with a speed loader and tactical rails that are attached to the best pellet pistol.
PROS
- Has a compact and stylish look
- You can adjust the rear sight
- The structure is made up of solid metal
- Safe to use
CONS
- You can not adjust the front sight because it is fixed
- It only shoots BB’s not pellets
- It has a low velocity as compared to other best pellet pistolsÂ
6- Duke SAA Colt Peacemaker CO2 BB Revolver, Nickle air pistol
Duke SAA Colt has a fixed front sight and rear sight performs only a single action. It also has a working ejector rod which is used for a manual safety. The best thing about the Duke SAA pistol is that it includes 6 shells.
The size of the CO2 cylinder used in Duke SAA is 12-grams and has a 6RD cartridge cylinder. It has a stylish and attractive design that includes it in the best pellet pistol list. It has a good finishing look.
It has not a very high range of velocity and has good accuracy. It is made best according to its price range. For new shooters, it is considered as an aid in training.Â
It has a comfortable structure so that you get an overwhelming experience whenever you use it.
PROS
- It has a manual safety system
- Finish is nickel-plates
- The front sight is fixed
- The structure is made up of solid metal
CONS
- Have low velocity as compared to other best pellet pistol of the same price range
- It performs only a single action
- Do not shoot pellets but only BB’s
7- Colt Python CO2 Revolver Chrome air pistol
The best thing about Colt Python is its grips of faux wood and a chrome finish. Faux wood grips make it easy for you to hold Colt python in your hands for a long time.Â
And its stylish chrome finish makes it attractive. The front sight of the Colt python pistol is fixed while you can easily adjust the rear sight.
It has a CO2 cartridge cylinder of 6-RD with a weight of 12-gram.
It can perform both single and double actions. For manual safety, it provides a working ejector rod. The gun nickel is stored in a cartridge shell box. In this box, each shell with a steel BB is loaded.
PROS
- For manual security, it provides a working ejector rod
- The full structure is made up of a solid metal
- Cylinder can swing-out
- It has a stunning quality to its price range
- The finish of the chrome-plated metal
CONS
- You can not adjust the front sight because it is fixed
- Has an extra replica in it
8- Smith and Wesson M&P Airgun (Black, Medium)
For shooting enthusiasts, Smith and Wesson provide the best pellet pistols. This pistol has a caliber of .177 BBs and can achieve a speed up to 480 FPS.Â
It has a rear sight of fiber optic. CO2 capsules are used for electricity because this model is semi-automatic. The best thing about this pistol is that you can customize it with the help of a barrel rail.
To improve the accuracy, under the barrel you can mount to the flashlight or laser sight.Â
PROS
- Best for backyard plinking and training purposes
- It is semi-automatic
- Gives the facility of a manual safety
- Available at an affordable price
CONS
- Looks like an original firearm
9-Â Alfa Competition PCP Pistol air pistol
It is built with the best quality components that make it more accurate.
Alpha competition PCP pistol is a legitimate gun used in competitions. It is used by experts only.Â
You can adjust the front sight to 3 widths and for height, you can adjust the rear sight. It works on both stages. You can set the pistol on a single-stage or 2-phase.
Alpha Pistol uses a dry-fire mechanism. You can also adjust the trigger and position so that you can carry it with you. You can remove a 6-oz from the pistol.
Its excellent material quality makes it the first legitimate gun for serious competitions.
PROS
- It has a velocity of 500 ft per sec
- It uses a Dry-fire mechanism
- Best for 10-meter long shooting matches
- Match rifle is of legitimate quality
CONS
- On the top of the barrel, it just has an 11m railÂ
- Expensive for the ones who do not take shooting competitions seriouslyÂ
10-Â Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol
Air venturi is considered the best pellet pistols because of its stylish look and one year warranty.
It is a pro summer model that air venturi produces. This pistol is best for target shooting.
It has the best features that suit its price range. You can adjust the trigger to make it more accurate.
PROS
- It gives highly accurate results
- Gives a stylish and accurate look
- It is a single-stroke pneumaticÂ
- Available at an affordable price
CONS
- It is only a single-shot
- It can become an addiction to the shooters. This addiction will lead them to more expensive guns because of their good shooting capabilities.
Airgun Accessories for Pellet Pistols:
Pellet pistol accessories are items that can be added to a pellet pistol to improve its performance, functionality, or comfort.
Scopes
Scopes can help you improve your accuracy by providing a clearer sight picture and allowing you to adjust the aim point.
Laser sights
Laser sights can help you improve your aim by projecting a laser dot onto your target.
Grips
Custom grips can help you get a better hold on your pellet pistol and improve your shooting comfort.
Holsters
Holsters can help you safely and securely carry your pellet pistol when you’re on the go.
Magazines
Extra magazines can allow you to quickly reload your pellet pistol and keep shooting.
CO2 cartridges
If you have a CO2-powered pellet pistol, you’ll need to stock up on CO2 cartridges to keep it running.
Pellets
Make sure you have a supply of the right caliber of pellets for your pellet pistol.
Cleaning kit
A cleaning kit can help you keep your pellet pistol in good working order by removing dirt and grime.
How Do Pellet Pistols Work?
Pellet pistols use compressed air to propel a small metal or lead pellet out of the barrel of the pistol. There are a few different types of pellet pistols, each with a slightly different method of generating the compressed air needed to fire the pellet:
Spring-powered pellet pistols
These pistols use a spring-loaded mechanism to compress air in the chamber. When the trigger is pulled, the spring is released and pushes a piston forward, which releases the compressed air and propels the pellet out of the barrel.
CO2-powered pellet pistols
These pistols use small CO2 cartridges as the power source. When the trigger is pulled, a valve opens and releases the compressed CO2 gas, which propels the pellet out of the barrel.
Pneumatic pellet pistols
These pistols use a separate air tank or a built-in pump to compress air in the chamber. When the trigger is pulled, a valve opens and releases the compressed air, which propels the pellet out of the barrel.
In all cases, the compressed air forces the pellet out of the barrel and down the sight line towards the target. The pellet will continue to travel through the air until it runs out of kinetic energy or hits an obstacle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
These are some of the most frequently asked questions that can help you a great deal. Â
Conclusion
In conclusion, pellet pistols are a popular choice for target shooting and small game hunting. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to find the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top pellet pistols currently available.
When shopping for a pellet pistol, there are a few key things to consider, including the power source, caliber, velocity, design, range, and power required to hunt different game. By taking these factors into account, you can find a pellet pistol that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Overall, the best pellet pistol for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Be sure to do your research and choose a pellet pistol that meets your needs and budget. With the right pellet pistol, you’ll be well-equipped for a fun and successful shooting experience.
References / Sources
- Wikipedia: Pellet Air Gun
- Writing and Editing assisted by OpenAi’s ChatGPT, Hemingway App, and Grammarly