Pellet Pistols1

    Best Pellet Pistols: Buying Guide & Top 10 Pistols Reviewed

    Paris VegaParis Vega
    21 mins read

    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:

    PreviewProductDetails
    Crosman 2240

    Crosman 2240 Bolt Action CO2 Pellet Pistol (0.22)



    • Consist of high-quality components

    • Product of a reputed company with good equipment and accessories


    Crosman Vigilante 357 Co2 Air Pistol Lit with Holster

    Crosman Vigilante 357 Co2 Air Pistol Lit



    • It can perform both single and double action

    • Has an attractive design


    Beretta PX4 Strom .177 Caliber Steel BB Airgun Pistol

    Beretta PX4 Strom .177 Caliber Steel BB Airgun Pistol



    • Looks like a real fire gun

    • Pellets or BB’s can be shot using PX4


    Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol (.22)

    Benjamin Marauder PCP Air Pistol (.22)



    • The structure is made up of stainless steel and best for hunting purposes 

    • According to its prices range, it gives the best performance that you can expect


    Dan Wesson ASG 2.CO2 Powered Air Revolver Silver

    Dan Wesson ASG 2.5" CO2 Powered Air Revolver



    • Has a compact and stylish look

    • You can adjust the rear sight


    Duke SAA Colt Peacemaker CO2 BB Revolver, Nickle air pistol

    Duke SAA Colt Peacemaker CO2 BB Revolver



    • It has a manual safety system

    • Finish is nickel-plates


    Colt Python CO2 Revolver Chrome air pistol

    Colt Python CO2 Revolver Chrome air pistol



    • For manual security, it provides a working ejector rod

    • The full structure is made up of a solid metal


    Smith and Wesson M&P Airgun (Black, Medium)

    Smith and Wesson M&P Airgun



    • Best for backyard plinking and training purposes

    • It is semi-automatic


    Alfa Competition PCP Pistol air pistol

    Alfa Competition PCP Pistol air pistol



    • It has a velocity of 500 ft per sec

    • It uses a Dry-fire mechanism


    Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol

    Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol



    • It gives highly accurate results

    • Gives a stylish and accurate look


    So, let’s get started with the review.

     

    1- Crosman 2240 Bolt Action CO2 Pellet Pistol (0.22)

    Crosman 2240

    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. 

    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. 

    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 gun 
    • 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

    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

    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. 

    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. 

    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. 

    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 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 purposes 
    • 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

    Dan Wesson ASG 2.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. 

    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. 

    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 pistols 

    6- Duke SAA Colt Peacemaker CO2 BB Revolver, Nickle air pistol

    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. 

    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

    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. 

    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)

    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. 

    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. 

    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- Alfa Competition PCP Pistol air pistol

    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. 

    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 rail 
    • Expensive for the ones who do not take shooting competitions seriously 

     

    10- Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol

    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 pneumatic 
    • 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:Air Pistol Accessories

    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?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.  

    What Is The Best Pellet Pistol For Self Defense?

    There are many best pellet pistols available in the market that you can get at a low price. Here are some important factors that you should consider before buying the best pellet pistol.

    Price

    According to your budget, you can buy any pellet pistol. The best pistol pellet price range starts from $90 and can go to $300+. It is also good to use a plastic body pistol.

    Types and uses

    The jack of all trades is a CO2 air pistol. It is a great option for beginners to use. For serious target shooting and pest control, you need an air pistol. For more power accuracy, you should pump an air pistol.

    Ammo

    You can use BBs, pellets, or both to shoot through the air pistols. Pellets are accurate and more powerful while steel BBs are cheap and common.

    Power

    With a regular CO2 pistol you can get the maximum power of 480 FPS. Large pistols can shoot up to 700 FPS. But they are heavy. You can use any gun that can generate power at this level.

    Magazine

    Best pellet pistols have a magazine of 8 rounds. The most powerful and accurate air pistols are single-loading.

    Blowback Action

    You can stimulate the actual handgun recoil with a blowback action using a CO2 pistol. A blowback action gives you a more realistic experience of shooting. Added realism is worth it even when CO2 is less efficient.

    Self Defence

    A good looking air pistol is best for most self-defense situations that you face. There are more chances of scaring your attacker until he thinks it is real.

    Pellet Pistols vs. BB Pistols: Which Are More Powerful?

    Pellet pistols are most powerful than BB pistols. If you use better quality pellets you will get better results.

    This is because of the aero dynamism of air gun pellets that is far better than bb.

    Here are more factors that you should consider before concluding that which pistol is more powerful.

    These are some features that make pellet pistols different from BB pistols.

    1- Shape

    This is the first difference that you notice between pellet pistol and BB pistol. Here are several types of pellet pistols but now will we discuss slug pellets in detail.

    A slug pellet gives more traditional bullet looks. These shape bullets existed in the market since 1832. When fired for bullet expansion hollow a cylinder-conoidal ammunition has a base. Many people like a slug pellet to mine balls which not actually ball-shaped.

    While the BB gun ammunition is small. It looks like a rounded metal ball that is first founded in 1886. A BB is more noticeable than a pellet. It is difficult to differentiate between a pellet pistol and a BB pistol until the pellet was squashed down after you use it.

    2- Size

    BBs available in the market have a diameter of about 0.173 inches. But not all the BBs have the same size. Some have a diameter of 1.71 inches and some have the largest diameter of 0.177 inches that makes it more heavily than others.

    The size of gun pellets is measured by its caliber. Depending upon the type of gun caliber size also varies. Gun pellets are available in the following size

    • 0.20 inches
    • 0.22 inches
    • 0.25 inches
    • 0.30 inches
    • 5 0.375 inches
    • 0.45 inches and 0.50 inches

    3- Weight

    The weight of a BB gun is light until you do not use a big one. There are three classes of BB guns according to their range. These classes are heavy, mid-range, and light.

    Light BBs have a weight of 0.12 grams and more than that. BB guns operate at 250 frames per second. These lightweight BBs can travel a long distance after a fire with the help of spring loading.

    The mid-range BBs weights 0.20 to 0.28 grams. You can not cover a long distance with this weight. BBs that have a weight of 0.30 or 0.40 included in the heavy BB class. They can travel a long distance.

    While pellets have more size than that and can shoot the target even at a large distance.

    4- Magazine fit

    Magazines ammunition fits are the biggest difference between BB and pellet guns. In your BB guns, you can sort of stack on top of each other when loading up the magazine of the dun. While in the pellet gun you can not do that.

    Depending upon the ammunition the size of the magazine varies. You will find a stick or attacked ammo magazine with a BB gun. This allows you to do the stacking of your BBs.

    Many other types of the rifle have a rotary type of magazine.

    5- Behavior

    This is the most important difference between a BB gun and a pellet gun. BB will bounce a lot when fired with their metal bodies. For this reason, they are favored for plinking. It is a type of target practice that involves shooting at tin cans and soda bottles.

    Due to the soft lead alloy bodies of pellets, they bounce less on fire. Depending upon the type of gun accuracy also varies.

    If you buy a better quality gun then you also get better results of accuracy. This is because of the aero dynamism of the best pellet pistol that is better than BBs.

    How Many Shots Can You Get Out Of A CO2 Cartridge?

    A CO2 cartridge can shoot from 30 to 200 shots from the best pellet pistol.

    How Far Will You Be Shooting?

    The distance traveled by a pellet depends upon its shape and weight. A .177 best pellet pistol has a long-range of almost 400 yards. But in the case of the BB gun, the largest range is 240 to 360 yards.

    How Much Do You Want To Spend?

    When it comes to buying the best pellet pistol you want the one that suits your budget. A pellet gun is itself a very simple device. If you provide more and velocity it works the best.

    Here are the three best pellet pistols that you can use.

    1- Tactical crusader break-barrel .177 caliber pellet rifle

    The best pellet rifle is made up of wood and weighs heavy metal. This makes it easy to hold it. For optimal visuals of aiming it has a front sight and adjustable rear sights.

    With a caliber of .177, it can shoot 750 feet per second. It gives you the facility of a variety of shoots. Also, with a cocking lever it has a fixed barrel.

    2- Cros man 1077 repeater scoped pellet rifle

    It has a caliber shooting power of .117 with a velocity of 625 feet per second. It is a semi-automatic pistol that uses a CO2 mechanism.

    Its center point has a scope range of 4×32. Its body is made up of steel that you can use in any weather. For general use, you can buy this pellet rifle.

    3- Best quality and a power pellet gun

    It is made for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. It has an adjustable scope and can use in all types of weather. It gives you all the comfort so that you can practice for your target with ease. 

    This best pellet rifle has a velocity of 1200 feet per second. It also has two-stage trigger action that you can easily adjust. This quality makes it best among others. The weight of a power pellet gun is less than 10 pounds that makes it more usable.

    Will A Pellet Gun Stop An Intruder?

    If you set the correct aim then a shot from the best pellet pistol can stop an intruder. But always remember laws and consult with a lawyer.

    Aim a correct shot at the intruder if you want to hit. Also, use the legitimate pistol to keep for safety. Moreover, the best pellet can kill a person with a single shot.

    Are Air Pistols Legal? (Pellet & BB)

    Yes, Air pistol guns are legal if you use it for a safety purpose. But there is a law about these guns that you should follow.

    Without a reasonable excuse, you can not have an air weapon in a public place. It is totally up to the court whether it accepts your reason or rejects it.

    You can not use the best pellet pistol to harm anyone or destroy any property. Because if you do so intentionally or unintentionally it will go against the law.

    If your age is less than 18 then you can not purchase or have any weapon in your hand. If you want to use a gun then hold it under proper supervision or wait until you are 21 years old.

    What Is Your Intended Use Of The Air Pistol?

    Best pistol pellet has an effective range of 500 yards but if you fire at a small area then it can cause problems.

    For example

    If you fire in a short room or a close area then it can affect sensitive parts of the body like the eyes. Pellets can penetrate soft tissues. Moreover, it can injure a person and cause a lot of pain.

     

    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

    Paris Vega
    Paris Vega
    Owner/Editor of TheRealGunGuys.com

    Paris Vega has been shooting guns for 30 years. He began as a young boy shooting BB guns and .22 rifles. Then moved up to shotguns and rifles as he got older. As a teenager he was paid to kill snakes at catfish ponds. From training at shooting ranges to hunting deer, wild boar and other invasive species, he enjoys and respects the great equalizing power of firearms. He's a member of the NRA, USPSA, and the USCCA.