Ranking of the best air pistols for 2022

Shooting from pistols of pneumatic type in the Russian Federation is an invariably demanded occupation, which even formed such an individual type of military sports entertainment as hardball. An assortment of air pistols is available at every outlet with products for sports, and the choice of replicas or functionality is now endless. If a person has a desire to transform outdoor recreation or simply gain experience in high-speed and decisive shooting without the need to issue a permit and ride to the shooting range, spending expensive supplies (in terms of shooting costs, pneumatic weapons, one way or another, have no competitors), then the rating of the best air pistols for 2022 will come in handy.

Pneumatic Features

There are various weapon modifications on the market for both professionals and beginners. They differ not only in price, but also in parameters. The main one is power, which depends on the type of cylinder installed. The caliber of the air pistol is 4.5 mm, and steel balls are used as ammunition.

Weapons also differ in design into the following types:

• Gas balloon. Bullet acceleration is provided by the flow of carbon dioxide into the barrel. The model looks like a combat pistol, has a small weight and high accuracy. Disadvantages: dependence on weather conditions (gas is compressed at sub-zero temperatures), risk of CO2 leakage;
• Spring-piston, in which the shot occurs when energy is released after the spring is compressed. Advantages - firing range, unpretentiousness to the type of bullets. The model is designed for one charge;
• Multicompression combines the characteristics of the previous types. The user manually inflates the cylinder, causing air to accumulate. The advantages of the pistol is the almost complete absence of recoil. The disadvantage is the need to manually prepare weapons, the high cost.

The gas cylinder pistol is the most common. It is suitable for short range shooting. Some models are equipped with interchangeable drums, so you can work with lead bullets and metal balls. To learn how to shoot, aim with a pistol, it is recommended to use a spring-piston weapon.The "favorite" of professional athletes is the multi-compression pistol.

The high price prevents the average user from using this type of weapon. The rating of high-quality and proven pistols helps to present all the variety and choose the model according to your preferences. The weapon also differs in the design of the barrel into two types:

• Smoothbore, which is a smooth tube with even walls. The production process for this type of weapon has been simplified, but the range and accuracy of the shot have been reduced;
• With a rifled barrel, the inner surface of which is provided with notches. They give the bullet acceleration. It is more difficult to produce such weapons, but they shoot more accurately.

In special stores, a pistol is sold that shoots lead bullets, steel or galvanized shot (balls).

The best air pistols

This post has reviewed the air pistols available on the market and selected the best, based on years of experience from advanced users and hardball fans who know a lot about this type of weapon.

10th place: Crosman C11

Despite the absolutely "childish" design due to the one-piece body made of plastic materials, this model is in demand by most users due to its own power.

The gun gives out about 150 m / s “out of the box”, which not every pneumatic is capable of, in addition at such a cost.

The directly mechanical component of the model has become the subject of replicas in most pistols - despite the fact that while pressing the trigger, the barrel is ridiculously extended from the body, the power of the shot and the undemanding gas costs are best obtained in this scheme.

If the user finds in the store a model with a specific safety slider, which is located on the right side above the trigger, then this means that he has a regular copy of this popular model in front of him.

At the same time, the device is quite high-quality, as evidenced by comments on the network from hardball teams and reviews from airgun fans. Therefore, if the similarity with a real pistol for a person is not an important criterion, a case made of plastic materials does not bother you, and power without file manipulation is necessary, then this model will be an excellent purchase.

The average price is 3,200 rubles.

• Impressive shot power;
• Small;
• Lightweight.

• Housing made of plastic materials without a hint of replicas;
• The sight is not adjustable;
• Uncomplicated packaging.

9th place: Umarex Walther PPS

This model of pneumatic weapon cannot be called a reliable clone of the small Walther PPS, which replaced the well-known "Bond pistol" - Walther PPK: instead of the automatic type fuse, there is an ordinary button on the trigger, and a shutter blocking latch and a "peephole" through which a real pistol has the ability to see if the trigger is cocked - artificial.

In addition to the fuse, the model is identical in design to the Umarex CP99 Compact, but it will cost a person much more affordable, which guarantees excellent quality for an adequate price. The frame of the model is made of plastic materials (like a real pistol), and the shutter made of metal materials is equipped with a blowback - the model not only fits perfectly in the hand, it is also fun to shoot from it.

Customers are very positive about the implementation of the spray compartment: it is inserted into the handle from the back side, and the polyhedron itself is installed in a removable cover to tighten it, so from now on there is no need to carry a key with you and worry about losing it. If we talk about power, then the model is not capable of surprising anything: on the chronometer, the indicators range from 110 to 115 m / s.

The average price is 5,600 rubles.

• Imperfect, but similar to the original form factor;
• Adequate gas consumption for a blowback model;
• Good performance, if we talk about the tightening of the can.

• A very uncomfortable fuse;
• The trigger after the first shot invariably maintains the cocked position, and in order to preserve the capabilities of the mainspring, it is necessary to practice removing it by “catching” the shutter.

8th place: ASG Dan Wesson 8”

Not everyone likes revolvers, but for fans of the genre, a model with an 8-inch (actual barrel length is 181 mm) barrel will be a great purchase. The model comes in two solutions (Grey and Silver), is designed to shoot “false cartridges” balls that are inserted into the drum chambers, and also has good power parameters and incredible accuracy, if we talk about a smooth-bore ball thrower (which, given the length the trunk is not surprising). It is allowed to shoot both independently and in a preliminary platoon, however, in the latter version, the pistol shoots better both in terms of speed and accuracy.

If compared with alternatives from Gletcher and Borner (more affordable), then this model is also of better quality, since there is no such tendency as the rapid development of barrel loosening, and the mainspring does not stretch so quickly.

The average price is 8,450 rubles.

• High density;
• Absolute imitation of charging the original Smith & Wesson (device with a reclining drum);
• Adjustable sight.

• Takes a long time to charge
• Bulky dimensions make it difficult to carry;
• Weight more than a kilogram with a significant forward overload.

7th place: Daisy 5501

This model has become known as an additional pistol among hardball fans, which is not surprising: naturally, it is not similar to any firearm pistol, and the “chrome-plated plastic” of the frame is a matter of taste, but in its treasury of advantages it is economically consuming blowback gas, the possibility of long-term storage with an active cartridge, as well as a good shot power directly “out of the box” of about 130 m / s.

All this for a fairly adequate cost, even in a critical period. The model implements a device with a moving barrel - moving forward while pressing the trigger, it takes a new “bullet” on return and hits the valve, which leads to the lowest gas consumption: even taking into account the blowback, the model is capable of firing about 10 clips , guaranteeing good power.

The response of the shutter, made of metal materials, is quite massive, which adds to the involvement in the shooting process.The trigger mechanism is hidden, however, its position control and the Decock button are taken into account, which safely removes it from the cocking (much in the same way as when placing a loaded PM on the safety).

The average price is 3,900 rubles.

• Economical gas consumption at an impressive shot speed;
• Shutter with imitation of a shot from a real pistol (blowback);
• Availability.

• Supplied exclusively with chrome body frame;
• Hard to understand.

6th place: MP-654K

This model has never been good "from the factory", but somehow she managed to become a real legend for almost two decades of release. Why?

• Firstly, it is an exclusive model for sale today, which is entirely made of strong steel materials;
• Secondly, this is a unique model, for which it is possible to easily and at an adequate price to purchase any part, while the trigger design is standardized with the well-known PM;
• Thirdly, there are many tuning accessories for it - smooth caliber barrels with extensions, nozzles for firing gas BAMs and a “hunter signal”, clip upgrade kits, etc.

All this would already enable this model to put the highest marks in the TOP of the best, however, given the frequent need for “refinement by means of a file” immediately after the acquisition (which, by the way, is considered to be not a disadvantage in the circle of owners, but a feature), one way or another it is 6 -th place.

In any case, this model is able to shoot not 12 months and not 2 years, it does not fail, when compared with similar pistols made of plastic and aluminum.

As a bonus, a replica should be singled out in comparison with the PM, the same disassembly device (uncomplicated), as well as the ability to easily get power from it much higher than the declared one. If we talk about replicas, then this model can hardly be compared with something: with in this position, she literally has no rivals since Izhevsk stopped the production of MP-656, produced according to the type of real TTs of 30-40. exit.

The average price is 6,250 rubles.

• Good potential for improvement;
• Great mechanized stability;
• A clone of the PM, including the little things (the line, in the end, included "bearded" shutters and a modified handle).

• Small power "from the factory" (but it will be enough, one way or another, for entertainment);
• Systematic need for some amount of refinement.

5th place: MP-651KS

Another wear-resistant pistol from Izhevsk, which is somewhat exclusive, as it can be reloaded with a clip for lead bullets, exposing the full potential of the threaded barrel, and use a clip for explosive balls made of steel materials that are inserted not directly into the clip, but into an inseparable clip , located above the barrel, allowing you to instantly calculate the number of remaining cartridges.

Therefore, the model allows you to shoot both at targets, loading the clip with 8 bullets, and at containers after reloading the clip and loading 23 balls into the clip (in return, they have the opportunity to use lead shot or Gamo Round balls). On the basis of this model, the "practically sporty" MP-657 pistol was formed - a single-shot model on bullets with an orthopedic type handle.

Behind the ridiculous design lies great potential for improvement - the "strangled" factory valve expands without much difficulty, the technologies for expanding the magnifying chamber and the installation of an elongated barrel have been developed, with which the model will be transformed into a real repeating rifle (given that the elongated barrel is perfectly hidden in a commercially available for this model a body kit for a rifle).

In addition, the gun is distinguished by the simplicity of the device, ease of disassembly and affordable cost.

The average price is 3,000 rubles.

• "Omnivorous";
• No complexities with components;
• Developed technology to improve the appearance.

• Clips wear out quickly (however, they are available and in stock on the market);
• Ridiculous design.

4th place: Umarex Walther CP88 Competition

The bullet model does not always have to be a single-shot "blaster". This pistol in its own modification with an extended barrel has a rather classic design, which, as well as not referring directly to any pistol, is loaded using clips for 8 charges. In this regard, despite the fact that it looks like automation, in reality it is a revolver made according to the Cornet or MP-651KS type.

The advantages of the model include good reliability of the assembly. When compared with other pistols from this company, then the “Made in Germany” mark is true, there is a Lothar Walther rifled barrel, the length of which is 141 mm, as well as a customizable sight. The fuse is double-sided, in connection with which the model will be an excellent solution for left-handers.

Nickel or black (it all depends on the modification) model is rather bulky, weight is 1150 g in a charged position. Anyway, it is well balanced and during pre-cocked shooting, it guarantees good accuracy in order to shoot at targets from a distance of 5-6 m.

In addition, the model is suitable for shooting at targets from a distance of 25-30 m - with high-quality supplies, this is fully possible.

The average price is 19,950 rubles.

• Charged with quick release clips;
• Can be used for both recreational and sporting purposes;
• Build reliability.

• Unsuccessful canister piercing system (lever screw);
• Overpriced, according to users, the cost.

3rd place: Gamo Compact

This pistol features an orthopedic grip that is similar to the one used in the original models, which speaks directly to the purpose of the pistol.

Following the disappearance of the popular Crosman 1377 from stores, this model of pneumatic type directly marks in its place: it also uses a multi-compression device (preliminary manual pumping), the model makes maximum use of steel materials, and a 121 mm rifled barrel in combination with a fully adjustable sight guarantees it chic accuracy, in particular, if the owner finds quality bullets.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the convenience of inflation - work on the entire barrel module, moving it forward, and then pressing it back to the handle. The hand at the same time wants to shoot down the sight, so you have to be careful.

The average price is 15,900 rubles.

• Great grip;
• Good accuracy.

• Not the best power, which is 120 m / s while firing with 0.5 g bullets.

2nd place: Gletcher NGT

The popular model of the revolver is reproduced as it should (including the use of false cartridges), but with a slight hitch: a safety was added to it, which is not in the real pistol. It is possible to understand the creator who had to do this, but the score for the cue is still lowered for this reason. As well as for the screws for the internal polyhedron, which were not in sight on the model of tsarist times.

In general, users were provided with a replica of the "officer" version of the revolver - the trigger device is able to function both with pre-cocking and self-cocking, which, if we talk about a real revolver, is ridiculous here.

The average price is 7,000 rubles.

• Excellent, if you do not take into account small details, similarity with a real pistol;
• USM double action.

• Alien fuse;
• Elastic and long self-cocking trigger mechanism.

1st Place: Gletcher Parabellum

The best model of the pneumatic type among the replicas. The famous pistol, whose history goes back centuries, was duplicated many times, even under the Gletcher brand: the predecessor was even more similar to the real model due to the brown handle and the absence of “damaging” marks, however, the 2-part body and “artificial” damper, as well as an incomplete clip - a “wand”.

The upgraded pistol is a meticulous replica of the KWC P08 airsoft pistol chambered in 4.5mm caliber.This revolver is extremely similar to the real one, since even the blowback that activates the lever-type shutter is not artificial - the next bullet is sent into the barrel directly by the shutter, and when the ammunition in the clip runs out, the shutter becomes on hold.

Partial disassembly is also similar to a firearm, despite the fact that it is not as high quality when compared with the popular MP-654 in relation to Makarov. By the way, the real "revolvers" go almost without any manipulations. In this regard, if necessary, it is possible to make an almost full-fledged overall pistol that can shoot.

The model is accurate, as it should be for a revolver, despite the fact that it does not surprise with power - a large amount of gas is spent on the operation of a complex damper.

Alas, there are “childish” nuances: if the original modification for airsoft, which worked on green gas, functioned without failures, then the transition to carbon dioxide, which is characterized by high pressure, increased the load on the device and frame made of zinc and aluminum alloy.

The average price is 7,000 rubles.

• Absolute similarity in size, weight, partial disassembly extremely similar to the original;
• Absolutely functional blowback;
• Good accuracy, given that this is a short-barreled air pistol.

• Users complain about poor build;
• Slow shot speed.

What pneumatics should you buy?

A pistol with a power of no more than 2 J is more suitable for a beginner. The speed of the bullet should be approximately 120 m / s. The air pistol must weigh no more than 700 g and be compact.Thinking about which one is better to buy, you should pay attention to the presence of a manual fuse.

Type of ammunition

Most pneumatic-type models are designed for entertainment and firing from a short distance, and therefore they are charged with steel explosive balls, releasing them from a smooth barrel (except for models from Izhevsk, which use rifled-type barrels, despite the fact that sub-caliber balls in notches are not screwed). They perfectly break glass materials, however, from long distances while firing at targets, they are characterized by poor accuracy.

Relatively multifunctional pistols with an elongated barrel, but the Russian MP-651KS and MP-654K have the ability to load Gamo Round from lead materials if you want to practice directly in accuracy. Models on bullets are much more interesting from the point of view of accuracy - bullets fired from a rifled barrel shoot more concentratedly, but you will have to pay for this with less ammunition, since it is possible to place bullets exclusively in a revolving clip or recharge them one at a time.

Gas or multicompression?

The key advantage of "breaks" and models of the MK type is the absence of the need for cylinders: it is more profitable to shoot, however, the speed of the shot drops significantly. Such pneumatics are single-shot, which, in principle, quickly fills the “discipline of the shot”, since it will not work to quickly shoot about 10 supplies at the target, adjusting the rear sight on the go.

internal mechanics

As for the internal arrangement of models on gas cartridges, with all the variety of solutions of different form factors, there are few:

With fixed stem

In designs with a fixed-type barrel, when the trigger mechanism strikes the valve, the gas flow covers the ball, which is located at the top of the clip (for example, MP-654K model) or from the drum chamber facing the valve (revolvers), pushing it into the barrel.

The design is simple, of high quality, the fixed-type barrel is characterized by good accuracy, but at the same time there are large side costs (in the first situation - into the barrel of the clip, between the clip and the barrel, in the second - between the frame and the drum), and therefore such models either they don’t fire so hard, or they consume a large amount of gas.

with movable stem

The design of the movable type barrel takes into account the fact that the mainspring is installed directly on the barrel: while pressing the trigger mechanism, the barrel moves forward, extending beyond the dimensions of the pistol, then, removing from the sear, takes the ball and hits the valve, at the same time strengthening the backlash.

Ultimately, a powerful shot is obtained with low gas consumption, however, at the same time, there is a need to fire exclusively by self-cocking (this results in a complex and long-stroke descent), and directly to the barrel after some time (and if you buy an affordable pistol from China, then and immediately) will acquire backlash.

Is a blowback necessary?

Of course, simulating the return of the damper adds realism, but it needs its own dose of gas, in other words, the model will either not be as powerful or “eat” more gas. At the same time, the blowback is not operable in every case, in other words, the damper there, solely for beauty, returns back without erecting the trigger mechanism and without sending the ball.

On more thoughtful pistols, the function of the blowback is to a lesser extent cocking the trigger - as a result - a smooth descent and good accuracy, while in the available models one way or another you will have to shoot by self-cocking.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that buying pneumatics for the purpose of self-defense is meaningless and ridiculous. Even on the Internet, they often joke about this, saying that only one model is suitable for these purposes, namely the domestic MP-654K, because it will not break if it hits someone.