10 Best Air Pistols 2025 in the United States

The Beretta 92FS Nickel, Wood Grips air pistol is a highly realistic replica that appeals to both air gun collectors and shooting enthusiasts. One of its standout features is its all-metal construction, showcasing high-quality German craftsmanship, which ensures durability and a premium feel. Powered by 12-gram CO2 cartridges, this air pistol shoots .177 caliber pellets at a velocity of up to 425 fps, making it a powerful option for target practice or casual shooting.

It's important to note that CO2 cartridges are not included and it's recommended to use Umarex-brand cartridges for optimal performance and a proper seal. The adjustable rear sights and manual safety enhance its usability, providing better accuracy and safety during use. Additionally, the package includes two 8-shot rotary magazines and a foam-lined plastic gun case, making it convenient for transportation and storage.

While the trigger quality and ergonomics of this air pistol are generally good, some users might find the weight of 1.54 kilograms slightly heavy, which could affect prolonged usage. Customer reviews are largely positive, with a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating based on 322 ratings. This air pistol is well-suited for those who appreciate a realistic, high-quality design and are looking for a reliable CO2-powered option with decent performance and accuracy.

The Daisy Powerline 426 is a CO2-powered air pistol that shoots .177 caliber BBs, offering a velocity of up to 430 feet per second. This speed is quite decent for casual target shooting and plinking, giving you enough power for backyard fun or practice. It features a semi-automatic action with a built-in 15-shot BB magazine, allowing you to shoot multiple rounds quickly without reloading each time. The sights include a blade and ramp front sight along with a fixed open rear sight, which helps in lining up targets reasonably well, though they are basic and may not suit precision shooting.

The pistol’s barrel is a smooth bore made of alloy steel, which is standard for BB guns and contributes to decent accuracy for its class, but it won’t match the pinpoint precision of rifled barrels. The frame is made of plastic, keeping the pistol lightweight at just under 1 pound, which also makes it easy to handle for most users. The molded checkering grip improves comfort and helps maintain a steady hold, enhancing control during shooting sessions. However, the plastic construction means it may not feel as sturdy or durable as metal-framed air pistols, and heavier use could show wear over time. Trigger details are typical for this model with a straightforward pull, without advanced trigger customization.

This pistol suits beginners or casual shooters who want an affordable, easy-to-use air pistol for informal target practice or an introduction to airsoft-style shooting. It is not designed for competitive shooting or hunting but performs well enough for recreational purposes with a good balance of power, capacity, and handling.

The P2P HDP50 by Prepared 2 Protect is a .50 caliber air pistol designed mainly for less-lethal home defense. It uses CO2 power, which is common for easy and quick firing, but keep in mind this pistol requires 12g CO2 cartridges (not included). Its ability to shoot different ammo types—pepper rounds for self-defense, rubber balls for practice, and powder balls for realistic training—adds versatility for both protection and training needs. The pistol holds six rounds in an integrated magazine, making loading straightforward and quick. The trigger has a safety mechanism that disengages when pulled, helping prevent accidental firing.

Made with a polymer frame and stainless or alloy steel barrel, the build feels solid but keeps the weight light at about 1.5 pounds, which supports easier handling and better ergonomics for most users. The size is compact enough for home use but feels substantial in hand. The design and .50 caliber suggest it’s effective at close range, typical for home defense situations. Some users appreciate the less-lethal approach, but remember this is not a traditional firearm and should be used with awareness of its limitations.

This air pistol is suitable for those wanting a practical, less-lethal option for personal protection with decent build quality and ease of use, while also considering ongoing costs like CO2 cartridges and specific ammo.