10 Best Pistols 2025 in the United States

The Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Air Pistol is a semi-automatic air pistol modeled after the U.S. Army's P320-M17. It's designed for realistic training and practice, making it ideal for users looking for a cost-effective and authentic training tool. With a caliber of .177, it uses CO2 power to propel pellets at velocities up to 380 fps, providing decent performance for an air pistol.

The full blowback metal slide and field stripping capability enhance its realism and functionality. One of its standout features is the 20-round pellet magazine, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. Ergonomically, the pistol is well-balanced and comfortable to handle, thanks to its 2.1-pound weight and plastic frame with metal barrel construction. The included M1913 accessory rail and reflex sight readiness offer customization options for users.

On the downside, the frame being plastic might not be as durable as metal-framed counterparts, and the CO2 power type means additional cost and maintenance for CO2 cartridges. The trigger weight of 6.25 lbs might be heavier than some users prefer, impacting the ease of repeated shooting. Despite these drawbacks, the Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered Air Pistol is a robust option for both new and seasoned air pistol enthusiasts.

The Beretta 92FS Nickel with Wood Grips is a well-crafted air pistol designed mainly for collectors and shooting enthusiasts who appreciate realistic designs. It fires .177 caliber pellets using CO2 power, reaching speeds up to 425 feet per second, which makes it suitable for target practice and casual shooting rather than self-defense. Its all-metal construction gives it a solid, authentic feel, with a weight of about 1.5 kilograms and compact dimensions that mimic a real pistol's size. With an 8-shot rotary magazine, it offers reasonable capacity, though you’ll need to reload frequently compared to larger magazines.

The pistol features adjustable rear sights for better aiming and a manual safety to help prevent accidental firing, both important for safe handling. Ergonomically, the wood grips add a nice touch in comfort and style, but the heavier metal frame might feel somewhat heavy for younger or smaller hands. It runs on easily available 12-gram CO2 cartridges, though these are sold separately and performance is best when using the recommended brand. While it scores well for realism and build quality, it’s not suited for serious hunting or high-power shooting due to its pellet caliber and velocity. This air pistol is ideal for anyone interested in a realistic, collectible piece or someone looking to practice shooting skills in a safe, low-power format.

The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CO2 BB pistol is a faithful replica of the classic 1911 firearm, designed for casual target practice and plinking rather than self-defense or hunting. It shoots .177 caliber BBs powered by a 12-gram CO2 cartridge, delivering a respectable velocity of up to 320 feet per second, which is sufficient for backyard shooting. Weighing about 2 pounds and featuring full-metal construction, it feels solid and realistic in the hand, mimicking the size and heft of its real firearm counterpart. The single-action trigger with a functioning grip safety adds to its authenticity and safety. It holds 12 BBs in a drop-free metal magazine, and with about 65 shots per CO2 cartridge, it offers decent shooting time between refills.

The fixed 3-dot sights are basic but offer steady aiming for beginners. The blowback action provides a nice recoil effect, enhancing the shooting experience. On the downside, this is a smooth-bore BB pistol, meaning it lacks rifling for greater accuracy, so shots may not be very precise at longer distances. The capacity and power are modest, limiting its use mostly to casual plinking and not serious target shooting or competitive use. Also, the CO2 system requires purchasing cartridges regularly, which adds to ongoing costs.

This air pistol is best for hobbyists or collectors who want a realistic 1911 feel and a fun, low-power BB gun for informal shooting sessions.