10 Best Pump Pistol 2026 in the United States

The Crosman P1377BR American Classic is a .177 caliber pump-piston air pistol designed mainly for beginners and those interested in skill development. It offers variable pump power, allowing you to control the velocity of pellets up to about 600 feet per second, which is quite good for target shooting and light plinking. The single-shot bolt action makes loading straightforward, though it might slow you down if you want rapid firing.

Weighing just under 2 pounds with a synthetic frame and a rifled steel barrel, it balances durability with lightweight handling, making it comfortable to hold and use for practice. Its fixed front blade sight paired with an adjustable rear sight helps with aiming, though it does not come with optics options out of the box. The build uses plastic for the frame and alloy steel for the barrel, which keeps the price reasonable but may not feel as solid as metal-framed pistols. The crossbolt safety is a helpful feature to prevent accidental firing.

Though it is not the most powerful or feature-rich air pistol, its simplicity, variable power, and reliable performance make it a solid choice for newcomers and casual shooters looking to develop basic air pistol skills.

The Sig Sauer P320 M17 is a CO2-powered semi-automatic air pistol designed to closely mimic the look and feel of the U.S. Army's M17 pistol, making it a good choice for those who want a realistic training tool. It shoots .177 caliber pellets with a velocity up to 380 feet per second, which provides decent power for target practice or casual plinking. The gun uses a 20-round magazine, allowing for extended shooting without frequent reloads. Its semi-automatic action means you don’t have to pump between shots, offering quicker follow-up shots compared to pump-pistols.

In terms of build, the pistol features a metal barrel and slide with a plastic frame, striking a balance between durability and manageable weight (about 2.1 pounds). The full blowback slide adds to the realistic shooting experience. Ergonomically, its size and weight are similar to the actual M17, which is comfortable for most users. It also includes an accessory rail for attachments and is ready for a reflex sight, which can help improve aiming.

A few considerations include its reliance on CO2 cartridges, requiring extra gas canisters and potentially less consistent performance in very cold weather. While the velocity is sufficient for casual use, it’s not suitable for serious pest control or long-range shooting. The plastic frame may feel less sturdy compared to full-metal options, and the moderate trigger pull weight might affect precision for beginners. This pistol is ideal for users seeking affordable, realistic training or fun target shooting rather than competition or hunting, with semi-automatic action and good ergonomics supporting quick and comfortable shooting.

The Crosman Legacy 1000 is a versatile .177-caliber pump air rifle suitable for beginners and casual target shooters who enjoy plinking and small game practice. Its variable velocity pump mechanism lets you adjust shot speed from 750 to 1000 feet per second, allowing for some control over power depending on your use. The air rifle supports both pellets and BBs, adding flexibility for different shooting preferences. At 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) and 40 inches long, it’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it comfortable for users of various ages and experience levels. The build features a durable, waterproof synthetic body with an alloy steel rifled barrel, providing a decent balance of sturdiness and low maintenance. However, the plastic frame might feel less premium compared to all-metal models.

For aiming, it comes equipped with a fiber-optic front sight and a 4x15mm scope, which helps improve accuracy whether shooting close range or slightly farther targets. The included crossbolt safety is a helpful feature for safe handling. The Legacy 1000 performs well for casual shooting and practice but may not satisfy users seeking higher precision or power for serious hunting or competition. The fixed scope magnification is limited, and the plastic construction might not appeal to those wanting a more solid feel. Nevertheless, it offers great value for its price point and is an excellent choice for starting out with air rifles or casual plinking fun.