Air guns have been gaining popularity over the past few years. This is largely due to the fact that permission is not required to carry and use it. The Russian market today is flooded with similar products, but it should be borne in mind that the models differ significantly from each other in a number of parameters - overall dimensions, maximum speed of a bullet leaving the barrel, and so on. Another important point is the fact that these products will cost much less than traumatic or military weapons.
If you are planning to purchase such a device for yourself, then this article will come in handy for you. We not only compiled a rating of the best air pistols of 2020, but also decided to indicate the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing similar products. Let's start with this, and then we will proceed to a direct analysis of the characteristics of specific models.
How to choose the right air gun?
The actual power of a shot from a similar weapon does not exceed 3 joules, therefore, no documents will have to be completed. In general, all pneumatic pistols are divided into three main groups: those operating on the basis of compressed carbon dioxide, spring-piston and multi-compression.
The first type is the most common gas-cylinder devices, the functionality of which is directly dependent on the pressure in the steel cartridge - its maximum capacity is 8 or 12 grams of liquefied carbon dioxide. The maximum speed of a bullet leaving the barrel, as a rule, depends on the ambient temperature - the lower the degree, the slower the charge flies. It is advisable to use copper-plated balls for such weapons, whose diameter ranges from 4.40 to 4.42 mm. The weight of such pistols is small, they are distinguished by compact overall dimensions, and also have a decent rate of fire. On sale you can find devices that copy real combat models.
Spring-piston pistols work in a similar way to classic air guns. The principle of their operation is based on the energy of a compressed spring. These devices are more reliable and unpretentious to the type of bullets. Another important point is that there is no need to purchase additional consumables – liquefied gas cans. The rate of fire is significantly lower, and the piston moving at the moment of the shot negatively affects the accuracy of hitting the target.
Multi-compression models combine the operating principle of the two devices mentioned above. The energy of the compressed air will accumulate gradually and will be fully released when the trigger is pressed. On sale you can find products that have a magazine, which ensures not only the multi-charging of the pistol, but also a decent rate of fire. However, when pumping air you will have to spend not only a certain amount of time, but also effort.
As mentioned above, air pistols come in single and multi-shot types. This factor will also have to be taken into account when choosing such products. The barrel format of a weapon affects not only the speed of the bullet, but also the maximum firing range. Smoothbore pistols have a higher feed speed, but the kinetic energy of the charge is consumed very quickly, as a result of which the bullet will fly a maximum of 50 meters. If you decide to give preference to rifled weapons, the kinetic energy will be much lower, but both the flight range and the lethal range will be much greater.
When choosing pneumatic pistol models for inclusion in our rating, we tried to take into account all the above points, and also paid attention to several more factors - user reviews and the price-quality ratio of products. In our review, we decided to include products that have an affordable price, so that each of our readers can choose the pneumatics to their taste.
Target shooting weapons
Pneumatics are very well suited for recreational shooting, for example, in the country. You should pay attention to spectacular and loud models. The weapon must charge quickly and, of course, be rapid-fire. This can be any type of system:
- spring-piston;
- gas cylinder;
- RSR.
Attention! For entertainment, they most often buy replicas of real pistols - they inspire admiration among friends and girlfriends.
A set of an air pistol, glasses and bullets is well suited for country entertainment
For fun
Crosman C11
Our rating opens with a completely standard pistol, which has quite a lot of analogues on the Russian market, but stands out from this gray mass in a number of parameters. First of all, users are very satisfied with the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel - this characteristic is 146 meters per second. The weight of the product is only 500 grams. Magazine capacity - 18 rounds. The product operates on the basis of a standard can of liquefied carbon dioxide, the mass of which is 12 grams. The body is made of matte plastic, on which various types of dirt are not visible, and this point allows you to significantly reduce the weight of the pistol. The socket for installing the cylinder is located in the handle of the product. In this case, the final pressure and puncture of the foil is carried out thanks to a special clamping screw equipped with a swivel.
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The magazine eject button is on the left side. The retainer should be handled with the utmost care. The magazine is small in size and has a universal shape. The sight here is non-adjustable, cast. There is a special connector under the barrel that allows you to install various accessories such as illumination or a laser sight. The barrel is smooth, so recoil will be minimal. The fuse is located under the barrel and is located on the right side of the product; it is two-position.
Advantages:
- Insignificant mass;
- Ergonomic handle shape;
- Reasonable cost;
- Universal store shape;
- Smooth trunk.
Flaws:
- The mechanism for feeding balls into the barrel is not very reliable.
Daisy 5501
Products made in Japan. This pistol is a classic gas-cylinder model and is widely popular not only in our country, but throughout the world. The appearance is original, that is, it is not similar to any design of military weapons. The mass of the product is not too large - it is only 600 grams. The body is made of high-quality metal, which is equipped with special stiffening ribs, which ensures increased strength of the product. In addition, there is a special nickel-plated frame; the cheeks of the handle are made of corrugated plastic. It will not slip out of your hands. During production, the latest technology was used to maintain pressure in the cylinder, that is, carbon dioxide will be spent here exactly as much as is necessary for a full shot.
Another important feature of this product is the presence of a movable barrel mechanism. The maximum speed of a bullet when leaving the barrel is 130 meters per second. One cylinder can be enough for a hundred rounds of ammunition. The barrel is smooth, which ensures not only minimal recoil, but also good accuracy of fire. This allows you to ensure a good sight when shooting both at stationary targets and at a moving target. The cylinder is located in a special recess located under the cheek of the handle. It is pierced with a special clamping screw. The pistol has a single-type trigger mechanism. The trigger is hidden, so it is cocked only by jerking the bolt. A fuse is provided.
Advantages:
- Insignificant mass of weapons;
- Stability of power regardless of the degree of cylinder consumption;
- It is very convenient to shoot due to its small overall dimensions;
- Metal body;
- It’s quite easy to change cylinders; you don’t have to remove the magazine to do this;
- High accuracy of fire.
Flaws:
- Does not resemble any well-known brand of military or traumatic weapon;
- A plastic magazine with a rather weak spring.
ASG dan Wesson 8''
The main difference between this product and the products we reviewed earlier is that it is not a pistol, but a revolver. It is quite suitable for shooting not only ordinary steel or copper-plated steel balls, but also lead bullets, which are characterized by increased mass. The diameter of the cartridges is standard – 4.5 mm. Regardless of the charges used, the cartridge ejection speed is 130 meters per second. The body is made of high-quality metal alloy, which is based on zinc and aluminum. As a result, the product turned out to be quite heavy, which makes the revolver as similar as possible to a real military weapon. The products are charged not through the store, but through special cartridges, called dummy cartridges. Their capacity is 6 pieces. In addition, the revolver comes with a loading accelerator, which significantly increases the rate of fire.
The energy source here is a traditional carbon dioxide canister weighing 12 grams. One such charge will be enough for 80 shots. The socket for its installation is located in the handle of the weapon; it is pierced using a special turn with a wing. The sight here is non-adjustable, the power is quite high.
Advantages:
- The appearance of the product is very interesting;
- Reliable case;
- Excellent build quality;
- Decent rate of fire for a revolver;
- High power.
Flaws:
- For a six-shot revolver, it has a fairly large mass and decent recoil.
Umarex Walther PPS
A German-made model, developed by a company that has been manufacturing air guns of various types for quite some time. In appearance, the product is practically indistinguishable from the prototype: the key difference is that the standard magazine eject button is a dummy, and a special lever on the handle is used instead. A special button located directly on the trigger also acts as a fuse. The overall dimensions are small, the weight and width are also somewhat smaller compared to the original model. Under the barrel you can find a rail on which, if necessary, a sight or LED flashlight is attached. The clamping screw is located in such a way that it is practically invisible. It is tightened with a special hex key that comes with this gun.
The maximum ejection speed of the cartridge is 125 meters per second. Recoil is minimal, and with frequent shooting it is almost unnoticeable. Recoil does not affect shooting accuracy - the accuracy of shots remains the same as during single shooting. The barrel is quite short, so it takes quite a long time to aim. After the entire magazine has been fired, the bolt moves to the delay position, so empty shots can be avoided.
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Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Insignificant weight and width;
- Almost completely repeats the shape of the original weapon;
- A slide stop is provided;
- There is a rail for placing additional devices such as a flashlight or sight;
- A key for piercing the cylinder is included in the kit;
- Quite a lot of power for such a compact device.
Flaws:
- The developers could have made the maximum shot power higher.
MP-654K
This product exactly replicates the legendary Makarov pistol with minor changes. All controls are located on the left side of the model - here you can find a lever designed to delay the shutter and a safety lock with two positions. The product is entirely made of metal. The only exception to this rule is the handle plate, which is made from corrugated plastic. The magazine is removed in the same way as for a firearm. Shooting is carried out by self-cocking, and the hammer will have to be cocked first. The magazine can hold a maximum of 13 rounds. The barrel here is rifled, but the shooting accuracy is no different. To do this, you will have to aim carefully each time. The sight is static and cannot be adjusted.
The shots are fired using a carbon dioxide cylinder weighing 12 grams. One cylinder will be enough to shoot about 5 magazines. If necessary, the gun can be easily cleaned. Soot does not accumulate there, unlike firearms, but dust and various types of contaminants can accumulate. On sale you can find several modifications - with an extended barrel, with a muffler supplied with the product.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- Practically no different from the traditional Makarov pistol;
- High-strength metal housing, insensitive to physical influences;
- Anti-slip pads on the handle.
Flaws:
- Not too long firing range.
Weapons for self-defense
An air pistol is very effective at breaking any bottle, even champagne. Fans of pneumatic weapons consider this a compelling argument and think that pneumatic weapons can also be effective against humans. Air guns fire a bullet weighing only half a gram. She definitely won’t be able to stop a person. The stopping effect is achieved in 2 ways:
- High penetrating ability of the bullet (damage to internal organs);
- Great energy and mass of the bullet, which is inherent in the trauma.
Think soberly, does pneumatics have anything to do with these requirements? This weapon can only be used as psychological pressure. Yes, as a last resort you can shoot the attacker in the face, which will discourage him. Eventually you will have time to run away or call for help. An accurate hit is guaranteed to result in the loss of an eye.
Pistols that provide high accuracy
MP-651KC
This is a fairly budget model, which, nevertheless, has a very high-quality build. This pistol is characterized by a modular design, which allows it to be used for shooting both traditional balls and special high-precision cartridges developed by Diabolo. In order to use them, special attachments are supplied with the product. The product has a high level of strength. The body is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, which makes the model significantly lighter compared to its combat counterpart. The clip, sighting bar and grip pads are made from plastic of the highest quality and durability. The performance characteristics are quite high: in particular, one standard canister weighing 12 grams is enough for about a hundred shots.
The pistol is equipped with a double-action percussion mechanism. The product is characterized by high accuracy of fire - you will have to spend a minimum amount of time to aim between shots. The handle has high ergonomic characteristics: it does not slip out of your hands and fits comfortably even in a small palm. The magazine capacity is 23 rounds. If desired, the user can upgrade this product - slightly drill out the valve (this facilitates the removal of exhaust gases, increases accuracy and rate of fire), install an extended barrel, and so on.
Advantages:
- Attractive appearance;
- High quality workmanship;
- Ability to work with any cylinders and cartridges;
- All spare parts can be purchased in stores;
- Possibility of modernization.
Flaws:
- The clips wear out quite quickly (however, they are easy to find on sale).
Umarex Walther CP88 Competition
This is an original version, which is an almost full-fledged analogue of the American Walter P88 army pistol. The model is characterized by a fairly long rifled barrel. The body is metal, painted black, the paint will not peel or crack over time. You can find nickel-plated products on sale. Gas-type firing system. The pistol is capable of working exclusively with lead cartridges, the caliber of which is 4.5 mm. There is no plastic attachment designed to hide the elongated barrel. The body is disassembled into two parts. A laser sight can be installed in the lower cavity. The drum capacity is 8 rounds. The barrel frame is movable, which makes it easier to aim and reduces recoil, but you will have to open the charging chamber exclusively in manual mode.
Installing the gas cylinder is quite simple - to do this, you need to press the button located near the base of the trigger guard. The cylinder is first pressed with a special screw made of bronze, then it is pressed with a lever on the lower plane, which is then latched. The fuse here is manual, it is an original and quite tight flag - in order to move it, you need to apply a decent amount of force.
Advantages:
- Quite a decent barrel length (about 14.5 cm);
- The rifled barrel provides a good firing range and a flight speed of about 130 meters per second;
- Practically no different from military weapons;
- Adjustable sight.
Flaws:
- Not all users find it convenient to attach a gas cylinder;
- The magazine eject button could be located in a different place - people with large fingers do not find it very convenient to press the trigger.
Gamo Compact
This is the first multi-compression model in our review of the best air pistols, which was also developed by Spanish engineers. It can be classified as professional sports equipment due to a number of useful properties. All main moving elements are made of high-quality metal alloys; the handle is made of polished wood and has excellent anatomical characteristics. Another important feature of this weapon is the presence of a compound trigger, which, if necessary, can be adjusted to the angle of pressure. The pistol is equipped with a rifled barrel, so it is best to use lead charges. The bullet enters the breech of the barrel at the moment when the shooter retracts the bolt. At the same time, the tank is pumped with air.
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Sighting capabilities are standard, but the front sight is monolithic, and the sight is a composite and separate element - it can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. If necessary, it is possible to place a collimator sight. The fuse here is not automatic. The initial speed of the bullet is 120 meters per second, which is confirmed by real measurements.
Advantages:
- Very comfortable to hold;
- Professional model;
- Minor recoil;
- Good shooting accuracy.
Flaws:
- The initial speed of the bullet is not very high.
Or maybe it's a rifle?
When choosing an air gun, you may be in doubt as to whether you should buy a pistol or a rifle. Comparative characteristics show that each option has its own advantages. Pistols only fire pellets, but rifles have a wider range of projectiles to choose from. But the gun must be reloaded before each shot.
Dimensions and weight are in favor of pistols. They can be carried in a small purse, in a holster on a belt, or placed in the glove compartment of a car. The length of a heavy rifle can exceed a meter. Wearing it for self-defense is unlikely to work. Of course, the final choice remains with the buyer's preferences.
Replica combat pistols
Gletcher NGT
It is a copy of the classic model of a firearm revolver, which first appeared in service back in 1895. Moreover, the similarity will be not only external, but also tactile - the device weighs exactly the same as the original model, and there are exactly the same notches on the cheeks of the handle. The body is made of a special metal alloy - silumin, which perfectly withstands significant physical loads, including significant temperature changes. Double-action trigger - firing can be carried out either by cocking the hammer or using an automatic cocking system. The drum of this revolver is designed to hold seven rounds. On the right side you can find a safety box that reliably blocks the operation of the hammer and trigger. The sight elements are not adjustable.
It is best to load a revolver with lead balls, but it is quite acceptable to use the more common copper-plated ones, the caliber of the charges is 4.5 mm. This was achieved thanks to the smooth barrel. The bullet's ejection speed is not very high: it is only 116 meters per second. One cylinder will be enough to shoot over 80 charges. The mass of the product is 720 grams when fully ready for shooting.
Advantages:
- Perfect resemblance to the original firearm down to the weight and location of the control elements;
- Double action trigger;
- Reacts well to high and low temperatures.
Flaws:
- The location of the fuse is not very well thought out.
Gletcher Parabellum
An absolutely exact copy of the legendary pistol, the history of which has already exceeded one hundred years. Maximum identity is achieved not only by the presence of brown-painted handles, but also by the blowback that is used to operate the lever slide. There are no additional decorative elements provided here. The next cartridge is sent into the barrel precisely by moving the bolt. After the magazine resource is exhausted, the shutter is set to delay mode by triggering the automation. The product is disassembled in exactly the same way as its combat counterpart. The product has high aiming accuracy, but the power is still not very high. Due to the use of a 12-gram cylinder, additional loads are placed not only on the moving mechanism itself, but also on the frame, and all these elements are made of zinc-aluminum alloy.
The gun is equipped with a special damper, which allows you to significantly soften the sharp blow when the frame rolls back. The trigger mechanism here is also double. The main difference from the original products is the presence of plastic linings on the handle. They are almost impossible to distinguish from natural wood, and the user can replace these elements if necessary.
Advantages:
- Absolute compliance with the original classic model;
- Disassembly is also exactly the same as for a combat pistol;
- Fully working blowback;
- For a short-barreled weapon, the shooting range and accuracy are quite decent.
Flaws:
- Low bullet ejection speed.
I want it even more powerful
The most powerful pistols belong to the PCP class, as mentioned earlier. It should be understood that they are structurally weakened in order to comply with legal requirements. But returning them to full power is very easy and does not require tools or skills.
Important!!! By setting your PCP pistol to an illegal power that exceeds the 7.5 J limit, you are breaking the law. And you may be brought to administrative criminal liability.
Mr 654k
It is a pneumatic replica of the Makarov combat pistol. The appearance is such that it is indistinguishable from a combat pistol. The magazine is full-size, a CO2 cartridge is inserted inside, and balls are located nearby. Made entirely of weapon steel, making it practically indestructible. There is a huge field for tuning and upgrades, for which a set of spare parts are sold on the Internet. Perfect for plinking at short distances, for those who like the form factor of such a pistol. Relatively budget pistol. Reviews of the air pistol are widely available on the Internet.
About the assault RSh-12
As part of the Exhaust program, the developers designed new models of small arms for special forces. The RSh-12 is considered one of the very effective large-caliber pistols in Russia. The weapon is designed for STs-130 12.7x55 mm ammunition. According to experts, the RSh-12 is the largest caliber pistol in the world. According to reviews from owners, this weapon is light, compact, very powerful and quite accurate. In these parameters, the RSh-12 surpassed other small arms models of similar sizes available on the civilian arms market. The pistol is equipped with a special clip-on buttstock and a front handle, which ensure a secure hold of the weapon during shooting.
In addition, the revolver is equipped with special Picatinny rails, with the help of which a flashlight, laser designator, collimator or optical sights are installed on it. According to experts, the lethal qualities of this pistol are not inferior to the most powerful hunting carbines. High performance with low weight and dimensions are considered the strengths of the RSh-12.
Gletcher aps
It is a replica of Stechnik's combat pistol. Performed both with a working blowback system and with a stationary shutter. The bolt moving when fired produces a strong blow. As is typical for the company, it was completed at a high level of copy number. The differences lie within the mechanism and in the external markings. Pencil type magazine, separate from the Co2 canister. A bolt stop function has been implemented, as a result of which, after the magazine is fired, the bolt moves to the rearmost position and shooting stops. The safety is on a flag-type pistol. Unfortunately, automatic fire is not possible. The trigger is double-action, that is, it is possible to fire both self-cocking and pre-cocking.
Ataman m1
It is a further development of the Ataman-M model. The designer was added to the mechanism of the double-action USM pistol. It is equipped with 2 CO2 gas cartridges; in addition, it can be filled with compressed gas from a fire extinguisher or a high-pressure cylinder. The store holds 120 balls in 8 compartments. The body of the pistol is made of impact-resistant plastic, as a result of which it was possible to achieve a low weight of the product - a fully equipped pistol weighs 560 grams. The long barrel provides good firing speed.
