Top 13 Best Pellet Pistol Reviews 2020

Choosing a pellet pistol can be complicated at first, but that’s why I am putting together this list, highlighting everything the best pellet pistol should have; from effortless control to accuracy, solid material build, velocity, and ease of use.

Depending on what you need one for; I have carefully selected 13 of the best pellet pistols on the market for all range of users from entry-level, intermediate to expert handlers.

Are you ready to own a pellet pistol? This list of pellet pistol reviews covers just about anything you need a pellet pistol for. Talking about exterminating pests, competitive shooting with your pals, or just something for target practice with empty cans at your disposal.

What Are The Best Pellet Pistols?

Now, I guess you have one big question you’re itching to ask – what are the best pellet pistols to buy – right? Not to worry, I have compiled a list of 10 top-rated pellet pistols on the market.

• Best for Beginners – Daisy Powerline 415 Air Pistol
  “CO2 powered, .177 caliber, fiber optic sight, semiautomatic pellet disperse, 500 FPS velocity, manual trigger block, perfect for beginners.”
• Best for Hunting – Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante
  “Plastic grips, CO2 powered, fires BBs and pellets, 435 FPS velocity, single/double action shooting, .177 caliber, good for hunting.”
• Best Value – Umarex Air Pistol XBG .177 Caliber
  “Great trigger time, CO2 powered, shoots .177 caliber bbs, 410 FPS velocity, fixed notch sights, packs enough accessories, good pricing.”
• Best Accuracy – Beeman P17 Deluxe Sportsman Series Air Pistol
  “Fiber-optic sights, superb accuracy, good velocity (410 FPS), single-stroke pneumatic firearm, no CO2 needed, lightweight, durable, rifled barrel.”
• Best for Plinking – Crosman American Classic Pneumatic Pellet Pistol
  “multi-pump pneumatic firearm, No CO2 needed, .22 caliber, 460 FPS velocity, modern design, easy to modify, rifle-style barrel for accuracy.”
• Best for Hunting Squirrels – Sig Sauer M17 CO2 Air Pistol
  “Modeled after US Army’s M17 pistol, CO2 powered firearm, blowback metal slide, 20 round magazines, feels like a real firearm, 430 FPS velocity.”
• Best for Killing Rats – Crosman Semi-Auto Air Pistol
  “CO2 powered, semi-auto repeater, impressive 480 FPS velocity, budget-friendly, lightweight and handy, accessory rail, good for target shooting and killing rats.”
• Best for Self Defense – Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol
  “Uses .177 caliber pellets, a velocity of 480 FPS, perfect replica of Smith & Wesson design, CO2 powered, very accurate, adjustable sights.”
• Best Choice for Holster Drills – Umarex Glock 17 Blowback .177 Caliber Air Pistol
  “CO2 powered, .177 caliber pellets, tactical accessory rail, polymer body, Glock markings, realistic controls, 435 FPS velocity.”
• Best Overall – Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 Air Pistol Kit with Holster
  “CO2 powered, single/double action modes, 6-round BB clip, .177 caliber, 365 FPS velocity.”

Best Pellet Pistol Comparison Chart 2020

The comparison table below is on the 13 best pellet pistols I review just below. You can use this chart to compare different pellet pistols specs against the other.

Top 13 Best Pellet Pistol Reviews 2020

You have been waiting for this, so let’s quickly take a look at the 13 best pellet pistol reviews. Here, you will learn everything you need to make a better choice of a pellet pistol from a power source to ammo type, caliber, and more.

1. Daisy Powerline 415 Air Pistol

(Best for Beginners)

Is casual pistol shooting your pastime? Then you should consider getting your hands on the Daisy Powerline 415.

This handgun fires 21 BBs as fast as you can pull the trigger before reloading. The kit comes with a 21-shot semiautomatic and CO2-powered BB repeater along with shooting glasses. The kit also includes 3 CO2 cylinders and 350 ct. BB tube.

All you need to do is load up 15 BBs into the inbuilt magazine and then insert a CO2 cartridge straight into the group. And you are set for semiautomatic small-arm shooting fun.

It is the perfect choice for beginners looking to learn more about handguns.

Key features

• Semiautomatic, 21-shot BB air pistol
• Fiber optic front sight

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Daisy
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Smoothbore
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

2. Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante

(Best for Hunting)

This firearm is a replica style, classic Vigilante design, and comes with two firing methods: double-action and single-action shooting. So, you should expect a very light trigger action when in single-action mode or a perceptibly heavier one when in double-action mode.

The Crosman CCP8B2 Vigilante is one of the best CO2 pistols on the market today. The firearm comes with a 6-round 4.5mm rotary BB clip and a 10-round, .177 caliber rotary pellet clip.

It delivers a velocity of up to 435 feet per second and can be employed efficiently for short-range vermin control.

Key features

• Single-action and double-action shooting
• Fires both pellets and BBs

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Crosman
Caliber	.177 pellets or BBs
Barrel style	Rifled steel
Action	Semiautomatic, Single/Double action
Ammo type	Pellets and BBs

3. Umarex Air Pistol XBG .177 Caliber

(Best Value)

If you are looking for more trigger time, no other sidearm does it better than the Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol.

The lightweight XBG is equipped with a 19-shot drop-free metal magazine for swift reloading. And it is powered exclusively by a single 12g CO2 capsule.

The compact BB pistol has fixed notch sights, fixed front, and rear posts and also shoots in double action at 410 feet per second.

Key features

• Under-muzzle Picatinny Rail
• Shoots regular steel BBs

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Umarex
Caliber	.177 steel BBs
Barrel style	Metal non-rifled
Action	Semiautomatic, double action only
Ammo type	4.5mm BBs

4. Gamo 611138254 PT-85 Blowback Pellet Pistol

The PT-Blowback Pellet Pistol has the design of a genuine firearm or weapon, thanks to its Blowback feature and durable plastic structure that can fool any newbie that is not too familiar with air pistols. The sidearm is lightweight at exactly 1.5 lbs; it doesn’t require cocking.

The Gamo PT-85 uses tiny bits of air to move back the top slide when you shoot with it. The pistol ejects pellets at high speeds of 450 feet per second. The rifled barrel of the firearm is for added accuracy while its textured grip significantly reduces slippage.

Key features

• 16 magazine capacity
• CO2 mechanism

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Gamo
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Rifled steel
Action	Semiautomatic, Single/Double
Ammo type	Pellets

5. Beeman P17 Deluxe Sportsman Series Air Pistol

(Best Accuracy)

The Beeman P17 Deluxe Pellet Pistol is a well-known handgun with superior accuracy and velocity with a single pump.

It is a German-engineered firearm with a single stroke pneumatic over-cocking design that produces pellets at 410 feet per second. The gun is entirely recoilless and no CO2 is required at all.

The polymer frame of the Beeman P17 Deluxe pistol is lightweight and highly durable as it also comes with a rifled steel barrel and cast aluminum slide. All these combined provide repeatable accuracy and extended lifespan.

The firearm also includes rear sights and manual safety which are adjustable for both windage and elevation.

Key features

• Pneumatic single-stroke pistol
• Superior accuracy provided by its rifled barrel

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Beeman
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Rifled
Action	Single stroke pneumatic
Ammo type	Pellets

6. Crosman American Classic Pneumatic Pellet Pistol

(Best for Plinking)

The Crosman American Classic Multi-Pump Pneumatic Pellet Air Pistol is a single-shot, bolt action pellet firearm that is powerful and incredibly accurate.

The power of this sidearm, when combined with its rifled steel barrel, makes it a plinker’s dream come true.

This .22-caliber pneumatic American Classic firearm has a very sleek, modern design and features a single-shot bolt action for easier loading and cocking.

Its rifled steel barrel enhances accuracy and ejects pellets at 460 feet per second. The cross-bolt safety of this pistol ensures proper and safe handling.

And staying on target is a breeze with the Crosman American’s adjustable rear sight and fixed-blade front sight.

Key features

• Adjustable open sights
• Highly modifiable

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Crosman Corporation
Caliber	.22
Barrel style	Rifled steel barrel
Action	Bolt-action single shot, single action only
Ammo type	Pellets

7. Sig Sauer M17 CO2 Air Pistol

(Best for Hunting Squirrels)

This is a firearm that is modeled after the US Army’s M17 semiautomatic pistol. The gun is engineered from the tan replica and may, therefore, not be considered a true replica.

The design is, however, intended to model the feel and heft of the firearm and includes very realistic blowback action for this particular purpose.

The Sig Sauer M17 CO2 Air Pistol comes with a CO2 cartridge that eliminates the need to cock it between shots. Its 20-round magazine is splendid for rapid-fire plinking.

The magazine of this otherwise remarkable sidearm has a defect or two: it sits somewhat poorly, right at the top of the magazine, and will require the user to slap it into place. It also causes frequent jams due to its inability to feed consistently.

Key features

• Full blowback metal slide
• Drop magazine w/cam lever CO2 loading

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	SIG Sauer
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Rifled
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	Pellets

8. Crosman Semi-Auto Air Pistol

(Best for Killing Rats)

The Crosman Semi-Auto Air Pistol is powered by CO2 and combines quality components with hand-held comfort, all at a very pocket-friendly or wallet-friendly price.

The firearm fires BBs at an astonishing velocity of 480 feet per second. It also has an accessory rail right under the barrel.

The Crosman Semi-Auto Air Pistol also features grips that slide back smoothly and easily for quick replacement of CO2 Powerlets, as well as a removable magazine for BBs.

Key features

• Fixed blade front sight and fixed notch rear sight
• Semi-auto repeater

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Crosman
Caliber	4.5 mm
Barrel style	Smooth
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

9. Winchester Model 11K CO2 Pistol Kit

(Best Blowback Air Pistol)

The Winchester Model 11K CO2 Pistol Kit is everything you will require to start your air pistol shooting journey on the right foot.

The quality pistol build is nothing short of amazing and is manufactured at the highest quality that Winchester, a renowned firearms brand, sets for all its firearm products.

It may not be as powerful as other weapons from the stable of the brand, but it will do more than expected at that price point.

The kit comes in a highly durable, hard-shell case with enough foam inserts for additional content protection. You will get a 750-count tin of high-quality Winchester BBs as well as two 12-gram CO2 along with the air pistol itself.

Key features

• Strong, nickel-plated body
• Realistic blowback action

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Winchester
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Smoothbore
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

10. Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol

(Best for Self Defense)

The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is an excellent physical replica of the M&P firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It even fits the same holsters made for real handguns, thereby making them a choice option as a practice gun.

This accurate to standard BB-firing firearm will have you shooting all your targets with both double and triple taps.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol propels BBs at 480 feet per second. And its white dot front sight and fiber optic rear sight make it a remarkable piece to own.

Key features

• Excellent replica of one of the newest Smith & Wesson designs
• Removable 19-shot BB magazine

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Smoothbore
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

11. Umarex Glock 17 Blowback .177 Caliber Air Pistol

(Best Choice for Holster Drills)

The venerable G17 is the first firearm that Gaston Glock brought to the market. And revisions have been made over the years which have birthed the favorite Gen 3.

The Glock 17 Blowback .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a favorite among beginners. It is powered by an affordable 12-gram CO2, and this makes it the right choice for holster drills, target practice, or backyard plinking. It is a product that is officially licensed by Glock.

Key features

• Realistic controls, drop-out metal mag, and a full metal slide
• Officially licensed Glock markings

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Umarex
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Smoothbore
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

12. GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol

(Best CO2 Pistol)

The GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber Air Pistol is perfect for use in versatile roles as a result of cleverly reduced dimensions; especially when it is compared with the standard or regular option.

The firearm is handy and compact; it unmistakable look can make the gun pass as the original. And it also packs plenty of power for its size.

The GLOCK 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber Air Pistol shoots 1.77 caliber steel BBs at an incredibly high velocity of 410 feet per second. It has a metal slide and its trigger safety is just perfect.

Key features

• Powered by one 12-gram CO2 cartridge which doesn’t come with the package
• Weaver rail is integrated for easy and seamless mounting of accessories

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Glock
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Smoothbore
Action	Semiautomatic
Ammo type	BBs

13. Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 Air Pistol Kit with Holster

(Best Overall)

The Crosman Vigilante 357 Co2 Air Pistol Kit with Holster and 3-Pack of Magazines has a semiautomatic, 10-shot air handgun with a classic revolver styling as well as finger-molded grip design. All these make the gun – which is powered by CO2 and available in both single- or double-action modes – ideal for shooting.

The kit also includes a holster, 6-round BB clip, and 1 extra BB clip along with 1 extra pellet clip.

Key features

• Comfortable grip
• Great, double-action trigger with an exceptionally heavy pull weight

Product Specifications

Manufacturer	Crosman
Caliber	.177
Barrel style	Rifled
Action	Revolver
Ammo type	Pellets

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Pellet Pistol

There are several factors you should consider before purchasing a pellet pistol, and you probably already know this. For clarity, I’ll walk you through some of the factors.

Activity The Pellet Pistol Will Be Used for…

There are lots of pellet pistols available on the market today and as you can tell, they are all not made for the same activities.

Although, ‘plinking’ is something everyone with a pellet pistol can relate to, no matter the type of pistol you have. So, I will talk about a few uses of pellet pistol below.

Hunting: One growing choice for pellet pistol and related firearm owners is for use during hunting. Most are usually hunting down pesky pests and small games. The thing with using a pellet pistol for hunting is that these guns aren’t very powerful.

They have small operating distance and have limited velocity, lethargy, and energy transfer. Asides pests, and targets like small birds, rabbits, and squirrels, you should be sure you’re complying with state, local, and federal laws by hunting any other animal with your pellet pistol.

Target Shooting: Need a pellet gun for target shooting? You’re in luck, just grab your paper, pellet pistol, and backstop. You can have hours of non-stop shooting experience and fun with your buddies while at it.

Plinking: The term ‘plinking’ refers to the sound you’ll hear when shooting in a peculiar setting. For instance, short, metallic sounds like when you’re shooting in at old tin cans.

Many pellet pistol owners enjoy plinking and thankfully, the cost of pistols and their pellets are a little low, making this a fun activity on a budget.

Type of Pellets

You will also be left with the choice of the type of pellet to use on your pellet pistol, so you can choose the right pistol that will give you that result you’re craving for. There are several pellet types and calibers; however, the .22 and .177 are options most pellet users choose.

As a rule of thumb, if you want pellet calibers for competitive shooting or target practice, the .177 will fit the criteria as it accelerates well. If you’re looking for a more lethal option for hunting, the .22 is the favored pellet.

Other important things you should consider before purchasing your pellet pistol are:

Velocity

You want to consider the rate of dispense of the projectile from your pistol’s barrel. Take hunting, for instance, this singular knowledge will tell you the type of animal you can take down and the distance you need to get it done.

There’s also a safety perspective. Since most pellets will not travel with enough speed or have the material structure to effectively penetrate surfaces like tree trunks, they can bounce off such surface and hit the shooter or people around.

The rule of thumb is simple. The higher the velocity, the more distance you can shoot from and still expect unwavering accuracy. If you’re going for a pellet pistol, go for one that possesses enough velocity to hit targets at a far-reaching range.

Cheaper pellet pistols won’t have as much hitting distance as a more expensive option.

Power Source

Another thing to consider is the power source of your pellet pistol. Typically, you’d find that most pellet pistols available make use of either pneumatic air pressure or CO2. While there are other options available, these two are the most popular.

While you can’t exactly say one is better than the other without weighing their benefits and considering your options based on what you need a pellet pistol for, but averagely if you need a consistent firearm without trying too hard, CO2 powered pistols provides a preferable option as its easier with cartridges.

Their pneumatic air pressure variants are typically hand-driven making the need for pumping. You will need to fully understand their operation ability and give it more attention. As you would expect, these are cheaper than the CO2 powered options.

FAQs

My Top Pick

Now you have a better understanding of choosing the right pellet pistol for either hunting or recreation. Of course, I have my preferred pellet pistol from the list of reviewed options, and I’ll be happy to share.

The Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 Air Pistol Kit with Holster does it for me with cogent reasons. One of which is that it is CO2 powered and has a decent 365 FPS velocity, while not as much as many in this list, does well for plinking which is what I use it for.

If you’re like me, you appreciate ergonomic feels and the finger-molded grip design does it for you. Anyway, I would like to know if you have experience with pellet pistols and which you favor in this list.