Air Pistols

Air pistols fire pellets or BBs using CO2 cartridges, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) systems, or spring-piston mechanisms — no FFL transfer required, no gunpowder, and legal to shoot in many locations where live fire isn’t permitted. They’re used for Olympic-style 10-meter target competition, backyard plinking, small-pest control, and dry-fire alternative training with realistic firearm replicas. Impact Guns carries CO2 target pistols, gas blowback replicas, and PCP competition air pistols.

Read our full Air Pistols Buying Guide ↓

CO2 Air Pistols: Convenient and Affordable

CO2 air pistols use inexpensive 12-gram cartridges that typically power 40–60 shots per cartridge. They’re the most accessible type — no pump or fill equipment needed, just drop in a CO2 and shoot. Many CO2 pistols are realistic replicas of popular handguns (Beretta 92, 1911, Glock, Colt Python) making them useful for familiarization training. CO2 velocity is temperature-dependent: performance drops in cold weather. For casual plinking and general use, CO2 is the practical choice. Popular brands include Umarex, Crosman, and Sig Sauer’s airgun line.

Gas Blowback Air Pistols for Training

Gas blowback (GBB) air pistols use green gas or CO2 to cycle the slide with each shot, mimicking the recoil and manual of arms of a real centerfire pistol. This makes them the most effective training tools for building trigger control, draw-to-fire speed, and malfunction clearing habits. Umarex produces licensed GBB replicas of the Glock 17, Beretta 92, and HK USP that closely mirror the dimensions and controls of their real-steel counterparts. For serious dry-fire alternative training, a GBB replica of your carry pistol is one of the most cost-effective practice tools available.

10-Meter Competition Air Pistols

Olympic 10-meter air pistol is one of the most technical shooting disciplines, rewarding precise trigger control and consistency over raw power. Competition air pistols are purpose-built — single-shot PCP or CO2 pistols with adjustable grips, match-grade triggers breaking under 500 grams, and precision sights. They fire .177 wadcutter pellets at subsonic velocities into paper targets at exactly 10 meters. Brands like Walther, Feinwerkbau, and Steyr dominate international competition. If you’re involved in high school or collegiate air pistol programs, these dedicated competition pistols are the standard.

Air Pistols for Pest Control

Higher-powered CO2 and PCP air pistols in .177 or .22 caliber can be effective for pest control at close range (under 25 yards). A .22 caliber PCP air pistol producing 8–12 ft-lbs is sufficient for squirrels and rats; .177 at similar energy levels works at closer range. The advantage for pest control is noise — a CO2 air pistol is dramatically quieter than any rimfire and can often be used in suburban settings where discharging a firearm is restricted. Verify local ordinances before using any projectile-firing device for pest control.

Top Air Pistol Brands

Umarex is the dominant air pistol brand in the US, producing both licensed firearm replicas and original designs. Crosman and its Benjamin brand cover the value and mid-range segments. Sig Sauer produces a line of CO2 airguns patterned after their P226, P320, and P365 firearms, popular for brand-consistent training tools. Walther and Feinwerkbau lead in Olympic-grade competition pistols. Impact Guns carries selections from these manufacturers across the CO2, GBB, and competition segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an air pistol for self-defense?
Air pistols are not reliable self-defense tools and should not be used as substitutes for a real firearm in a defensive situation. Their power levels are insufficient to reliably stop a determined attacker, and in a genuine emergency the time spent retrieving an air pistol would be better spent on a real defensive firearm or escape. Air pistols are training and recreational tools only.

Do air pistols require a background check?
No. Air pistols are not firearms under federal law and do not require an FFL transfer or NICS background check. They ship directly to your home address. Some states have age restrictions on purchases. Always verify your state’s laws before purchasing.

How many shots does a CO2 cartridge provide?
A standard 12-gram CO2 cartridge typically provides 40–80 shots depending on the pistol’s mechanism, the ambient temperature, and the velocity setting. Colder temperatures reduce CO2 output and shot count significantly. Some larger air pistols use 88-gram or 90-gram CO2 cylinders for extended shooting sessions without cartridge changes.