If you are looking for the best pellet pistol on the market, you are not alone. You might need one for whatever intent and purpose that you see fit. What you need to find is a pellet pistol that will be easy to use, reliable at all times, and will be able to last you a long time. You can use it on a regular basis or on occasions when certain opportunities to use it were to arise.
While there are so many pellet pistols available on the market, we managed to put together a list of ten of the best on the market.
Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk about when exactly you need to use a pellet pistol and what to look for when you are buying one.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Pellet Pistols
- OUR TOP PICK: Glock 19 Gen 3 .177 Caliber
- RUNNER-UP: Crosman American Classic Pump Pellet Pistol
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 Air Pistol Kit
Comparison of the Best Pellet Pistols
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When Would You Use a Pellet Pistol?
Using a pellet pistol might be fun, but when exactly are you able to use it. We’ll take a look at the top three uses so you know the common intent and purpose of every pellet pistol user. Here are some of the best examples of when to use them:
When Varmints are a Problem
One of the major uses of a pellet pistol is to get rid of any of the smaller varmints that may be invading your property. Imagine waking up to your lawn being dug up or trash cans being tipped over in the middle of the night (and it’s not even windy). You can use a pellet pistol to ward off any annoying varmint and make sure that they are no longer able to return.
Target Shooting Fun
Yes, even target shooting is fun when you are using a pellet pistol. Not only will adults enjoy it, but it can also be a fun activity for kids as well. Find a pistol that is safe for children to use so they are great entertainment to fire off pellets at lots of different types of targets. Also, they’re great to teach the youngsters about proper firearm care and safe use.
Recreational Activities
Yes, even pellet pistols can be used in recreational competitions. Most of these can shoot fast and are often a lot of fun to compete with. Find one that is of the best quality and allows for other attributes like a light trigger pull and easy loading ability.
What to Look For When Buying a Pellet Pistol
The important thing to know is that you shouldn’t choose any pellet pistol at complete random. You need to pay close attention to the characteristics and features of each one so you are able to find one that works to your satisfaction. With that said, here are some things to keep your eyes peeled for:
Price
Yes, the price tag in all likelihood will be a deciding factor. But it shouldn’t be a “be all, end all” thing. If you are on a budget, then you’ll need to consider finding the best quality and performance that fits your wallet. This means you won’t have to settle for cheap and flimsy (and even consistently poor performance).
Quality
When you think of pellet pistols, you’ll tend to think that all of them are made from cheap plastic. The reality is they are not. Most are made from high-quality metals and synthetic materials like polymer. You need to look for a pistol that is sturdy in quality and won’t be easy to scratch or get banged up.
Reliability
Reliability is a must for all kinds of firearms (and yes, even pellet pistols). Without reliability, your firearm is useless. You’ll want a pellet pistol to work exactly at the times when you need it the most. Because you might miss the opportunity to ward off any varmints that continue to destroy your property or miss the bullseye while you are target shooting.
Review of the Best Pellet Pistols
The following is a list of the ten best pellet pistols on the market. While going through the list, take note of any features and characteristics that will stand out as interesting. This way, you’ll be able to narrow down which one will work for you best in terms of your needs and preferences. Now, let’s take a look at the first item on our list -- the “best overall” pellet pistol:
Best Overall:
Glock 19 Gen 3 .177 Caliber
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were looking for a pistol that was reliable and accurate for most applications. They were not disappointed in the slightest when they were using this pistol. It held a good number of shots and was easy to fire at any given time. One user said that he uses it for target shooting and the occasional varmint hunting. He said that it scares off the varmint with a couple of well-placed shots and he wasn’t able to see them since.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Glock pistols are known for being some of the most reliable in the world. So this air pistol is just as reliable as the real deal themselves. You can load up to 15 rounds and shoot off as many as possible with this CO2 powered pistol. As long as you have rounds handy, then you are able to fire off as many rounds at targets as you can. Or if you need to ward off a varmint or two, you can do that also.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a great pellet pistol for those that want to have a lot of fun or if they want to keep their property well protected from a few pesky critters. It’s a pellet pistol that is reliable and will be easy to use for as long as you have rounds or if you need to replace the CO2 cartridges. Either way, you get to enjoy it your way. After all, it’s doing what it’s designed to do.
Bottom Line
The Glock 19 Gen 3 .177 Caliber Pellet Pistol might be the best on the market, but it’s probably going to be #1 in the hearts of many users. It’s reliable, accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot with. No matter the intent or purpose, you have a pistol that is solid in construction and is designed to last you quite a while. If you want something that is high in quality and easy to use, give this pellet pistol a closer look.
Runner-up:
Crosman American Classic Pump Pellet Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users say that this pistol was reliable and accurate right out of the gate. They said that it was nice and easy to load and gave them the ability to shoot targets accurately while they were situated from a good 10 to 15 yards away. One user said that his son uses this pistol for target practice and so far, he said that his son loved firing off every round in the backyard. Paper targets or plastic bottles didn’t stand a chance, he added.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol can shoot fast and get to the target quite quickly. It’s reliable and allows for quick shooting each time you pull the trigger. On top of that, it’s pretty sturdy in quality and light in weight even when fully loaded. So it won’t bog you down if you carry it in your pocket or holster. So if you want a nice pistol that is excellent in quality and fun for the kids, you’re going to love using this pistol for a long time. Yes, it’s a pellet pistol and not something that’s not as powerful as some of the other air pistols on the market, but thankfully it’s something that will be safe for kids and adults even for a little harmless backyard fun.
Who Will Use This Most
If you have a child or grandchild that would appreciate a pellet pistol for the purpose of target shooting and even practicing responsible gun use when they are old enough to conceal carry, then this might be one of the best possible choices you can find. It’s quality and reliability is second to none. You probably won’t trade that for anything else on the market. If you want a pellet pistol that is just plain fun and awesome to use, this might be the best possible choice for you.
Bottom Line
The Crosman American Classic Pump Pistol is perhaps one of the best pellet pistols that you will be using for the purpose of some good old fashionied pellet shooting. It only takes a couple of pumps to get some good powerful shots out of the whole deal. You’d be surprised how fast this can hit the target and with such precise accuracy.
Best for the Money:
Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 Air Pistol Kit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were super happy with this pistol. Yes, while it was super affordable it was also excellent in quality as well. The trigger pull was light and easy in single-action mode and it allowed for shots to get off quickly (thus reaching the target much faster). One user said he was super happy with the extra cylinders he received so he could shoot off as many shots as possible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is a replica of a heavy-hitting .357 magnum revolver. While it probably won’t do as much devastating damage as the real deal, it’s got some power behind every shot with the use of CO2. So you get some fast and accurate shooting out of the whole shebang. Not only that, it’s got both single and double-action shooting ability. So you can just pull the trigger back or utilize the hammer and shoot it that way. Whatever works best for you is the name of the game. If you want excellent quality and ease of use at a price you can afford, this might be the best pellet pistol for you.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a pellet pistol that will work for both target shooting and the occasional varmint hunting as well. It’s safe to use even in neighborhoods and it won’t be loud enough to alert the neighbors. It’s pretty reliable and super fun to use (especially when you get extra cylinders out of the whole deal). If you want a pellet pistol with a design and replication that you can appreciate, this might be what you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
The Crosman Vigilante 357 CO2 air pistol is reliable, accurate, and pretty dang sleek in terms of looks. And of course, it’s affordable as well. If you want a nice looking pistol that works pretty good and won’t jam on you at the worst possible time then you’re definitely going to invest in a pellet pistol that won’t break the bank.
Best Pellet Pistol for Hunting:
Gamo 611138254 PT-85 Blowback Pellet Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were looking for a pellet pistol that was best used for hunting varmint. They were quite impressed with this pistol in particular since they were able to load the pistol with ease and quickly get a shot off while fending off varmint from their property. One user said that it was one of the best “property management tools” that he’s ever invested in as of late. He had no complaints with the shooting ability and reported reliable shooting without a single misfire or leakage to report.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol has a double magazine that will hold up to about 16 rounds in total. So that’s plenty of firing power for you even when your mission is to hunt down and get rid of the pesky critters that have been wreaking havoc on your property. It’s got a good amount of CO2 propulsion that will drive each shot far and fast until it reaches a target that is situated from a good 25 yards away. So if you want to keep a safe distance, you are free to do so while engaging the target. It’s safe to use in the suburbs, so it won’t be so loud to the point where your neighbors are scared out of their minds.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best pellet pistol for those who are getting sick and tired of being overrun by varmint. This is truly the pellet pistol that you want to have on hand when you want to take your property back. It’s quick to shoot, reliable, and gives you a good number of rounds to work with. Don’t take this pellet pistol for granted. This sucker is pretty decent in function and hard-hitting enough to take out the little S.O.B that’s been digging up your property.
Bottom Line
The Gamo Blowback Pellet Pistol is the go-to choice for many users that are searching for a solution that will rid the varmint on your property one by one. It’s reliable, powerful, and will certainly be the sidekick you deserve in getting your property back from the invasive critters that have no business being there.
Best CO2 Pellet Pistol:
Walther PPQ .177 Caliber Pellet / Bb Gun Air Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol was a hit with most of the new users. Not only was the synthetic frame nice and tough all over, but there also wasn’t a single hint of scratching or bumping around whenever someone would accidentally drop it. The shooting was perfect and reliable with little to no misfirings reported. One user said that he uses it for the purpose of shooting off paper targets and even plastic bottles. He manages to knock them down quite consistently even at distances up to 15 yards.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pellet pistol is hands down one of the more powerful CO2 pistols on the market. So you can pull the trigger and be able to get a quick, powerful shot each and every time. That would be perfect for varmint hunting since you’ll have enough power to knock down a varmint target from a good distance. It’s solid, powerful, and does a great job working whenever you need it the most. If that’s what you want in a pellet pistol, this could be right up your alley.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for the perfect pellet pistol for all kinds of purposes, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything quite like this one. It’s got some power and it will make every shot count even when you’re standing from a good 10 to 15 yards away. This CO2 pellet pistol might just be the best in its class. Especially when CO2 power can create some impressive knockdown shots against varmint.
Bottom Line
The Walther PPQ .177 Caliber Pellet Pistol is a force to be reckoned with against varmint. But it’s a super fun pistol to fire off against targets as well. Using this pellet pistol will lead to hours of fun and it will not be one that will shy away from delivering an excellent performance. If you want a great CO2 air pistol that will work hard and deliver accurate shooting every time you pull the trigger, this one might be your cup of coffee.
Best Semi Auto Pellet Pistol:
Umarex Beretta M92 A1 Blowback Full-AutoODUCT
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users say that this Beretta pistol was quite useful in target shooting and even varmint hunting applications. They said that accurate shooting ranged from hitting targets situated from 10 to 15 yards out. Shooting groups, for the most part, were tight and consistent and were a bit tighter when the targets were farther out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This has some serious semi-auto firing power that you can work with. That’s probably a plus if you intend on using this pistol for the sake of varmint hunting. Once you load this sucker up, it will be a matter of time before varmint think twice before being able to set foot on your property again. You can load this easily and be able to clear out the entire magazine and then repeat the process for hours on end if you want to. Whether you use it for target practice or ridding varmint, it’s a pistol that deserves a chance.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be great for varmint hunting, but there will be a handful of target shooters that will enjoy using this as well. No matter what, it’s a semi-automatic pellet pistol that is fully functional and will certainly stand out as one of the better options. It’s a great pistol for kids to try out as well. And believe us, they’ll have a blast so long as they use it safely.
Bottom Line
This Beretta M92 Blowback Full-Auto pistol will certainly be a ton of fun to fire off. It won’t matter if it’s targets or varmint, you will have a field day with this pistol. Yes, it’s excellent in quality and superior in shooting ability. But it can certainly be useful when you need it the most. If reliability is what you look for in a semi-auto pistol, you got it with this.
Best Pellet Pistol Under $100:
Crosman 2240 Bolt Action CO2-Powered .22 Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were looking for an affordable pellet pistol that would fit most budgets. They were able to find one that was excellent in quality and provided reliable, accurate shooting with one pull of the trigger. One user said that he uses this for the purpose of shooting at varmint whenever they show up on his lawn. So far, it’s been able to knock down a couple of squirrels and a raccoon that had been known for digging up his and his neighbor’s lawn for quite some time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is fast shooting and pretty reliable. That’s about all you need in a pretty good pellet pistol (especially for the sake of hunting or target shooting). Not only that, it’s pretty sturdy so it’s guaranteed to last you quite a while. Don’t be shocked if this winds up being quite useful for a few years down the road. As long as you take good care of it and don’t overuse it, it might still keep its reliability without losing a hint of accuracy.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want superior reliability and accurate shooting when pitted against varmint or if you just want to shoot at a bunch of paper targets, this is one of the pistols you can snag off the shelf and not pay an arm and a leg for. After all, it’s one of the most affordable pistols that are great in quality and performance with a price tag of south of $100. It’s not cheap or flimsy by any stretch of the imagination. But you can best believe that this will make a great starter pellet pistol for a handful of users.
Bottom Line
The Crosman Bolt Action CO2-Powered .22 Pistol might just be the best choice for those who are looking for a powerful CO2 pistol that will get the job done at a price that you won’t be able to say no to. This pistol is no joke and might just be what the doctor ordered if you want accurate, dependable shooting for all your target shooting and varmint hunting applications.
Best Blowback Pellet Pistol:
Umarex Legends P.08 All Metal .177 Caliber
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were looking for a pistol that was sturdy and had excellent shooting ability as well. They were quite happy with this pellet pistol being quite useful for target shooting and even varmint hunting as well. One user said that he even used it to fend off rattlesnakes on his dad’s cattle farm since they were harassing or even attacking some of the livestock they owned. He said it took a couple of good shots to take out one rattler that appeared to be threatening him when he was last out there.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you must find a super sturdy pistol that won’t easily dent or scuff up, then you won’t be disappointed in the slightest. This sucker contains 22-shots in a single magazine. And it’s propelled by CO2 gas that will make sure that your shots are going far and going fast. So it will stand out as the perfect varmint hunting pistol whenever those invasive creatures tend to destroy property. If varmints aren’t the problem around your house, you can still put this pistol to good use as a target shooting pistol. For the latter application, a lot of younger shooters might utilize this pistol to practice gun safety and safe shooting. So by the time they are ready to use real live ammo, they will have confidence in hitting their targets and using their pistols with the right amount of discipline.
Who Will Use This Most
This will certainly be one of the best pistols that will excel as a varmint hunting pistol. It’s tough, shoots fast, and will hit your intended targets exactly where you’ll hit them. It might have the ability to last you a few good years so long as you take good care of it. If you want a pistol that will give you the best blowback and consistently good performance, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this pistol a closer look.
Bottom Line
The Umarex Legends All Metal .177 Caliber pistol will be one of the better air pistols to use against varmint and even snakes that can harm you or your livestock. It's powerful enough to deliver a good amount of knockdown power so they are kept at bay for as long as possible. Since it's solid in construction, this will be reliable for a long time. The varmint problem can be taken care of quick and fast with the right kind of pellet pistol and this one could be it.
Best .177 Pellet Pistol:
Sig Sauer P226 Air Pistol
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
For a pellet pistol that is designed for target shooting, it does a great job hitting targets dead on and fast. Not to mention, the sights allow for straight and accurate shooting even with targets situated up to 20 yards. One user said that he was able to load this pistol without any feeding or jamming issues and enjoyed shooting it over and over again. He also added that the pistol didn’t misfire as often compared to a pellet pistol he had previously owned.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pellet pistol is solid in construction and will prove itself beyond a doubt that it can be one of the best .177 caliber pistols on the market. The rounds are small but can do damage at a high rate of velocity. You can expect the pellet to hit the paper and leave a nice sized hole. And you’ll notice it once the time comes to look over the target to see where every single one of your shots has landed.
Who Will Use This Most
If you love shooting off pellets for fun, then you may need a pistol that will keep consistent with performance and reliability. This is perfect for backyard shooting and is super safe for kids to use. Don’t be surprised if you find this to be much better than even most pellet pistols or air guns that you have used in the past in terms of performance and quality.
Bottom Line
If you are a fan of .177 caliber pistols, then you might want one of the best in its class. The SIG Sauer P226 Air Pistol will not disappoint for many target shooters. So if you are going to find a pellet pistol that will really stand out as a casual or recreational target shooter’s choice, this might be your favorite pistol yet.
Best .22 Pellet Pistol:
Crosman Benjamin Marauder .22 Call Air Pistol BP2220
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pellet pistol was powerful according to most users. They said that this was a really good pellet pistol for multiple purposes. About half of them were using it for target shooting and another half used it for varmint hunting. One user said that it took out a good number of varmints in either one or two shots max. He said the accuracy was quite precise and he knew exactly where the shot would go by the time he pulled the trigger.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol can shoot fast and has a good amount of pressure to propel each shot. You would be amazed by how powerful this pistol is once you start using it to your advantage. It does a great job loading and shooting off .22 pellet pistols with ease and leaving some nice sized shooting groups in the process. If accuracy and power are two things you want in a pellet pistol, then this pistol will be more appealing to you.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a pistol that will excel as a varmint hunting pistol, then this one might get the job done. It’s got enough power and velocity to make every shot as impactful as the last. If you are using it for target shooting, you better be ready to leave some damaging shots to all kinds of paper targets. Even with plastic bottles, you can still do a good amount of damage.
Bottom Line
The Crosman Benjamin Maurader .22 Call Air Pistol is powerful, accurate, and reliable. The last thing you’ll want to do is doubt it’s shooting power and ability to leave a good amount of damage to paper targets or even small invasive critters. This will certainly be a fun pistol to shoot with when you have all kinds of rounds and targets at your disposal.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Pellet Pistol
A pellet pistol will probably be one of the best investments you’ve made in your life. Especially when you want something that is fun and safe to shoot with. Whether you are a kid at heart or have kids of your own, here are a few benefits that you’ll find in a pellet pistol:
Hours of Fun to Shoot
So long as you have a lot of rounds and a handful of paper targets, then you’re going to have the time of your life shooting off so many pellets. All it takes is a high-quality pistol like one of the ten above to make that a reality. Be sure that the pistol you purchase is consistently reliable and make sure it has a full can of CO2 before it’s good to go.
Great for “Property Management”
Small varmints are known for destroying property. This includes digging up lawns, knocking down trash barrels, and even destroying gardens as well. If you want a true property management tool to ward off these invasive critters, you’ll need to find a powerful enough pellet pistol to get the job done.
Perfect for Practicing Responsible Gun Ownership
If your child is intending to use a pistol or any kind of firearm later on in their lifetime, it’s important to teach them the basics of gun use and proper gun safety. Yes, while shooting off pellets is entertaining enough training them for using a pistol properly will be important. Especially if they choose to conceal carry a pistol with live ammo when they are at the age to legally do so.
Conclusion
The best pellet pistol is out there. Yet, one of these ten listed might be yours to own. Find one that will be accurate, reliable, and fun to shoot and you won’t get bored of it. As long as you take the best care of it, it will certainly take better care of you regardless of the application. These pellet pistols we’ve reviewed are anything but poor in quality and disappointing in performance.
