Air Guns Pistols Best Models

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If1HitU

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Who make the best pistol air model guns in your opinion between Colt, Browning, S&W,or any other name brand you can think of I didn't mention? Thinking about buying my 20 year son one for Xmas he had asked me about them.He didn't mention a air rifle just pistols,but i'd like to here opinion on rifles too? Any help I would appreciate it.
 
Depending on what you're willing to spend- a Crosman 2240 is one heck of an air pistol. You can get the base model for under $60. Crosman has a custom shop where you can build one to your specs out of the options they have available- even get it engraved. They aren't really a copy of any pistol, but I think they are probably the best value out there.

For whatever reason, the airgun copies of real guns don't do much for me. They tend to be made of pot metal and don't seem to be as durable to me as air guns that are specifically meant to be airguns are if that makes sense.

As far as air rifles, is what is he looking to do with it? Hunt, plink, target?
 
Afternoon!,
Lots of research to do out there. I have a 30 + year old Crosman replica of a Colt SAA in .177 pellet. An even older version by Crosman\Hahn is out there in .22 pellet. Both guns have zinc in their frames, tis' true but they are great shooters as well. So don't let 'pot metal' throw you off a whole lot of fun shooting. Todays replica guns may use a whole lot of CO2 in cases but their manufacturing is usually top drawer with lots of real metal and the capability to be broken down and field stripped just like the gunpowder originals. Have fun looking and hew to the type of shooting to be done and your budget. Let us know what kind you did get for your son ( after Xmas of course *chuckles)
regards!
 
bnolsen writes:

For a straight out of the box great shooter you can't go wrong with a beeman p17.

Funny you mention the P17 Beeman. My wife and I absolutely cannot buy gifts for each other at Christmas, as we both pretty much stink at finding what each other likes. However, we have a young daughter who still believes, and who expects that jolly old man in whom she still believes to gift everyone in the household.

So, before Christmas, I buy what I want, and my wife buys what she wants, and they "appear" under the tree Christmas morning. About a month ago, I caught the P17 on sale at Wal-Mart, and thought of exactly that. Home it went with me, and I totally forgot about it until last night. I remembered that I bought myself something for Christmas, and that I took it home and put it in the safe, but I couldn't remember what it was. Had to go look.

Hey, I'm getting a P17 for Christmas..! :D
 
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For the OP, some of the most faithful replicas are made by Umarex.

Gamo makes two well-respected repeating CO2 pistols, the PT80 and the PT85. The former resembles a Beretta PX4, and the latter is not made to replicate any specific pistol, but it's easy to envision if you think of what a Ruger P95 would look like with a 5-inch barrel. The 85 is also a "blowback" model, with a reciprocating slide action to add to the realism (but pounds through CO2 faster due to it.) Both guns are eight-shot repeaters shooting pellets only through rifled barrels. They also make the PT25, which is along the lines of a PPK-type lookalike.

Spend some time browsing at PyramidAir.com and you'll see a lot of interesting current offerings. Be forewarned, however, that it is a very tempting site..
 
The "best" as in "most accurate" air pistols and rifles are those used in Olympic events---but be prepared to spend serious $$$.
Think Anschutz, Steyr, FWB (Feinwerkbau), Morini, Walther, Pardini, etc. See ChampChoice.com , Pilkguns.com, 10pt9.com, and Targettalk.org for an introduction to these amazing machines. They are all more accurate than anyone and which is best is a function of what fits you and what your coach recommends.http://www.champchoice.com/store/main.aspx?p=categoryBody&c=AIARFE
 
Just remember that firearms manufacturers in general don't make airguns. They have their names put on the side of airguns made by airgun manufacturers.
For the OP, some of the most faithful replicas are made by Umarex.
Correct and correct. The one thing you know when you see a firearm brand on an airgun is that the firearm maker almost certainly didn't make it. Most of the nicer CO2 pistols that use the internal revolving action are made by Umarex.

If he's looking for a CO2 type pistol that shoots pellets, the S&W (Umarex) revolvers made to mimic the 586/686 revolvers seem to get decent reviews. The one I had was pretty nice and had a very good DA trigger. Plus, unlike a lot of the other Umarex CO2 pistols, the capacity was 10 shots instead of 8. I got the "586" since the clips/magazines for that gun are only available in the "blue" finish. If you get the stainless look pistol then the clips/magazines won't match the rest of the gun.

Just to be clear, I wouldn't call any of the Umarex pistols "the best models". There are much, MUCH nicer air pistols out there. It just depends on what he wants to do with them. The Umarex pistols are fun plinkers and have some values as firearm analogs that provide inexpensive practice options.
 
Just remember that Umarex was a toy factory that got contracts to produce the Walther P-22 and bb/pellet guns. (I sent my P-22 back 3 times before throwing in the towel.)

My first pellet rifle was a RWS-34 made by Diana. 25+ years later i wanted to replace it and ordered up another one. The new one was manufactured by Umarex and was of decidely worse quality.

Long story short, I don't buy Umarex products.
 
Depends on what it is for.

Target is hard to beat the 2300S.

For a fun shooter I had a Webley Tempest

I also have the Umarex Broomhandle in full auto. Fun to chase cans around the yard
 
Correct and correct. The one thing you know when you see a firearm brand on an airgun is that the firearm maker almost certainly didn't make it. Most of the nicer CO2 pistols that use the internal revolving action are made by Umarex.

If he's looking for a CO2 type pistol that shoots pellets, the S&W (Umarex) revolvers made to mimic the 586/686 revolvers seem to get decent reviews. The one I had was pretty nice and had a very good DA trigger. Plus, unlike a lot of the other Umarex CO2 pistols, the capacity was 10 shots instead of 8. I got the "586" since the clips/magazines for that gun are only available in the "blue" finish. If you get the stainless look pistol then the clips/magazines won't match the rest of the gun.

Just to be clear, I wouldn't call any of the Umarex pistols "the best models". There are much, MUCH nicer air pistols out there. It just depends on what he wants to do with them. The Umarex pistols are fun plinkers and have some values as firearm analogs that provide inexpensive practice options.

Umarex is just a distributor not a manufacturer. Yes, Manufacturers do make their own Pistols. For instance RWS Diana, Wheilrauch, Walther etc. What does he want. A target shooter, a Spring platform, Co2. PCP? I have some nice Pistols and Rifles. Yes for Crosman they are cheap Chinese guns with many variants and listed with many different names. That said, some actually turn out nice. The Crosman 2200 series as mentioned can be a nice pistol rifle. And as one poster said, can be modified with a thousand upgrades. Including a "Walther Barrel". A nice quality CO2 and one which they use in Europe for Iron Plate shooting is the Walther 88 which I own. A well built gun. Cost is around $200. but worth it. I also like the 1911 guns now sold by Umarex. A great budget co2 is the Makarov. (Not the one with the blowback). I have had it for years and Keeps on trucking with just being sure of keeping it lubed with Pellgun Oil. Another is the B17 as mentioned about for around $35.00. It is a Pump piston, and a clone of the Beeman model that goes for around $200.00.
There are many choices, do a little research.But be warned. You may not be able to stop and just one. I now own quite a few. It is a easy habit to get into.
 
Umarex is just a distributor not a manufacturer.
Umarex does have manufacturing facilities. You can see them in the video below.

...RWS Diana, Wheilrauch, Walther...
Weihrauch does make airguns and some firearms. Walther is actually part of the same group as Umarex. RWS is a distributor, however Diana does make airguns that are distributed sold under the RWS brand.
Manufacturers do make their own Pistols.
Some obviously do, however my comment was very specifically aimed at airguns branded with firearm company names. Most of those are not made by the company whose brand name appears on the pistol. For example, Ruger airguns are not made by Ruger. S&W airguns are not made by S&W, etc.
 
Umarex does have manufacturing facilities. You can see them in the video below.

Weihrauch does make airguns and some firearms. Walther is actually part of the same group as Umarex. RWS is a distributor, however Diana does make airguns that are distributed sold under the RWS brand.Some obviously do, however my comment was very specifically aimed at airguns branded with firearm company names. Most of those are not made by the company whose brand name appears on the pistol. For example, Ruger airguns are not made by Ruger. S&W airguns are not made by S&W, etc.


Diana's were made for years in by the original company Mayer, Grammelspacher and Rastatt) before the introduction of the now-famous "Diana" brand name., later sold to another company. There was much discussion on the "Diana" forum. A website devoted to Diana. RWS was a distributor. A few years ago they were sold again, which was sad, as the employees had been with them for years. A new company took over, I can't remember the name now, but will find it later. Walther has their own manufacturing plant in ULM Germany. If they are part of the Umerax Group then that is just a form of corporation that has bought the group.If Umarex now has a manufacturing plant then that is news to me and they for sure do not manufacturer Walther but own Walther in as you say a Group. I would guess it is air Pistols. I would guess they bought out a plant.
Here is a list of the True Walthers. Notice the LGV. One truly fine air Rifle. I have a lot of German/English Air Rifles, all Professionally Tuned, but the LGV is utterly fantastic. Crazy Accuracy, smooth as silk when firing and QUIET!!

Rugers are Chinese made air rifles. And many of the Center Fire Names attached to Airguns Are. What was really disappointing is when Beeman, which were really upgraded Weihrauch's were sold to the Chinese. You can still get a German Beeman but be sure they are the "R" Series. The Beemans typically have upgraded stocks.

Here is a pic of my Beeman R7 Santa Rosa, which uses the Weihrauch model 30 platform. Notice the Checkering on the stock, which you do not see on the Weihrauch's. Beeman was also a imported. I own A Beeman C1 which is a Original Webley. The C1 is one of the finest spring airguns made. Had almost a "Cult" following.

X6GxtMB.jpg

Here is a very interesting article on the Beeman C1 (Webley). Have to say I cherish this gun, and it is dang accurate.
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/200...-1-the-rifle-that-created-the-artillery-hold/
 
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Here is a pic of my Beeman R7...
They're very neat little guns. I have one and I think that if I had to get rid of all of them and keep only one, I would keep the R7 although it would be a very hard choice between it, my two FWBs and my R1. You are correct that Weihrauch makes a number of guns that are sold under the Beeman name. Beeman orders them in slightly different configurations than the base Weihrauch model--usually with a nicer stock, but there can be other differences as well.

I always meant to buy one of the C1 rifles but I just never got around to it. I do have a Webley Eclipse, but that's a very large rifle in a different category than the C1.
A new company took over, I can't remember the name now, but will find it later.
I think it's just called Diana now.

https://www.diana-airguns.de/
Here is a list of the True Walthers.
It is possible that Walther makes some of the airguns sold under the Walther brandname, but some poking around on the web indicates that Umarex makes at least some of them, and even some of Walther's firearms.
 
Walther makes the guns I posted with the Link. There are other guns out that that I believe just has the Walther name associated with. I am sure you have seen the Walther high end Olympic guns costing into the thousands of dollars. A few friends of mine had the opportunity to visit the Plant in Ulm Germany. I have a Walther C02 model 880 rifle. A extraordinary accurate rifle. I do not think Walther manufacturers this rifle however they might have something to do with the barrel. While they do not advertise it as a Lothar, I believe it could possible be. Here is a link of the "880 Store". Yes, this gun became so popular that many started doing upgrades. Put a shroud on this rifle and you cannot hear anything but the hammer spring when fired. And as I say super accurate. Actually Walther has their 1250 which is PCP and Hammerili has the name for the 850. Both distributed by Umarax.

http://www.the850store.com/

By the way, once again, the Walther LGV is a air rifle to kill for. A very serious air rifle as good as a Master tuned high end rifle right out of the box. I put a Clear Ridge scope on mine and it is perfect for the rifle.

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/blog/2013/02/the-astonishing-walther-lgv-part-i.html

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE WALTHER LGV OR THE UNDER LEVER LGU. These are German made Walther
much has been written on them and as this gun in the video say. "Arguably the best air rifle made"

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzurbOLJU1GWbO0n32IJNA
 
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Beeman was a importer, and they sold and still go under the name Beeman, beware, the only true Beeman's are the "R" series. The other pistols rifles are NOW Chinese Made.
No, Diana only makes Diana rifles, formerly under the importer RWS. Now under the name German Sport Guns

DIANA (DIANAWERK) MAYER & GRAMMELSPACHER GmbH & CO. KG
Current trademark manufactured by Mayer & Grammelspacher GmbH & Co. KG located in Rastatt, Germany. Durrimg 2014 Diana was aquired by German Sport Guns (GSG) located in Ense-Höingen, Germany. Currently imported exclusively by Umarex USA located in Fort Smith, AR begining 2006. Previously imported by Dynamit Nobel RWS Inc., located in Closter, NJ. Dynamit Nobel RWS Inc. is a division of RUAG AmmoTec GmbH, located in Furth, Germany. Dealer and consumer direct sales. Durring 2015 Dianawerk cellabrated it's 125th company anniversary. Dynamit Nobel RWS, Inc. also imported airguns manufactured by Air Arms, BSA, Gamo, and Shinsung/Career. Please refer to their respective listings for pricing.
The authors and publisher wish to thank Ulrich Eichstädt, Mike Driskill, and John Atkins, for their valuable assistance with the following information in this edition of the Blue Book of Airguns. Because of the destruction of records in two World Wars, it was not possible to verify all information. Additional information and corrections will be made in future editions. Such information is actively solicted. Please send inputs directly to [email protected].
This section covers only the real Dianawerk airguns, made by Mayer & Grammelspacher of Rastatt, Germany. It DOES NOT INCLUDE British "Diana" airguns. For British made "Diana" airguns, see the Millard Brothers section.
 
The best one I've ever shot was a S&W 79g. I believe they were genuinely made by S&W. My dad has one. Scary accurate. Could look for a used in the $100-$175 range. Spendy. But cool.
 
Just realized that "Crosman" only has one "s" in it...
 
Long obsolete, but still can be found, the BSA Scorpion is a very good pistol. I bought mine in the 80's. I'd been looking at the Beeman Hurricane, and Webley Tempest. We shot them all in the store, and originally I couldn't see getting the unconventional BSA untill we shot them all . The BSA has a trigger on par with match grade equipment, and is built like the proverbial Brick Outhouse. I still have mine, and it still shoots good as new.
BSA Scorpion 1.jpg BSA Scorpion 2.jpg
 
What do you want out of the pistol....from a quick skim of the thread I did not see it brought up.

Does he want to target shoot....that is one thing. Does he want something as close to his glock, 1911, whatever to practice with, that is another thing.

I have a 1911 air pistol that is so close to the "real thing" it is not funny, weight, all the controls, works great for drills, and you can do it in the garage on a cold winter day....heck you could do it in the living room on a cold winter day. If he is looking for this type of tool....and yes I choose the word tool for a reason, airsoft is also something worth looking at.

If on the target side, do you want a PCP pistol, CO2, pump....there are quite a few options, and all have the good and bad.

Do not shy away from Umerex also, some people need to look up what their subsidiaries are....just what companies they own...it might shock a few. They make very good products....VERY good.
 
Wonder what he bought. Christmas was a long time ago. "Best" is impossible to define unless you know what the OP means by best. To me, best is the most accurate, durable, mostly or all metal, pellet air hand gun I can buy without breaking the bank. So it's the 1377/1322 for me. Wally World rollback $34 before mods. Certainly not going to make the "best" on most people's list. There are a lot of very nice replica guns but some sacrifice power and accuracy for look and feel. I've just started shooting air guns again after nearly 60 years and am amazed by the variety of air hand guns and rifles available now. It's all what's important to the buyer. The best could be $3400 or $34.
 
The "best" as in "most accurate" air pistols and rifles are those used in Olympic events---but be prepared to spend serious $$$.
Think Anschutz, Steyr, FWB (Feinwerkbau), Morini, Walther, Pardini, etc. See ChampChoice.com , Pilkguns.com, 10pt9.com, and Targettalk.org for an introduction to these amazing machines. They are all more accurate than anyone and which is best is a function of what fits you and what your coach recommends.
Bought a Steyr LP-50 rapid-fire from Scott Pilkington of Pilkguns. First-class service all the way. He even milled a groove atop the receiver so I could mount an optic (and at my age, I sure need one). For me, the pistol is pure self-indulgence as it was heroically, "what-was-I-thinking" expensive. If you want very top-of-the-line, world class accurate airguns, I cannot recommend Scott enough. (He's also a noted engraver, if you seek unique customization.)
 
I was just looking around on the Pilkguns site. He has some pretty amazing air pistols for sale. Worth taking a look at.
 
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