Most Accurate Air Pistol Under $500

[Panzerschwein]

What is the most accurate NEW air pistol under $500? I'd like to buy one for target practice.

Also please don't tell me to "get a used Baikal" those haven't been imported in years and are rare as hens teeth and a lot over $500 these days.

Thanks air gun people!

 

[cslinger]

Chiappa FAS 6004 is a solid option.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/chiappa-fas-6004-first-look-initial-thoughts.795965/
Crosman Custom Shop build C02/Lothar Walther barrel
HW75
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...y-review-hw75-this-time.820885/#post-10541242
HW40/Beeman P3
All are good solid options.

HW45 is mechanically accurate just a hard task master in terms of learning to shoot it well. It’s not an easy gun to shoot accurately but when you get it right it’s awesome.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...hing-completely-different-hw45-review.820884/


There is some PCP stuff but then there is the extra cost and effort of filling apparatus.

 

[cslinger]

Or maybe a used IZH 46m.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Chiappa FAS 6004 is a solid option.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/chiappa-fas-6004-first-look-initial-thoughts.795965/
Crosman Custom Shop build C02/Lothar Walther barrel
HW75
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...y-review-hw75-this-time.820885/#post-10541242
HW40/Beeman P3
All are good solid options.

HW45 is mechanically accurate just a hard task master in terms of learning to shoot it well. It’s not an easy gun to shoot accurately but when you get it right it’s awesome.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...hing-completely-different-hw45-review.820884/


There is some PCP stuff but then there is the extra cost and effort of filling apparatus.

That HW75... my God! What a BEAUT!!!

I noticed in your review you mentioned it was quiet? Do you think quiet enough to shoot indoors?

I had a Daisy Avanti 717 pistol a while ago and it was nice but didn't feel good in the hand and had rather cheap plastic sights. I sold it.

I have no qualms about doing more research and spending more to get a good target air pistol for recreational usage. Hoping also to be able to shoot it indoors.

 

[Kookla]

I've had a Daisy 747 for years before I sold it. Yes, it was cheaply made, but it shot extremely well. I've read good things about the FAS 6004, but have no experience with them.

What about a Crosman 2300S? Right at $300, co2, Lothar barrel, Williams sights, adjustable trigger- looks pretty sweet.

Since the Baikal is no longer imported, there's been a bit of a void there. Is Daisy still making the 7x7 series?

 

[cslinger]

The HW75, FAS and HW40 are PLENTY quiet for indoor shooting. The HW45 in .22 isn’t bad, the .177 version is a bit louder.

Any of the C02 options, IMO are way loud. They really have a crack.

I terms of loudness I would rank them as follows....
FAS 6004
IZH46M
HW75/HW40
HW45 in .22 (getting loudish now)
HW45 in .177 starting to hit the realm of small room indoor loud
The Crosman 2300/Custom shop Guns C02(Loud/even longer barrels)
The various C02 replica guns (really loud)

 

[Panzerschwein]

I've had a Daisy 747 for years before I sold it. Yes, it was cheaply made, but it shot extremely well. I've read good things about the FAS 6004, but have no experience with them.

What about a Crosman 2300S? Right at $300, co2, Lothar barrel, Williams sights, adjustable trigger- looks pretty sweet.

Since the Baikal is no longer imported, there's been a bit of a void there. Is Daisy still making the 7x7 series?

Hmm, cslinger has that one ranked as louder than the HW75... I'm an apartment dweller so have to mind the neighbors!

 

[cslinger]

In terms of mechanical/ease of accuracy I would rank them as follows.

IZH46M
FAS 6004
HW75
HW40
Crosman 2300/custom shop C02 Gun
HW45 in .177 very accurate just hard to learn
HW45 in .22 very accurate just hard to learn and the .22 stays in the barrel longer.
.
.
.
All those C02 replicas. Those usually have crappy triggers and inconsistent velocities.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The HW75, FAS and HW40 are PLENTY quiet for indoor shooting. The HW45 in .22 isn’t bad, the .177 version is a bit louder.

Any of the C02 options, IMO are way loud. They really have a crack.

I terms of loudness I would rank them as follows....
FAS 6004
IZH46M
HW75/HW40
HW45 in .22 (getting loudish now)
HW45 in .177 starting to hit the realm of small room indoor loud
The Crosman 2300/Custom shop Guns C02(Loud/even longer barrels)
The various C02 replica guns (really loud)

Thank you! So would you rate the HW75 as a reliable and durable gun? If I have a problem with it, will the company help me?

Also does anyone have a preference for ordering from Pyramid Air vs Air Gun Depot? Same price at both sites... really leaning towards the HW75, man that looks good and the reviews are sweet.

 

[cslinger]

C02 IMO is WAY too loud for an apartment dweller.

Understand all of these will have a POP. None will simply be a whoosh of air. None sound particularly like a gun, but the C02s are almost getting into a sound similar to like a .22CB in tone and loudness.

 

[cslinger]

The HW75 should be a pass it down to kids heirloom gun. These are not Walmart specials. These are real guns if you will.

Pyramid is great to work with.

I think Airgun of Arizona provides a level of lifetime warranty for HW not 100% but I thought they offered something like that.

But honestly until you’ve handled any of these mid to higher end airguns you don’t have a mental appreciation for how nice and well made they really are. We all automatically think Daisy Poweline BB gun from our youth.

 

[cslinger]

When buying pick up a couple different tins of pellets. My suggestions would be some
Light Meisterkugeln
Some H&N Field Target trophy
Some crosman premiers

Those are a good start. I have found the Meisterkugeln pistols work best for me but the crosman premiers are everywhere and cheap and a really good all around pellet.

Ohh and one minor annoyance with the HW75. Where as the HW45 and HW40 are simply compress spring/air and shoot affairs (no auto safety) the HW75 is a compress AND cock the hammer back for each shot. It’s not a big deal but for me shooting different guns it gets me sometimes, I am lined up, I pull the trigger for THE PERFECT SHOT and.......Sonofa!!! I forgot to cock it. So just an FYI.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Sweet thank you!!

So when I buy a gun customer service is very important.

I wonder, between the Chiappa 6004 and the HW75, which do you think would have the better factory support for parts/service?

I'll also look into Airguns of Arizona. I'm in Nevada so they aren't far.

I know some consider air guns as things for children, but it seems there are high quality guns such as these made more for adults, which is very cool!

 

[cslinger]

The Weihrauch is gonna be the better supported IMO.

Americans, because of our access and familiarity with real firearms typically only have the toys we grew up with as points of Airgun reference. So we see them as kids toys not well made, firearm level, 50+yard shooters.

When I go to the range and bring some of these folks with tricked out AR15s will totally ignore the HK or other tricked out AR or whatever on my table and want to know what the hell the quiet guns are. They are generally shocked at the quality, trigger and accuracy of these guns.

The downside is they are real gun money because frankly they are nicer than a great many real guns. I enjoy my airguns as much or more than many of my firearms and I have a fairly large collection of both for comparison sake. Frankly 95% of the time I prefer an air rifle or pistol to a .22 long rifle these days.

AirArms ProSport Walnut


A few air pistols


HW35e Walnut


HW30s 6 shots 10 meters rested one hole. I will take an HW30s/Beeman R7 over just about any 10/22 just about any day of the week and twice on Sunday, including my built 10/22s


A couple Weihrauch Laminated special editions.


Who doesn't like a nice Stutzen/Mannlicher style stock.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The Weihrauch is gonna be the better supported IMO.

Americans, because of our access and familiarity with real firearms typically only have the toys we grew up with as points of Airgun reference. So we see them as kids toys not well made, firearm level, 50+yard shooters.

When I go to the range and bring some of these folks with tricked out AR15s will totally ignore the HK or other tricked out AR or whatever on my table and want to know what the hell the quiet guns are. They are generally shocked at the quality, trigger and accuracy of these guns.

The downside is they are real gun money because frankly they are nicer than a great many real guns. I enjoy my airguns as much or more than many of my firearms and I have a fairly large collection of both for comparison sake. Frankly 95% of the time I prefer an air rifle or pistol to a .22 long rifle these days.

AirArms ProSport Walnut
View attachment 776730

A few air pistols
View attachment 776731

HW35e Walnut
View attachment 776732

HW30s 6 shots 10 meters rested one hole. I will take an HW30s/Beeman R7 over just about any 10/22 just about any day of the week and twice on Sunday, including my built 10/22s
View attachment 776733

A couple Weihrauch Laminated special editions.
View attachment 776734

Who doesn't like a nice Stutzen/Mannlicher style stock.
View attachment 776735

Well I want to thank you for answering my many questions and I apologize if I am asking too many or if I am bothering you! I am much inspired to buy a good air pistol!!

It does make sense what you said about Americans and air guns. I suppose in some countries they don't have the same stigma towards them since real firearms are often hard to aquire?

 

[Panzerschwein]

Wow... found a bad review on th HW75:

https://www.amazon.com/Weihrauch-HW-75-air-pistol/dp/B002N43P30

Also found another review elsewhere also saying the guns leak air after a while?

 

[cslinger]

All airguns, especially those that are designed to hold high pressure air will eventually after a long time have the possibility of leaking. They are simple machines though the seals are, in most cases, fairly easy to come by nitrile type o-rings.

I have had no issues with any of my airguns across the board, save for one HW95 that had a chipped piston seal from the factory. I ended up gutting it and tuning it, good learning experience.

As far as actual leaking of air I would imagine unless there was some kind of catastrophic seal failure the amount of air leaked would be negligible as you will be expelling it basically immediately for a shot.

I also put a little pelgun oil on any exterior seals and on the tips of any c02 cartridges I fire as this keeps things in good order.

I just don't think you will find a better quality, currently produced, air pistol in the $500 range then an HW75/HW40/HW45 or their Beeman equivalents.

Chris

 

[cslinger]

I just read that review. When reading airgun reviews take accuracy complaints with a grain of salt. Most folks, especially firearms folks or new shooters can have a bear of a time learning to shoot an airgun, more so with spring guns but even pneumatics. That pellet is in the barrel FOREVER!!! compared to a bullet and the nut behind the trigger does all kinds of things before it leaves the gun. This can frustrate people, but it will teach you consistency and follow through. One interesting thing I have found with both my HW75 and HW40 is there is actually a tiny bit of muzzle rise on a shot, that I play hell with sometimes. Its probably negligible but exacerbated by my grip, point is it doesn't take much movement to throw a pellet pretty far off.

Also not all guns like all pellets. So you may have to experiment with what works a bit. Keep in mind, although the HW75 is a very accurate little gun it is NOT a 10m pistol. It is not likely going to stack pellets into the same hole like a true 10m gun.

......or so I have heard as I couldn't stack pellets into the same hole at 8 inches.....with an ice pick.

Chris

 

[Panzerschwein]

I just read that review. When reading airgun reviews take accuracy complaints with a grain of salt. Most folks, especially firearms folks or new shooters can have a bear of a time learning to shoot an airgun, more so with spring guns but even pneumatics. That pellet is in the barrel FOREVER!!! compared to a bullet and the nut behind the trigger does all kinds of things before it leaves the gun. This can frustrate people, but it will teach you consistency and follow through. One interesting thing I have found with both my HW75 and HW40 is there is actually a tiny bit of muzzle rise on a shot, that I play hell with sometimes. Its probably negligible but exacerbated by my grip, point is it doesn't take much movement to throw a pellet pretty far off.

Also not all guns like all pellets. So you may have to experiment with what works a bit. Keep in mind, although the HW75 is a very accurate little gun it is NOT a 10m pistol. It is not likely going to stack pellets into the same hole like a true 10m gun.

......or so I have heard as I couldn't stack pellets into the same hole at 8 inches.....with an ice pick.

Chris

Thank you, Chris. I wonder... with the right pellet and in a ransom rest, what groups are achievable do you think?

The HW75 is on the short list to be sure.

 

[cslinger]

I would imagine fairly accurate with the variable being the air you suck in and compress on each stroke being slightly different on each shot vs a high end PCP pistol being completely regulated as well as having a dangerously good trigger. Course we are talking 400 bucks vs 3000 all in.

Whatever you go with make sure to post your thoughts and don’t get frustrated if “it’s not accurate” out of the box. Cuz Glocks are not accurate either .........totally the guns fault in my hands.......yep nothing to do with me.....just an inherently inaccurate tool....that’s my story.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I would imagine fairly accurate with the variable being the air you suck in and compress on each stroke being slightly different on each shot vs a high end PCP pistol being completely regulated as well as having a dangerously good trigger. Course we are talking 400 bucks vs 3000 all in.

Whatever you go with make sure to post your thoughts and don’t get frustrated if “it’s not accurate” out of the box. Cuz Glocks are not accurate either .........totally the guns fault in my hands.......yep nothing to do with me.....just an inherently inaccurate tool....that’s my story.

Ha! Very true.

A cursory search shows groups of a dime or so at 10 meters with pellets it likes, benched. That sounds more than good enough for this old cow poke.

 

[Panzerschwein]

So I was nearly talked into a P1/HW45 last night...

I am wondering the pros/cons of the HW45 vs the HW75? Which is most accurate? Which is most reliable and durable for the long haul?

 

[Kookla]

I remember researching both models a while back. In the end, I found more information about the HW45 than the HW75- I think that just comes down to the HW45 being more popular. Didn't find much bad about either.

Tom Gaylord did a nine part series on the Beeman P1, which is the HW45 rebranded by Beeman.

 

[cslinger]

HW45/P1 is awesome and probably more robust. But it is a spring piston setup and will recoil/vibrate like a sonofabitch and in all directions. (That’s just a spring Gun thing). This isn’t to say its inaccurate, as it clearly is very accurate when YOU do your part. The thing to consider is that it will require much more effort on your part to learn to shoot it well. It may be frustrating at first.

I LOVE my HW45’s and have learned to shoot them pretty well but there is no denying it is much easier to pick up a pneumatic and stack pellets.

Also keep in mind the HW45 will be louder, especially in .177

 

[Kookla]

HW45/P1 is awesome and probably more robust. But it is a spring piston setup and will recoil/vibrate like a sonofabitch and in all directions. (That’s just a spring Gun thing). This isn’t to say its inaccurate, as it clearly is very accurate when YOU do your part. The thing to consider is that it will require much more effort on your part to learn to shoot it well. It may be frustrating at first.

I LOVE my HW45’s and have learned to shoot them pretty well but there is no denying it is much easier to pick up a pneumatic and stack pellets.

Also keep in mind the HW45 will be louder, especially in .177

Between the HW45 in .177 and .22, do you feel you're giving up anything going with the .22 version? I've read that the .177 one has two power levels, but the .22 only has one. Thinking that .22 pellets are much easier to handle for the ham fisted.