Many UK homeowners and farmers seek effective solutions for pest control. Air pistols can be an excellent tool for managing small pests at close range, offering several advantages. This includes air pistols being compact and manoeuvrable, as well as being less powerful than air rifles, reducing risk of over-penetration. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top air pistols available in 2024 for pest control, considering factors such as power, accuracy, and ease of use.

What should you look for in a pest control air pistol?

When choosing an air pistol for pest control, consider the following:

• Power: Look for models delivering at least 4-5 ft-lbs of energy

• Accuracy: Precision is crucial for humane pest control

• Ease of use: Consider factors like weight, grip, and cocking mechanism

• Magazine capacity: Multi-shot magazines can be beneficial for dealing with multiple pests

• Noise level: Quieter pistols are less likely to disturb neighbours or livestock

Top 5 Air Pistols for Pest Control UK 2024

1. Weihrauch HW44 PCP Air Pistol

The Weihrauch HW44 is a top-tier choice for pest control in 2024. This pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) pistol offers exceptional accuracy and power, making it suitable for both target shooting and pest control.

Key features:

• Available in .177 and .22 calibre

• 10-shot magazine capacity

• Two-stage adjustable trigger

• Regulated for consistent power

• 5.5 ft-lbs power output

• 105-125 shot count per fill

The HW44’s regulated action ensures consistent power output, which is crucial for reliable pest control. Its adjustable trigger allows for precise shot placement, while the multi-shot magazine enables quick follow-up shots if needed.

1. Reximex Mito PCP Air Pistol

The Reximex Mito is another excellent PCP option for pest control. It offers a good balance of power and accuracy in a compact package.

Key features:

• Available in .177 and .22 calibre

• 7-shot magazine capacity

• 5 ft-lbs power output

• 70 shots per fill

• Ambidextrous palm swell grip

• Comes with open sights and 11mm dovetail rail

The Mito’s regulated action ensures consistent performance, while its compact size makes it ideal for use in confined spaces. The included silencer adaptor can be beneficial for quieter operation during pest control activities.

1. Crosman 2240 CO2 Air Pistol

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Crosman 2240 is a reliable choice. This CO2-powered pistol offers good power and accuracy for its price point.

Key features:

• .22 calibre

• Single-shot

• CO2 powered

• 460 fps velocity (approximately 4 ft-lbs)

• Rifled steel barrel

• Adjustable rear sight

While not as powerful as some PCP options, the Crosman 2240 is still capable of effective pest control at close range. Its CO2 power source means no pumping or external air tanks are required.

1. Weihrauch HW45 Spring Air Pistol

The Weihrauch HW45 is a versatile spring-powered pistol that offers two power levels, making it suitable for various pest control scenarios.

Key features:

• Available in .177 and .22 calibre

• Single-shot

• Two power levels: 2 ft-lbs or 5.5 ft-lbs

• Two-stage adjustable trigger

• Fibre-optic sights

• Ambidextrous safety

The HW45’s dual power levels allow you to choose between lower power for practice or indoor use, and higher power for pest control. Its spring-piston mechanism means no external power source is needed.

1. Browning Buck Mark Magnum .22

Rounding out our top 5 is the Browning Buck Mark Magnum, a spring-piston pistol that combines power and accuracy in a classic design.

Key features:

• .22 calibre

• Single-shot

• 175 m/s velocity (approximately 5.5 ft-lbs)

• Break-barrel cocking

• Open sights with light collector

• Single-stage trigger with safety

The Buck Mark Magnum offers good power for pest control, and its break-barrel design allows for easy loading and maintenance.

How do these air pistols compare for pest control?

When comparing these air pistols for pest control, consider the following:

• Power: The Weihrauch HW44 and HW45 (at full power) offer the highest power output at 5.5 ft-lbs, making them suitable for a wider range of pests.

• Accuracy: All these pistols offer good accuracy, but the PCP models (HW44 and Reximex Mito) generally provide the most consistent performance.

• Ease of use: The CO2-powered Crosman 2240 is perhaps the easiest to use, requiring no pumping or cocking. However, it does need CO2 cartridges.

• Magazine capacity: The HW44 and Reximex Mito offer multi-shot capabilities, which can be advantageous when dealing with multiple pests.

• Noise level: PCP pistols tend to be quieter than spring-piston models, with the Reximex Mito’s silencer adaptor offering additional noise reduction.

Choosing the right air pistol for pest control

Selecting the best air pistol for pest control depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Remember, effective pest control isn’t just about having the right equipment – it also requires proper technique, knowledge of pest behaviour, and adherence to legal guidelines.

At The Wolfman, we stock a wide range of air pistols suitable for pest control, along with pellets, accessories, and maintenance supplies. Contact us today – our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right air pistol for your needs and provide advice on its use and maintenance.