If you’ve never owned an air gun, pistol or rifle before, air pistols are a great introduction to the hobby. They are available in many styles and calibres, with models available to suit all budgets and skill levels. To guarantee an enjoyable shooting experience, it’s important to choose the right air pistol for you.

At The Wolfman, we offer a wide range of air weapons, pellets, scopes, slips, targets and more to suit the needs of airgun hobbyists. In this guide, we’ll discuss different types of air pistols and explore some key features and accessories to consider. We’ll also look at some popular air pistol brands and legal considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Air Pistols

Air guns, including both rifles and pistols, can be split into four main categories: spring, CO2, PCP and gas piston. Each type of pistol varies in terms of price, ease of use and suitability for different applications.

Spring-Powered Air Pistols

A spring air pistol relies on a coiled spring to compress air inside a chamber, propelling the pellet down the barrel when the trigger is pulled. These pistols are simple to operate, generally requiring only a single cocking motion.

Spring-powered air pistols are typically more affordable and require less maintenance, making them ideal for casual target practice. However, they can have a bit of recoil, which might affect accuracy for some shooters.

CO2-Powered Air Pistols

A CO2 air pistol utilises small, replaceable CO2 cartridges to propel pellets. These pistols offer the advantage of semi-automatic firing, depending on the model. They’re also known for their ease of use and consistent power output.

On the downside, CO2 cartridges can be an ongoing expense, and the pistol’s performance may be affected by temperature variations.

Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Pistols

PCP air pistols use compressed air stored in an onboard reservoir. These pistols offer superior accuracy, consistency, and shot count compared to other types. This makes them a good choice of air pistol for rats and vermin.

They also have virtually no recoil, making them a popular choice among competitive shooters. However, PCP pistols tend to be more expensive and require additional equipment, such as a pump or air tank, to fill the reservoir.

Gas Piston Air Pistols

Gas-powered air pistols use a sealed gas unit instead of a spring to compress air when the pistol is cocked. These pistols offer consistent power, less recoil, and a smoother cocking action compared to spring-powered models.

However, gas ram pistols may be slightly more expensive and may require professional servicing if the gas unit needs replacement.

Features and Specs to Consider

Besides the power source, there are many other features and specifications to consider when searching for an air pistol for sale.

Calibre

An air pistol’s calibre refers to the size of its barrel and the ammunition it can fire. Air pistols come in various calibres, including .177, .22, and .25.

The .177 calibre is popular for target shooting due to its flat trajectory, while a .25 or .22 air pistol is often preferred for pest control or hunting. When choosing a calibre, consider factors such as pellet availability, intended use, and personal preferences.

Power

The muzzle energy or power of an air pistol is measured in foot-pounds (ft/lbs). This is based on the mass of the pellet and its velocity, or speed at which it leaves the barrel. The legal power limit for an air pistol (UK) is 6 ft/bs.

Higher-powered air pistols can provide increased range and impact but are typically more challenging to shoot accurately. They are also louder, so it may be worth considering an air pistol with silencer or sound moderator.

Trigger and Magazine

Air pistols feature single-stage or two-stage triggers. Some models have adjustable triggers, which enables the shooter to fine-tune trigger pull weight and travel.

Magazine capacity refers to the number of rounds an air pistol can hold. For example, an airgun with a 10-shot magazine can be fired 10 times before it runs out of ammunition. Higher capacity magazines allow you to make several shots in quick succession without reloading.

Sights and Optics

Air pistols typically come with open sights and built-in rails for mounting telescopic sights or pistol scopes. Open sights are generally more affordable and easier to use for beginners. Telescopic sights require a learning curve but offer increased precision for longer-range shooting. Some air pistols are supplied with a scope, while for others you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Popular Air Pistol Brands

There are plenty of great air pistol brands available in the UK. Here are some of the most popular choices for quality and affordability.

Umarex

Umarex is a renowned German air pistol manufacturer. They specialise in beautifully crafted, high-quality replicas of well-known firearms, such as Glock and Browning. Their air pistols cater to various preferences and budgets, making them a popular choice among shooters of all skill levels.

Weihrauch

Weihrauch, another German company, is known for producing high-quality, precision-engineered air pistols. They offer spring-powered, PCP, and CO2 models that cater to both casual and competitive shooters.

Gamo

Gamo is a Spanish brand that offers a wide variety of affordable and reliable air pistols. Their product line includes spring-powered, gas ram, and CO2 options, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.

Crosman

Crosman, a trusted American brand, has a long history of producing reliable and affordable air pistols. If you’re looking for a Crosman air pistol, you’ll find a diverse range of products to choose from. Their CO2, PCP and spring-powered options all offer superb value for money.

Air Pistol Accessories

A wide range of accessories are available to help enhance your shooting experience. When shopping for your new air pistol, consider:

• Pellets: These come in various types and weights, and choosing the right one for your air pistol is crucial for optimal performance. Popular pellet types include wadcutter, domed, pointed and hollow point.
• Gun slips and cases: Proper storage and transportation is essential to prevent damage to your air pistol. Soft cases offer lightweight protection, while hard cases provide increased durability and security.
• Pistol scopes: Optics come in a wide range of sizes, magnifications and price points. Ensure you choose a scope that is compatible with your pistol’s mounting system.
• Targets: Available in many materials and styles, targets are ideal for backyard plinking and improving your shooting accuracy.

Taking good care of your air pistol will help ensure its longevity and performance. It’s worth investing in a high-quality cleaning and care kit to keep your pistol in top condition.

Legal Considerations for Air Pistols (UK)

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase an air pistol. In England and Wales, you do not need a licence to own an air pistol. However, air pistols exceeding 6ft/lbs of power are illegal (except for military use). In Scotland, all air pistols require a certificate or permit.

Before shooting, make sure you have permission from the landowner. Even when shooting on your own property, you must ensure that your pellets do not cross onto someone else’s land.

Always follow safe shooting practices and comply with local laws and regulations. For example, if you are using your air pistol for pest control, ensure you only shoot permitted species. Responsible air pistol ownership promotes a positive image of the sport and helps ensure everyone’s safety.

Shop Air Pistols for Sale at The Wolfman

If you’re looking to get your hands on a new air pistol (UK), it’s important to do your research and choose a trusted, reliable model and brand. Whatever your budget and skill level, The Wolfman is your one-stop shop for air guns, ammunition and accessories. We stock a wide range of CO2, spring-powered, gas ram and PCP air pistols from industry-leading manufacturers such as Umarex, Crosman and more.

Head to our website to browse our fantastic range of air pistols for sale, or click here for our guide to the best air pistols of 2023. For advice or personalised product recommendations, feel free to get in touch.