AKA: When life deals you lemons, make lemonade!

So, you’re low on ammo, powder, primers, etc. (or conserving it!), and/or you’re stuck at home.
You can keep up or improve your pistol shooting by getting a nice quality Air Pistol!


If things play out the way they are starting to look, we’ll all be making some changes in our day to day lives, at least for a while. Likely, you’ll be doing a lot more at home!

I have been seriously shooting airguns for almost 50 years. At one time, I was a coach and assistant with a competitive air pistol program. During that time, I owned, used, repaired and maintained pneumatic, CO2, spring powered, and compressed air pistols by all the major European makers from the past 50+ years.

Many shooters, especially Americans, don’t consider air guns to be “real shooting” irons. Certainly, if you’ve been exposed to budget quality examples there is a basis for this bias. But, off the radar of many shooters, there is, and has been for some time, a serious business about making, shooting, and competing with air guns at the very highest levels. They won’t help in a defensive capacity, but for most other uses you can find something appropriate.
If your bias runs deep enough, you might be hit with “sticker shock” for the top of the line air pistols. $1000 is about the entry level minimum for a competitive target grade air pistol. But, once you factor in all the related expenses, and amortize it over time, you realize what a bargain it is! First, the top level air pistols are engineered and built to amazing standards. You can expect to shoot hundreds of thousands of rounds with very little trouble or maintenance.
Then, there’s the cost to feed them.... Even the most expensive match grade pellets are a fraction of the cost of plinking grade 22lr ammo. And, you can bet the latter won’t be getting any cheaper for some time!
But, then there are the often forgotten hidden extras. Once you set up a range at home, you’ll be saving a ton of time and gasoline otherwise spent going to and from the range.
And, who hasn’t gone to the range and forgotten some little, but crucial, item? Would you rather pack up and drive home, do without,.... or just get it from the next room?
Oh yeah, if you're a reloader and bullet caster, the fired pellets are an excellent source of soft lead. Here's a few ingots cast from used range pellets.


Here’s a few points to consider....

SHOOTING CHARACTERISTICS
We mostly all are familiar with the benefits of a 22 lr pistol for inexpensive practice, taking the kids out for some fun, or refining your shooting technique. All of these are improved with air guns.
Target grade air pistols tend to have fantastic accuracy, balance, sights, triggers, and overall adjustability for each of these points. Take the trigger, for example. A target grade air pistol will have a trigger adjustable for 1st and 2nd stage weight, pull length, trigger position and angle relative to your index finger, sear engagement, etc.
The sights are always fully adjustable, but additionally can be expected to have interchangeable blades, or even adjustable sight radius. Grips are usually ergonomic, with options for (left or right) hand size.
And, additionally, air pistols offered by comprehensive manufacturers of target arms (ie: Pardini) will often be available with similar features and handling to 22lr and/or centerfire counterparts.

RANGE SPACE
“Official” international air pistol target distance is 10 meters (33 feet). A basement, attic, hallway, garage, or backyard area can all serve well. Plan for lighting and a safe backstop.

Here's my basement pellet trap.


TOP OF THE LINE
Top of the line, target grade air pistols are primarily of European manufacture. No surprise. With centuries long traditions of shooting sports, Europe is the origin of much of what we have come to know about firearms.
My short (and subjective) list of best grade air pistols are those made by Feinwerkbau, Morini, Pardini, Steyr, and Walther.

If you go to a “big box” store, don’t expect to find any of these. The airguns offered by such establishments tend to be for the budget conscious shooter, and offer neither the quality, accuracy, shooting characteristics or lasting performance and value of the top level names. When they fail (and they will), you generally throw them away. Overall, this is the basis for the negative connotations associated with airguns, and why they are often not taken seriously.
Consider also, like too many areas of budget conscious manufacturing today, many of those familar brands are built or part-sourced from manufacturers in China. No offense intended, but my inclination to avoid sending my hard earned $$$ to that regime is only getting more steadfast.
Personally, I will stick with the better European brands.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
If you still can’t get over the price tag of a new target grade air pistol, there are some options. Older, used pistols are often available. Older models using single stroke pneumatic or CO2 systems are seen less and less in competitive circles. The better ones are still serviceable, quality arms. A Feinwerkbau FWB 65, for example, is still in demand and tend to sell in the $400-500 range. Owners selling them today are often pleasantly surprised that such prices not only provide a good value for new shooter, they also represent an appreciation of value relative to their original purchase price!
--------
My personal air pistol of choice is a Pardini K2s made around 1999. I’ve had it for about 20 years, and have had many, many thousands of pellets through it. It has served me well at home and in competition.
Here it is, accompanied by a few 10 shot targets fired from 10 meters (33 ft) using the International style one-hand hold.



Powered by compressed air, it comes with two interchangeable cylinders which, when fully charged, are good for about 150 shots. They can be quickly refilled by a SCUBA air tank or a specialized bicycle tire type air pump.
From a machine rest, the Pardini, indeed ALL top line air pistols, will put 10 shots into a single hole not much larger in diameter than a single .177” pellet. Likewise, the current top of the line air pistols are totally recoilless. Any error in hold or trigger release is instantly apparent. Not even the lowest recoiling 22 allows for such analytical study of marksmanship technique.
Speaking of technique, as your ability quickly improves, your tastes for trigger, sights, grip, etc will evolve. A top grade air pistol, supported by the better manufacturers, will be right there with you, allowing for whatever adjustments or modifications you may wish.

Going back to my Pardini, I have mine set up with a trigger pull of just over 500 grams (that’s not quite 1.25 lbs). It is adjusted with a light 1st stage pull for the first 300 grams or so, then a crisp 2nd stage.
I previously mentioned sights. The Pardini rear sight is not only adjustable for windage and elevation, but has a hex screw just under the rear sight notch that adjusts to width of the notch.

It is a fast and easy adjustment that can be made for changing light conditions without affecting point of impact.

My favorite 22 semi auto pistol is the Pardini SP22. It is a nice compliment to the air pistol. Even the grips on mine are interchangeable. Here they are together.




I hope this write-up inspires you to look into the fascinating and rewarding world of air pistols.

Best Regards,
Jim

There's also a kit you can buy that will allow you to shoot .177 pellets in your handgun. Can't remember the name, though.

Jim,

I have used airguns as training tools for 25 m centerfire pistol when I was young and actively competing. The Walther LP53, the airgun of James Bond fame, was developed by Walther as a training method for handgunners in post-war Germany and when I started getting serious in pistolcraft, a club member sold me a nice used LP53.

I still have the LP53 but am now almost exclusively shooting a Feinwerkbau FWB 65 and FWB300S.

Here is a photo of the LP53 with a FWB80 which I gave to my son.

Hi Andy,
Both of your FWBs are classics! Well cared for, they will outlast any of us.
A good friend owns a FWB 300s. He shoots it every day, logging all his shots. He is closing in on 500,000 documented rounds through his!
He shoots, and reloads for, everything from 17 Remington to 458 Magnum, but the FWB is his every single day/100 rounds per day gun.

Jim

I had a few FWB 150 and 300S when a club where I shot sold their old airguns off cheaply. I gave one to each of my sons and kept one for myself, the rest went to friends. Their pistons have a steel ring as a seal that will virtually last forever!

I also own a FWB model 80, a most fantastic and accurate piece.The test target supplyed is a thin cardboard glued to the pistol owners manual showing ONE irregular hole - five shots in it, fired at 10meters. I have now to change its spring, as I have a new one to install.
Regards, Ray

I've been a huge fan of airguns for the last 30+ years. I currently own several match grade rifles/pistols from Walther, FWB and Styer as well as " a few " sporting purposed rifles and pistols of various brands, designs/power sources ( Breakbarrel to PCP). The quality , accuracy and performance from a well made airgun ( not a $10 "BB gun") is awe inspiring.
FWIW, here is a sample of the pistol I shoot in the local winter league (in SE MA). It's a Styer LP1 in Co2 that I bought from Scott Pilkinton a while back. This thing is amazing and will split asprins when I do my part. She gets 300+ consistant shots on one fill of Co2 from a 5# bottle that I replace every 5-6 years. I ahve a (very) few powder burners that cost as much but its a rare one that gets shot more often.

Attached Images

ULrgwBG.jpg (142.2 KB, 51 views)

__________________
Dave

Somewhere around here I have a BRNO TAU 7 that I haven't fired in years. If I could find the right kid, I'd give it to him or her. I do have a Slavia 631 spring cocker rifle I unlimber every now and then. Must have a thing for Czech arms.

Been using a Daisy 777 that I bought unfired in the box about 7 yrs ago, hard to find. Adjustable trigger and adjustable rear steel sights. Not plastic rear sights like the 717-747. Used a Daisy 747 fo years. Single stroke per shot. Accurate enough and consistent to keep my skills up downstairs. Set up a 10 meter range in the basement.

Had a FWB 65 but traded when I wasn’t shooting air pistol for a while.

Jim, the Daisy is probably the Drulov of Air Pistols. By the way, the Hammerli is running again, thanks for your guidance through the years. Larry

Two of my favorites. S&W 586 and a Benjamin Trail. I shoot the Trail almost every day as a morning ritual. Keeps me sharp..

Attached Images

	68B46A10-574B-46DA-B590-C5CBF9F4FA35.jpg (75.5 KB, 43 views)
	AD6BAAAE-A574-4F9A-B5D1-13375E6AFF9E.jpg (76.4 KB, 38 views)
	CEAEB35E-DA55-4D5C-B234-45E6EC59A59B.jpg (63.7 KB, 43 views)
	901A3224-C0DD-4863-876C-B63B71D707D7.jpg (64.6 KB, 36 views)

What if you didn't want to spring for a competition-grade pistol? Are there any serviceable pistols for less than a grand?

There are several....



Weihrauch HW40 PCA Air Pistol

Weihrauch HW70A .177 Spring Piston Air Pistol

Sig Sauer Precision Super Target Air Pistol: Airguns of Arizona

Weihrauch HW75: Airguns of Arizona

FAS 6004 Standard .177 Pistol - Ambi Grip: Airguns of Arizona

We have always been a shooting family, 9 kids (all grown now) and 13 grandchildren.

Most all grew up with various BB guns.

Currently with all local ranges closed, ammo having literally flown off the shelves, and grandkids all home because local schools are closed...…..we have gone back to shooting airguns (pistol and rifle) in my backyard.

The pistol is a Daisy Powerline 415, shoots 21 .177 cal Steel Airgun shot at 495 fps. it is CO2 powered, and 1, 12 gram cylinder lasts between 4 and 5 reloads (84 to 105 shots). It is a fun gun for all, adults and kids alike. With a box of Daisy 12 gram cylinders, container of 1000 steel shot, a pack of Dirty Bird targets, the pistol itself...I don't have more than $100 in it all, and again even the 10 and 12 year olds like it, once they demonstrate safe gun handling abilities.

I like to crank off several loads too.....keeps one in decent shape when the other options are closed.

The rifle is a Ruger AirHawk, break barrel (spring action), Model 2244001, came with really great open sights, and a Ruger 4 x 32 scope. Shoots .177 cal round nose pellets' (or varmint polymer tipped...more $ but deadly on squirrels) at 1000 fps.

Same deal as the pistol, only my wooden target frame with heavy old cardboard boxes for backer is set back to about 100-125 feet. The rifle does have an audible "crack" similar to a 22 rimfire rifle.

Can't recall exact prices but again probably less than $150 in this whole rig too.

Anyway I'm not even trying for competitive hardware, just out for fun and practice and the above are it for legal choices where I reside.

Question for the OP: What are the materials of your pellet trap?
Is that putty of some kind so you can pick out the lead pellets after shooting? My doubled old cardboard boxes stop most all and they are all over the ground and very few get into the woods and trees behind my fence line, but I was just wondering what your trap is made out of.

__________________
Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I'm glad to see the interest in Air Pistol. I have shot informal AP for over 30 years, mostly to keep in shape for bullseye, but I did ent4r a few state competitions and PTO match's back in the 80's and did participate in postal leagues for quite a number of years. I started with a Daisy 717, and transitioned to a Crossman Skannaker CO2 which I shot for quite a few years. I found the Biakal IZH 46M single stroke pneumatic about 2001, and have been using it ever since. One of the criteria when we built our condo in 2005 was a clear space of 10 meters for my airgun space. Set it up in my basement going across the storage room into my shop area. At my age, I don't shoot near as much as I used to, but still pass some time trying to put as many as possible in the X ring. It's very relaxing, very inexpensive (after purchase of the gun), and keeps your shooting form in tune. The IZH46M is an entry lever Russian made pistol, and unfortunately no longer imported to the U S. When I bought mine in 2001 it was just over $200, but today you won't find one less than $600 if you can find one. Good quality Air Pistols aren't easy to come by.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I don't have any air pistols....I should get one. I used to have a Diana break-barrel pistol years ago, but, that eventually went kaput. I do have two .177 air (pellet) rifles, though. One is a Gamo break-barrel that I leave in the barn for pest birds and such. My other is an Air Arms Pro Sport under-lever 'springer.' Trigger time is trigger time regardless of what you're shooting. And, shooting air rifles/pistols is not only good training, it's cheap, quiet, don't need a whole lot of area or fancy backstops, and FUN!!

Had one or another for many years but I found myself wanting one rather than having one. Maybe one day.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I would, but every one I’ve tried (including single stroke pneumatics) are too loud for apartment use.

If you own a home, sure, but it’s not a possibility for apartment people.

NOISE....
I borrowed my brother's Webley Hurricane when I lived in an apartment. No problem with the noise, but the overall balance, trigger and sights were truly terrible.
Maybe call up Pyramyd Air and ask them? They also post great reviews from customers on all their airguns. Surely the issue of noise has come up?

I have found that a lot of the noise problem comes from the choice of pellet trap/backstop. The cheapest/quitest solution is a cardboard box packed with a soft filling (cloth, foam, etc.). Paper or cardboard filler is a bit noisier.

You can also make a noise baffle from a long cardboard box.
You shoot through a hole cut on each end, with the long top, bottom, and sides lined with foam cushion material. You insert the muzzle an inch or so, the pellet passes through and out the other end to your target trap.
I did this with an old Crosman multi-stroke pneumatic when I was a kid. Two pumps was for low power and low noise. My Mom liked this solution!
Admittedly, this is easiest done with an air rifle.

Jim

PS: The top level target air pistols have adjustable air regulators that vary the muzzle velocity. Prior to my Pardini, I shot a Steyr LP1 with compressed air conversion. With the muzzle velocity set low (400 fps, or so) it was quiet enough that my wife could sleep while I shot in the attic.

Amazing! Never had much luck past 30 yards or so.
The world of airguns is getting huge. I see there are even large bore airguns made for hunting, etc.

Jim

See Post 14. That Russian SSP (single stroke pneumatic) pistol is/was (?) well under $500.
Lots of new competition shooters started out with one.

Also, check out the Chiappa FAS 6004 copy of the old Italian made FAS 604 SSP. I understand they fairly close to the original, and they are a surprisingly good value ( under $500).

BTW, I hope the recommendations for the more expensive air pistols didn't sound too "snobbish". I was trying to preemptively address the common complaint that people have concerning their dissatisfaction with the performance of many air pistols.
I, too, resisted the expensive ones for quite a while. But once I tried them, there was no turning back!

Jim

PS: There are some FANTASTIC replies here! For as long as I've been shooting air guns, leave it to the great S&W Forum members to chime in with their huge bank of experience and knowledge!!

I've owned a few different RWS, Beman, Webley Scott, and a few other air rifles of different models/calibers over the years. All break-barrel 'Springers.' From around $400.00 to $1000.00, and none of them were much to speak of in the accuracy department. This Air Arms Pro Sport, however, is amazingly accurate for a 'Springer.' At 10 meters it's just silly. It cost a pretty penny, but, well worth every cent!

No reason to ever under rate air guns.

Lewis and Clark carried one and used it to impress the indigenous peoples of an area with its rate of fire and accuracy. probably never mentioned they only had one nor they had to pump it 1500 times to reload.

This past week's Gun Stories with Joe Mantegna was all about air guns.

Some go back to the 1600s.

Outdoor Channel.

Look for it---very interesting!

Great post!

I was given a Czech .177 target pistol (CVP?) for Christmas when I was 12. That's what I learned open sights on.
Shot it regularly for close to 30 years, then sold it at a yard sale prior to moving to CO

Love to have another, for the reason stated, I can shot it the house!

__________________
SWCA #2817

Cuz there’s nothing like the smell of gun powder on a warm, summer morning.

__________________
213th FBINA

My Dad gave me a Crosman air rifle when I was 9 so I could practice smallbore rifle fundamentals at home.
I had a friend whose family escaped from the former Soviet bloc Czechoslovakia. The father was always riding me about what a "piece of junk" (he didn't say "junk", though...) my Crosman was. Finally, he let me try his Czech match grade air rifle, and I understood his point.

Jim

Hi Charlie,

Great reply! Lots of great info.

My pellet trap is made of heavy oak, with a high intensity desk light. The backing material is duct seal. It stops the pellets very quickly. They stick right in, with just the skirts sticking out. On the left, attached with a magnet, is a little probe tool which quickly pulls out the pellets, where they pile up at the bottom.
The duct seal is very soft so it also absorbs most of the impact sound.
Jim

I bought this old Diana pistol missing the rear sight at a flea market for $40. It's fun for outdoor plinking. Our gun club started an air rifle league about 5 years ago. I got lucky and found a used Diana Model 48 for a good price and enjoyed shooting that for a couple of years. Then I got really lucky and bought a non functional Diana Model 75 from a friend really cheap. I installed new seals and have won our air gun league with it every year since. Air guns are a lot of fun.

Attached Images

	485BD074-F2FD-4646-B0BD-28A54EF001D1.jpg (78.6 KB, 32 views)
	A466E30A-BD33-4A85-98AB-8EB7F2CA20C2.jpg (109.4 KB, 30 views)

I had a couple of precision air rifles in the 70s and 80s but none now. I never owned a precision air pistol and just have a Webley now. It will sure build up your wrist strength cocking it!

Attached Images

P7230001.jpg (66.5 KB, 33 views)

Back when I had no neighbors behind me, the kids and I used to shoot off the back deck. Great fun. Ended up with a HW77 Weihrauch rifle and a FWB 65 pistol. I honestly don't know where they are now. If they have not be fired in 30 yrs, is there some maintenance that needs to be done before firing again?

Thanks for starting this thread Jim.

__________________
Charlie

Huge air gun fan have had many pcp and spring guns. Pcp guns gave way to suppressed 22lr. But i still have HW97 paul watts tuned, R1 PW tuned, R7 PW tuned.

__________________
better than a pointed stick

Hi Charlie,
Check them and see if they fire. If not, the usual suspects are the seals. Typically an easy fix.

Jim

Gift from a now-deceased cousin when I was a teenager.

Needs new seals....any recommendations to do the work?

Attached Images

	20191014_095257.jpg (107.8 KB, 36 views)
	20191014_095203.jpg (118.6 KB, 35 views)

The noise is rising with velocity. I lived in a condo and shot my FWB65 at 10 meters and never had anybody noticing it. I also shot an Anschutz 275 repeater there for fun but the Weihrauch HW35E was way too noisy and dented my steel traps.

There's a guy who works on these, under the website
airgunsmith.com
He also sells a seal kit if you want to do it yourself.
If you look around online, you'll find lots of info on types of seals for airguns. It's not difficult to put together your own set of seals very inexpensively.

If you visit the Crosman website, you can download a manual and parts diagram.


Jim

I have owned K Frame Look-Alike CO2 pistols from Crossman for years. I bought a .22 rim fire bullet trap, which I use in the house with a sheet if plywood behind it to protect my walls. I probably good shoot some BB or CB Caps that I have too, but .177 and .22 Pellets seem to be easy to get.

Bob

__________________
Sag Harbor & Manhattan, N.Y.

I only have an air rifle (Ruger Umarex) an it's fun. Need to add a pistol, agreed!



Ruger Umarex AirHawk

__________________
Jorge

What is the most quiet air pistol for apartment use?

Jim, that rifle is so good it's still produced and sold today. The FWB has a serious cult following, also. BOTH primo airguns. At that age, they very well may have leather seals, I am not savvy enough on either to be sure. , BUT...this won't hurt, even if they're synthetic.

You have to cock each one open to expose the tiny air transfer port. With a can of Ballistol, and it's red straw attached, put a short spritz at each of the four cardinal points of the compass, or clock-face. Let that internal 'puddle' soak into that leather seal by resting them with the muzzle skyward for several hours. Then, try a pellet or two to release the spring tension. Prepare for a sloshy dishcharge, and maybe some extra noise. Then, rest them muzzle down for a day, to let any excess drain. Swab out the bores, and try shooting them again.

http://bakerairguns.com/ knows those backwards and forwards, also.

This thing brings a value far out of proportion to its cheap price. Single-stroke pump to cock, automatic safety, and great trigger and sights. WalMart often has them, as well as most any big-box sporting goods chain. If somehow you think this is too loud, then you would need one of those tunnel boxes to shoot through like described by a poster above.


Beeman P17 Pellet Pistol | Airgun Depot

Any tips on doing a trigger job on our old BenSheridan HB17?

While we hunt with fishing rods in South Florida, stalking megalodonish mosquitoes, by sneaking up and dropping them with just a blast of air, has merit.
Plus it trains the kids for handling 8.375" Smiths.

Archery in our backyard is great but a miss will kill the house.

Its on the list after I pick up a PCP air rifle.

Most of the airguns shown so far are great for honing your accuracy skills, but not so much muscle memory. But there are airguns with very authentic feel and action. I started out with a CO2 revolver that closely mimics the classic Smith & Wesson, even though it is labeled "Dan Wesson". It uses metal and plastic cartridges that hold a BB in the nose so you can practice loading, firing and reloading just like a real gun. It even comes with a speedloader.



Then I found "blowback" CO2 auto pistols. I bought a 1911 copy but there are others - Berettta, Walther, Sig, etc. These operate like a regular semi-automatic pistol with the slide being propelled back with each shot. The magazine that holds the CO2 and BBs fits in the butt just like the real gun and it even locks back on the last shot. It even field strips like a real 1911. Even though it says "Tanfoglio Witness" it is the closest copy I've seen to a GI 1911.





For historical arms there is a BB Luger with the toggle action. Again, it locks open on the last shot.





For full auto fun there is a copy of the Schnellfuerer, based on the Mauser Broomhandle. The bolt reciprocates just like the real thing but unfortunately it does not lock open on the last shot, so it's easy to keep wasting CO2 if you're not paying attention. Then there is a Schofield and Colt Peacemaker (not pictured) and more. Lots of fun to be had.




Go to Shop Air Guns and Accessories | Pyramyd Air or Air Guns | Shop Rifles, Pistols & Ammo | Airgun Depot or any number of places on Google, and browse.

Attached Images

	2013-02-27-16-35_P1140499.jpg (104.5 KB, 393 views)
	2013-03-02-09-47_P1140553.jpg (100.4 KB, 387 views)
	2013-03-02-09-52_P1140569.jpg (101.4 KB, 392 views)
	2014-12-03-10-23_P1180242.jpg (112.7 KB, 386 views)
	2016-12-24-15-39_p2190326.jpg (116.9 KB, 389 views)

My range is closed now and living within city limits, I am restricted to airguns now. I always found that a quality airgun is a great training tool and that was confirmed today once again, it was also fun and kept me busy with this shelter-in-place order here.

I am glad that I still have thousands of pellets.

Really enjoy the replies and pictures, great to see and read about one of the other aspects of shooting sports that at times gets overlooked. The only ones here are nothing fancy: Daisy Powerline and a Crossman 2100, the Daisy from about 1973 and the Crossman not long after that. Makes me remember many a Summer out at my grandparents house shooting at tin cans and the snapping turtles and snakes in the tank. I just caption that one as the animals were pretty safe. LOL

__________________
KM
S&WCA 3110 S&WHF 625

GREAT Thread
with a lot of good posts, infos and pictures in !

MAIN ADVANTAGES of Airgun shooting:
1. You can do it at home
2. Airgun shooting is cheap = You can do a lot of shooting
3. It's a lot of FUN !
4. With a "better" (= recoilless) airgun it's (a bit) like dry-firing:
You can learn "The FUNDAMENTALS*" for cheap
*Perfect Stand & Breathing-rhytmus / Grip / SIGHT-Picture /
TRIGGER-CONTROL / Follow Through
...your target will clearly show up, what you are doing !


P.44
+ HAPPY EASTER to ALL !!

Attached Images

	20200407_210615.jpg (113.5 KB, 16 views)
	20200407_210127.jpg (83.6 KB, 14 views)
	20200407_210012.jpg (104.9 KB, 16 views)

If airguns arent your thing, but you are stuck at home, look at Colibri ammo from aguila for hour bolt action .22.
This is powderless ammo, and from my 16” barreled cz452 is quieter than my airguns, and in my basement prints 1/2” groups (10 yards)
Assuming you already have a rimfire, this is one choice.
I gotta say, my RWS 34 gets quite a workout these days as well as archery.
I found that Umarex makes an excellent SAA that uses cartriges to hold the BB in place so reloads like a real revolver. Not bad for $120.

I've been shooting my old FWB Co2 pistol a bit lately. Reminds me of how bad I suck . . .

I am getting much more accurate with my sling shot right now too.

Bob

__________________
Sag Harbor & Manhattan, N.Y.

Fired up a quick basement range with my boys. Shooting my Umarex S&W 40 replica. Going to get out my old Crossman single shot 22 tomorrow.

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk