Air Soft or Pellet Gun Reccomendations

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I'm thinking of setting up a shooting range in my shop. The realistic max distance would be 30 feet.

How accurate are air soft guns at that range? Do you have to go to pellets for good accuracy? BBs?

Not sure how much more ricochet risk BBs have over a decent air soft or lead pellet, I assume a lot. Could hang carpeting over 3/4" ply and/or buy a trap.

Looking for pistol suggestions, 1911 clone would be a plus. Like to keep price < $400. Nothing carved in stone at this time.
Edit: An inexpensive long gun would be nice too.

Talk to me like I know nothing about the market.


Thanks.
 
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Depends on what you want to achieve - an airsoft gun is not all that accurate but it can do well enough at say 20 feet to practice drawing.

I have a Colt BB gun (C02) that shoots OK Miday had it on sale - it will stay on a 3X5 card at 30 feet.

If you want accuracy I'd likely go to a rifled pellet gun. I don't have a pistol but I do have a Benjamin Discoveray rifle and it will shoot quarter sized groups at 40 yards if the wind isn't blowing!

Riposte
 
I have a break open Gamo Swarm Maxxim 10 Gen 2 in .22. It comes in .177 also. It has a built in suppressor but only has a crappy scope and no iron sights. I didn't enjoy it much until I got a decent scope for it. It has a 10 round removeable magazine that ACTUALLY WORKS. This is about 30 feet. For less effort you might think about CO2. Breaking it is good chest exercise,
 

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You can get trigger time with a Crosman 1377 or 1322, and even make it into a carbine.

If you want a great trigger, at a bit over one pound, new ones are about $500-$700.
500 grams, is the minimum trigger pull weight for some competitions.

There are pump pneumatics/ multi-pump and single pump, pcp/pre charged pneumatics, pump springers, and CO2 pistols.
There are PCPs that are semis, as well as single shots.

Pellets are easy to make a trap for.
Cardboard box, with a piece of angled wood inside.

Buying used, you might spend more time/money, repairing than shooting.

Pyramyd Air and Airguns of Arizona.
Two good sites to check out current guns.

Trigger is 1lb 3.25oz

IMG_6427.webp

Before making it into a wooden stock carbine, fabricated this contraption, for sizing with scope or red dot.
Ragged hole at 10 meters.
POA=POI

FullSizeRender.webp
 
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Do a search online and look around and see what you like. I got all mine from Pyramid Air, but there are lots of places. I've got several, but don't shoot them. I've got replicas of a Colt SAA, a Smith and Wesson Schofield, two "Model 29's, a 3 1/2" and an 8" (ish) one. Then I have a 1911, and a Smith and Wesson M&P, as well as a Thompson submachine gun. Those all shoot BB's using CO2 cartridges for power. They're all fully functional and look, work and feel pretty much like the real thing. (Actually they're a little lighter, but they need to be to work with the lower power)

The M&P for example.

1782817299167.webp

The 1911

1782817368389.webp

Smith and Wesson Model 29

1782817495855.webp

I got them back during the Pandemic but have never shot any of them. I keep telling myself I need a Grease gun and an M1 Carbine.

If you're looking for something more exotic, Pyramid will have them too.
 
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I recommend going with a used European made match grade air pistol built for 10 meter competition.
If you’re willing to go with a CO2 pistol that uses bulk fill cylinders, you can find very nice used ones that fit your budget. Brand names to look for include Pardini, Feinwerkbau, Walther and Steyr. These are serious, high quality pistols with the same materials and build quality of a real firearm. No plastic or cheesy zinc alloys.
The cylinders are filled with any CO2 tank. A 5lb tank can be filled for about $25 at Airgas and will last for well over a year of daily high volume shooting. I’m sure I get 35,000 shots out of a 5lb tank. The tank fills the cylinder that screws to the gun. A full cylinder will give you about 250-300 shots with the velocity adjusted to about 550 fps.
I’m not sure anything like a Daisy or Crosman would even hold up to this volume of shooting without falling apart.

Alternatively, you can get a spring action match grade air pistol like a Feinwerkbau model 65. These are very nice, too.
These guns will all shoot one hole groups, over and over.
My pellet trap is basically a wooden box with a block of duct seal. It makes no noise when a pellet hits.
Here’s a few pics, targets fired one hand @ 10 meters.

First is a Pardini K60, second is a Feinwerkbau model 80 with modified Rink grip.

IMG_0038.webpIMG_0060.webp
 
Back during the great ammo shortage I bought a Crosman 1322 single shot pump .22 cal air pistol. It's slow to shoot, being a single shot, but it's quite accurate out to 25 yds. Max pumps is 10, but 5 gives me good accuracy and range. Ammo is cheap. It has made me a better handgun shooter because I can shoot it in my driveway or anywhere else. I chase off javelinas with it sometimes. 2 pumps will reach out and burn their butts, but won't penetrate and actually injure them. You can make a pellet trap out of a cardboard box containing some rags.
I also have a Gamo Swarm .22 cal break action rifle. It has a 10 shot magazine and a scope. The scope crapped out after about 100 shots but Gamo (Daisy) replaced it for free. It's very accurate and makes for good rifle practice. I could hunt small game with it if I wanted.
 
Autonomous said:
I'm thinking of setting up a shooting range in my shop. The realistic max distance would be 30 feet.

How accurate are air soft guns at that range? Do you have to go to pellets for good accuracy? BBs?

Not sure how much more ricochet risk BBs have over a decent air soft or lead pellet, I assume a lot. Could hang carpeting over 3/4" ply and/or buy a trap.

Looking for pistol suggestions, 1911 clone would be a plus. Like to keep price < $400. Nothing carved in stone at this time.
Edit: An inexpensive long gun would be nice too.

Talk to me like I know nothing about the market.


Thanks.
Click to expand...
If your are looking for “training” with a 1911-esque pistol, the previously mentioned Beeman P1 is the way to go. However, it’s above your price point. There aren’t really any other quality 1911 styled air pistols, most are cheap toys.

If instead you are looking at a way to work on pistol shooting skill fundamentals, there are plenty of single shot pistols (not 1911 styled) that would be suitable, and at an affordable price, in both CO2 and PCP versions. PCP is great, but requires more of an upfront investment (compressor or tank).

Take a look at the Diana Airbug and Chaser for CO2, and the Bandit in PCP.

The Crosman 2240 is a good choice as well, IF you can find an older, made in the USA version. New versions are made in China, and reports are that current quality is crap.

I shot a friends Chaser the other day and was so impressed, I’m going to order myself one. $85 new, single shot or magazine fed, CO2. Lots of cheap backyard fun.

Avoid BB’s. Richochets are bad, and accuracy is sub par. Airsoft is similar. Stick to pellets, .177 or .22.

Any other questions, just ask.
 
About 40 years ago I bought an air pistol to fart around with in the yard. Once in a while I’ll dig it out while I sit outside with a cup of coffee and a cigar or my pipe. This thread made me look it up on the internet and darn if there not expensive now. Who knew, not me. A Webley Beeman Tempest .177 cal.
 
I'm partial to the Browning Buck Mark URX. A good beginner's .177 pellet air pistol priced in the $50-$60 range, simulates the heft and feel of Browning's .22LR version, can be readily fitted with all manner of scopes, red dots, etc.

Original Umarex Browning Buck Mark URX .177 Pellet Air Pistol at ₹ 14000/piece | Mumbai | ID ...
 
Use BB's and a trap and your operating expenses is a big nothing.
This single shot single pump RWS Diana is accurate, rifled, needs pellets and is the next step up in cost to operate. Costs can rise exponentially but my personal feeling is are you that good of a shot?
My garage gives me a 20 foot range, so any smooth bore is OK. the pictured pistol would insure good accuracy.
As posted above the sky is the limit as far as cost and quality.
IMG_1085.webp
 
There are some expensive realistic looking Tokyo Marui airsoft 1911s that are semi auto. I have no experience with them. I've just seen them online. Here's a video of one.



I have a cheap crappy airsoft 1911 that I got from Academy. It's magazine fed, and requires the slide to be cycled for every shot. It's not that accurate and the barrel liner fell out while shooting. I had to glue it back into place. But at least the manual safety works.

I used to have a CO2 powered replica of the S&W M&P 9mm. It was surprisingly loud. The one I got does not have a reciprocating slide. So the DA trigger pull is extremely heavy. I suggest getting something with a reciprocating slide to recock the trigger mechanism for you.

At Academy I've seen a CO2 powered full auto M1 carbine that looks like it would be fun.

I have that same Browning Buck Mark pellet gun. It's cheap and accurate. The trigger pull is very heavy. The adjustable rear sight notch is too narrow, and doesn't show any daylight on either side of the front sight. Some day I need to open up the rear notch (or thin the front sight) with my dremel.
 
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Pellet If you want any kind of repeatable accuracy. Air Soft if you just want "Trigger Time". That is speaking from personal experience. I have a "Feral Cat" problem, and a "Crazy Cat Lady" living next door. So far this year the cats have destroyed 3 Car Covers, helped the sun destroy two Harbor Freight Tarps, and Pooped and Peed in I can't count how many places. The Airsoft was the overall answer. The plastic pellets are so cheap and in some cases the guns are as well. If you buy the electric guns, Pistol or Rifle, most are semi/full auto capable. Nothing quite like emptying a magazine on full auto at a fleeing feral, for pennies, and virtually no noise. Bolt Action Rifles are a little more accurate, but 30' is still a reach.
 
RobertK3026 said:
I bought mine over 50 years ago, sadly it needs a total seal rebuild.
Crosman 38c .22 caliber.
View attachment 890790
Click to expand...
I had one of those that rode in the rod locker of my bass boat, and got used to plink at "stuff" in the river. Sticks, leaves, litter, that kind of thing.

The seals eventually wore out on it also. I replaced it with a Red Ryder BB gun. That one was a LOT of fun. :)
 
All good responses, thank you.
I have a better idea of what to look for.
BBs and PCP are out.
 
Highly recommended sir: The Webley Mark VI Service revolver, same size and approximate weight as the original, break-open, both double and single action, CO2-driven, rifled barrel. Properly used, this must be deployed whilst wearing the foreign service helmet and shouting "Front rank, fire!" in your very best Michael Caine imitation. This example has a garden gopher to its credit. One simply must respect one's inner child.
 

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I would recommend the .177 pellet. You can either buy or make a Pellet Trap. It would be best if you can get to 33 ft. as the standard distance for Air Pistol competition is 10 meters. There are several types of air pistols, and each has benefits and problems. PCP air, one of the best, but it requires a "source" for the compressed air, (buy a compressor, take to a dive shop for filling, etc), also the PCP guns are normally more expensive high grade guns.
CO2 powered could be either the cartridge refills or refill from a a bulk tank. A little expensive but not too bad depending on how much you shoot. Guns are medium priced but will need gaskets and seals replaced occasionally.
Single Stroke Pneumatic can be found in the lower to medium price. Most are very accurate, have no other costs involved and can be used for years with no other costs.

If, as I understand, you are looking for some fun in your shop without spending a lot of extra dollars, I would recommend the Single Stroke Pneumatic. Crossman makes one that is the lower end of price, but pretty accurate, there are also several imported makes that fit the mid range. If you can find one, the IZH46M (Russian) model if as accurate as you can get and you can shoot it for years with no other costs. Probably run $500 - $600.
 
Autonomous said:
I'm thinking of setting up a shooting range in my shop. The realistic max distance would be 30 feet.

How accurate are air soft guns at that range? Do you have to go to pellets for good accuracy? BBs?

Not sure how much more ricochet risk BBs have over a decent air soft or lead pellet, I assume a lot. Could hang carpeting over 3/4" ply and/or buy a trap.

Looking for pistol suggestions, 1911 clone would be a plus. Like to keep price < $400. Nothing carved in stone at this time.
Edit: An inexpensive long gun would be nice too.

Talk to me like I know nothing about the market.


Thanks.
Click to expand...
Check with Pyramid.com. If it's an airgun they sell it. Don't discount bb's, they come in lead as well as the copper types. I have had pellet pistols that were single shot with pellets, but lead bb's could be loaded in a magazine.
 
The recommendations for a Beeman P1 (same as HW 45) are spot on, but it is $550. You could up your dollar limit and "buy once and cry once". A quality air gun, especially a spring air gun, is a lifetime investment. They are long lasting for sure. I do have a Beeman P1 which is a most excellent air pistol, but I actually shoot the HW 70 described below more often. Both these air handguns will last longer than I will.

For my first air pistol I chose an HW 70, which has now been slightly upgraded to the HW 70 A, which shoots a bit faster. It's a barrel cocking spring air pistol with good adjustable rear sights and very good trigger. A couple of years ago I bought a second one. These are good shooters and within your price range. The best handgun shooting I ever did in my life was when I would shoot at least 50 shots through the HW 70 off my back deck after work 2-3 times a week. Excellent trainer for my center and rimfire handguns.

I never wanted a CO2 powered gun and definitely not a PCP air pistol. The Beeman P1 (HW 45) and the HW 70 come complete and need nothing more but a supply of pellets. No extra equipment and no "expendables" CO2 cylinders. Only caliber .177 air guns for me in 60+ years of air gunning, except for the Sheridan Blue Streak rifle in .20 caliber which my Dad gave me for my 14th birthday. I still have it.

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/spring-piston-pistols/weihrauch-hw70a-.177/#tab-2

For something a bit less expensive than the HW 70 there is the HW 40, which is a single pump pneumatic which sends a .177 pellet up to 405 feet per second, The HW 70s sends that pellet up to 400 fps. The Hermann Weihrauch (HW) company is excellent though I have no personal experience with the HW40. Weihrauch is pronounced Vi-Rock.

I have bought from both Airguns of Arizona and Pyramid Air along with other suppliers. Pyramid Air charges sales tax last time I bought from them regardless of what you buy. AoA only charges sales tax for Arizona residents, again last time I bought from them which was last year. Tax charges add up.

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/pump-up-pistols/weihrauch-hw40/

Good luck with your choice and may you shoot that choice in good health.
 
Been pouring over the Pyramid site. Will look at AoA.
Will lead bbs be close to pellets in accuracy?
 
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I should have mentioned that the Webley uses .177 lead pellets as well. Each of the six brass "cartridges" accepts a pellet from the rear, held by an ingenious neoprene gasket. I ordered an extra six of them. Bought mine from Pyramyd.
 

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The Beeman P1/HW45 are spring pistols.
Tough on scopes.

The Beeman P2/HW75 are SSP pistols.
Single stroke pneumatic pistols.

The tops, lift open and require some hand force, especially the P2/HW75 to close. Scope or red dot has to be mounted forward, on the P2/HW75, for room for the palm to close the top.
The P2/HW75 are very accurate at 10 meters.
My HW75 gets 410/fps with 8.5gr pellets, and 435/fps with 7gr pellets.

Loading is slow, not for the impatient shooter.
Had a Daisy Annie Oakley, age 14.
My buddies laughed at my girls gun.
I took their money, free cokes and pizza, with a smile.
Pic from web, as my Dad gave mine to my young cousin, while I was in the Air Force.

IMG_4514.webp
 
I was just thinking. I think that pellets are more accurate than BBs. They have rifled barrels and the pellets have a soft skirt similar to a hollow base wadcutter that engages the rifling. The pellet is also aerodynamically shapted. Many BBs aren't perfectly spherical, at least the ones I bought (Daisy) had a small 'crater' in them. Rather than BBs I think airsoft is better.
 
Looking at the co2 Diana Airbug and it is a cheap way to see if I really will use a pellet gun regularly.
AI seems to think it emits just under 110. Db. That's significant. Adapters and silencers are available but seem clumsy.
Are spring powered guns quieter?
 
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I have a "glock" airsoft that uses green gas. Kind of like a big lighter refuel can. They feel, weigh and operate like the real thing. You charge the mags with gas. It's a great indoor training tool. We used them sometimes for force on force because they were cheaper and hurt a lot less than ATK marking rounds. We eventually bought a bunch of blue Glocks so don't really use them anymore. Accuracy is meh and they bounce but less than bb's. They also make biodegradable rounds for backyard use. Some wives don't like to see white plastics balls in the backyard. I'm not sure how many years they take to degrade but it's not weeks for sure.

I have a Seneca Dragonfly Mk2 Multi-Pump Pellet Air Rifle (.22 Caliber) with a scope and it is fun and cheap to shoot and reasonably accurate. I like the easy multi pump action and pump based of distance to target when shooting critters in the barn to avoid damage. I don't find the pellets to bounce like a bb would in a steel sided barn.
 
I keep a pistol station going during junior rifle practice for the kids and their parents to play with. Shooting 177 pellets at half the speed of what you are used to is humbling. I prefer the Feinwerkbaus because they can be rebuilt with easily-available parts. Seals don't last forever, so consider that in your selection.
Pistol lessons.webppistol box.webp
 
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