Let’s talk CO2 Pistols

[birdshooter]

Recently, after seeing numerous advertisements and reading magazine articles, I have become interested in SIG CO2 pistols. I have poked around the net and the Max Michel, M17, and P226 all appeal to me. Before plunking down a hundred bucks or so I wanted to see if any of the great minds here have any real world experience with these or if you have another suggestion that i have overlooked. Use will be backyard plinking.

 

[H Richard]

I do not have experience with those specific guns, but have quite a few years with a Crossman Skannaker CO2. It was wonderfully accurate, and I shot it is a few PTO match's and state match's. Only problem was CO2 has to have it's seals replaced every couple years, and that can be a minor expense. I eventually sold it and replaced with a IZH 46M single stroke single shot gun which I have been using since 2000, and it is still going strong. Just leave it un-cocked with chamber open so as to not compress the seals. It is just as accurate today as it was 18 years ago.

There are many other airguns, many mimicking current revolvers and semi auto pistols. Most are all CO2 or Pre Charged air that add expense to the utilization. Spend some time on Pyramid Air site and see.

 

[Tom K]

Here's a thread I posted a few years back on some CO2 pistols that I have. Dan Wesson CO2 revolver - cool! 1911 added - Luger and Mauser added 12-4-2014

The 1911, Luger and Broomhandle CO2 guns are very authentic in appearance and operation. I am disappointed that nobody (that I know of) makes an authentic Smith & Wesson BB or pellet revolver. The Dan Wesson is similar, but doesn't look like a real Smith. Oddly, there are some "green gas" Airsoft revolvers that look like a Model 586 and Model 29.
TSD 134 Gas Revolver 4 inch. Airsoft guns | Pyramyd Air

UHC TSD UG131B Airsoft Gas Revolver 4 inch. Airsoft guns

I also have a Colt SAA replica in CO2. And, a battery operated full auto Airsoft M1A1 Thompson submachinegun. It's a hoot to chase squirrels off the bird feeders with it. Cybergun Thompson M1A1 Full-Metal Body AEG. Airsoft guns

 

[Farmer17]

I have a S&W 586 with six inch barrel and I think it's made by Umarex. It looks and feels just like the real thing and the cylinder clip swings out and hold ten .177 pellets and I bought four extra clips I keep loaded for quick reloads. When I shoot 50 rounds I change the CO2 bottle and I've killed snakes, frogs, and squirrels with it but you have to be pretty close to the squirrel. It has a nice SA trigger pull and DA has a bit of stacking but I hardly ever shoot it DA, and its been a lot of fun and I recommend it. There are single shot, pump up pellet pistols that have a little more power but single shot guns are not much fun to me.

 

[Salty RI]

I have never had a co2, but I have a RWS that I bought at least 50 yrs ago and still shoots good.

Sent from my LGL52VL using Tapatalk

 

[LPD256]

I have a Crosman .22 that looks like a Model 27. Probably 50 years old. I should dust it off and see if it shoots....

 

[Rayfan87]

The only ones I have are a Crosman 38T and .357, there's a shop nearish to me that will do a full internal rebuild in them. Before I got them I almost bought a Schofield copy.

 

[Pondoro]

Be careful of "Name brand" CO2 guns. Sig, Colt, etc. They can be premium or they can be over priced. Some have horrific triggers. The Smith and Wesson metal revolvers (forget the model but sell for about $260-$280) have very nice triggers. Try to shoot the gun you buy before you buy it.

 

[6string]

I do not have experience with those specific guns, but have quite a few years with a Crossman Skannaker CO2. It was wonderfully accurate, and I shot it is a few PTO match's and state match's. Only problem was CO2 has to have it's seals replaced every couple years, and that can be a minor expense. I eventually sold it and replaced with a IZH 46M single stroke single shot gun which I have been using since 2000, and it is still going strong. Just leave it un-cocked with chamber open so as to not compress the seals. It is just as accurate today as it was 18 years ago.

There are many other airguns, many mimicking current revolvers and semi auto pistols. Most are all CO2 or Pre Charged air that add expense to the utilization. Spend some time on Pyramid Air site and see.

I knew I'd be the odd man out by reading this thread. Fortunately, I saw this post by H Richard. Along his line of experience, I shot USAS air pistol (governing body for Olympic Shooting sports in the USA) and my first thoughts of CO2 air pistol are things like the Crosman Skanakar, Feinwerkbau model 1 (or the still incredible 5 shot model 55!), original Steyr LP1, etc.
Today, I favor compressed air, like Pardini.

Rather than try to mimick a cartridge firearm via a cast "monkey metal" imitation, I strongly believe a pistol shooter is better off selecting an air pistol designed with the highest level of accuracy and ergonomics. "Trigger time" with an air pistol that reinforces the fundamentals of marksmanship is invaluable.

A great deal on the used air pistol market is the Hämmerli single, master, or sparkler models. Superb construction and engineering often for about $100! The grip size matches the Walther/Hämmerli Olympia, upon which the S&W M41 is based.

Jim

 

[JimBianchi]

I have the Colt SA clone, the Tangaflo (SP?) in steel BB and plastic BB airsoft and the Thompson machine gun in airsoft. The Thompson is an excellent reproduction of the 1927, basically an airsoft BB hose on the range. Lots of fun!

I prefer airsoft over BBs, airsoft is drywall and glass safe, some are bio-degradable and they don't damage the vacuum.

My 1911's will fit in my 1911 holsters.

My colt SA clones work great in my western holsters.

Someone just came out a lever action gun that uses the new fake cartridges to hold BBs. Very realistic and very cool.

I use the 1911 airsoft in the garage to practice drills. Very helpful.

Also the airsoft make great training aids for newbies.

 

[birdshooter]

Thank you all for your input. I now have a lot more to consider.

 

[Tom K]

The only ones I have are a Crosman 38T and .357, there's a shop nearish to me that will do a full internal rebuild in them. Before I got them I almost bought a Schofield copy.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Schofield. My $110 Schofield