I've only ever shot one once and would say (with relatively little first hand expertise) that they're excellent and accurate pistols and perform beyond plinking capability.
If you don't want to go CO2, have a good look at the Weihrauch HW40 and the Crosman 1377. Both proven and very accurate.
There's also a Chinese made Beeman version of the HW40. I think it's called the Beeman 2004 which punches well above its price point.