where to start

[c42ter]

hi

im looking to get a c02 air pistol but dont know where to start

any ideas?

[jefL]

It would help if you gave some idea of what you want it for since there are different types with different uses. Oh and perhaps some idea of your proposed budget.

Why specifically do you want a CO2 pistol? It may not be the best choice for your chosen purpose.

[magicniner]

There's a lot to choose from -

Multi-shot CO2
Single Shot CO2
Single Stroke Pneumatic
Multi Stroke Pneumatic
CO2 Target
Pre-Charged Pneumatic
Spring
Non-Recoiling Spring

Each has it's place (and I don't just mean in my cabinet )
ATB,
Nick

[jefL]

There's a lot to choose from -

Multi-shot CO2
Single Shot CO2
Single Stroke Pneumatic
Multi Stroke Pneumatic
CO2 Target
Pre-Charged Pneumatic
Spring
Non-Recoiling Spring

Each has it's place (and I don't just mean in my cabinet )
ATB,
Nick

If I put the CO2 kit back on the Rohm I've got something in every category

However, I have got the Rohm tuned up for field target so that means I still need a target CO2

[Gilgamesh]

If you're gonna be plinking in your garden, with an eye toward paper punching, a single stroke pneumatic like the HW40 could be for you,

Pros:
accurate - no recoil, rifled barrel
Low running costs - no co2 bulbs to fork out for.
Well engineered quality air pistol, it'll shoot as well as you can at paper targets too.

Cons:
You have to pump it manually for every shot, thus no multi round fun.



If you're looking to plink/paper punch and determined to go for co2, Umarex have a decent range of multishot pellet pistols with rifled barrels, the S & W revolver 6" being highly recommended.

Pros:
Full metal replica of the S & W revolver (though does have a 'dummy' cylinder)
accurate - no recoil, rifled barrel
multishot - 10 shots before reload, quick mag swaps, around 50 shots per c02 bulb

Cons:
You have to shell out for the co2
Co2 is dependent on temperature, the colder it gets, the lower the power, and it cools with every shot.



If you're looking to get a co2 replica with blowback function, and have plenty of empty cans to shoot, you could get a KWC Sig Sauer P226 X-Five

Pros:
Faithful full metal reproduction of the real P226
Blowback, locks and loads like the real steel
Multishot, 27 shots per mag, quick mag swaps, 60 odd shots per c02 bulb
Great Fun for plinking

Cons:
It'll cost you for the co2.
Only fires steel/copper BBs not pellets, and through a smoothbore barrel, which will affect accuracy
Blowback eats the co2, so lower power, again accuracy suffers



Different strokes for different folks

[Jim McArthur]

If you're gonna be plinking in your garden, with an eye toward paper punching, a single stroke pneumatic like the HW40 could be for you,

Pros:
accurate - no recoil, rifled barrel
Low running costs - no co2 bulbs to fork out for.
Well engineered quality air pistol, it'll shoot as well as you can at paper targets too.

Cons:
You have to pump it manually for every shot, thus no multi round fun.



If you're looking to plink/paper punch and determined to go for co2, Umarex have a decent range of multishot pellet pistols with rifled barrels, the S & W revolver 6" being highly recommended.

Pros:
Full metal replica of the S & W revolver (though does have a 'dummy' cylinder)
accurate - no recoil, rifled barrel
multishot - 10 shots before reload, quick mag swaps, around 50 shots per c02 bulb

Cons:
You have to shell out for the co2
Co2 is dependent on temperature, the colder it gets, the lower the power, and it cools with every shot.



If you're looking to get a co2 replica with blowback function, and have plenty of empty cans to shoot, you could get a KWC Sig Sauer P226 X-Five

Pros:
Faithful full metal reproduction of the real P226
Blowback, locks and loads like the real steel
Multishot, 27 shots per mag, quick mag swaps, 60 odd shots per c02 bulb
Great Fun for plinking

Cons:
It'll cost you for the co2.
Only fires steel/copper BBs not pellets, and through a smoothbore barrel, which will affect accuracy
Blowback eats the co2, so lower power, again accuracy suffers



Different strokes for different folks

Excellent recommendations!

You might also opt for a spring piston pistol, like the Baikal, the HW 70, or the powerful HW 45. They don't use C02 either, and require only a single charging stroke.

On the downside: they need to be re-cocked for each shot.

They also have a noticeable, though not an unpleasant, recoil. This can be both a plus and a minus.

Plus, is that some people enjoy it (I do), and that it simulates - somewhat - the sensation of firng a cartridge pistol.

Minus, is that some people don't enjoy it: and, it detracts from accuracy.

Jim

[gundog]

HW 40 !!

This will without any doubt be the one for your needs, i have one and its spot on, try one out at your local gunsmiths you wont be disapointed!