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10 Best Pistols 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SIG SAUER P226 MK-25 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Semi-Auto Black Airgun Pellet Pistol with 16rd 8x2 Rotary Magazine

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,243
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1122 reviews

Caliber
The unique 16-round rotary magazine cleverly allows firing both BBs and pellets, though using pellets is recommended to preserve barrel rifling and maintain accuracy.
Size and Weight
This air pistol offers an incredibly realistic feel and weight, closely matching the handling of the original SIG P226, making it ideal for authentic training and casual shooting.
Action Type
The full-metal construction combined with blowback action delivers a satisfying recoil and loud report, enhancing the immersive shooting experience.
Capacity
The unique 16-round rotary magazine cleverly allows firing both BBs and pellets, though using pellets is recommended to preserve barrel rifling and maintain accuracy.
Ergonomics
Despite some minor finish differences from the firearm prototype, the tight assembly and solid feel compensate, offering a premium air pistol experience in its price range.
Sights
Fixed white dot sights are functional for quick aiming but lack adjustability, which limits precision at longer distances and may frustrate those needing fine sight tuning.

The SIG SAUER P226 MK-25 is a CO2-powered air pistol designed for training and casual shooting, modeled after the popular SIG P226 firearm. It shoots .177 caliber pellets and has a semi-automatic action with a 16-round rotary magazine, allowing multiple shots before needing to reload—ideal for practice sessions. Weighing about 2.4 pounds and measuring just over 8 inches in length, it offers a balanced feel that mimics the handling of the real firearm, making it useful for users wanting realistic training.

The pistol features a plastic frame with an alloy steel barrel, helping keep it lightweight but sturdy enough for regular use. It has fixed white dot sights which are simple but effective for aiming at close to moderate distances. Additionally, the built-in Picatinny rail lets you add accessories like lights or lasers if desired. It runs on 12-gram CO2 cartridges, which require replacement after some use, and its pellet velocity tops out around 380 feet per second—suitable for target practice but not for high-power shooting needs.

The trigger pull is around 5.5 pounds, which is on the heavier side and may affect precision for some shooters. Ergonomically, the design is intended to feel comfortable and familiar, closely matching the original P226 experience. For those seeking an affordable and reliable air pistol for training, target shooting, or honing skills with a realistic feel, this model is a strong choice. However, if higher power or competition use is desired, exploring other options may be advisable.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,243
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1122 reviews

Caliber
The unique 16-round rotary magazine cleverly allows firing both BBs and pellets, though using pellets is recommended to preserve barrel rifling and maintain accuracy.
Size and Weight
This air pistol offers an incredibly realistic feel and weight, closely matching the handling of the original SIG P226, making it ideal for authentic training and casual shooting.
Action Type
The full-metal construction combined with blowback action delivers a satisfying recoil and loud report, enhancing the immersive shooting experience.
Capacity
The unique 16-round rotary magazine cleverly allows firing both BBs and pellets, though using pellets is recommended to preserve barrel rifling and maintain accuracy.
Ergonomics
Despite some minor finish differences from the firearm prototype, the tight assembly and solid feel compensate, offering a premium air pistol experience in its price range.
Sights
Fixed white dot sights are functional for quick aiming but lack adjustability, which limits precision at longer distances and may frustrate those needing fine sight tuning.
#3

Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Semi-Automatic Air Pistol with 20rd Pellet Magazine Included

Rating
9.7
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1164 reviews

Caliber
The magazine is impressive with its lever for loading CO2 without any tools and the 20-round .177 pellets rotary mag.
Size and Weight
Great pistol with good grip feel, weight, and balance, closely replicating the real M17.
Action Type
Applying oil to the rotary mag and trigger assembly significantly smoothens the trigger pull, which can be initially clunky.
Ergonomics
The design is very close to the real P320, with the CO2 housed in the removable magazine, making it incredibly fun to shoot.
Sights
Power and accuracy are commendable, especially when using a red dot sight, despite my lack of pistol shooting skills.

The Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered .177 Cal Air Pistol is a semi-automatic air pistol modeled after the U.S. Army's P320-M17. It's designed for realistic training and practice, making it ideal for users looking for a cost-effective and authentic training tool. With a caliber of .177, it uses CO2 power to propel pellets at velocities up to 380 fps, providing decent performance for an air pistol.

The full blowback metal slide and field stripping capability enhance its realism and functionality. One of its standout features is the 20-round pellet magazine, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. Ergonomically, the pistol is well-balanced and comfortable to handle, thanks to its 2.1-pound weight and plastic frame with metal barrel construction. The included M1913 accessory rail and reflex sight readiness offer customization options for users.

On the downside, the frame being plastic might not be as durable as metal-framed counterparts, and the CO2 power type means additional cost and maintenance for CO2 cartridges. The trigger weight of 6.25 lbs might be heavier than some users prefer, impacting the ease of repeated shooting. Despite these drawbacks, the Sig Sauer P320 M17 CO2-Powered Air Pistol is a robust option for both new and seasoned air pistol enthusiasts.

Rating
9.7
Caliber
Size and Weight
Action Type

Most important from
1164 reviews

Caliber
The magazine is impressive with its lever for loading CO2 without any tools and the 20-round .177 pellets rotary mag.
Size and Weight
Great pistol with good grip feel, weight, and balance, closely replicating the real M17.
Action Type
Applying oil to the rotary mag and trigger assembly significantly smoothens the trigger pull, which can be initially clunky.
Ergonomics
The design is very close to the real P320, with the CO2 housed in the removable magazine, making it incredibly fun to shoot.
Sights
Power and accuracy are commendable, especially when using a red dot sight, despite my lack of pistol shooting skills.

Buying Guide for the Best Pistols

Choosing the right pistol can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to firearms. It's important to consider what you'll be using the pistol for, whether it's for self-defense, target shooting, or competition. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your needs will help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specs to consider when selecting a pistol and how to navigate them.
CaliberCaliber refers to the diameter of the pistol's barrel and the size of the ammunition it uses. This is important because it affects the pistol's stopping power, recoil, and suitability for different purposes. Common calibers include .22, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. For beginners or those looking for a low-recoil option, a .22 or 9mm might be ideal. For self-defense, many prefer the 9mm or .40 S&W for their balance of power and manageable recoil. Larger calibers like .45 ACP offer more stopping power but come with increased recoil.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a pistol can greatly affect its usability and comfort. Full-size pistols are generally easier to shoot accurately and have less recoil, making them suitable for home defense and target shooting. Compact and subcompact pistols are lighter and easier to conceal, making them better for concealed carry. Consider how you plan to use the pistol and choose a size that fits your needs. If you plan to carry it daily, a lighter, more compact model might be best. For home defense or range use, a full-size pistol could be more appropriate.
Action TypeThe action type of a pistol refers to how it operates and includes options like single-action (SA), double-action (DA), and striker-fired. Single-action pistols have a lighter trigger pull but require the hammer to be cocked manually. Double-action pistols have a heavier trigger pull but can be fired without manually cocking the hammer. Striker-fired pistols offer a consistent trigger pull and are popular for their simplicity and reliability. Your choice will depend on your comfort level and intended use. Striker-fired pistols are often recommended for beginners due to their ease of use.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of rounds a pistol can hold in its magazine. This is important for self-defense and competition shooting, where having more rounds can be advantageous. Standard capacity for many pistols is around 10-15 rounds, but some models can hold more or fewer. Consider how many rounds you feel comfortable with and what your intended use is. For self-defense, a higher capacity might provide peace of mind, while for target shooting, capacity might be less critical.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how well the pistol fits in your hand and how comfortable it is to shoot. This includes the grip size, shape, and texture, as well as the placement of controls like the safety and magazine release. A pistol that feels comfortable and natural in your hand will be easier to control and shoot accurately. It's important to handle different models to see which one feels best for you. Consider factors like grip angle, texture, and overall feel when making your decision.
SightsSights are the aiming devices on a pistol and can greatly affect your accuracy. Common types include iron sights, night sights, and red dot sights. Iron sights are standard and reliable, while night sights glow in low light conditions, making them useful for self-defense. Red dot sights offer quick target acquisition and are popular in competition shooting. Choose sights based on your intended use and personal preference. For self-defense, night sights might be beneficial, while for target shooting, you might prefer a red dot sight.

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