Top air pistols for recreational shooting

The C11 model of the American company Crosman is manufactured in China. This unpretentious "machine" in operation has gained popularity due to its beautiful design, high tactical and technical characteristics and low cost. It is used as a training and sports weapon.

The Crosman C11 looks modern, although it has no combat counterpart. The ABS plastic case is durable, but at first it causes comparison with a toy. But a 4.5-inch steel barrel and a metal magazine quickly dispel such associations. A gun with the right "weight" fits nicely in your hand and does not slip.

The magazine for 18 bullets is ejected by a button near the trigger, and enters back with a metallic click that adds realism. The gas canister is located in a special socket and is compressed from below by a screw, which is not visible. The sight is cast and not adjustable.

The trigger doesn't need much effort. It reacts clearly to pressing, and when the fuse is locked, it is not tightly fixed.

One cylinder is enough for 70 full-fledged shots. Further, the power drops significantly, but allows you to shoot about forty more times. With a cursory shooting, the difference in strength is generally imperceptible.

Shooting with 4.5 mm balls is carried out by self-cocking. The accuracy and "killer" power are surprising. From 10 metres it is not difficult to get into a plastic bottle with water, which will certainly be pierced through. The muzzle velocity of the bullet is higher than that of some air rifles — 146 m/s! But the barrel is not rifled, and the effective range suffers due to the large spread.

Careful attitude is required by the plastic latch of the store, which is erased over time. The details of the mechanism do not require lubrication, but unfortunately they do not provide special durability.

Given the low cost, this is the best option for beginners. For those who lack the power and accuracy of the shot, an option with an elongated barrel and a bar for a flashlight and a laser sight is offered — C11 Tactical.

The Makarov pistol was imitated by many manufacturers of pneumatics, including the Taiwanese SAS. The illusion of complete similarity with the original KM-44DHN, also called SAS Makarov, is broken only by unmasked mounting bolts and the inscription "Made in Taiwan".

The model is distinguished from other iterations by an all-metal body with plastic handle pads. For this reason, the SAS Makarov may seem a little heavy, but it looks great, and the handle is pleasantly cold to the hand.

The smooth 3.5-inch brass barrel allows you to shoot 4.5mm balls. Among other advantages: double trigger, fixed shutter and manual safety.

The one-piece shutter is stationary during firing, and the cast shutter delay lever is just a decoration, but very convincing! The fake lock shifts, but lacks functionality. Everything looks decent and solid.

The double trigger ensures self—firing, and the adjustable sight ensures its approximate accuracy. The canister is easily inserted into the handle from below, and the fuse reliably protects against an unintentional shot. However, it is not recommended to press the trigger guard on the fuse — "ammunition" falls into the barrel.

The magazine is designed for 18 balls, which is not enough, and one canister is enough for 80 shots. The indicator is not bad.

The barrel, which is not too long, moves smoothly during descent and precisely picks up the ball, which, under the action of compressed gas, flies out at a speed of 130 m/s. Not very much, but 2.5 J is enough energy to punch a champagne bottle from 15 metres, though not through.

It is better to take steel balls without a copper coating so that the barrel does not clog. There are problems with sealing the store, but they are solved with silicone grease.

The compact and inexpensive SAS Makarov is perfect for sports and entertainment purposes.

The Beretta Elite II of the German company Umarex is a low-cost pneumatic copy of the combat Beretta, which is in service with police units and armies of some countries.

Beretta Elite II turned out to be very similar to its combat sister. The case made of durable composite plastic allowed to reduce the weight, but it looks weighty, without feeling cheap.

The design is thought out to the smallest detail, all elements are well fixed. The reset button of a very heavy clip works perfectly. The scheme of the movable barrel reliably ensures the supply of "charges". The aiming bar and the front sight are not adjustable here, but there is a mount for a laser sight or a flashlight.

Shooting is possible only by self-cocking. Steel balls of 4.5mm caliber are suitable, of which 18 pcs fit in the store. The high muzzle velocity of the bullet (140 m/s) is provided by the "lethal" muzzle energy of 3 J. From 15 metres Beretta Elite II breaks through a bottle of champagne! The long barrel (123 mm) provides good accuracy and accuracy.

Due to the absence of gaps between the parts of the trigger mechanism, gas consumption is reduced. The can placed in the handle is enough for 120 shots, which is not a little.

Keep the Beretta Elite II discharged, clean after 500, and lubricate after 2000 shots.

Despite the low-cost, the convenience and reliability of the model have gained her popularity among professional athletes.

The GI MODEL 1911BBb gas cylinder pistol from Crosman is a replica of a true legend of the American Army — the Colt M1911.

The model is made entirely of metal, except for plastic handle pads with imitation wood, looks spectacular and copies the combat original to the screw. Even the process of incomplete disassembly is completely identical.

The large weight (880 gr.) and the impressive appearance of the pistol cause a respectful attitude of others and are able to add confidence to its owner. Thanks to the correct balancing, the GI Model 1911BBb sits in the hand like a cast.

The gun has a Blowback function, effectively simulating the recoil of a heavy shutter. The trigger mechanism is equipped with self-cocking. This is convenient, because you do not need to cock the shutter before the first shot. When the "ammunition" runs out, the bolt carrier itself is put on hold.

The sight is not adjustable, which is unfortunate for a pistol of this level. But the sliding fuse and the reset button of the magazine work flawlessly.

Thanks to the "blowback" shooting makes an indelible impression with its realism. The impact is actually felt! This does not affect the accuracy and accuracy of shooting at all, but the gas is consumed a little faster. Nevertheless, one cylinder is enough for 125 shots and this without losing the initial velocity of the bullet 137 m / s. From 15 metres, the GI Model 1911BBb punches the can through.

The magazine holds 20 metal 4.5 mm balls. This is one of the biggest indicators in the class. However, the design is not entirely successful and the balls often fly out when charging.

In general, the Crosman GI Model 1911BBb is great for fans of exact copies of military weapons, and fully justifies its expensive cost.

The PT-85 Blowback air pistol of the Spanish company Gamo is not a copy of any firearm. The model turned out to be so ergonomic and compact that it is worthy of imitation.

PT-85 Blowback received an original and compact modern design, which does not spoil the abundance, albeit high-quality, but still plastic. The plastic case looks really expensive, and the grooved surfaces of the handle allow you to firmly hold the gun weighing only 439 grams.

The model compares favorably with other gas-cylinder analogues with a steel rifled barrel. This is almost a unique solution for such "toys". The shutter frame is also metal and emits a characteristic clang when moving. The double-acting trigger mechanism provides a soft and smooth descent, which complements the overall impression.

The canister is inserted easily and naturally, and the double-sided magazine is loaded with 16 lead bullets, 8 on each side, in just a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, there is no bolt delay, which requires counting the remaining ammunition.

A tight spring-loaded fuse also slightly spoils the picture, but this is a disadvantage of almost all models with the "blowback" function.

The sight here is unregulated, therefore, the aiming range is small. Only 10 metres, but the accuracy and accuracy is amazing! A light but powerful pistol releases bullets with a spectacular loud pop and puts them at a target with a diameter of 2.5 cm from a distance of 5-7 metres. Such a shot makes a dent in the enameled dishes, which is not surprising, because the bullet at the exit of the barrel has a speed of 138 m / s. But the gas consumption is too high. The can is barely enough for 50 high-quality shots.

Gamo PT-85 Blowback will not cause difficulties with the treatment of anyone, but it is more suitable for the fair sex and novice shooters.