02-Oct-2026
CO2 air pistols are the easiest way into the sport. There is no pumping, no cocking effort, and no bottle to fill: you drop in a small gas capsule, load a pellet, and start shooting. That convenience, along with a huge choice of designs, is why “best CO2 air pistol” is such a popular search. The trouble is that the choice is so wide, from sturdy target pistols to faithful replicas of famous handguns, that it is hard to know where to begin.
This guide sorts the best CO2 air pistols available in the UK by budget tier rather than by price tag, so you can see what each step up actually buys you. It also explains the strengths and weaknesses of CO2 power itself, because the right pistol depends as much on how you will use it as on the name on the slide.
How CO2 air pistols work, and who they suit
A CO2 pistol is powered by a small capsule of compressed carbon dioxide, which releases a measured burst of gas each time you fire. That gives you consistent, quiet-ish, low-effort shooting with no need for a pump or an air cylinder. Because there is no cocking stroke, there is less movement to disturb your aim, which is part of why CO2 pistols are such good trainers for newcomers.
The main trade-off is temperature. CO2 pressure falls in cold weather and rises in warm weather, so velocity and point of impact can drift if you shoot outdoors in winter or leave a pistol in a hot car. If you mainly shoot in the garage, shed or at an indoor range, it is rarely an issue. If you need a pistol for the garden in all seasons, a spring or pre-charged model may suit better. The other ongoing cost is capsules, which are cheap individually but add up if you shoot a lot.
Browse: Walther air pistols · Umarex air pistols · Crosman air pistols · Gamo air pistols · Diana air pistols
Entry-level CO2 pistols: Simple, reliable and easy to enjoy
At the entry level, you are looking for a pistol that does the basics well. Most people are happiest starting with a single-shot or small-magazine model from a name that has been making airguns for a long time, because spares, accessories and used examples are easy to find.
Crosman is a good place to look. The 2240 is a long-running CO2 pistol that has built a loyal following for its simple, robust design and has plenty of used examples around. Gamo also offers a spread of CO2 models aimed at newcomers, usually with sensible sights and a straightforward action. At this level, don’t worry about fancy features. Prioritise a pistol that is comfortable to hold, has usable sights and feels solid, and buy used if you can, because a well-kept older pistol often beats a cheaper new one.
Browse: Crosman 2240 · Crosman air pistols · Gamo P-25 · Gamo P900 · Beeman air pistols
Mid-range CO2 pistols: Replicas and refined target pistols
This is the tier where most buyers end up, and where the choice is greatest. Umarex offers one of the broadest ranges of CO2 pistols on the market, many of them designed to look and handle like well-known real handguns. For many shooters, a realistic feel is the whole attraction, and it also makes these pistols popular for fun target shooting and practice.
Walther is the other big name here. The CP99 and CP88 are familiar CO2 designs with a long reputation for tidy build quality and consistent shooting, and both turn up regularly on the used market. If you want a pistol that is accurate and pleasant to shoot rather than simply a replica, they are among the first models worth handling.
At this level, check how the pistol loads and how many shots you get per capsule, and decide whether you want a revolver-style magazine or a semi-automatic layout. Both work well; it comes down to taste.
Browse: Walther CP99 · Walther CP88 · Umarex Walther · Umarex Beretta · Umarex Colt
Premium CO2 pistols: When quality and finish matter
At the top of the CO2 market, you are paying for tighter tolerances, better triggers, and the sort of finish that makes a pistol a pleasure to own as well as to shoot. Many premium target pistols use other power sources, so the CO2 selection is smaller, but there are some well-regarded designs from established European makers.
Diana has a good reputation for build and accuracy across its air pistol range, and established European makers offer specialist target pistols that reward careful shooting. If you take paper target shooting seriously, it is worth spending time with a good trigger before choosing, as that is usually what separates a premium pistol from the rest. As with every tier, a well-looked-after used example often offers the best value.
Browse: Walther CP99 · Diana air pistols · Steyr air pistols · Hammerli air pistols
CO2, spring or PCP: Choosing the right power
CO2 is not the only way to power an air pistol, and it helps to understand the alternatives before you buy. Spring pistols need no gas at all, so they are less sensitive to temperature, though the cocking stroke takes a little practice. Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) pistols give excellent consistency and often higher quality, but they need a way of filling the reservoir, which adds cost.
For most beginners, CO2 is the sweet spot between simplicity and price. If you outgrow it, you will find plenty of used CO2 pistols on the market, which makes it easy to move on. If you already know you want more outright accuracy, our guides to the best air pistols and the best second-hand air pistols are good places to compare other options.
Browse: Webley air pistols · Weihrauch HW-44 · Hammerli AP20 · Daystate air pistols · Air Arms air pistols
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CO2 air pistol for a beginner? A simple, well-known model from Crosman, Gamo or Walther is a safe starting point. Prioritise comfort, sights you can see clearly, and a solid build rather than extra features.
Does cold weather affect CO2 air pistols? Yes. Gas pressure falls as the temperature drops, which can reduce velocity and change where the pellet lands. Indoor or sheltered shooting avoids most of the problem.
Are CO2 replica pistols any good for target shooting? Many are. Replicas are popular for fun and practice, and some are surprisingly accurate. If you want competition-level accuracy, a dedicated target pistol will usually give you more.
Should I buy a new or second-hand CO2 pistol? Both can work. Used pistols from established makers often offer excellent value, but check that the seals hold gas and the pistol cycles properly before you commit.
Browse: Walther CP99 · Crosman 2240 · Umarex air pistols · Diana air pistols · Webley air pistols
Ready to find your next air pistol? Rightgun.uk brings new and used listings from UK dealers and private sellers together in one place, so you can compare air guns for sale by make and model before you decide. If you are upgrading, you can also list your current pistol and reach buyers who are already searching for it.
Further reading: Best air pistols in the UK: a buyer’s guide, Best second-hand air pistols in the UK by budget, Webley Tempest review, and Air rifle maintenance guide.
