I get this question a lot, so here is the straight answer: an air pistol is not a good self-defense tool. My old version of this post listed six air pistols as defense options, and I no longer think that is responsible advice.
Air pistols are great for something else, though. They are a cheap, quiet way to practice grip, sight picture and trigger control at home. Below I explain why, and list the best air pistols for training in 2026.
- Best for drills: Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 CO2 BB
- Best compact trainer: Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 CO2 BB
- Best for accuracy: Crosman 2240 (.22)
- Best no-gas option: Crosman 1377C
Best Air Pistols for Training: Comparison Chart
| Air Pistol | Best For | Power | Ammo | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 | Draw and handling drills | CO2, blowback | Steel BB | $$ | Check Price |
| Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 | Compact carry practice | CO2 | Steel BB | $ | Check Price |
| Crosman 2240 | Accuracy | CO2 | .22 pellet | $ | Check Price |
| Crosman 1377C | No CO2 needed | Multi-pump | .177 pellet | $ | Check Price |
Price guide: $ = under $100, $$ = $100 to $200. Prices change often, so check the current price on Amazon.
The 4 Best Air Pistols for Training in 2026
If you carry a real firearm, pick an air pistol that matches its size and controls. That way the practice carries over.
1. Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 (Best for Drills)
- Power: CO2 with blowback
- Ammo: .177 steel BB
- License: Official Glock
- Mag: Drop-out, holds CO2 and BBs
The licensed Gen5 copies the real Glock’s size, controls and takedown, and the slide cycles with every shot. It fits many real Glock 17 holsters, so you can practice your draw.
- Real Glock feel
- Blowback
- Fits many holsters
- Uses CO2 fast
- Steel BBs bounce back, so use a proper trap
2. Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 (Best Compact Trainer)
- Power: CO2
- Ammo: .177 steel BB
- Size: Compact
A cheaper, non-blowback Glock 19 replica. It is great for sight picture and trigger practice if you carry a compact pistol.
- Cheap
- Compact size
- No blowback
3. Crosman 2240 (Best for Accuracy)
- Power: 12g CO2
- Ammo: .22 pellet
- Action: Bolt, single shot
- Barrel: Rifled steel
The 2240 is a classic, accurate .22 pellet pistol. Its rifled barrel makes it great for slow, precise trigger work and pest control at short range.
- Accurate
- Easy to upgrade
- Single shot
4. Crosman 1377C (Best No-Gas Option)
- Power: Multi-pump pneumatic
- Ammo: .177 pellet
- Action: Bolt, single shot
You pump it instead of buying CO2, so shooting costs almost nothing. It is accurate and a favorite for tinkering.
- No CO2 cost
- Accurate
- Pumping takes time
Why an Air Pistol Is a Poor Self-Defense Tool
- It will not reliably stop an attacker. Air pistols are designed for targets and small pests.
- It can escalate the situation. A replica that looks real may be treated as a real gun by an attacker or by police.
- Legal risk. Pointing any gun-shaped object at someone can lead to serious charges, depending on where you live.
If personal safety is your goal, look at proven options that are legal where you live, take a self-defense or firearms safety class, and talk to local law enforcement about the laws in your area.
How to Train Safely With an Air Pistol
- Wear eye protection. BBs bounce back off hard surfaces.
- Use a BB or pellet trap rated for your gun.
- Follow real gun safety rules. Treat it as loaded and never point it at anything you do not want to shoot.
Final Verdict
No, an air pistol is not a good choice for self-defense. It will not reliably stop a threat and can make a dangerous situation worse.
Air pistols are excellent for training, though. The Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 is the best pick for practicing handling and drills at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an air pistol stop an intruder?
Not reliably. Air pistols are made for targets and small pests, not stopping a person.
Is it legal to carry an air pistol for protection?
It depends on where you live. Many places regulate realistic replicas. Check local laws.
Are BB guns good for firearm practice?
Yes. Licensed replicas are great for grip, sight picture, trigger and holster practice.
Related Guides
New to air guns? Start with our Air Guns for Beginners guide →