Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. For the big picture, start with our complete air rifle buying guide.
CO2 pistols are the easiest, most fun way into airgun shooting. Drop in a 12-gram cartridge and you have dozens of shots of realistic, low-cost plinking, and many are licensed replicas of real handguns that make superb backyard trainers. Here are the best CO2 pistols in 2026.
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Quick Answer: The best CO2 pistol for realistic training is a licensed blowback replica like the SIG Sauer P320 or Umarex Glock 17, which mimic the real gun’s controls and recoil. The best value plinker is the Crosman 2240, the best CO2 revolver is the Crosman Vigilante, and for the most shots per cartridge, a non-blowback replica is the pick. Remember CO2 is temperature-sensitive.
Best CO2 Pistols in 2026
Best Trainer: SIG Sauer P320 CO2 From ~$100
Best Value: Crosman 2240 From ~$70
Best Revolver: Crosman Vigilante From ~$60
Best Blowback Replica: Umarex Glock 17 From ~$120
Best BB Blaster: Umarex Legends / Beretta From ~$60
Blowback vs Non-Blowback CO2 Pistols
The big choice with CO2 pistols is blowback or not. Blowback replicas cycle a moving slide like a real pistol, delivering realistic recoil and slide action that makes them excellent trainers, at the cost of using more gas per shot (fewer shots per cartridge). Non-blowback pistols have a fixed slide, so they waste no gas moving parts and squeeze many more shots from a 12-gram cartridge, making them better for high-volume plinking. Pick blowback for realistic practice, non-blowback for maximum shots.
A Note on CO2 and Temperature
CO2 pressure changes with temperature, so your pistol will shoot faster on a hot day and noticeably slower in the cold, and very cold weather can drop velocity a lot. Store cartridges at room temperature and expect some performance swing outdoors. For consistent power in any weather, a PCP or spring pistol is the better choice, see our best air pistols guide for the full range.
CO2 Pistol FAQ
What is the best CO2 pistol?
For realistic training, a licensed blowback replica like the SIG Sauer P320 or Umarex Glock 17 is the best CO2 pistol, matching the real gun's controls and slide action. The Crosman 2240 is the best value and the Vigilante the best CO2 revolver.
What is the difference between blowback and non-blowback CO2 pistols?
Blowback pistols cycle a moving slide for realistic recoil and action, making them great trainers but using more gas per shot. Non-blowback pistols have a fixed slide, wasting no gas and delivering many more shots per cartridge, better for high-volume plinking.
Are CO2 pistols good for training?
Yes. Licensed CO2 replica pistols mimic the size, weight, controls and often the blowback of real firearms, making them excellent, low-cost tools for practicing draw, grip, sight picture and trigger control in the backyard.
How does temperature affect CO2 pistols?
CO2 pressure changes with temperature, so a CO2 pistol shoots faster when warm and slower when cold, and very cold weather can reduce velocity significantly. Store cartridges at room temperature and expect some performance swing outdoors.
How many shots do you get from a CO2 cartridge?
It depends on the pistol. Non-blowback CO2 pistols can get 60 or more shots per 12-gram cartridge, while blowback replicas use more gas moving the slide and typically get fewer, often around 20 to 40 shots.
Do CO2 pistols shoot BBs or pellets?
Both, depending on the model. Some CO2 pistols shoot steel BBs, some shoot pellets, and some do both. Pellets are more accurate; BBs are cheaper for plinking. Check the specific pistol's ammo type.
Want the full range of air pistols, including PCP and pneumatic models? See our best air pistols guide, or explore long guns in our complete air rifle guide.
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