TargetTalk

What would be the best starting air pistol for beginner? not a Junior but looking to get into competition.

Zigs wrote:What would be the best starting air pistol for beginner? not a Junior but looking to get into competition.

A good approach, an likely the most affordable, is the IZH-46.

https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/izh.html

Having been a competitor and experienced with helping many young people get started in shooting, the young shooters that were most successful started with light weight or junior versions of the best guns from Steyr, Feinwerkbau, Walther.

New junior versions from these manufacturers are quite expensive. But you can start a new junior with used CO2 junior versions from these manufacturers very effectively and inexpensively.

Juniors have a difficult time cocking pneumatic starter pistols or fatigue over the course of a competition. Starter pistols are often crude compared to the manufacturers mentioned above. Juniors that get serious always move on to far superior guns than the starter pistols that are available.

I would advise you to spend a couple hundred more and go for used, higher quality junior pistols. You will not regret it.

Good luck,
Retired

What he said!

The single stroke pneumatics (e.g. Pardini K58) also are good because they don't require extras (CO2 or air tanks) which bring up the cost. A large or medium size Jr. will have no trouble cocking or shooting one. You are getting the most bang for your buck and I know several Master (AA) class shooters using them.

What the above posters have already said. Plus you can always add weight to the shorter, lighter models but it is very hard to remove weight if the pistol is too heavy. What ever you choose in the range being discussed I am sure you will have a greate deal of pure fun with it. Every pistol is different so go to a good local range and see what your future competitors are shooting. Ask politely if you can handle or even shoot the different pistols. You should be trying to find one that gives you good sight allignment as soon as you raise it to the level of the target line and feels comfortable in your grip. The way it seems to balance in your hand is also important. Good Shooting Bill Horton

Hey everybody, Zigs said he is NOT a junior, so Zigs doesn't need a junior size
match pistol.
So, Zigs, how much are you willing to spend? your answer will determine the
recommendations.

Tony G