About this guide
Under $100 gets you a genuinely capable CO2-powered air pistol for plinking and backyard target practice — the tradeoffs at this price are mostly plastic construction versus metal, and moderate FPS rather than premium PCP-level velocity. These are the picks that consistently come up as the best value in this range.
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The picks, in detail
Umarex Elite Force 1911 TAC
The premium choice in the sub-$100 range — CO2-powered with solid velocity and styling based on the classic 1911 platform.
- CO2-powered, 345 fps
- .20g BB caliber
- 1911-style design and weight
- Best build quality of the budget options here
- Realistic 1911 handling and styling
- Reliable CO2 performance
- Sits at the upper end of the sub-$100 range
- CO2 cartridges are an ongoing consumable cost
WG 1911 CO2 Air Pistol
The best value pick in this range — CO2-powered with strong 500 fps velocity for the price.
- CO2-powered, 500 fps
- .20g BB caliber
- 1911-style design
- Highest velocity of the budget options here
- Strong value for the performance
- 1911 styling and weight feel
- Build quality is a step below the Umarex Elite Force line
- Higher FPS means more caution needed around safe backstop distance
Umarex Elite Force H8R
The economy choice — a CO2-powered revolver-style pistol at a lower price point than the 1911 models.
- CO2-powered, 325 fps
- .20g BB caliber
- Revolver-style design
- Most affordable Umarex option on this list
- Revolver styling appeals to different aesthetic preferences than a 1911
- Reliable CO2 performance for the price
- Lower velocity than the WG 1911 or Elite Force 1911 TAC
- Revolver-style capacity is lower than magazine-fed pistols
Crosman CC11KT2 Kit
A kit-based option that bundles accessories with the pistol, offering good overall value if you're starting from scratch.
- CO2-powered
- Kit includes extra magazines/accessories
- Crosman brand reliability
- Kit format means fewer separate purchases to get started
- Trusted, long-established Crosman brand
- Good value when accessories are factored in
- Base pistol alone is less premium than the Umarex or WG options
- Kit accessories vary by retailer bundle
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| Umarex Elite Force 1911 TAC | WG 1911 CO2 Air Pistol | Umarex Elite Force H8R | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $70–$95 | $50–$75 | $40–$60 |
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Buying tips
- CO2 cartridges are a recurring cost — factor a few dollars per shooting session into your budget beyond the pistol’s sticker price.
- Higher FPS (like the WG 1911’s 500 fps) means you need more distance and a proper backstop for safe target shooting — check your local range or backyard setup before choosing based on velocity alone.
- Always treat any air pistol with real firearm safety rules — eye protection, safe backstop, and never pointing it at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.