New Top Tier Air Pistol Recommendations

[Phillium1776]

Hey all,

I am looking at purchasing my first pistol for the 10 meter air pistol competitions.

It seems like there are a handful of favorites capable of taking one all the way to the top of the game.
Morini 162EI & CM 200, FWB P8X, Steyr Evo-10E, Walther LP500.

It also seems like there is a relatively small market for high level PCP 10 meter air pistols in the US.

Where should I consider buying from (I am in Dayton Ohio but do not mind buying online)? Which pistols/brands have the best support for maintenance/parts in the US?

Pilk sells both the 162 and Evo-10 and Pilk seems to be one of the best options to buy from in the US. This points me to the 162EI? I also like that the 162EI has a built in gyroscope to use with their app for training at home and getting seemingly valuable feedback.

What else should I know?

Thank you, Phill

[KZMNT]

The best way to check service availability is to ask at your club what people's experiences are, but otherwise I'm sure the US members on this forum will be able to provide some insight.

As far as choice is concerned, I liked Dina Aspandiyarova's blog post on the subject:
https://dinaaspandiyarova.com/blog/f/wh ... -to-choose

I will note that from personal experience I haven't missed any advanced training features on my pistol, I've been too busy with the fundamentals. I don't know how other people feel about this, but I think I've put about 15k live shots and 50k dry fires through my Walther LP500 now and I've never had the thought that I wished it had a gyro and a companion app.

[Rover]

"I am looking at purchasing my first pistol for the 10 meter air pistol competitions."

Looking for love in all the wrong places. You may THINK that all the new guns will offer you some advantage.
It just ain't so.

For the price of a new gun, you could buy several older models (FWB 65, CO2, SSP) and not be at any disadvantage
while you discover what you want in your "one true love."

[KZMNT]

"I am looking at purchasing my first pistol for the 10 meter air pistol competitions."

Looking for love in all the wrong places. You may THINK that all the new guns will offer you some advantage.
It just ain't so.

For the price of a new gun, you could buy several older models (FWB 65, CO2, SSP) and not be at any disadvantage
while you discover what you want in your "one true love."

I think in that sense borrowing a club pistol might be better, although on the other hand I have yet to meet someone who regretted buying a Model 65.

[rokada]

I am looking at purchasing my first pistol for the 10 meter air pistol competitions.

Do you have any - and, if yes, then how much - experience in shooting rimfire and/or centerfire ISSF pistols?
The reason I am asking is I believe if you do not have a lot of such experience, you are not prepared to make a good decision which air pistol is best for you. And that means buying a brand new top notch pistol might turn out to be a waste of money.

It seems like there are a handful of favorites capable of taking one all the way to the top of the game.
Morini 162EI & CM 200, FWB P8X, Steyr Evo-10E, Walther LP500.

I would at least consider getting a used Walther LP400 or Steyr LP-1 or even FWB P44. It could be really much more cost efficient solution.

On the other hand, if spending a relatively large amount of money is not an issue for you, I'm not going to try to talk you out of buying a factory new top level air pistol.

[Gwhite]

<snip>
Pilk sells both the 162 and Evo-10 and Pilk seems to be one of the best options to buy from in the US. This points me to the 162EI? I also like that the 162EI has a built in gyroscope to use with their app for training at home and getting seemingly valuable feedback.

What else should I know?

Thank you, Phill

I have had a 162EI for close to two decades, and there is no gyro. I believe the 200EI may have one.

Also, if you visit their website, Pilkington is currently ONLY servicing Steyrs.

[KZMNT]

<snip>
Pilk sells both the 162 and Evo-10 and Pilk seems to be one of the best options to buy from in the US. This points me to the 162EI? I also like that the 162EI has a built in gyroscope to use with their app for training at home and getting seemingly valuable feedback.

What else should I know?

Thank you, Phill

I have had a 162EI for close to two decades, and there is no gyro. I believe the 200EI may have one.

Also, if you visit their website, Pilkington is currently ONLY servicing Steyrs.

He must be referring to the new board they made for it
https://www.repichsport.ch/product-page ... ei-and-84e

[argus]

Steyr has just released their EVO10E-SX which features a bluetooth dongle that adds trigger force and stability data via an app. Awaiting the reviews…
https://www.steyr-sport.com/en/air-pis ... -e-compact

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jILNbyMrtRg

[SuperIIFT]

Steyr
save up and get the BEST

[Gwhite]

The only top tier air pistol that I know has a really solid US support option is Steyr, through the forum host, Pilkington.

Buck Parsons, who used to work at Pilkington, has set up his own shop. Originally, he only worked on Crosman air guns, but he's branched out now: "We have also added repairs for Anschutz, Feinwerkbau, Pardini, Steyr and Walther".

https://www.topoftherockairguns.com/air ... and-pistol

The one glaring absence is Morini. I don't know who works on them now that Pilkington does not.

[Phillium1776]

Yes, Morini has been making that board for a few years while the rest of the 162 remains unchanged as far as I can tell.

Okay, so it seems like support for Morini pistols is lacking here in the US?

Given the Steyrs have support and now that they also have added functionality with the data delivered from their bluetooth dongle, maybe Steyr would be the better choice? How often is support for a regularly used but well taken car of pistol actually needed?

I have heard Steyr regulators can be finicky and require regular maintenance while the Morinis are not. Any opinions on this?

[ruig]

I can try to answer some questions here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14iPCpZyAD/

Or delete my post if links to other sites aren't okay for you

[argus]

I have a 2009 LP10E, I recently thought I had faulty regulator due to velocity inconsistency. I was researching and psyching myself up to service the regulator, but turned out to be the loading port and bolt face o-rings, replaced those and velocity is stable again. Regulator is still going strong. I think quality of the air you use plays a big part in regulator life.
From what I read, if Steyr regulators are serviced without the correct tools and techniques they will almost certainly creep when reassembled. If you are a serious competitor a spare regulator is an easy swap and not that expensive.

[Gwhite]

My wife and I own 4 Steyrs and a Morini, plus I've coached a team for 15 years with 6 Morinis and 9 Steyrs. None of them get really heavy use, but a lot of the team guns were bought used, as were two of my Steyrs. With all that, I've encountered two Steyr regulators that needed rebuilding. My 30 year old Morini was sent to Pilkington for service after about 25 years, just because I thought it was due... We've never had to have any work done on the team Morinis. All the Steyrs have mechanical triggers. I love the ability to dry fire my electronic Morini, but I also love that it uses plain AAA batteries. I would NEVER buy an electronic pistol that uses proprietary rechargeable batteries.

I've rebuilt one Steyr regulator, and it was a bit fussy, but appears to have gone smoothly. I haven't noticed significant creep in pellet velocity, and due to the design, that should settle out a bit with use.

Based on all that, I believe Morinis to be EXTREMELY reliable, and Steyrs only slightly less so. That said, I've seen a couple posts go by from relatively new Morini owners who apparently got lemons, and have had trouble getting them fixed.

If I was in the market for a new air pistol, wanted good support in case of problems, I would go with Steyr. However, I'd get a mechanical trigger.

[sparky]

The only top tier air pistol that I know has a really solid US support option is Steyr, through the forum host, Pilkington.

Buck Parsons, who used to work at Pilkington, has set up his own shop. Originally, he only worked on Crosman air guns, but he's branched out now: "We have also added repairs for Anschutz, Feinwerkbau, Pardini, Steyr and Walther".

https://www.topoftherockairguns.com/air ... and-pistol

The one glaring absence is Morini. I don't know who works on them now that Pilkington does not.

Pilkington is great for Steyr support, but Pardini USA sells the K12 and also offers great support for them as well as it's other target pistols.