Which air pistol for live firearms practice?

I have the S&W M&P 40 and it is very realistic (size/weight). I have heard from one person who owns both the real pistol and this co2 version and he said you can hardly tell the difference until you pull the triggers and one goes boom. There are quite a few beretta m9 type co2 pistols as well..

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Smith_Wesson_M_P_40_Black/3954

https://www.pyramydair.com/a/Air_guns/Air_pistols/CO2/CO2_BB_Pistols/170/brands_25

IMHO the most realistic pistol for firearms training is the hw45. 

It is quite similar to a 1911 in terms of appearance and weight. Good technique is required for accuracy because of the recoil. It is powerful for a spring pistol and quite accurate once you get the technique down. An overbuilt industrial work of art.

R

The pellet line, rifled barrel, very nice. https://www.pyramydair.com/a/Pellet_Guns/Pellet_Pistols/1119/brands_25

I guess I do a different take on replica air pistol-firearms practice. I chose a CZ Compact BB CO2 pistol to replicate my 9 mm CZ PCR. Why? They are exactly the same dimensions and frame size. The familiarity in handling the CO2 pistol directly translates to handling the 9mm CZ. They carry the same, point the same,load the same with clip, and handle the same(close to the same weight). Because of this I can now shoot my CZ 9mm either right or left handed, load it much faster, and are a lot more comfortable carrying it after carrying the CZ CO2 pistol.

Does it shoot the same? No air pistol on the planet shoots the same as a 9mm so I don’t try to replicate that side of it. The CZ Compact is only $49 and is a true auto with spring fed BBs instead of cylinder fed like many replica autos that are really revolvers. It’s not a blowback(which saves air) but you can rack the slide, and shoot it either single or double action. So I would try to replicate the same dimensions and function over accuracy in an air pistol for live firearms practice. 

As EM rider stated. Weihrauch HW 45. 
Check out this video on YouTube:

I have one in black and one in silver. The black is a bit cheaper, and actually the one I prefer. The silver coated one isn't to my liking, but both preformes the same of course. 

"Gunnertrones"As EM rider stated. Weihrauch HW 45. 
Check out this video on YouTube:

I have one in black and one in silver. The black is a bit cheaper, and actually the one I prefer. The silver coated one isn't to my liking, but both preformes the same of course.

Click to expand...

I have owned a few HW45/P1 and while they feel like a firearm, the hold needed to shoot them accurately is a loose hold and leads to bad habits when transitioning to firearms.

Yeah... The positive recoil due to the spring kicking against your hold gives a certain firearm feeling, but it's still an air pistol.

 Colt Single action co2/pellet......... NRA Colt Peacemaker Pellet CO2 Pistol
Sure is a lot cheaper than .50 cents per round.And almost as much fun.

I use a Umarex Colt Commander for practice drills. Runs exacly like my Colt 1911s except the mag needs to be pulled out, it doesn't drop free like the real thing. With a spare mag, double tap and reload drills are a blast. I haven't ever bench rested it, 1.5" targets at 7-10 yards are easy on the run. They probably make one that will match your pistol.