There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from setting up a few tin cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon honing your marksmanship. For years, I’ve been on a quest for the ideal air pistol for this exact purpose: something accurate, inexpensive to shoot, and enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The market is flooded with CO2-powered replicas that offer realism but come with the recurring cost and temperature sensitivity of gas cartridges. On the other end are high-end match pistols that cost a small fortune. The challenge has always been finding that sweet spot—a pistol that delivers precision performance without the associated costs. It’s a problem many hobbyists face: you want quality and accuracy, but you don’t want to break the bank or be constantly running out for supplies. This is the exact niche the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol promises to fill, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its legendary reputation.
- Caliber: .177 Pellet; Velocity: 410 FPS; Single shot high precision
- Weight: 1.7 pounds; Overall length: 9.5", Barrel length: 4.5"
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Pistol
An air pistol is more than just a recreational item; it’s a key solution for developing shooting fundamentals, affordable target practice, and even light pest control. Unlike firearms, they can often be used in a basement or backyard range, offering unparalleled convenience. The primary benefit is the low cost per shot and the reduced noise, making practice sessions more frequent and accessible. They serve as an excellent training tool for trigger control, sight alignment, and breathing techniques, skills that are directly transferable to other shooting disciplines. Without a proper tool for this kind of practice, shooters can develop bad habits or find the cost and logistics of visiting a formal range prohibitive.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone looking for an accessible entry into target shooting, a seasoned marksman wanting a low-cost training aid, or a family looking for a safe and fun backyard activity. These individuals value accuracy and consistency over rapid-fire capabilities. However, a single-shot pneumatic pistol like this might not be suitable for those who prioritize realism, blowback action, or the ability to shoot multiple rounds quickly, such as in action shooting scenarios. For those users, a CO2-powered BB pistol or a replica might be a better, albeit less accurate, alternative. Finding the right tool depends entirely on your primary goal: precision practice or fast-paced fun.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Power Plant: Air pistols are typically powered by CO2 cartridges, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) reservoirs, spring-pistons, or single-stroke pneumatic systems. CO2 is convenient for semi-auto action but performance can vary with temperature. Spring-pistons are self-contained but have recoil that can affect accuracy. The single-stroke pneumatic system, used by the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol, offers a recoilless shot and consistent velocity, making it ideal for precision.
- Accuracy & Sights: The ultimate measure of a target pistol is its ability to group shots tightly. This is a function of a quality rifled barrel and a good trigger. The sighting system is equally critical. Basic fixed sights are common on cheaper models, but for any serious target work, you need fully adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation. Fiber optic inserts can also be a huge benefit for quick sight acquisition in various lighting conditions.
- Materials & Durability: High-end pistols often feature all-metal construction, while budget-friendly models utilize a polymer or plastic frame to keep costs down. While polymer can be very durable, pay attention to high-stress areas. For example, an integrated scope rail made of polymer may not be as robust as a metal one, a key consideration if you plan to mount optics.
- Ergonomics & Ease of Use: How the pistol feels in your hand is paramount. The grip should be comfortable and allow for a consistent hold. Consider the cocking effort as well. Single-stroke pneumatic and spring-piston guns require physical effort for every shot, which can be fatiguing or difficult for some shooters. This is a trade-off for their self-contained power.
Understanding these factors will guide you toward the air pistol that best suits your needs, ensuring you get a tool that is not only fun but also effective for your intended purpose.
While the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 15-Shot, .177 Caliber Bb Air Pistol
- 177 cal. BB Pistol with a smooth bore steel barrel
- Semi-automatic; .50 Caliber; 385 fps; 7.32" long
First Impressions: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
The Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol arrives in a simple clamshell package, which is standard for products in this price range. Freeing it from the plastic, the first thing I noticed was its surprising substance. Despite its polymer frame, the pistol has a reassuring heft of 1.8 pounds and a solid, non-toy-like feel. The grip is large and ergonomic, filling my hand comfortably and providing a stable platform for aiming. Many users with larger hands confirm this, noting how perfectly the grip is sculpted. Historically, I’ve handled high-end German match pistols, and it’s no secret that this Beeman is a clone of the legendary Weihrauch HW40. While the materials are different—polymer here versus metal on the German original—the design pedigree is immediately apparent in its balance and handling. The fiber optic sights are bright and easy to see, and the rear sight is fully adjustable, a feature rarely seen on pistols at this price point. The overall first impression is one of shock; it simply feels and looks like a pistol that should cost three or four times as much. You can see the impressive build for yourself and understand why it has such a strong following.
What We Like
- Incredible accuracy that rivals pistols costing many times more.
- Excellent, surprisingly crisp two-stage trigger out of the box.
- Single-stroke pneumatic power plant is recoilless and requires no CO2.
- Bright, fully adjustable fiber optic sights enhance aiming.
- Unbeatable value for money for target practice and plinking.
Drawbacks
- Polymer dovetail rail is too weak for mounting heavy optics and can break.
- Cocking requires significant effort, which may be difficult for some users.
- Loading single pellets can be awkward and slow.
Deep Dive: Performance Under the Microscope
A product can look good and feel good, but the only thing that truly matters is performance. With the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol, the performance isn’t just good for the price; it’s simply good, period. Over several weeks of testing, I put hundreds of pellets through it, scrutinizing everything from its pinpoint accuracy to its long-term usability. It’s a pistol that continuously surprises, delivering a shooting experience that far exceeds its humble origins and price tag. It’s time to break down exactly what makes this air pistol a legend in the shooting community.
The Heart of a Champion: Accuracy and Trigger Pull
The single most lauded feature of the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol is its astounding accuracy, and my testing confirmed this without a doubt. From a rested position at 10 meters (about 33 feet), this pistol is capable of producing single-hole groups. The 4.5-inch rifled alloy steel barrel does its job exceptionally well, stabilizing .177 caliber pellets for a consistent flight path. I found that with quality wadcutter pellets, like the RWS Hobby 7.0 grain pellets mentioned by one user, the pistol is a true tack driver. That user reported achieving a .375-inch group at 10 yards, a feat that is genuinely remarkable for a sub-$50 airgun. In my own sessions, I was consistently hitting dimes and punching out the bullseye on NRA 25-foot air rifle targets.
This level of precision is only possible because of the pistol’s other standout feature: its trigger. Most airguns in this price bracket are saddled with heavy, gritty, lawyer-proof triggers that make accurate shooting a frustrating exercise. The Beeman’s trigger is the complete opposite. It’s a two-stage trigger that is shockingly clean and light. One user measured the break at a crisp 2.5 pounds, which felt spot-on in my experience. There’s a short, light take-up before you hit a solid wall, and then a clean break with virtually no overtravel. This trigger allows the shooter to realize the full mechanical accuracy potential of the pistol. It’s a trigger you’d expect to find on a pistol costing over $200, and this feature alone makes it a must-buy for aspiring marksmen.
Power and Poise: The Single-Stroke Pneumatic System
The engine driving this performance is the single-stroke pneumatic power plant. To operate the pistol, you unlatch the top half (the “slide”) and lift it up and forward, then press it back down until it clicks shut. This single motion compresses a volume of air in the chamber, which then propels the pellet upon firing. The immediate benefit is consistency. Unlike CO2, which is affected by temperature and pressure drops, each pump stroke here delivers the same amount of power, shot after shot. My chronograph tests showed velocities right around the advertised 410 FPS, with some users reporting even higher speeds of 420-428 FPS with lighter pellets.
The second, and perhaps more important, benefit is the complete absence of recoil. Because the power comes from releasing pre-compressed air rather than a moving piston or expanding gas, the firing cycle is dead-calm. There is only a mild “pop” as the pellet leaves the barrel. This recoilless nature is a massive aid to accuracy, as it eliminates the shooter-induced error of flinching or anticipating recoil. However, this power doesn’t come for free. The cocking effort is substantial. The upward stroke is easy, but the final compression stroke on the way down requires a good bit of force. As one 74-year-old user noted, it can be tiring after several shots, especially for those with less hand or arm strength. It’s a physical process, but it’s also the very thing that makes this pistol so wonderfully self-contained and inexpensive to shoot all day long.
Build Quality and Critical Flaws
For such a low price, compromises must be made, and on the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol, the primary compromise is the material. The frame is made entirely of a durable polymer. For the most part, this is not an issue; the pistol feels solid, and the construction seems robust enough for years of use. However, there is one critical, almost unforgivable, design flaw: the 11mm dovetail scope rail is molded directly into the polymer top frame. While the included fiber optic iron sights are excellent, many shooters (especially those with older eyes, as one reviewer pointed out) will want to mount a red dot sight for easier aiming.
This is where the problem arises. As numerous users have tragically discovered, the polymer rail simply isn’t strong enough to handle the clamping force of a scope mount. We saw multiple reports of the plastic rail pulling away from the frame or shearing off entirely, sending the optic flying. Users have tried everything from super glue to screws to secure their sights, mostly without success. If you intend to use only the iron sights, this is a non-issue, and the pistol is a five-star product. But if mounting an optic is a priority, you should be prepared for potential failure. It’s a baffling oversight on an otherwise brilliantly designed pistol. Some users have also reported long-term reliability issues, such as failed o-rings leading to a loss of air pressure or mechanical failures within the trigger group, though these appear to be less common than the rail issue.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from hundreds of owners, a clear consensus emerges: the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol is considered one of the greatest values in the entire airgun world. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with shooters of all skill levels expressing amazement at its accuracy-to-price ratio. One user summed it up perfectly, stating, “Best air pistol on the planet at this price point? Without a doubt.” Another experienced shooter, who typically only uses high-end match pistols, bought one out of curiosity and was completely won over by its performance. Many praise it as a “tack driver” capable of punching holes through soup can lids at over 30 feet.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most consistent negative point, which we confirmed in our testing, is the weakness of the integrated polymer scope rail. One user gave a detailed account of how his scope and mount “pulled completely off,” a sentiment echoed by several others. Beyond that, a smaller number of users have experienced mechanical failures. One reported that their pistol stopped holding air after less than 100 shots. An even more concerning review detailed a tiny e-ring falling out, which later led to an unexpected discharge, highlighting potential quality control variances. These negative experiences, while seemingly in the minority, serve as an important reminder that this is, after all, a budget-priced item, and some units may have flaws.
Competitors to the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol
While the Beeman stands in a class of its own for budget precision, there are other options available that cater to different priorities. It’s important to understand what you’re getting and giving up with each alternative.
1. Umarex Colt Peacemaker .177 Air Pistol
- Fits the Colt Peacemaker Pellet Gun (2254051)
- For use with .177 caliber pellets
If your priority is historical realism and the sheer fun of emulating a Wild West gunslinger, the Umarex Colt Peacemaker is an fantastic choice. This is a CO2-powered replica of the iconic Single Action Army revolver. It features a full metal frame, realistic loading with individual pellet cartridges, and a functioning hammer and ejector rod. Where it falls short compared to the Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol is in pure accuracy and cost per shot. Being a smoothbore pistol (in most versions) and powered by CO2, it won’t produce the same tight groups as the Beeman’s rifled barrel and recoilless pneumatic system. It’s for the shooter who values form and function over pure target-punching precision.
2. Umarex Colt Commander BB Gun Air Pistol
- Look and feel of the original with the functional reliability of a solid BB gun; Realistic blowback action
- Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 300 fps
The Umarex Colt Commander appeals to those who want the look and feel of a modern firearm. This CO2-powered BB pistol is a replica of the classic 1911 pistol and features a realistic blowback action, where the slide cycles with each shot. This provides a satisfying, albeit mild, recoil impulse that is excellent for firearm manipulation drills and training. However, it fires .177 caliber steel BBs, not lead pellets, and has a smoothbore barrel. This means its accuracy is significantly lower than the Beeman’s, making it suitable for plinking at cans but not for serious target work. It’s a trade-off: you get rapid-fire blowback fun at the expense of precision.
3. Daisy Model 25 BB Gun
- caliber: 0.177
- velocity: 350.00 ft/sec
The Daisy Model 25 is a classic pump-action BB gun, but it’s important to note this is a rifle, not a pistol. It’s a completely different platform but might be considered by someone looking for a low-cost, self-contained backyard plinker. Like the Beeman, it doesn’t require CO2 cartridges. Its pump-action mechanism is iconic and easy for younger shooters to operate. However, as a smoothbore BB rifle, its accuracy, while decent for a BB gun, will not approach the precision of the pellet-firing Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol. This is a better choice for someone wanting a nostalgic, simple BB rifle for casual plinking rather than a pistol for dedicated target practice.
Our Final Verdict: Is The Beeman Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is resounding. The Beeman Model 2004 Air Pistol is not just a good air pistol for the money; it is a phenomenal piece of engineering that delivers a level of accuracy and a quality of trigger that has no business being on a product this affordable. For backyard plinking, serious target practice, or teaching shooting fundamentals, its recoilless, self-contained power plant is nearly perfect. It provides a pure shooting experience that forces you to focus on sight alignment and trigger control, the cornerstones of marksmanship.
Yes, it has flaws. The cocking effort can be strenuous, loading is a bit fiddly, and the polymer scope rail is a critical weakness for anyone wanting to add optics. However, if you are content with using the excellent factory iron sights, these issues fade into the background. For a fraction of the cost of its German inspiration, you get 90% of the performance. It is, without reservation, the absolute best entry-point into the world of precision air pistol shooting. If you’re looking for maximum accuracy and fun for minimum cost, stop searching. You can check the latest price and add this unbelievable value to your collection today.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API