22 LR vs Air Pistol: How Is This Possible?

Published on June 19, 2026
Duration: 16:45

This video provides a comprehensive comparison between a 22LR pistol and a high-powered air pistol, the Huben GK1 V3+. It details sound level measurements, accuracy tests at 25 yards using various ammunition types for both platforms, and extensive ballistic gel and drywall penetration tests. The analysis highlights the surprising capabilities of the air pistol in terms of noise reduction and accuracy, while also examining its lethality and limitations compared to traditional 22LR firearms.

Quick Summary

A high-powered air pistol can be surprisingly effective, rivaling a suppressed 22LR in some aspects. Tests show air pistols can be significantly quieter (around 75.9 dB vs. 92.1 dB for suppressed 22LR) and achieve accuracy close to 22LR with slugs. However, 22LR offers much faster reloading and consistent performance, while air pistol refills are time-consuming.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Air Pistol vs 22LR Claim
  2. 00:23Sound Test Setup and 22LR Measurement
  3. 01:01Huben GK1 V3+ Air Pistol Introduction
  4. 01:29Air Pistol vs 22LR Sound Test: Pellets
  5. 01:42Air Pistol vs 22LR Sound Test: Heavy Pellets
  6. 01:57Air Pistol vs 22LR Sound Test: CCI Quiet 22LR
  7. 02:04Accuracy Test Setup: 22LR Baseline
  8. 02:1922LR Accuracy: CCI Standard Velocity
  9. 02:2422LR Accuracy: CCI Quiet
  10. 02:3322LR Accuracy: Norma Tac
  11. 02:48Air Pistol Accuracy Test Setup
  12. 02:50Air Pistol Accuracy: Pellets
  13. 02:56Air Pistol Accuracy: Heavy Bench Rest Pellets
  14. 03:01Air Pistol Accuracy: Slugs
  15. 03:04Rate of Fire Comparison: 22LR vs Air Pistol
  16. 03:29Rate of Fire Test: Huben GK1 V3+ Issues
  17. 03:45Rate of Fire Test: Huben GK1 V3+ Round 2
  18. 03:51Air Pistol Refill Process and Challenges
  19. 04:04Quick Fill Solution: PZ by Ed Gun
  20. 04:29Backyard Safety and Drywall Penetration Test Setup
  21. 04:50Drywall Penetration: 22LR CCI Quiet
  22. 05:00Drywall Penetration: Air Pistol Light Pellet
  23. 05:29Drywall Penetration: Air Pistol Heavy Pellet
  24. 05:53Drywall Penetration: Air Pistol Slugs
  25. 06:17Home Defense Ballistic Gel Test Setup
  26. 06:50Ballistic Gel: 22LR CCI Standard Velocity
  27. 07:02Ballistic Gel: Federal Punch 22LR
  28. 07:56Ballistic Gel: CCI Uppercut 22LR
  29. 08:04Ballistic Gel: Air Pistol Heavy Pellet (Round Nose)
  30. 08:59Ballistic Gel: Air Pistol Hollow Point Pellet
  31. 09:35Ballistic Gel: Air Pistol Light Slug
  32. 09:39Ballistic Gel: Air Pistol Heavy Slug
  33. 09:51Conclusion: 22LR vs Air Pistol for Home Defense
  34. 09:59Final Thoughts and Sponsor Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the sound level of a high-powered air pistol compare to a suppressed 22LR?

A high-powered air pistol like the Huben GK1 V3+ can be significantly quieter than a suppressed 22LR. In tests, the air pistol averaged around 75.9 decibels with pellets, while a suppressed 22LR with CCI standard velocity averaged 92.1 decibels.

Can a high-powered air pistol match the accuracy of a 22LR pistol?

Surprisingly, yes. While 22LR pistols with standard ammunition can achieve sub-inch groups, the Huben GK1 V3+ air pistol, when using slugs, demonstrated accuracy that nearly matched the 22LR at 25 yards, losing by a very small margin.

What are the practical differences in reloading between a 22LR and a high-powered air pistol?

Reloading a 22LR pistol is quick and easy with magazines. In contrast, high-powered air pistols like the Huben GK1 V3+ require a time-consuming refill process using a high-pressure compressor, making them less convenient for rapid follow-up shots.

How does the lethality of a high-powered air pistol compare to a 22LR in ballistic gel tests?

At maximum pressure, high-powered air pistols can exhibit significant penetration. Heavy pellets and slugs from the Huben GK1 V3+ blew through 10 inches of ballistic gel, demonstrating lethal potential, though some hollow-point pellets had less penetration than expected.

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