There’s a simple joy in setting up a few tin cans in the backyard and spending an afternoon plinking away. I’ve often looked for an air pistol that cuts out the hassle—no CO2 cartridges to buy, no complex mechanisms to manage. I just wanted something I could pick up, load, and shoot. This desire for straightforward, accessible target practice is what led me to take a close look at the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol, a spring-powered option designed for exactly this kind of casual fun.
- Spring powered .177 caliber BB air pistol perfect for recreational plinking
- Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 200 fps
What to Consider Before Buying a Spring-Powered Air Pistol
Before you dive in, it’s important to set your expectations. A spring-piston air pistol like this one is an entirely different beast from its CO2 or PCP counterparts. The ideal user for the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol is a beginner, a young shooter under supervision, or someone who wants a low-cost, low-maintenance tool for casual plinking at close ranges. Key factors to consider are power, build quality, and intended use. With a muzzle velocity of 200 fps, this isn’t designed for pest control or long-range accuracy. It’s built for convenience and fun. You don’t need to worry about temperature affecting performance or running out of gas cartridges mid-session. If your goal is to punch holes in paper targets or knock over cans from 15-20 feet away without breaking the bank, this pistol is designed with you in mind. You can explore its features and current offers on its product page.
While the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol is an excellent choice for casual shooting, 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:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
Unboxing the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol, the first thing we noticed was its solid, if lightweight, feel. At just one pound, the polymer frame is comfortable to hold, and the design is surprisingly ergonomic. It has a modern, tactical look that many shooters will appreciate. The inclusion of 200 steel BBs is a great touch, allowing you to start shooting right away. Key features that immediately stood out were the fiber optic front sight, which is bright and easy to acquire, and the integrated Picatinny rail under the barrel. While you’re unlikely to mount a high-powered scope on a 200 fps pistol, it’s perfect for adding a small laser or flashlight for extra fun. The built-in 15-round BB reservoir is another convenient feature that minimizes reloading time.
What We Like
- No CO2 Required: The spring-piston power plant is cost-effective and always ready to shoot.
- Great for Beginners: Simple operation and low power make it ideal for new shooters.
- Convenient Features: The built-in 15-BB reservoir and fiber optic sight are nice touches for the price.
- Good Prop/Cosplay Piece: It has a realistic look and decent weight for non-firing purposes.
What We Don’t Like
- Low Power and Accuracy: Muzzle velocity is only 200 fps, and accuracy suffers beyond 20 feet.
- Questionable Quality Control: We encountered, and users confirm, issues with jamming slides and component failures.
- Primarily Plastic Construction: The polymer frame feels durable enough for light use but may not withstand rough handling.
A Deep Dive into the DX17’s Performance
After spending considerable time on the range (and in the backyard), we’ve formed a comprehensive picture of what the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol can and cannot do. It’s a pistol with a very specific, narrow purpose, and understanding its limitations is key to enjoying it.
Power and Velocity: Managing Expectations
Let’s be clear: with a maximum muzzle velocity of 200 fps, this is not a powerhouse. During our testing, it had enough energy to punch through paper targets and knock over aluminum cans with authority inside of 20 feet. However, its power is insufficient for any kind of pest control, a fact confirmed by users who noted it wasn’t lethal even for small birds. This low velocity is a direct result of the spring-piston mechanism, which trades power for the convenience of not needing CO2 cartridges. For supervised training with young shooters or casual plinking, this low power is actually a safety advantage.
Loading and Firing Mechanism
The loading process is unique. You slide a port open on the top of the pistol to pour BBs into the 15-round reservoir. To chamber a round, you pull the slide back and then push it forward, which can be a bit stiff. We found the action to be a little rough, and several users reported significant issues here. Some experienced the slide jamming completely, while others had it fail to return to its proper position. In our own testing, we had a few instances where the slide felt “gritty” and required extra force to operate. This suggests some potential for mechanical failure and inconsistent build quality, which is a significant concern even at this budget price point.
Accuracy and Sights
The fiber optic front sight is a definite highlight. It’s bright and makes aiming intuitive and quick. Within a 15-20 foot range, we were able to achieve respectable groupings on a paper target. However, as we moved further back, the limitations became apparent. The fixed sights and low, inconsistent velocity cause accuracy to drop off dramatically. This experience was mirrored in user feedback, with many stating it’s “not too accurate beyond 20 foot.” One user asked, “What is the point of having a gun that doesn’t shoot straight?” While it’s not a competition pistol, those looking for precision shooting will be disappointed. For its intended purpose of casual, close-range fun, the accuracy is adequate.
Build Quality and Durability
The Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol features a polymer frame and an alloy steel barrel. For the price, the overall feel is decent, and several users purchased it for cosplay or as a movie prop due to its realistic appearance. However, durability is a major question mark. We came across several alarming reports of catastrophic failures right out of the box, including broken safeties and triggers. One of the most concerning issues was from a user who found the barrel was bored too wide, causing BBs to simply fall out after the factory grease wore off. While our test unit didn’t suffer this fate, the volume of such complaints points to significant quality control problems that potential buyers must be aware of.
What Other Users Are Saying
Feedback on the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol is sharply divided, which aligns with our findings on inconsistent quality. On one hand, many users praise it for what it is: a simple, fun, and affordable plinker. One reviewer called it an “outstanding little toy if you just want to do a little plinking in the back yard.” Another, a 13-year-old, said, “This gun is so amazing it fire’s well it holds a good amount of bbs it shoots amazing.”
On the other hand, a significant number of users report serious mechanical failures. One frustrated owner stated, “when you pull back the slide it gets stuck and jammed and it’s really hard to get it back into place.” Another received a unit with a broken safety and trigger “fresh out the box.” These reviews paint a picture of a product that can be a lot of fun when you get a good one, but carries a notable risk of being defective.
How Does the Umarex DX17 Compare to Alternatives?
While the DX17 occupies a specific niche, it’s helpful to see what else is available if you have a different budget or need.
1. DPMS Full Auto SBR CO2 Air Gun
- FULL SIZE, REAL FEEL, DUAL ACTION - Durable synthetic design and up to 1400 rounds per minute
- FUELED BY (2) 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGES - Delivers speeds up to 430 fps (CO2 cartridges not included)
This is a completely different class of airgun. The DPMS SBR is a CO2-powered, full-auto BB rifle that offers a thrilling shooting experience. It’s significantly more expensive and powerful, designed for the enthusiast who wants a tactical M4 replica with a high rate of fire. If the DX17 is a casual plinker, the DPMS SBR is for serious backyard fun and tactical drills.
2. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN3i .22 Caliber Air Rifle
- ✅ [High Powered Air Rifle] Up to 1,300 FPS with alloy .22 Cal. Pellets
- ✅ [Inertia Fed] 10X GEN3i technology includes our revolutionary horizontal inertia fed magazine integration
If raw power and accuracy are your goals, the Gamo Swarm Magnum is a top contender. This is a high-power, break-barrel pellet rifle chambered in .22 caliber, reaching velocities of 1,300 fps. It’s designed for small game hunting and long-range target shooting. Its 10-shot magazine offers quick follow-up shots, making it a powerful tool far beyond the capabilities of the DX17.
3. Daisy 880 Multi-Pump Air Rifle
The Daisy 880 is a classic and perhaps the most direct competitor in terms of user base. It’s a multi-pump pneumatic rifle that can shoot both BBs and .177 pellets. This makes it more versatile than the DX17. By varying the number of pumps, you can control the power, making it suitable for both indoor target practice and outdoor pest control. It offers better accuracy and power for a similarly affordable price, though it sacrifices the pistol form factor.
Final Verdict: A Fun Toy with Serious Flaws
The Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol is a product we have mixed feelings about. When it works, it’s an incredibly fun, simple, and cost-effective tool for casual backyard plinking. The lack of CO2 makes it endlessly convenient. We would recommend it to someone looking for a first-time BB pistol for very casual use, or for someone needing an inexpensive but realistic-looking prop. However, the widespread reports of jamming, broken parts, and poor manufacturing cannot be ignored. It’s a gamble. You might get a great little shooter, or you might get a dud. For that reason, we advise purchasing with caution.
If you’ve decided the Umarex DX17 .177 Caliber BB Air Pistol is the right fit for your casual shooting needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API