If you have a problem with animals the size of Raccoons, Beavers and Bobcats, an air pistol at close range with 71 to 100 foot pounds of energy will drop them like a bad habit. At a distance of 10 yards, the pellet will penetrate approximately 3/4 of an inch into a Douglas fir 2 x 12. These air pistols are most accurate with a round nose pellet ranging in weight from 18 grains to 25 grains. Pointed pellets should be avoided because they are known to be a cause of a jammed magazine. The “magic” pellet is found by balancing the weight of the pellet to the air pressure that the gun puts out; each air rifle has its own personality.