I'd like a .177, 22 cal or larger, compact air pistol. Need to carry it in a small backpack. needs to be accurate and I wouldn't mind spending some money for a good one. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Jerry, here is a good place to start. Not sure quite what you want to use the pistol for, but there are several platforms to choose from.

https://www.pyramydair.com/air-pistols

Planned use?
Target, hunting, other?
That controls the recommendations.
Beeman P17 is compact. easy to open for single stroke compression . . . NOT so easy to close. 400 fps 177.

Sorry for the delay in responding- just got back from a long deer hunt.

I want the air pistol for carrying in a backpack in a rural area where firearms are illegal but airguns are not. Coyotes are a problem and my rat terrier has had a couple of close calls. One larger than 17 would have a lot more authority; I have a 17 cal. rifle that's not too impressive. Squirrels in the back yard run off unless I hit them in the head.

Jerry, hope you had a good hunt.
For your intended use, a Benjamin Marauder in .22 or an Air Force Talon or Hatsan Sortie in .25 are among the limited choices. These are fairly bulky PCP pistols, but will have the power to put a coyote down at close range.

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m...l_Spin_Loc_Tank/2400

https://www.pyramydair.com/s/m..._Synthetic/4584#8960

Bill, you'll put your eye out with that thing! :-)

No worries, Jon. I don't have one, just a lil old Crosman CO2 target pistol...