Matt in AK,
I'm thinking along the same lines that you are, and I've narrowed it down to two models:
1)Crosman 1377 / .177 caliber pump pellet pistol ($56.)
2)Benjamin .177 or .22 caliber pump pellet pistol ($120.)
I've used a .177 pellet rifle that was only as powerful as these two pistols, when I was a kid and took a number of Ptarmigan. :grin: So I'm sure they will work, if you keep the range fairly short and use a good flat point or hollow point pellet.
I first thought about getting a springer pistol, but have heard they are harder to shoot accurately compared to the pump pistols.
Good luck in your choice, Del