Purchasing your first airgun can often be an overwhelming experience due to the vast array of options available. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel confused when trying to make a decision.
We highly recommend visiting your local airgun club as a starting point. There, you can expect a warm welcome and the opportunity to try out various airguns, helping you make an informed choice.
To provide you with a clearer understanding of the diverse world of airguns, we have compiled an introductory guide. Our aim is to simplify the process and make it less intimidating.
Different Propulsion Methods Airguns can be powered using various methods, which can be broadly categorized into four groups: spring-piston, gas ram, CO2, and pneumatic. These methods are applicable to both air rifles and air pistols, except for gas rams, which are exclusive to rifles.
Spring Piston Rifles and Pistols (a.k.a. “Springers”) Spring-piston airguns are perhaps the most popular type and are commonly owned by many shooters at some point. These guns have long served as the standard entry point into the shooting sports. Spring-piston guns feature three different cocking mechanisms: Break Barrel, Under Lever, and Side Lever.
Operating a spring-piston gun is generally straightforward. These guns utilize a coiled steel spring-loaded piston housed within a compression chamber, separate from the barrel. When the gun is cocked, the piston assembly compresses the spring until a small hook on the rear of the piston engages the sear. Pulling the trigger releases the sear, allowing the spring to decompress and propel the piston forward, thereby compressing the air in the chamber located directly behind the pellet seated in the barrel. Once the air pressure surpasses any static friction or barrel restriction, the pellet moves forward, driven by the expanding column of air. All of this occurs in a fraction of a second.
It’s important to note that the movement of the spring and piston generates recoil, which can impact the gun’s accuracy. Generally, lighter guns exhibit more recoil, whereas heavier spring guns are often easier to shoot and offer improved accuracy. However, increased weight may be a consideration, particularly for hunting purposes.
Accurately shooting a recoiling gun requires learning techniques to compensate for the recoil. Mastering these skills is part of the hobby, and it can be immensely satisfying to discover how to optimize your gun’s performance.
Spring guns are typically affordable, simple to use, and self-contained. They can deliver impressive accuracy and power, while also being quick to reload. The average weight of a rifle ranges from 7 to 8 pounds.
Advantages of Spring Piston Airguns:
Affordable pricing
Self-contained design
Quick and easy to load
Reliable performance
Excellent value for money
Disadvantages of Spring Piston Airguns:
Generally limited to single-shot capacity
More weight required for improved accuracy
Slightly louder due to muzzle and piston noise compared to PCP guns
Recoil can pose challenges for shooting accuracy, demanding additional practice
Important Consideration: Be cautious when purchasing Chinese spring guns advertised as 12ft lbs power, as some may not deliver the claimed power.
CO2 Powered Airguns:
CO2 airguns provide an affordable option for acquiring a recoilless gun. These guns utilize small CO2 bulbs or larger 88-gram CO2 bottles. The main advantages of CO2 airguns are their cost-effectiveness, recoil-free shooting experience, and lightweight construction.
CO2 airguns are predominantly purchased for informal target shooting in backyard settings. Their lack of recoil and bolt action cocking make them popular among beginners, younger shooters, and those who struggle with the weight of spring rifles.
However, CO2 airguns have a few drawbacks. The need to purchase CO2 bulbs regularly, limited power output, and decreased consistency compared to other power sources are worth considering. CO2 pressure can vary with temperature changes, resulting in inconsistent performance as weather conditions fluctuate. Despite this, they excel as multishot and plinking guns, offering a shorter but enjoyable shooting range.
Advantages of CO2 Airguns:
Affordable pricing
Enjoyable shooting experience
Availability of multishot models
User-friendly operation
Lightweight and portable design
Disadvantages of CO2 Airguns:
Average accuracy performance
Potential expense in terms of operational costs
Some models may have lower build quality due to lower price points
Please note that these points are general observations, and individual models may vary in their performance and quality.
Pre-Charged Pneumatic Airguns (PCPs):
Among the various types of airguns, PCPs have made significant advancements in recent years. These guns utilize a built-in reservoir to store compressed air, typically ranging from 2500 to 3000 PSI. Depending on the cylinder size, this reservoir can hold anywhere from 30 to 500 shots’ worth of air. To charge the compressed air cylinder, a stirrup pump or divers bottle is required. It’s important to note that regular spray compressors, garage pumps, or foot pumps are not suitable for this task as they do not operate at high enough pressures.
PCPs offer numerous advantages. They are recoilless, making them exceptionally easy to shoot with precision. When equipped with a silencer, they operate quietly. With a wide variety of models available, you can find the perfect specifications to suit your needs, whether it’s multishot capability, single-shot design, lightweight construction, high shot capacity, or full adjustability. However, PCPs do come with a few drawbacks, including the initial cost, the additional investment in charging equipment, and the inconvenience of refilling the air cylinder.
Advantages of Pre-Charged Pneumatic Airguns:
Extensive selection of brands and specifications, including many multishot options
Wide range of add-ons available, such as silencers, bipods, and custom parts
High accuracy performance
Full power within UK limits
Quieter operation when fitted with a silencer
Disadvantages of Pre-Charged Pneumatic Airguns:
Initial setup cost can be higher
Refilling the air cylinder can be inconvenient
While the absence of recoil enhances accuracy, it may reduce some of the challenge and traditional shooting experience.
It’s important to consider these factors when deciding whether a pre-charged pneumatic airgun is the right choice for you.
Telescopic Sights or “Scopes”
For beginners, scopes may seem complex, especially when faced with the numerous numbers associated with each model in the Telescopic Sights section. Let’s break down the basics:
Example 1: 4 x 32 Scope
- The number four represents how much closer the viewed object appears when seen through the scope.
- The number 32 refers to the size of the front lens, also known as the objective lens.
The objective lens plays a role in the brightness of the image viewed through the scope. Generally, a larger lens leads to a brighter image, although factors like lens quality also affect brightness.
Example 2: 3-9 x 40 Zoom Scope
- The number forty represents the size of the objective lens.
- The numbers 3-9 indicate the zoom capability of the scope. Adjusting the rear-mounted zoom from 3x to 9x changes the image’s magnification accordingly.
Telescopic sights feature adjusters, often called turrets, which allow the scope to be set up to ensure the pellet impacts the target where the crosshair aligns. The top turret adjusts the vertical aim, while the side turret adjusts the horizontal aim.
This serves as a basic guide to telescopic sights. As your shooting skills develop, so will your understanding of scopes. We’ll periodically update this section with more detailed information on reticles, parallax, turrets, and lenses.
Mounts
Mounts play a crucial role in aligning your air rifle and telescopic sight effectively. They come in various sizes, with larger objective lenses typically requiring higher mounts.
Choosing good quality mounts from a reputable manufacturer, fastened securely with allen bolts, ensures reliable performance.
Gun Bags
A gun bag is essential for transporting your air rifle in public and protecting it from the elements. The thickness of the bag’s lining determines the level of equipment protection it offers.
If you attach a silencer to your rifle, select a bag of appropriate length to avoid detaching it during trips.
Consider the accessories you carry when choosing a gun bag. Ensure it has sufficient space for pellets, spare air cylinders, targets, etc. Internal straps for securing your rifle and rucksack-style carry straps are useful features in many bags.
Hard cases provide the ultimate protection but may be less convenient to store in car boots, so consider the size before purchasing.
Avoid storing an air rifle in a gun bag to prevent rusting.
Pellets
Stick to high-quality lead round head pellets from trusted brands like H&N, Air Arms, Crosman, or Daystate for reliable performance. Experimenting with different brands within these options will help you find one that performs exceptionally well.
Hollow point pellets are suitable for close to medium-range hunting due to their significant impact force.
Flat head pellets are popular for paper target shooting as they cleanly punch through the target, making it easier to assess scores.
Pointed pellets are used for increased penetration on impact but may sacrifice some accuracy compared to roundhead pellets, as they are less ballistically efficient.
Air Rifle FAQs
Which air rifle can I purchase?
You can purchase any air rifle that does not exceed 12ft/lbs of muzzle energy.
What does 12ft/lbs mean?
It is the maximum power allowed for an air rifle in England, Scotland, and Wales without a firearms certificate (F.A.C).
What is fps?
FPS stands for Feet Per Second, which indicates the speed at which a pellet travels when it leaves the rifle’s muzzle. The muzzle refers to the end of the barrel.
Can I have more power than 12ft/lbs?
You can only have more power if you apply for a firearms certificate from your local constabulary. Without this, exceeding the limit is illegal and can result in hefty fines or imprisonment.
What is calibre?
Calibre refers to the size of the bore or hole running through the center of the barrel. For example, a .22 calibre rifle requires a .22 pellet, while a .177 calibre rifle uses a .177 pellet.
What is the difference in calibres?
In practical terms, a .22 calibre (.22 of an inch in imperial or 5.5mm metric) rifle has a muzzle velocity of around 600fps. A .177 calibre (.177 of an inch in imperial or 4.5mm metric) rifle has a muzzle velocity of around 800fps, depending on pellet weight.
How does pellet weight make a difference?
Pellets are weighed in grains. The heavier the pellet, the slower it travels. That’s why .177 calibre pellets fly faster than .22 calibre pellets.
Which are the best pellets?
Round-headed pellets made of lead offer excellent all-around accuracy. Stick to high-quality pellets from reputable manufacturers such as Air Arms, Daystate, Crosman, H+N, and RWS.
Which calibre is best?
.22 calibre is generally preferred for hunting due to its hitting power, while .177 calibre is popular for target shooting as it flies faster and flatter. Both calibres can be suitable for hunting, depending on personal preference.
How do I calculate ft/lbs?
Multiply the velocity (fps) by itself, then multiply the result by the pellet weight (in grains). Finally, divide the whole value by 450240 to obtain ft/lbs.
What are joules?
Joules are another unit of energy measurement. 12ft/lbs is equivalent to 16 joules.
Where can I shoot?
You can shoot at any air rifle club in the country (check our club directory) or on land where you have written permission from the landowner.
Can I shoot in my garden?
Yes, as long as the pellets stay within your property, you are more than 50 feet away from the center of a public highway, and you do not disturb your neighbors.
Is an air rifle powerful enough for hunting?
A rifle producing just under 12ft/lbs at the muzzle in .22 calibre will still have around 7-8ft/lbs of energy at 40 yards. It only takes 3-4ft/lbs of energy to kill a rabbit with head shots, as aiming for the body leaves more room for error.
Will the air rifle be accurate enough?
Modern air rifles, in capable hands, can hit a 50pence piece at 30 yards or more. If you set your rifle at 35 yards with a scope and your marksmanship is good, you will be more than accurate.
What can I hunt?
The most popular targets for airgunners are rabbits, crows, magpies, feral and wood pigeons, collared doves, rats, and jays.
What rifle should I buy for hunting?
Choosing a hunting rifle ultimately depends on personal preference. As long as the rifle produces between 10.5 and 11.5 ft/lbs of muzzle energy and is accurate enough, it can be used for hunting.
What rifle should I buy for target shooting?
If you’re interested in field target shooting, a recoilless rifle, also known as a pre-charged pneumatic, in .177 calibre is generally recommended.
Scope FAQs
What scope should I buy?
For hunting purposes, any scope from 4×32 and above will suffice. As a general rule, a minimum of 3-9×40 zoom scope is recommended.
What scope should I use for field target shooting?
Field target shooting often requires a high-magnification range finding scope, with a minimum of 18x magnification. Some shooters even use scopes with magnifications as high as 50x. Higher magnification allows for more precise range calculation.
What is zoom?
Zoom refers to the ability to bring the viewed image closer through the scope. For example, a 4×32 scope brings the image four times closer, while a 3-9 scope allows for a range of magnification from 3x to 9x.
What do turrets on a scope do?
Turrets on a scope allow for adjustments to the crosshair position. They can move the crosshair up, down, left, or right, ensuring that the pellet impacts the target at the same point as the crosshair.
What is range finding?
Range finding involves determining the distance to a target using a high-magnification scope. By using pre-set range finding or parallax adjustment rings, shooters can calculate the distance in yards or meters.
What are crosshairs?
Crosshairs are the intersecting lines seen through a scope. The point where these lines meet is the intended impact point of the pellet on the target, once the rifle and scope have been properly set up or zeroed.
What is zeroing in?
Zeroing in refers to adjusting the crosshair position to align with the impact point of the pellet on the target at the desired shooting range.
How do I use the parallax adjustment on my scope?
To use the parallax adjustment, set the range on the dial (usually marked from 10 yards to infinity). This reduces or eliminates parallax error and ensures clear focus on the object you’re looking at.
What is parallax error?
Parallax error is the apparent movement of the scope’s crosshair on the object being viewed. It occurs when looking through the scope at an angle other than directly through the center. Properly shouldering the rifle can reduce this issue, or you can purchase a scope that is correctly parallaxed for air rifles (typically set at 30 yards on a fixed parallax scope) or adjust the parallax dial to match the exact shooting range.