A pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle is the easiest kind of air rifle to shoot accurately. There is almost no recoil, most are multi-shot and they are quiet with a moderator. Buying used is a great way in, because good PCPs hold up well and cost far less second hand. This guide covers what you need to know and our picks of the best used PCPs for beginners.
What you need with a PCP
A PCP stores air at high pressure, usually around 200 to 250 bar, in a cylinder or buddy bottle. You need a way to fill it:
- Hand pump: the cheapest option. It takes some effort, but works anywhere.
- Diving-style air bottle: filled at a dive shop or gun shop, then used to top up your rifle many times. Fast and easy. Bottles must be in test date.
- Electric compressor: convenient but the most expensive option.
Make sure the rifle comes with its fill probe or adaptor, because these are often specific to the model.
What to look for in a beginner’s PCP
- Regulated: a regulator keeps each shot at the same power, which makes the rifle more consistent. It is not essential, but it helps.
- Multi-shot: a magazine makes shooting easier and quicker.
- Shrouded barrel or moderator: keeps the noise down, which matters for pest control and neighbours.
- Parts and servicing: pick a brand that UK gunsmiths know well.
- Legal power: make sure it shoots under 12 ft-lb unless you hold an FAC that covers it.
Our picks
Air Arms S410 and S510
The S410 is the rifle that made PCPs mainstream in Britain. It is simple, accurate and easy to service, and it holds its value. The S510 adds a smoother sidelever, and later versions are regulated. Either is an excellent first PCP. See our Air Arms guide.
BSA R10 and Ultra
The R10 is a regulated, multi-shot hunting PCP with a strong following. The Ultra is a compact, light PCP that is great for carrying. See our BSA guide.
Weihrauch HW100 and HW110
The HW100 is very well made, accurate and reliable, with a 14-shot magazine. The HW110 is lighter and cheaper. See our Weihrauch guide.
Daystate Huntsman
The Huntsman is a light, handy mechanical PCP from a premium British maker. Used ones cost more, but you get a top-quality rifle. See our Daystate guide.
Hatsan AT44 and Flash
The AT44 and the lighter Flash are budget PCPs that give a lot for the money. They are a good choice if you want to try PCP shooting without spending much. See our Hatsan guide.
Kral Puncher range
Kral’s Turkish-made Puncher PCPs, such as the Breaker and Maxi, are well equipped and good value. See our Kral guide.
Umarex Gauntlet and Stoeger XM1
Both are low-cost PCPs. The Gauntlet is regulated and multi-shot, which is impressive at its price. See our Umarex and Stoeger guides.
FX Wildcat and Crown (if your budget allows)
If you can stretch further, a used FX Wildcat or Crown is a superb rifle, but they are more complex. See our FX guide.
Used PCP prices
These figures come from the asking prices in real FreeGunAds ads and update automatically.
| Model | Ads | Typical asking price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| S410 | 7 | £600 | £450 – £800 |
| S400 | 3 | £575 | £500 – £650 |
| R10 | 4 | £690 | £480 – £890 |
| Ultra | 5 | £550 | £450 – £550 |
| HW100 | 7 | £800 | £675 – £915 |
| Huntsman | 3 | £600 | £200 – £850 |
| XM1 | 2 | £470 | £285 – £650 |
| All air rifle ads | 248 | £300 | £150 – £575 |
Based on 248 asking prices in FreeGunAds ads since 2023, updated automatically. These are asking prices, and condition, extras and power (12 ft-lb or FAC) all move the price.
Checking a used PCP
- Leaks: the most important check. Ask the seller to fill it before you arrive, and see if it has held pressure.
- Service history: ask when the seals were last done.
- Power: ask for a chronograph reading under 12 ft-lb.
- Magazine and probe: check both are included and work.
See our full used air rifle checklist.
Common questions
Is a PCP or springer better for a beginner?
A PCP is easier to shoot accurately because there is no recoil. A springer is cheaper to run and needs no pump. Many beginners start with a PCP for that reason. See the best used spring air rifles to compare.
How many shots do you get from a fill?
It varies a lot, from around 20 to well over 100 shots depending on the rifle, its cylinder and calibre.
Do I need a licence for a PCP?
Not in England and Wales for a rifle under 12 ft-lb if you are 18 or over. Read our guide to air rifle law in the UK.
Find a used PCP
Browse used air rifles for sale and set a search alert for the model you want.
