Spring air rifles, often called springers, are self-contained. You cock them, load a pellet and shoot, with no pump, bottle or gas capsule to buy. Good springers last for decades, which makes them some of the best value rifles on the second hand market. This guide covers what to look for and our picks of the best used springers in the UK.
Spring or gas ram?
A traditional springer uses a coiled steel spring to drive a piston. A gas ram rifle uses a sealed gas strut instead. Gas rams don’t weaken if the rifle is left cocked and often feel firmer and quicker. Springs are cheaper to replace and can be tuned to feel very smooth. Both are good, so choose the rifle rather than the power source.
Break-barrel, underlever or sidelever?
- Break-barrel: you cock the rifle by bending the barrel down. They are light and simple, but the barrel lock-up has to stay tight for accuracy.
- Underlever and sidelever: the barrel is fixed and you cock with a lever. They are heavier, but often more accurate and more consistent.
Our picks
Weihrauch HW97K
A fixed-barrel underlever and one of the most popular springers for hunter field target and hunting. It is accurate, forgiving and built to last. See our Weihrauch guide.
Air Arms TX200
Many shooters think this is the best British springer ever made. It is heavy, smooth and very accurate. The HC version is shorter. See our Air Arms guide.
Weihrauch HW80 and HW95
The HW80 is a powerful full-size break-barrel, and the HW95 is a mid-weight one that suits most shooters. Both have the excellent Rekord trigger.
Weihrauch HW77 and HW30
The HW77 is the older underlever before the HW97K and is a great used buy. The HW30 is a light, low-recoil rifle that is easy to shoot and ideal for close-range pest control.
Diana 34 and 52
The 34 is a reliable break-barrel and one of the most popular rifles ever made. The 52 is a powerful sidelever. See our Diana guide.
BSA Meteor and Lightning
The Meteor is the classic British starter rifle, cheap and easy to work on. The Lightning is a compact, light break-barrel. See our BSA guide.
Theoben gas rams
If you want something special, a used Theoben Evolution, Fenman or Eliminator is a classic gas ram rifle. See our Theoben guide.
Budget picks: Gamo, Stoeger and Hatsan
For the lowest cost, a used Gamo, Stoeger X20 or Hatsan 95 will get you shooting. They are heavier and recoil more, but they are cheap. See our Gamo, Stoeger and Hatsan guides.
Used springer prices
These figures come from the asking prices in real FreeGunAds ads and update automatically.
| Model | Ads | Typical asking price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| HW77 | 4 | £340 | £320 – £365 |
| HW80 | 2 | £300 | £300 – £300 |
| HW95 | 2 | £450 | £450 – £450 |
| TX200 | 4 | £450 | £390 – £520 |
| X20 | 7 | £350 | £185 – £450 |
| 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.
How to shoot a springer well
Springers move as they fire, so they need a gentle, consistent hold. The best-known technique is the artillery hold, where you let the rifle rest lightly on your open hand rather than gripping it. Read our guide to mastering the artillery hold.
Springer recoil also goes forwards and backwards, which is hard on scopes. Use a scope rated for springers and mounts with a stop pin so they don’t creep.
Checking a used springer
- Cocking stroke: should be smooth and even.
- Firing: a twang or a lot of buzz means the spring or seal may be tired.
- Lock-up: break-barrels should lock tight with no play.
- Breech seal: check it is in good condition.
- Power: confirm it is under 12 ft-lb.
See our full used air rifle checklist.
Common questions
Are spring air rifles accurate?
Very, in the right hands. Rifles like the HW97K and TX200 win competitions. They just need a good technique.
How long does a spring last?
Many years with normal use. Don’t leave a spring rifle cocked for long periods.
Spring or PCP for pest control?
Both work well within sensible ranges. A PCP is easier to shoot accurately, while a springer needs no extra kit. Compare with the best used PCPs.
Find a used springer
Browse used air rifles for sale, or sell your old one free.
