Buying a used air rifle is the best way to get a quality rifle for less money. Good air rifles last for decades, and many second hand rifles shoot as well as new ones. But there are also tired rifles, rifles over the legal power limit and, sadly, scammers. This guide gives you a complete checklist so you can buy with confidence.
Step 1: Decide what kind of rifle you need
Spring and gas ram rifles
Springers (and gas ram rifles, which use a sealed gas strut instead of a coil spring) are self-contained. You cock the rifle and it is ready to fire, so there is no pump or air bottle to buy. They are cheaper to run and very reliable, but they recoil, which makes them harder to shoot accurately. Popular used springers include the Weihrauch HW97K and HW80, the Air Arms TX200 and the BSA Meteor. See the best used spring air rifles.
Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles
PCPs are filled with high-pressure air from a hand pump, a diving-style bottle or a compressor. They have almost no recoil, are often multi-shot and are usually more accurate and easier to shoot well. You need to budget for a way to fill them. See the best used PCPs for beginners.
CO2 rifles and pistols
CO2 guns use small gas capsules. They are cheap, fun and good for plinking, but power changes with temperature and they are less suited to pest control.
Calibre: .177 or .22?
The .177 has a flatter trajectory, which makes range-finding easier and suits target shooting. The .22 hits harder at the same power and is preferred by many hunters. Both are fine for pest control at sensible ranges. The .25 and other calibres exist but are less common at 12 ft-lb.
Step 2: Know the law
- In England and Wales you must be 18 or over to buy an air rifle. No licence is needed for rifles under 12 ft-lb.
- In Scotland you need an air weapon certificate. In Northern Ireland, you need a firearm certificate.
- Rifles over 12 ft-lb need a firearm certificate (FAC) anywhere in the UK.
- Never buy an old self-contained gas cartridge air gun, such as an old Brocock revolver. They are prohibited.
Read our full guide to air rifle law in the UK.
Step 3: Work out a fair price
Compare the rifle with similar ads. Our brand guides show typical asking prices from real FreeGunAds ads, updated automatically. Start with how much is my air rifle worth, or go to a brand: Air Arms, Weihrauch, BSA, Daystate or all guides.
Remember that extras matter. A scope, moderator, bag and pump can add a lot to the value, but only if they are good quality and suit you.
Step 4: Questions to ask the seller
- How long have you had it, and how many owners has it had?
- What power does it shoot at? Has it been checked on a chronograph?
- When was it last serviced, and what was done?
- Has it been tuned, modified or had parts changed?
- For PCPs: does it hold air? When were the seals last done? Is it regulated?
- For springers: has the spring or gas ram been replaced?
- What exactly is included (magazines, fill probe, scope, mounts, moderator, bag)?
- Why are you selling?
- Can I see it in person and look at it before paying?
An honest seller will answer happily. Vague answers, or a refusal to meet, are warning signs.
Step 5: Check the rifle in person
All rifles
- General condition: look for rust, deep scratches, dents and signs of being dropped. Check the stock for cracks, especially around the action and pistol grip.
- Barrel: look down the muzzle (from a safe angle, with the rifle unloaded and uncocked) for damage. Check the crown is not dented.
- Trigger and safety: check the safety works and the trigger releases cleanly.
- Screws: damaged or chewed screw heads suggest amateur work.
- Serial number: note it. A missing or filed-off serial number is a red flag.
Springers and gas rams
- Cocking: it should be smooth and even. Grinding, scraping or a very weak stroke suggests problems.
- Firing: a loud twang or a lot of vibration means a tired spring or dry piston seal.
- Lock-up: on break-barrels, the barrel should lock up tight with no side-to-side play.
- Breech seal: it should not be flattened, cracked or missing.
PCPs
- Air leaks: ask the seller to fill the rifle in advance and check the gauge when you arrive, or fill it and leave it overnight if you buy. A slow drop means the seals need work.
- Gauge: check it works and reads sensibly.
- Magazine: check it indexes cleanly and feeds pellets.
- Fill probe: make sure it comes with the rifle, because they are often model-specific.
- Regulator: if fitted, ask about its service history.
Step 6: Test it if you can
If the seller has safe space, ask to shoot a few pellets at a target. Many sellers are happy to meet at a club or gun shop. Some gun shops will also check a rifle on a chronograph for a small fee, which confirms it is legal.
Step 7: Pay safely
- Pay when you collect, once you have seen the rifle.
- Never pay by bank transfer to someone you haven’t met for a rifle they say they will post or send by courier. This is the most common scam.
- Be wary of prices that are far too low, pressure to pay quickly, or sellers who say they are away and will use a “delivery agent”.
- Keep your messages on FreeGunAds so there is a record.
Read our full guide: protect yourself from fraud.
Step 8: After you buy
- Get it checked on a chronograph if it hasn’t been already.
- Store it safely, away from children, and keep pellets separately.
- Consider a service if you don’t know its history.
- Set up your scope properly and zero it at the range you plan to shoot.
Common questions
Is it safe to buy a used air rifle?
Yes, if you check it carefully, buy face to face and stay within the law. Most used rifles are sold by enthusiasts who have looked after them.
What should I pay for my first air rifle?
A good used springer can cost well under £200, and a good used PCP often costs £300 to £600 plus a pump or bottle. See the price tables in our brand guides.
Should I buy a rifle with a scope?
Often yes, because it saves money. Check the scope is clear, the reticle is straight and the mounts suit the rifle.
Find your next rifle
Browse used air rifles for sale and set a search alert to hear about new ads. Selling your old one? List it free.
Looking to buy or sell? See Air Guns for Sale UK (249 ads). Listing your own is free.
