So you want to buy a precharged pneumatic airgun but you don't have a lot of money to spend. What's the answer? Matthew Clark, editor of Sporting Gun, advises how to buy relatively inexpensive air rifles and picks some out ...
Buying a precharged pneumatic airgun (PCP) isn’t cheap. First off there is the rifle, which will cost a few hundred pounds. Then there’s the scope plus the air bottle or pump and that’s going to be around £200.
The good news is that after the initial outlay you’ll be set up to enjoy relatively cheap and accurate shooting, whether you’re off target shooting or dealing with pest control.
I’ve looked around for relatively inexpensive PCP air rifles. Here’s my list of five multi-shot airguns bargains under £700.
S410 Carbine
AIR ARMS S410 Carbine
This 10-shot rifle has been around for a good few years, which means it is tried and tested. The traditional bolt action is great fun to use, although you can inadvertently double load the rifle. The newer S510 model with its side-lever overcomes this problem, but will cost you a bit more money. The S410 is incredibly accurate and British firm, Air Arms, make sure the rifle is built to last, so it’s an ideal investment. Pop a silencer on the end and you will soon get on top of a plague of rabbits.
Summary: A reliable, accurate British-made rifle
Specs:
Calibre: .177 and .22
Magazine capacity 10
Cost: around £719
BSA Ultra XL
BSA Ultra XL
This fine carbine by BSA offers more shots per fill thanks to a slightly longer reservoir. However its compact dimension makes it ideal for shooting in the confines of a hide, or when ratting in a barn. Its cold hammer forged barrel is made by BSA in Birmingham and ensures great accuracy. The thumbhole stock comes with a riseable cheek piece, making eye to scope alignment perfect, which also ensures accuracy.
Summary: This little gun punches above its weight when it comes to a hard-hitting airgun in the field
Specs:
Calibre: .177, .22, .25
Magazine capacity 10
Cost: around £570
Hatsan AT44-10
Hatsan AT44-10
One of the most popular PCPs on the market and it’s not hard to see why. Packed with features, like the elevation and fit adjustable butt pad, the pressure gauge, the dovetail for 11mm and 22mm dovetail rings all come in an airgun that costs under £500. The Quattro trigger is crisp and adjustable, which aids accuracy and the rifle also has a resettable and automatic safety catch. The gun is cocked and loaded with a lever mechanism, which prevents double-loading and has a ten shot magazine.
Summary: A great PCP and an excellent price!
Specs:
Calibre: .177 and .22
Magazine capacity: 10
Cost: Around £430
Weihrauch HW110
Weihrauch HW110
Since being launched to the Weihrauch range, the HW110 has taken the airgun scene by storm and it’s not hard to see why. The competitive price combined with solid German engineering means this 10-shot rifle is great value for money. It’s two-stage match trigger, manual safety, integral pressure gauge and soft touch stock make it an ideal hunting companion. Being well balanced it doesn’t feel too heavy when you are carrying it in the field and the rifle comes on aim easily.
Summary: A stunning bit of kit for a great price
Specs:
Calibre: .177 and .22
Magazine capacity 10
Cost: Around £650
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Webley Raider
Webley Raider
The Webley Raider comes packed with features and at under £500, this makes it great value for money. There is an air pressure gauge, adjustable trigger and it comes supplied with two magazines. The .177 version is has a 14-shot mag and the .22 is 12-shot. There is also an integrated Quantum silencer version available.
Summary: This is a stunning air rifle for under £500
Specs:
Calibre: .177 and .22
Magazine capacity 14-shot in .177 and 12-shot in .22
Cost: Around £495