Air Rifle Accessories: Complete Guide 2026

What You Need for an Air Rifle -- Essential Equipment

Let us start with the most important question: what do you really need to buy right away, and what can you add later.

Absolute Necessities

Ammunition (pellets or BB balls)
You will not get far without ammunition. You need pellets matching the calibre of your air rifle -- most commonly 4.5mm (calibre .177) or 5.5mm (calibre .22). High-quality lead pellets from JSB Match Diabolo cost around €11/500 pieces. One pack is enough to start with.

CO2 cartridges (if you have a CO2 air rifle)
CO2 air rifles need small pressurised cartridges to fire. The standard is 12g cartridges at around €0.50/piece, which last for 40-80 shots. More powerful models use larger 88g cartridges (around €9/piece).

What We Recommend Buying Soon

Targets and pellet trap
For safe and proper shooting, you need a target. Paper targets 14x14cm (standard size) sell for around €3 per pack of 100. A better investment is a pellet trap with a pyramid design (around €10-17), which stops pellets and allows reuse.

Basic cleaning kit
An air rifle requires maintenance. A cleaning kit includes a cleaning rod, brushes, and patches. Basic kits from Umarex cost around €12 and cover both 4.5mm and 5.5mm calibres in one set. Do not forget a good oil -- the most popular choice is Brunox Turbo Spray (around €7).

If you are just starting, an investment of €35-50 on basic equipment will suffice. As you progress, you can add optics, advanced components, and specialised accessories.

Ammunition: Pellets and Selection by Shooting Type

Ammunition quality directly affects accuracy. Pellets (lead projectiles with a distinctive shape) are the standard for accurate shooting, while steel BB balls are used mainly in cheaper replicas.

Pellet Types by Head Shape

Pellets differ in head shape, which determines their application:

Head Type	Shape	Best Use	Range	Accuracy at 25m
Flat (Wadcutter)	Flat surface	Sport target shooting at 10m	Short (up to 15m)	Excellent
Domed	Rounded	Universal, recreational shooting	Medium (up to 50m)	Very good
Pointed	Conical	Long-range shooting	Long (50m+)	Good
Hollow Point	With cavity	Hunting, energy transfer (where permitted)	Medium (up to 40m)	Very good

For beginners, we recommend domed pellets -- they are versatile and perform well at most distances.

Calibres and Compatibility

The most popular air rifle calibres:

• 4.5mm (.177) -- the most common, ideal for sport and recreation, higher velocity
• 5.5mm (.22) -- heavier projectile, better for longer distances and greater energy transfer
• 6.35mm (.25) -- for powerful PCP air rifles, hunting applications (where the law permits)

IMPORTANT: Always use pellets that exactly match your air rifle's calibre. Using the wrong calibre can damage the barrel.

Recommended Brands

JSB Match Diabolo -- BEST CHOICE
A globally recognised manufacturer. JSB pellets are considered the most accurate in the world and are used even by Olympic shooters. The "Exact" series is a bestseller -- thanks to consistent weight (±0.01g), flawless finish without burrs, and a wide range of calibres and weights. Price range: around €7-12/500pcs.

Models: JSB Exact (universal), JSB Exact Heavy (for more powerful air rifles 16J+), JSB Exact Monster (for PCP above 30J), JSB Match Diabolo (sport shooting).

Umarex (Germany) -- MID-RANGE
A German giant in the airgun world, offering a wide portfolio of pellets for all shooting types. Umarex Elite Force and Match Grade are popular for their consistent quality and availability. An ideal compromise between price and performance. Price: around €5-7/500pcs.

Gamo (Spain) -- BUDGET OPTION
A Spanish manufacturer offering good pellets at accessible prices. Gamo AccuTek and Pro Magnum are a solid choice for recreational and beginner shooters. Price: around €4-5/500pcs.

If you want to learn more about choosing the right ammunition, read our specialist article What Ammo for an Air Rifle.

Browse pellets in our e-shop

Optics: Riflescopes and Red Dots for Accurate Shooting

Iron sights (front sight and rear sight) are sufficient for shooting at 10-15 metres. If you want to shoot at longer distances and improve accuracy, a riflescope is an essential investment.

Scope vs red dot: A scope optically magnifies the target and displays it on a reticle. You can achieve 4x to 24x magnification depending on the model. A red dot sight does not magnify the target -- it simply projects a red dot on the lens for quick aiming, suitable for dynamic shooting at short distances.

Riflescope price range:

• Entry level (4x32 fixed): €17-50 (Gamo, Umarex)
• Mid-range (3-9x40 variable): €67-167 (Valiant)
• Premium (6-24x50, parallax, IR): €167-500+ (Hikmicro, Arken Optics)

Mounts and Rings -- The Key to Accuracy

A scope alone will not attach itself to your air rifle -- you need mounts (mounting rings). Here are some key parameters:

Rail type on the air rifle:

• 11mm dovetail -- standard on most European air rifles, a narrow rail without grooves
• 22mm Weaver/Picatinny -- a wider standardised rail with slots, more common on tactical models

Scope tube diameter:

• 25.4mm (1 inch) -- most common in entry to mid-range scopes
• 30mm -- in higher-end and more powerful optics
• 34mm -- premium segment

Mount height: Choose the lowest possible mount where the scope objective does not touch the rifle body. Low mount = smaller distance between the optical axis and barrel = more accurate shooting.

Material:

• Aluminium mount (€7-17) -- lightweight, sufficient for PCP and less powerful spring rifles
• Steel mount (€13-40) -- heavier, but necessary for powerful spring rifles with strong recoil

Recommended brands: Venox -- high-quality mounts at reasonable prices €7-26.

High-quality riflescopes for air rifles | Mounting rings

Maintenance and Cleaning: Extending Your Air Rifle's Lifespan

Regular maintenance will ensure your air rifle stays accurate and reliable for many years.

How Often to Clean an Air Rifle

Recommended frequency depends on the air rifle type:

• Spring rifles: After 1000-1500 shots fired
• PCP air rifles: After 500 shots (more frequently due to higher power)
• CO2 air rifles: After 800 shots + regular seal lubrication with silicone oil

If you notice a drop in accuracy or a shift in point of impact, it is time to clean -- even if you have not fired the recommended number of shots.

Cleaning Kits and Supplies

A quality cleaning kit includes:

• Brass cleaning rod (does not scratch the barrel)
• Brushes matching the calibre (brass or nylon)
• Patches (textile strips)
• Bore snake (quick cleaning without disassembly)
• Adapters for various calibres

Recommended kits:

• Umarex Set (around €12) -- a popular basic set with everything you need

Oils and lubricants:

• Brunox -- high-quality universal oil
• Silicone oil -- specially for CO2 air rifles (seal lubrication)

Step by Step: Basic Air Rifle Cleaning

1. Safety check -- Make sure the air rifle is unloaded (no pellet in the chamber), disconnect the CO2/PCP tank
2. Remove coarse debris -- A bore snake will remove most residue in a single pull
3. Wipe the barrel -- Apply a Ballistol-dampened patch to the rod, pull through the barrel 3-5 times (from breech towards muzzle)
4. Dry patch -- Remove excess oil with a dry patch
5. Check seals -- In CO2 and PCP rifles, inspect o-rings, lubricate with silicone oil
6. Storage -- Store the air rifle in a dry place, preferably in a case

Cleaning kits and maintenance products

PCP Air Rifle Accessories

PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles operate on high-pressure compressed air. They are the most accurate and powerful, but require specialised filling accessories.

Pumps and Compressors -- The Heart of the PCP System

Without a filling device, a PCP air rifle simply will not work. You have two options:

Hand pumps (around €100-267)
Mechanical pumps where you manually pump air into the rifle's tank.

• Hill MK5 (around €156) -- the gold standard, British quality, 4-stage pump up to 300 bar
• Venox PCP pumps (around €100) -- solid price-to-performance ratio
• Advantages: No running costs, portability (you can take it anywhere)
• Disadvantages: Physically demanding (100-150 pumps for a full fill), time-consuming

Hand pumps are a popular choice for budget-conscious shooters thanks to low initial cost (from around €100) and zero running expenses. They are an excellent choice for shooters with one or two PCP air rifles.

Electric compressors (around €330-667+)
Automatic compressors with an electric motor -- press a button and wait.

• Venox Kratos Air CS4-I (around €667) -- premium compressor with automatic shut-off
• Venox 12V 310BAR (around €330) -- entry-level compressor, sufficient for occasional filling
• Advantages: Convenience, speed (5-10 minutes for a full fill)
• Disadvantages: High purchase cost, requires power source, filter maintenance

Technical parameters:

• Max. pressure: 300-400 bar (3000-5800 PSI)
• Moisture filters: MANDATORY -- moisture condensation causes corrosion in the tank
• 3-4 stage pump = more efficient compression

Dive Tanks -- An Alternative to Compressors

Many dive shops offer filling services for PCP tanks up to 300 bar. A 300 bar dive tank is an excellent solution for shooters who do not want to invest in an expensive compressor. One tank allows dozens of air rifle fills, and the cost of refilling the tank at a dive shop is around €4-8.

Advantages of a dive tank:

• One-time tank purchase cost (around €160-300 for a 7-12L tank)
• Quick air rifle fill (30 seconds)
• No physical effort like with a hand pump
• Cheaper than an electric compressor

Filters, Pressure Gauges, and Accessories

Moisture filters / Desiccants Q35/Q37 (around €17-50)
During air compression, condensation (moisture) is produced. If it enters the air rifle's pressure tank, it causes corrosion and shortens its lifespan. Moisture filters are therefore essential.

• Lifespan: 15-25 hours of compressor operation
• Regeneration: Some filters can be dried in an oven (110°C, 2 hours)

Spare O-ring seals (around €2-7/set)
PCP systems operate at high pressure, and seals gradually wear out. Always keep a spare set on hand.

Adapters (around €7-20)
Different air rifles have different threads on the filling valve. Adapters ensure compatibility between your pump/compressor and your rifle.

Pressure gauges (around €10-33)
Precise measurement of tank pressure. High-quality pressure gauges are accurate and easy to read even in poor lighting conditions.

CO2 Systems and Accessories

CO2 air rifles are popular thanks to zero recoil, low noise levels, and ease of use.

12g and 88g Cartridges

12g cartridges -- the standard for most CO2 pistols and some rifles

• Price: around €0.35-0.65/piece (packs of 10-50 pieces)
• Shots per cartridge: 40-80 (depending on rifle power)
• Manufacturers: Borner, Umarex, Crosman, Gamo
• TIP: Buy in larger packs (50-100 pieces) -- you will save up to 30%

88g cartridges -- for powerful CO2 rifles

• Price: around €5-8/piece
• Shots per cartridge: 200-400 shots
• Less common, but more economical for intensive shooting

Storage: Store CO2 cartridges in a dry place at room temperature (15-25°C), away from direct sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C -- risk of explosion.

CO2 Air Rifle Maintenance

Silicone oil is key
CO2 has a drying effect on rubber seals. After every 10-15 cartridges, apply 1-2 drops of silicone oil to the valve before inserting a new cartridge. This extends seal lifespan and prevents gas leakage.

CO2 cartridges and accessories

Sound Moderators and Other Accessories

Sound moderators reduce the noise of the shot and improve shooting comfort. For air rifles, they are generally available without restrictions in many countries.

Sound Moderators (Silencers)

Top moderator brands:

• DonnyFL (USA) -- premium moderators with the highest efficiency, reducing noise by up to 60%. Price range €83-200
• Umarex -- entry-level moderators, available for €26-50

Technical parameters:

• 1/2x20 UNF thread -- the most common standard for air rifles
• M14x1.25 -- an alternative thread on some European models
• Calibre 4.5-7.62mm (choose based on your air rifle)
• Length 12-30cm (longer = quieter, but heavier)

Bipods and Rests for Stability

A bipod significantly improves accuracy when shooting from a seated or prone position.

Proven brands:

• Harris (USA) -- the gold standard among bipods, precision build, price €83-267
• Swagger -- solid construction for heavier PCP air rifles, €100-400
• Venox -- entry-level €10-26
• UTG -- mid-range with good price-to-performance ratio, €26-83

Types of bipods:

• With swivel -- allows tilting the rifle to the sides (suitable for uneven terrain)
• Without swivel -- rigid construction for maximum stability
• Telescopic legs -- adjustable height (6-13", 9-13", 13-23")

Mounting: 11mm dovetail (European air rifles) or 22mm Weaver/Picatinny

Sound moderators | Bipods

Targets, Pellet Traps, and Shooting Equipment

Safe and proper shooting requires appropriate equipment for stopping projectiles.

Targets for Various Shooting Types

Paper targets 14x14cm -- standard size for sport shooting
Ideal for accuracy training at 10-25 metres. A black target on a white background shows every hit. Price: around €5-10 per pack of 100.

Reactive targets -- fun for plinking
Metal or plastic targets that fall or spin when hit. Children and adults alike appreciate the instant feedback. Price: around €2-3/piece.

Exploding targets -- for a special effect
They burst in a colourful cloud when hit. Fun for events and videos. Price: around €3-5/piece (single-use).

Pellet Traps

Why invest in a pellet trap:

• Safety -- stops all projectiles, no ricochets
• Reusability -- you can retrieve pellets (though reuse is not recommended)
• Quiet -- dampens the sound of impact
• Portability -- a portable solution for different locations

Design:

• Pyramid design -- the most common type, pellets fall into a bottom container
• Box design -- an enclosed box with a dampening layer
• Net type -- lightweight, for less powerful air rifles up to 10J

Price range: €13-30 (basic), €33-100 (professional)

Brands: Beast Hunter, Umarex Perfecta, or build your own from metal sheets.

Protective Equipment

For air rifles, protective equipment is less critical than with firearms, but still strongly recommended.

Shooting glasses (€7-67)
Protection against ricochets or target fragments. Basic plastic ones are sufficient for recreation; professional polycarbonate lenses withstand even pellet impacts.

Ear protection (€10-167)
With air rifles, noise is not as severe, but:

• Passive (€10-26) -- foam ear muffs that dampen sound
• Active (€67-167) -- electronically amplify speech but block shots

Targets and pellet traps

Cases and Bags for Safe Transport

An air rifle should be transported safely -- both for protecting the weapon and for legal compliance.

Soft fabric bags (€10-26)
Basic protection against scratches. Fabric or nylon with a lining. Ideal for short trips from the car to the range. Lightweight and handy.

Padded bags (€26-67)
Foam padding protects the optics and rifle body during transport. Most have an external pocket for magazines and pellets. Shoulder strap for comfort.

Brands: Umarex, Venox, Crosman, Beast Hunter

Hard cases (€67-167+)
Maximum protection for expensive PCP air rifles with optics. Plastic or aluminium case with custom-fit foam. Waterproof, lockable.

Legal requirements: Always transport air rifles in a case or bag, with ammunition stored separately. Even if your local laws do not require a permit for your air rifle, follow this practice during transport by car or public transport. Always check your local regulations regarding transport of air rifles.

Choosing by use:

• Transport to the car -- a soft bag is sufficient
• Trip to the range -- a padded bag
• Air travel -- only a hard case
• Home storage -- bag + lock (if you have children)

Air rifle cases and bags

Accessories by Shooting Type

Different disciplines require different equipment. Choose based on your interest.

For Sport Shooting (10m Indoor)

Sport target shooting at 10 metres is an Olympic discipline with precise rules.

What you need:

• Match pellets with flat head -- JSB Match Diabolo Exact
• Paper targets 14x14cm -- standardised with a black circle
• Fixed 4x32 scope -- or iron sights (indoor is a short distance)
• Shooting glasses -- eye protection is mandatory also in sport
• Clean barrel -- at 10m, tenths of a millimetre matter

Air rifle power: Max. 7.5 J (limit for Olympic disciplines)

Investment: €67-133 (accessories, air rifle sold separately)

For Recreational Shooting (Plinking)

The most popular style -- casual, fun shooting in the garden or at the range.

What you need:

• Universal domed pellets -- budget Gamo or mid-range JSB Exact
• Reactive targets -- cans, spinner targets, colourful discs
• Pellet trap -- pyramid design for €17-30
• Basic 3-9x40 scope -- for fun at 15-40 metres

Air rifle power: 11-16 J (standard EU limit)

Investment: €50-100

For Advanced Shooters and Hunters (Where Permitted)

In some countries, hunting with air rifles is legal with specific power requirements. Always check your local regulations before hunting with an air rifle.

What you need:

• Heavy pellets -- JSB Exact Heavy, JSB Exact Monster (1.0-1.2g for 5.5mm)
• Pointed or hollow point heads -- better penetration and energy transfer
• PCP air rifle 30J+ -- long-distance shooting requires stability
• Scope 4-16x50 or 6-24x50 -- with parallax and IR illumination
• Bipod -- Harris or Swagger for stable prone shooting
• Rangefinder -- for precise distance estimation (100+ metres)

Air rifle power: 25-50 J (PCP category)

Investment: €267-667 (accessories only, PCP air rifle sold separately)

Starter Kits by Budget

Not sure where to start? These kits give you a clear overview of what to buy based on your budget.

Level	Equipment	Total Cost
Minimal	• JSB Exact 4.5mm pellets (500pcs) • Paper targets (50pcs) • Basic safety glasses	€17-27
Basic	• JSB Exact 4.5mm pellets (1000pcs) • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Soft gun bag • Basic pellet trap • Safety glasses	€50-83
Recommended	• JSB Exact 4.5mm pellets (3x500pcs various types) • 4x32 Gamo scope + mount • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Padded gun bag • Pyramid pellet trap • Paper targets 100pcs • Polarised safety glasses	€116-183
Advanced	• JSB test kit + 3x 500pcs Exact Heavy • Valiant Kronos 3-12x56 SIR FBR scope + Raven mount • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Hard case with foam • Professional pellet trap • Bipod • Umarex sound moderator • Safety glasses + ear protection	€267-500

For beginners, we recommend the "Basic" or "Recommended" level -- you have everything essential and room to grow. The advanced level is for shooters who already know what they want and plan intensive training or long-distance shooting.

Summary

Equipping your air rifle with the right accessories does not have to be complicated. Start with the basics (pellets, targets, protection), gradually add optics and maintenance, and over time expand based on your interests -- sport, recreation, or long-distance shooting.

Complete air rifle accessories are available in our range -- from basic kits for beginners to premium components for professionals. Have a question about your selection? Our team is happy to advise.

Ready for an upgrade? Browse:

Complete accessories range | Air rifles | Scopes and optics

Next Steps

Already have your accessories? These articles will help you improve your shooting skills:

• How to Improve Shooting Accuracy? - 7 practical tips for better hits
• What Ammo for an Air Rifle? - Pellet selection guide
• What Scope for an Air Rifle? - How to choose optics
• How to Choose an Air Rifle? - Complete selection guide