Air Rifle Accessories: Complete Guide 2025

What you need for an air rifle – the essentials

Let’s start with the most important part: what you really need to buy right away and what you can add later.

Absolute necessities

Ammunition (pellets or BBs)
You won’t get far without ammo. You need pellets that match your rifle’s caliber—most commonly 4.5 mm (.177) or 5.5 mm (.22). High-quality lead pellets from the Czech manufacturer JSB Match Diabolo cost about €13/500 pcs. One tin is enough to start.

CO2 cartridges (if you have a CO2 air rifle)
CO2 airguns require small pressurized cartridges. The standard is 12 g cartridges for about €0.60/pc, good for 40–80 shots. More powerful models use larger 88 g cartridges (about €10.80/pc).

What we recommend buying soon

Targets and pellet catcher
For safe and lawful shooting you need a target. Paper targets 14×14 cm (standard size) sell for about €3.60/100 pcs. A better investment is a pellet trap with a pyramid design (€11.50–€20.00) that catches shots and allows easy cleanup.

Basic cleaning kit
Air rifles require maintenance. A cleaning kit includes a cleaning rod, brushes and patches. Entry kits from Umarex start at about €14.80 and conveniently cover both 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm calibers in one set. Don’t forget a quality oil—the most popular here is Brunox Turbo Spray (about €7.60).

If you’re starting out, you can manage with an investment of €40–€60 for the basics. As you progress, you can add optics, advanced components and specialized accessories.

Ammunition: Pellets and how to choose by shooting style

Ammunition quality directly affects accuracy. Pellets (lead projectiles with a characteristic shape) are the standard for precision shooting, while steel BBs are used more with budget replicas.

Pellet head types

Pellets differ by head shape, which determines their use:

Head type	Shape	Best use	Distance	Accuracy at 25 m
Flat (Wadcutter)	Flat face	10 m sport target shooting	Short (to 15 m)	Excellent
Round-nose (Domed)	Rounded	Universal, recreational shooting	Medium (to 50 m)	Very good
Pointed	Conical	Longer distances	Long (50 m+)	Good
Hollow Point	With a cavity	Hunting, energy transfer (where legal)	Medium (to 40 m)	Very good

For beginners we recommend round-nose pellets—they’re versatile and work well at most distances.

Calibers and compatibility

Most common air rifle calibers:

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

IMPORTANT: Always use pellets that exactly match your rifle’s caliber. Using the wrong caliber can damage the barrel.

Recommended brands

JSB Match Diabolo (Czech Republic, Bohumín) ⭐ TOP CHOICE
A Czech manufacturer with worldwide recognition. JSB pellets are regarded as among the most accurate globally and are used by Olympic-level shooters. The “Exact” line is the bestseller—thanks to consistent weight (±0.01 g), clean manufacturing without burrs, and a wide range of calibers and weights. Price range: €8–€14/500 pcs.

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

Umarex (Germany) ⭐ MID-RANGE
The German airgun giant offers a broad portfolio of pellets for all types of shooting. Umarex Elite Force and Match Grade are popular for consistent quality and availability. An ideal balance of price and performance. Price: €6.50–€8.50/500 pcs.

Gamo (Spain) ⭐ VALUE PICK
The Spanish maker offers good pellets at fair prices. Gamo AccuTek and Pro Magnum are solid choices for recreational shooters and beginners. Price: €5.20–€6.00/500 pcs.

Browse pellets in our e-shop

Optics: Riflescopes and red dots for accurate shooting

Iron sights (front post and rear notch) are sufficient up to about 10–15 meters. If you want to shoot farther and improve precision, a riflescope is a must-have investment.

Riflescope vs. red dot: A scope optically magnifies the target and projects it onto a reticle. You’ll get 4× to 24× magnification depending on the model. A red dot doesn’t magnify; it projects a red dot on the glass for quick aiming—great for dynamic shooting at short distances.

Price ranges for scopes:

• Entry level (fixed 4×32): €20–€60 (Gamo, Umarex)
• Mid-range (variable 3–9×40): €80–€200 (Valiant)
• Premium (6–24×50, parallax, IR): €200–€600+ (Hikmicro, Arken Optics)

Mounts and rings – the key to accuracy

You can’t attach a scope without a mount (scope rings). Key parameters:

Rail type on the air rifle:

• 11 mm dovetail – the standard on most European air rifles, narrow groove without slots
• 22 mm Weaver/Picatinny – wider standardized system with cross-slots, more common on tactical models

Scope tube diameter:

• 25.4 mm (1″) – most common on entry to mid-range scopes
• 30 mm – on higher-end, more capable optics
• 34 mm – premium segment

Mount height: Choose the lowest mount that still keeps the objective from touching the rifle. Lower mount = smaller distance between optic axis and bore = better consistency.

Material:

• Aluminum (dural) mount (€8–€20) – lightweight, sufficient for PCP and lower-power springers
• Steel mount (€16–€48) – heavier, but necessary for powerful springers with strong recoil

Czech brands: Venox – quality mounts at reasonable prices €8–€32.

Quality air-rifle scopes | Scope rings & mounts

Maintenance and cleaning: Extend your air rifle’s lifespan

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

How often to clean an air rifle

Recommended frequency depends on the airgun type:

• Spring-piston air rifles: After 1,000–1,500 shots
• PCP air rifles: After 500 shots (more often due to higher power)
• CO2 air rifles: After 800 shots + regularly lube seals with silicone oil

If you notice a drop in accuracy or a shift in point of impact, it’s time to clean—even if you haven’t reached the shot count above.

Cleaning kits and supplies

A quality cleaning kit includes:

• Brass cleaning rod (won’t scratch the bore)
• Brushes matching the caliber (brass or nylon)
• Patches (textile strips)
• Bore snake (quick cleaning without disassembly)
• Adapters for different calibers

Recommended kits:

• Umarex Set (€14.50) – popular basic kit with everything needed

Oils and lubrication:

• Brunox – quality universal oil
• Silicone oil – especially for CO2 airguns (seal lubrication)

Step-by-step: Basic air rifle cleaning

1. Safety check – Ensure the rifle is unloaded (no pellet in the chamber); disconnect CO2/PCP source
2. Remove loose fouling – One pass with a bore snake removes most residue
3. Bore swabbing – Put a patch lightly moistened with Ballistol on the rod, push through the bore 3–5× (from breech to muzzle)
4. Dry patch – Remove excess oil with a dry patch
5. Seal check – On CO2 and PCP, inspect O-rings; lube with silicone oil
6. Storage – Store the rifle in a dry place, ideally in a case

Cleaning kits & maintenance products

Accessories for PCP air rifles

PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles run on pre-filled high-pressure air. They are the most accurate and powerful, but require specialized filling accessories.

Pumps and compressors – the heart of a PCP system

Without a filling device, a PCP rifle won’t work. You have two options:

Hand pumps (€60–€320)
Mechanical pumps that you operate manually to fill the rifle’s air reservoir.

• Hill MK5 (~€188) – gold standard, British quality, 4-stage pump up to 300 bar
• Venox PCP pumps (~€120) – Czech production, solid value
• Pros: No operating costs, mobile (take anywhere)
• Cons: Physically demanding (100–150 strokes to fill), time-consuming

Electric compressors (€400–€800+)
Motor-driven compressors—press a button and wait.

• Venox Kratos Air CS4-I (~€800) – premium compressor with auto shut-off
• Venox 12V 310 BAR (~€396) – entry-level compressor, fine for occasional fills
• Advantage: Convenience, speed (5–10 minutes to full)
• Disadvantage: Higher purchase price, needs electricity, filter maintenance

Technical parameters:

• Max pressure: 300–400 bar (3,000–5,800 PSI)
• Moisture filters: MANDATORY – condensation causes corrosion in the reservoir
• 3–4 stage pump = more efficient compression

Filters, gauges and accessories

Q35/Q37 moisture filters (€20–€60)
Compressing air creates condensate (moisture). If it enters the rifle’s pressure vessel, it causes corrosion and shortens service life. Moisture filters are therefore essential.

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

Spare O-ring seals (€2–€8/set)
PCP systems operate at high pressure—seals wear over time. Always keep a spare set.

Adapters (€8–€24)
Different air rifles use different fill-port threads. Adapters ensure compatibility between pump/compressor and your gun.

Pressure gauges (€12–€40)
Accurate measurement of reservoir pressure. Quality gauges are precise and readable even in poor light.

CO2 systems and accessories

CO2 airguns are popular for their negligible recoil, low noise and ease of use.

12 g and 88 g cartridges

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

• Price: €0.40–€0.80/pc (packs of 10–50)
• Shots per cartridge: 40–80 (depends on gun power)
• Manufacturers: Borner, Umarex, Crosman, Gamo
• TIP: Buy larger packs (50–100 pcs) to save up to 30%

88 g cartridges – for powerful CO2 rifles

• Price: €6–€10/pc
• Shots per cartridge: 200–400
• Less common, but more economical for intensive shooting

Storage: Keep CO2 cartridges dry at room temperature (15–25 °C), out of direct sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures above 50 °C—explosion risk.

CO2 airgun maintenance

Silicone oil is key
CO2 dries out rubber seals. After every 10–15 cartridges, apply 1–2 drops of silicone oil to the valve before installing a new cartridge. You’ll prolong seal life and prevent gas leaks.

CO2 cartridges & accessories

Sound moderators and other add-ons

Sound moderators reduce the report and improve shooting comfort.

Moderators (sound suppressors)

Top moderator brands:

• DonnyFL (USA) – premium moderators with top efficiency, reduce sound by up to ~60%. Price €100–€240
• Umarex – entry-level moderators, €32–€60

Technical parameters:

• Thread 1/2×20 UNF – the most common airgun standard
• M14×1.25 – alternative thread on some European models
• Caliber 4.5–7.62 mm (choose to match your rifle)
• Length 12–30 cm (longer = quieter, but heavier)

Bipods and rests for stability

A bipod significantly improves accuracy when shooting seated or prone.

Proven brands:

• Harris (USA) – gold standard, precise build, €100–€320
• Swagger – robust for heavier PCP rifles, €120–€480
• Venox (CZ) – Czech production, entry level €12–€32
• UTG – mid-range with good value, €32–€100

Bipod types:

• With cant – allows rifle to tilt sideways (great for uneven terrain)
• Fixed – rigid construction for maximum stability
• Telescopic legs – adjustable height (6–13″, 9–13″, 13–23″)

Mounting: 11 mm dovetail or 22 mm Weaver/Picatinny

Sound moderators | Bipods & rests

Targets, traps and range gear

Safe and lawful shooting requires proper equipment to catch pellets.

Targets for different styles

Paper targets 14×14 cm – standardized size for sport shooting
Ideal for precision training at 10–25 meters. A black bull on white shows every hit. Price: €6–€12/100 pcs.

Reactive targets – fun for plinking
Metal or plastic targets that fall or spin when hit. Kids and adults enjoy the instant feedback. Price: €2–€4/pc.

Explosive targets – for special effect
Pop with a colored puff when hit. Great for events and videos. Price: €3.20–€6/pc (single-use).

Pellet traps

Why invest in a trap:

• Safety – catches all shots; no ricochets
• Reusable – easy recovery and disposal of pellets
• Quiet – muffles impact noise
• Portable – easy to move between locations

Designs:

• Pyramid design – most common; pellets drop into the bottom compartment
• Box design – closed box with damping layer
• Net type – lightweight, for low-power airguns up to 10 J

Price range: €16–€36 (entry), €40–€120 (pro)

Brands: Beast Hunter, Umarex Perfecta—or build your own from sheet steel.

Protective gear

Protection is less critical than with firearms but still strongly recommended.

Shooting glasses (€8–€80)
Protection from ricochets or target fragments. Basic plastic is fine for recreation; pro polycarbonate models handle BB impacts.

Earmuffs (€12–€200)
Airguns are quieter, but:

• Passive (€12–€32) – foam cups reduce noise
• Active (€80–€200) – amplify speech, block shots electronically

Targets & traps

Cases and bags for safe transport

Air rifles must be transported safely—to protect the gun and to comply with regulations.

Soft fabric cases (€12–€32)
Basic scratch protection. Fabric or nylon with lining. Ideal for short trips from car to range. Light and compact.

Padded cases (€32–€80)
Foam padding protects optics and the rifle body in transport. Most have an outer pocket for magazines and pellets. Shoulder strap for comfort.

Brands: Umarex, Venox, Crosman, Beast Hunter

Hard cases (€80–€200+)
Maximum protection for expensive PCP rifles with optics. Plastic or aluminum with custom foam. Water-resistant, lockable.

Legal note: Always transport airguns in a case or cover, unloaded and separate from ammunition, and follow the laws of your country (including rules for transport in private cars and public transport).

Choose by use case:

• Transport by car – soft case is enough
• Trip to the range – padded case
• Air travel – hard case only
• Home storage – case + lock (if you have children)

Cases & bags for air rifles

Accessories by shooting style

Different disciplines need different gear. Choose based on what you enjoy.

For sport shooting (10 m indoor)

10-meter target shooting is an Olympic discipline with precise rules.

What you need:

• Match flat-head pellets – JSB Match Diabolo Exact
• Paper targets 14×14 cm – standardized with black bull
• Fixed 4×32 scope – or iron sights (10 m is short range)
• Shooting glasses – eye protection recommended for sport too
• Clean barrel – tenths of a millimeter matter at 10 m

Air rifle power: Max 7.5 J (typical Olympic limit)

Investment: €80–€160 (accessories; rifle not included)

For recreational shooting (plinking)

The most popular style—casual fun in the garden or at the range.

What you need:

• Universal round-nose pellets – cheapest Gamo or mid-range JSB Exact
• Reactive targets – cans, swingers, colored discs
• Pellet trap – pyramid design for €20–€36
• Basic 3–9×40 scope – for 15–40 meters

Air rifle power: 11–16 J (typical EU recreational range)

Investment: €60–€120

For advanced shooters and hunters (where legal)

In some countries, small-game hunting with air rifles is legal. Always follow the laws of your country. You can also train long-range precision on targets.

What you need:

• Heavy pellets – JSB Exact Heavy, JSB Exact Monster (1.0–1.2 g for 5.5 mm)
• Pointed or hollow points – better penetration and energy transfer
• PCP air rifle 30 J+ – stability for long distances
• Scope 4–16×50 or 6–24×50 – with parallax and IR illumination
• Bipod – Harris or Swagger for stable prone shooting
• Rangefinder – for accurate distance estimation (100+ m)

Air rifle power: 25–50 J (PCP class)

Investment: €320–€800 (accessories only; PCP rifle not included)

Starter kits by budget

Not sure where to start? These bundles give a clear overview of what to buy by budget.

Level	Equipment	Total price
Minimum	• JSB Exact 4.5 mm pellets (500 pcs) • Paper targets (50 pcs) • Basic safety glasses	€20–€32
Basic	• JSB Exact 4.5 mm pellets (1,000 pcs) • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Soft case • Basic pellet trap • Safety glasses	€60–€100
Recommended	• JSB Exact 4.5 mm pellets (3×500 pcs, different types) • 4×32 Gamo scope + mount • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Padded case • Pyramid pellet trap • 100 paper targets • Polarized safety glasses	€140–€220
Advanced	• JSB test kit + 3× 500 pcs Exact Heavy • Valiant Kronos 3–12×56 SIR FBR scope + Raven mount • Umarex cleaning kit • Brunox universal oil • Hard case with foam • Pro pellet trap • Bipod • Umarex sound moderator • Safety glasses + earmuffs	€320–€600

For beginners we recommend the “Basic” or “Recommended” level—you’ll have all the essentials and room to grow. The Advanced level is for shooters who know what they want and plan intensive training or long-range sessions.

Summary

Equipping your air rifle with the right accessories doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics (pellets, targets, protection), add optics and maintenance as you go, and later expand based on your focus—sport, recreation or long-range.

You’ll find the complete range of air-rifle accessories in our offer—from entry bundles for beginners to premium components for professionals. Have a question about choosing? Our team is happy to help.

Ready for an upgrade? Check out:

Full accessories selection | Air rifles | Scopes & optics