How to Choose an Air Rifle (2026 Guide)

How to choose an air rifle depends on what you intend to use it for. Recreational shooting in the garden requires a different type than precision target shooting or pest control. In this guide, you will find everything you need to make the right choice.

Who this guide is not for

This article focuses on classic air rifles for recreational and sport shooting. You will not find information about:

Airsoft guns - these have their own specifics and rules, see the airsoft category
Self-defence weapons - an air rifle is not suitable for defensive purposes
Professional competition rifles - Olympic disciplines require specialist equipment costing tens of thousands of euros
Big game hunting - hunting large game with an air rifle is prohibited in most countries; this article covers pest control only

Types of air rifles by powerplant

Air rifles fall into four main categories based on how they generate pressure to propel the pellet. Each type has specific characteristics, advantages, and limitations.

Spring-piston air rifles

Spring-piston air rifles work by means of a compressed spring that, when released, drives a piston and generates air pressure. Cocking is done by breaking the barrel or using a side lever.

Advantages: Low price (from ~€40), no running costs, simple maintenance
Disadvantages: Recoil affects accuracy, must be cocked before each shot
Suitable for: Beginners, recreational shooting

Air rifle Hatsan 125 Sniper cal.5,5mm FP

Air rifle Hatsan Striker Edge cal. 4.5mm FP SET

Air rifle Marlin Lever Action Rifle 4,5 mm

Gas-piston air rifles (IGT, Vortex, Gas Ram)

Gas-piston air rifles replace the traditional spring with a pressurised gas cylinder. The result is quieter operation, less recoil, and more consistent power. The Vortex (Hatsan) and IGT (Gamo) systems are among the most popular.

Advantages: Less recoil than a spring, quieter, can be left cocked
Disadvantages: Higher price than a traditional spring
Suitable for: Recreational shooters looking for greater comfort

PCP air rifles

PCP air rifles (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) use a reservoir of compressed air. Filling is done with a hand pump or a high-pressure cylinder. A single fill can deliver between 30 and 300 shots depending on the model.

Advantages: Highest accuracy, minimal recoil, rapid follow-up shots
Disadvantages: Higher purchase price, need for a pump or charging cylinder
Suitable for: Sport shooting, pest control, advanced shooters

Air rifle Snowpeak T-REX cal. 6.35mm FP

Air rifle Walther Rotex RM8 Varmint UC cal. 5.5mm

Air rifle Crosman Pumpmaster 760 SET cal. 4.5mm

CO2 air rifles

CO2 air rifles are powered by disposable carbon dioxide cartridges. They offer quick readiness to fire without the need for cocking.

Advantages: No cocking required, low recoil, compact dimensions
Disadvantages: Running costs (cartridges), temperature dependence (power drops below 10 °C)
Suitable for: Recreational shooting, training, shorter distances

Air rifle Umarex 850 M2 Target Kit cal. 4.5mm

Air pistol SPA Artemis CP2 cal. 4.5mm

Air rifle TAC4.5 cal. 4.5mm

Air rifle type comparison

Type	Accuracy	Price	Running Costs	Recoil
Spring-piston	Lower	From €40	Minimal	High
Gas piston	Medium	From €120	Minimal	Medium
PCP	Highest	From €320	Medium	Minimal
CO2	Medium	From €80	Higher	Low

Why is PCP more accurate?

According to tests by Air Arms, PCP air rifles achieve consistent precision thanks to minimal variations in pellet velocity. Compressed air delivers stable pressure with every shot. A high-quality PCP air rifle will place 10 shots within a 15 mm circle at 40 metres.

Spring-piston air rifles require a specific holding technique. The spring vibrates after firing and affects the pellet's trajectory. The shooter must hold the rifle in the same way for every shot to achieve consistent results. According to Airgun World, an experienced shooter can achieve accuracy comparable to PCP with a well-chosen springer, but it takes years of practice.

Choosing by purpose

Recreational garden shooting

For plinking at cans and targets up to 20 metres, a spring-piston or CO2 air rifle in .177 caliber (4.5 mm) will suffice. Air rifles in the sub-16 J range will cover most recreational needs. If you plan to shoot more frequently, a gas-piston model will provide a more pleasant experience thanks to reduced recoil.

Target shooting

For precision target shooting at 10 metres, choose air rifles with power up to 7.5 J. This is the limit set by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) for Olympic disciplines. PCP air rifles dominate the competition categories thanks to their consistent power and minimal recoil.

For shooting at 25-50 metres, choose a power level of 16-24 J. A PCP system will ensure a stable pellet trajectory even at longer distances.

Pest control

For pest control (rats, pigeons), choose .22 caliber (5.5 mm) with power above 24 J. According to Umarex, a minimum of 14 J (10 ft-lbs) is needed for small pest control. For predators and larger pests, they recommend 27-80 J (20-60 ft-lbs).

PCP air rifles with a pressure regulator offer the precision and effectiveness required. According to Hatsan, spring-piston air rifles achieve an effective hunting range of 18-27 metres, while PCP models exceed 90 metres for experienced shooters. For ethical pest control, shot placement accuracy is key, not just power.

Air rifle calibers

The choice of caliber affects accuracy, range, and impact energy. The most common calibers available are 4.5 mm (.177), 5.5 mm (.22), and 6.35 mm (.25).

4.5 mm (.177)

The most popular caliber for target shooting and recreation. You can find the full range in the air rifles category. Diabolo pellets weigh 0.45-0.68 g (7-10.5 grain) and achieve higher velocity than heavier calibers. According to The Airgun Centre, a .177 pellet travels approximately 60 m/s faster than a .22 pellet from the same air rifle. The flatter trajectory makes aiming easier at distances up to 30 metres.

5.5 mm (.22)

Heavier diabolo pellets (0.7-1.2 g / 11-18 grain) transfer more energy to the target. According to tests by Crosman, .22 caliber delivers approximately 20% more energy than .177 at the same air rifle power. A better ballistic coefficient means less wind drift at longer distances. For effective pest control, choose air rifles with power above 24 J.

6.35 mm (.25)

The largest commonly available caliber. You can find the full range in the air rifles category. High impact energy for controlling larger pests. Requires powerful PCP air rifles above 40 J to fully exploit its potential.

Which caliber to choose?

Purpose	Recommended Caliber	Reason
Target shooting up to 25 m	4.5 mm (.177)	Flatter trajectory, cheaper ammunition
Recreational shooting	4.5 mm or 5.5 mm	Universal use
Small pest control	5.5 mm (.22)	Higher impact energy
Larger pest control	6.35 mm (.25)	Maximum effectiveness

Legal Considerations

Air rifle regulations vary by country. Always check your local laws regarding purchase, ownership, and use of air rifles.

General guidelines

In most EU countries, air rifles below a certain energy limit (commonly between 7.5 J and 24 J, depending on the country) are available without a firearms licence. Above that threshold, registration or a permit may be required. Minimum age requirements also vary but are typically 18 years.

Where can you shoot?

Common rules across most jurisdictions include:

Private property - generally permitted if a safe backstop is in place
Shooting ranges - always a safe and legal option
Private land - with the landowner's permission and appropriate safety measures

Typically prohibited:

In public places
In forests and parks (unless specific permits apply)
In any location where other people could be endangered

Important: The determining factor is usually muzzle energy in joules, not the caliber. Always verify the specific regulations that apply in your country before purchasing or using an air rifle.

What to look for when choosing

Weight and ergonomics

A heavier air rifle (3.5-4.5 kg) better absorbs recoil and stabilises aim. For younger or beginner shooters, choose lighter models (2.5-3 kg). Check how the stock fits and whether you can comfortably reach the trigger.

Sights

Basic open sights (front bead and rear notch) are sufficient for recreational shooting up to 20 metres. For longer distances and more precise shooting, you can equip your air rifle with a riflescope. Most air rifles feature an 11 mm dovetail rail or a Weaver/Picatinny rail.

Trigger

A high-quality trigger with a short and clean pull improves accuracy. More expensive models offer an adjustable trigger pull weight. On cheaper air rifles, the trigger tends to be heavier with a longer travel.

Barrel

A rifled steel barrel with high-quality manufacturing ensures precision. Barrel length affects pellet velocity and stability. For precision shooting, choose models with a fixed barrel (not a break-barrel).

Air rifle brands

There are dozens of air rifle brands on the market. Here are the most popular manufacturers.

Premium brand

Epic Airguns (Czech Republic) is a Czech brand focused on manufacturing premium PCP air rifles. Their models are built with an emphasis on precision and build quality. They represent an interesting alternative to other international brands, with the advantage of dedicated support and service.

Mid-range

Gamo (Spain) is the world's largest manufacturer of spring-piston air rifles. Their IGT (gas piston) system offers quieter operation and reduced recoil. The Shadow and CFX models are among their best sellers.

Hatsan (Turkey) produces air rifles with a good price-to-quality ratio. Their Vortex (gas piston) system competes with more expensive brands. The AT44 and Flash models are among popular PCP air rifles.

Budget-friendly brands

Crosman (USA) and Umarex (Germany) offer affordably priced air rifles for recreational shooting. Suitable for beginners and occasional shooters.

Air rifle maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your air rifle and preserves accuracy.

Barrel cleaning

After every 500-1,000 shots, pull a cleaning cloth or patch through the barrel. Do not use aggressive solvents. Remove lead deposits from diabolo pellets with a soft brush. Dry the barrel before shooting.

Lubrication

Spring-piston air rifles require lubrication of the piston seal every 1,000-2,000 shots. Use oil specifically designed for air rifles. Excessive lubrication reduces power and can damage the seal.

PCP air rifles need regular inspection of O-rings and seals. If you notice an air leak, replace the seal. Use silicone oil compatible with high pressure.

Storage

Store in a dry environment at room temperature. Do not leave a spring-piston air rifle cocked for extended periods. Store a PCP air rifle with 50-100 bar of pressure to protect the seals. Protect optics from impacts.

Recommended accessories

Airgun pellets - high-quality ammunition significantly affects accuracy
Riflescope - for shooting at distances beyond 20 metres
Sound moderator - for quieter shooting in the garden
Pellet traps and targets - safe pellet capture during shooting
Cleaning kit - regular maintenance extends lifespan

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What air rifle is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend a spring-piston air rifle or a gas-piston model in .177 caliber (4.5 mm) with power up to 16 J. It offers low purchase and running costs and is forgiving of errors in shooting technique.

Do I need a licence for an air rifle?

In most EU countries, air rifles below a certain energy limit can be purchased without a firearms licence. However, regulations differ from country to country. Always check the specific laws that apply in your jurisdiction.

Can I shoot in my garden?

In many countries, yes, provided your property has an adequate backstop and safety measures in place. Be considerate of your neighbours and check your local regulations.

What is the difference between PCP and a spring-piston air rifle?

A PCP air rifle uses a reservoir of compressed air, has minimal recoil, and offers the highest accuracy. A spring-piston air rifle is cheaper but has noticeable recoil and lower precision.

What power level should I choose?

For target shooting at 10 m, 7.5 J is sufficient. For recreational shooting up to 30 m, choose 16 J. For pest control or shooting at longer distances, choose 24 J or more.

How often should I clean my air rifle?

After every 500-1,000 shots, pull a cleaning cloth through the barrel. PCP air rifles require regular seal inspections. Store in a dry environment.

Next steps after choosing your air rifle

Have you chosen your air rifle? These articles will help you with further equipment and care:

How to improve shooting accuracy? - 7 practical tips for better groupings
What ammo for an air rifle? - A guide to choosing diabolo pellets by shooting type and caliber
What scope for an air rifle? - How to choose optics for precision shooting
Air rifle accessories - A complete guide to accessories (PCP pumps, scopes, moderators, targets)

Air rifle regulations vary by country. Always check your local laws regarding purchase, ownership, and use of air rifles. This article is for informational purposes only. For specific situations, we recommend consulting the relevant authorities in your country.