Air rifles

Choose your air rifle by powerplant

The powerplant determines how the rifle is cocked or supplied with compressed gas. It also affects the equipment, consumables and maintenance it needs.

Which air rifle should you buy?

Whether you are buying your first air rifle or adding to your equipment, start with handling and intended use. Muzzle energy and advertised velocity do not tell you everything about a rifle.

• Experience and comfort: compare weight, length, balance, stock fit and cocking effort. The rifle should be comfortable for you to handle.
• Type of shooting: for target practice, consider the sights, trigger and options for fitting a compatible scope.
• Single-shot or multi-shot: a magazine holds several pellets, but you may still need to cock the rifle or operate a bolt or lever between shots.
• Existing equipment: if you choose PCP, establish how you will fill the reservoir. For CO₂, factor in the cost of compatible capsules.
• Total budget: include the accessories you need and compare the actual contents of each set.
• Compatibility and spares: magazines, filling connectors, mounts and spare parts must match the model, generation and calibre.

Air rifle calibres: .177, .22 and .25

The calibre and ammunition type must match the selected rifle and the manufacturer’s specifications. No single calibre is the best choice for every shooter or discipline.

.177 (4.5 mm)

This calibre is widely used for target shooting and training, with a broad choice of diabolo pellets. Compare the rifle, sights and suitable ammunition for your discipline.

.22 (5.5 mm)

Many spring-piston, gas-ram and PCP rifles are available in .22. Pellets come in different weights and head shapes; check the manufacturer’s guidance and any magazine restrictions.

.25 (6.35 mm)

Browse the relevant models in our .25 air rifle range. Check the exact rifle specification and ammunition characteristics before comparing performance with other calibres.

Trajectory also depends on pellet weight, shape and velocity. Avoid choosing solely by calibre or advertised muzzle energy.

Air rifle brands at CARBIN

Explore the brand categories to compare their models. Each product page provides details of the powerplant, available calibres and equipment included with the selected version.

• Gamo air rifles
• Cometa air rifles
• Norica air rifles
• Hatsan air rifles
• Snowpeak air rifles
• FX Airguns PCP rifles
• Diana air rifles
• BSA air rifles
• Stoeger air rifles
• Kral Arms PCP rifles
• Reximex
• Crosman air rifles

Air rifle pellets, scopes and accessories

Choose accessories to suit the specific rifle and your intended use. Scopes, magazines and charging systems are not universally interchangeable.

• Air rifle pellets: check calibre, projectile type and any restrictions on pellet length when using a magazine.
• Air rifle scopes: the scope, mounts and rail must be compatible. For spring-piston and gas-ram rifles, confirm that the scope is rated for their recoil cycle.
• PCP compressors: check fill pressure, connections and the reservoir manufacturer’s instructions.
• Air rifle magazines: select by exact model, generation and calibre.
• Targets and pellet traps: use a backstop suitable for the projectile and the rifle’s energy.
• Air rifle cases: check the internal dimensions, particularly when a scope is fitted.

Find more equipment in our airgun accessories range. For cleaning and maintenance, use suitable products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.