Best air rifles under £100 in the UK: What you can realistically buy

A hundred pounds does not buy a premium air rifle, but it can buy a perfectly good one. The trick is knowing what to prioritise, what to avoid, and where the genuine bargains sit. For plenty of shooters, a sub-£100 air rifle is a first rifle for garden target practice, a training tool for a teenager under supervision, or a spare that lives in the boot of the car.

This guide explains what to expect at this budget, which types of air rifle make sense, and how to spot a good one on the new and second-hand market. Prices move around, so treat the £100 figure as a guide to the budget end of the market rather than a promise, and always check a listing’s exact price and condition.

What a £100 budget really buys

At this level, you are almost always looking at a break-barrel spring or gas-ram rifle, or a basic CO2 model. Pre-charged pneumatic rifles are generally a step up in cost, though used examples can occasionally appear near the top of the range.

You should expect a straightforward synthetic or basic wooden stock, open sights, and a plain finish. Scopes are often supplied as a package, but a bundled budget scope is rarely good enough to show off a rifle’s accuracy, so treat it as a starting point. The sensible plan is to buy the best rifle you can and upgrade the optics later.

If you are new to the hobby, our beginner’s guide to air rifle shooting in the UK covers safety, storage and the basics before you buy.

Browse: Air rifles · Gamo · SMK · Umarex · Crosman

Spring and gas-ram break-barrels

A break-barrel spring rifle remains the classic budget choice. You bend the barrel to cock the rifle, load a pellet, and shoot. There are no cylinders to fill and no gas to buy, which keeps running costs to the price of pellets.

Gas-ram versions replace the coiled spring with a gas piston, giving a different feel and a quieter cocking stroke. Both types can recoil in a way that surprises newcomers, and both reward good technique, particularly a relaxed hold. Spring rifles can be hold-sensitive, so a rifle that shoots poorly for one person may be excellent in another’s hands.

Cheaper break-barrels vary in cocking effort, so try one before you buy if you can. For a longer look at the genre, see our guide to the best spring air rifles in the UK.

Browse: Gamo · SMK · Webley and Scott · BSA Meteor · BSA Cadet

CO2 air rifles: Easy but with trade-offs

CO2 rifles are cheap to buy and easy to use, with no cocking effort and often a repeating magazine. They are good fun for informal target shooting and can be a gentle introduction for new shooters.

The downsides are consistency and weather. CO2 pressure changes with temperature, so velocity and point of impact can shift on a cold day. The small cartridges also add a running cost. If you plan to shoot outdoors in colder months, a spring rifle is usually the more reliable choice.

CO2 shines for plinking at short range, reactive targets and relaxed garden shooting, particularly when you want something that is quick to pick up and put down.

Browse: Umarex · Crosman · Crosman 2240 · Air rifles

Why second-hand often wins at this price

The biggest tip for buyers on a tight budget is to look at used rifles. An air rifle that cost significantly more when new can sometimes be found second-hand within a modest budget, and because spring rifles have few parts to wear, a well-cared-for used example can be an excellent buy.

Check that the rifle cocks smoothly, that the barrel lock-up feels firm, and that the rifle does not have excessive play at the pivot. Fire a few pellets into a safe backstop and listen for any grinding or rattling. Ask about its history and whether it has been serviced. Our guides to second-hand air rifle values and the best second-hand air rifles by budget show how to judge condition.

Used BSA, Webley and Diana rifles are well worth searching for, as established makes often have better build quality than the very cheapest new models.

Browse: BSA Meteor Super · BSA Cadet · Diana · Webley and Scott · BSA

Legal power limits and where you can shoot

In England and Wales, an air rifle at or below 12 ft·lb of muzzle energy does not need a firearm certificate, and every rifle in this price bracket should fall comfortably inside that limit. Scotland has its own air weapon licensing system, so Scottish buyers should check the current requirements before buying.

It is also essential to shoot only where you have permission and a safe backstop. A garden is not automatically suitable, so think about pellets that might pass your boundary. Use a proper pellet trap, store the rifle securely, and keep it out of reach of children.

If you want to step up in power and price later, our guide to the most powerful legal air rifles explains what the legal limit allows.

Browse: Air rifles · Safes and cabinets · Thermal and optics · Gun parts and accessories

A quick buying checklist

Choose a calibre first. The .177 is the popular choice for target work, while the .22 is often preferred for pest control, though pest control at sub-£100 prices should be approached with realistic expectations. Check the rifle’s cocking weight is manageable, look for a decent trigger, and make sure the sights are usable.

Set aside a small budget for pellets, a pellet trap, and a sensible scope or upgraded sights. Test different pellet brands, because every air rifle has favourites. Finally, compare a few listings. The same rifle can appear at quite different prices depending on condition and extras, so patience pays.

Browse: Gamo · SMK · Umarex · Diana · Air rifles

FAQ

What is the best air rifle under £100? There is no single best, but a break-barrel spring or gas-ram rifle from an established maker, bought new or second-hand, is the usual recommendation. Look for smooth cocking, a firm lock-up and a decent trigger.

Do I need a licence for an air rifle in the UK? In England and Wales, rifles at or below 12 ft·lb do not need a certificate. Scotland requires an air weapon licence, so check the current rules.

Is a CO2 or spring air rifle better for a beginner? Spring rifles are more consistent outdoors and cheaper to run. CO2 rifles are easier to cock and are fun at short range, but are affected by temperature.

Can I use a cheap air rifle for pest control? Some people do, but accuracy, power and ethics matter. A rifle in this bracket may not be the best tool, so consider stepping up if pest control is your main aim.

Find your next air rifle on Rightgun.uk

Browse air rifles from trusted UK sellers on Rightgun.uk, compare new and second-hand listings, and find a rifle that fits your budget. If you have an air rifle you no longer use, list it and reach UK buyers who are actively searching.

Further reading: Best air rifles under £200, £500 and £1,000, Best spring air rifles in the UK, Beginner’s guide to air rifle shooting and Best air rifles for pest control by budget.