16-Oct-2026
The BSA Ultra has been one of the best-known compact pre-charged pneumatic air rifles in the UK for years, and the name now covers a small family rather than a single rifle. Search for an Ultra, and you will meet the standard Ultra, the Ultra SE and the Ultra CLX, often with a handful of older variants thrown in. They look similar from across a field, which is exactly why buyers get confused.
This guide explains how the family fits together, who each version suits, and how to approach a used example. It is deliberately general on specifications: BSA has revised these rifles over the years, and the details that matter most (regulator, magazine, calibre, stock and power) vary from rifle to rifle. Always read the listing carefully and ask the seller about anything that is unclear.
Why the Ultra family is so popular
The appeal is simple. An Ultra is short, light, and easy to carry, which makes it a natural choice for rough shooting around the farm, pest control in tight cover, or shooting from a vehicle or hide where a long barrel is a nuisance. It is a PCP, so you get a crisp, repeatable shot cycle without the recoil of a spring rifle, and a multi-shot magazine lets you reload quickly.
For many shooters, the Ultra is also a sensible second rifle. If you already own a full-length sporter, a compact PCP fills the gap for quick outings and awkward spaces. If it is your first PCP, it is worth remembering that you will need a way to fill it, whether a hand pump, a dive cylinder or a compressor, so factor that into your budget alongside the rifle itself.
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The standard BSA Ultra
The original Ultra is the baseline against which the others are judged. It is the compact, no-nonsense option, and because it has been around so long there are plenty on the second-hand market. That is good news for value, but it also means condition and history matter more than the badge.
When you view a used standard Ultra, check which generation you are looking at, whether it has a regulator, and how it is set up for filling. Older rifles may have had seals replaced, or fittings changed, and a service history is worth far more than a seller’s reassurance. Ask how it has been stored and whether it has been kept clean and dry.
A used standard Ultra suits the buyer who wants a compact PCP at a sensible price and is happy to inspect carefully. If you are not confident judging a PCP, take someone experienced with you or buy from a seller who can explain the rifle’s history.
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The BSA Ultra SE
The Ultra SE is usually the version buyers mean when they search for a “better” Ultra. It is generally sold as a more refined take on the compact formula, and it tends to attract more attention from shooters who want the handling of the Ultra with a more polished package. If you have read our BSA Ultra SE review, you will know the SE has built a loyal following.
The practical question is whether the extras justify the difference in price on the day. Compare like with like: calibre, magazine, stock, any included accessories and, above all, condition. A tidy standard Ultra with a good history can be a better buy than a tired SE, and a well-kept SE is often worth paying a little more for.
If you are choosing a calibre, think about what you will use it for. The usual UK split applies: .177 for target work and general-purpose shooting, .22 where more pellet weight suits pest control.
Browse: BSA Ultra · BSA CLX · BSA R10 · Air-Arms S510 · Weihrauch HW100
The BSA Ultra CLX
The CLX name tends to appear on BSA’s more modern, higher-specification compact rifles, and it is where buyers often look when they want a contemporary take on the Ultra idea. Listings for CLX models regularly mention features that older rifles lack, so read each description rather than assuming.
Because the family has several CLX variants, take particular care when comparing. Two rifles with similar names can differ in stock, magazine and set-up, and that can move the price noticeably. Ask for photographs of the rifle as it stands, not stock images, and confirm what is included in the sale.
If you are weighing the CLX against a full-size rifle, think about how you really shoot. A compact PCP is a joy for quick, flexible shooting, but if most of your outings involve longer shots from a rest, a longer-barrelled sporter may suit you better. Our comparison of the BSA R10 and Weihrauch HW100 is a useful next step.
Browse: BSA CLX · BSA R10 · BSA Scorpion · BSA air rifles · Thermal and optics
What to check on a used Ultra
Whichever version you choose, the same checks apply. Start with the basics: is the rifle clean, is the finish consistent, and does the seller know its history? Look at the muzzle and the crown for damage, check the stock for cracks or movement, and make sure the magazine is present, fits properly, and cycles smoothly.
Ask about the air system. A PCP depends on its seals and fill fittings, so find out when it was last serviced, how it has been filled, and whether it holds pressure over a day or two. A rifle that loses air quickly may only need new seals, but you should know before you pay. Check that the pressure gauge reads sensibly and that any regulator is working as it should.
Accuracy matters most, so ask whether you can see the rifle shoot or whether the seller has recent groups to show. Be wary of a rifle sold with a scope that is not mentioned in the listing, and always confirm what is included. Finally, be realistic about accessories: a good scope, a fill method, and a safe, secure place to store the rifle are all part of the true cost.
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Which BSA compact PCP is right for you?
If you want the lowest entry price and are happy to inspect carefully, a standard Ultra is a sound starting point. If you want the refined version that many UK shooters ask for by name, the Ultra SE is the one to watch for. If you prefer a more modern specification and are prepared to read listings closely, look at the CLX models.
In every case, condition and history outweigh the label. A well-looked-after rifle from a seller who can explain it is worth more than a bargain with unanswered questions. And remember that if you are only starting out with PCPs, a compact rifle is a lovely thing to own, but it should be chosen for the way you will actually shoot.
FAQ
What is the difference between a BSA Ultra and an Ultra SE? The SE is generally positioned as a more refined version of the compact Ultra, but specifications have varied over the years. Compare the exact details in each listing, including regulator, magazine, stock, and calibre, rather than relying on the name alone.
Is a used BSA Ultra a good buy? It can be, provided it has been looked after. Ask about servicing, check that it holds air, inspect the stock and muzzle, and confirm what is included in the sale.
Which calibre should I choose? .177 is the usual choice for target and general shooting, while .22 is popular for pest control. Choose according to what you will use the rifle for.
Do I need extra equipment for a PCP? Yes. You will need a way to fill it, such as a hand pump, dive cylinder or compressor, plus a decent scope and secure storage.
Ready to find your Ultra?
Browse the latest BSA Ultra, Ultra SE and CLX listings on Rightgun.uk, or list your own compact PCP and reach UK air-rifle buyers who are searching for exactly this rifle.
Further reading: BSA Ultra SE review, BSA R10 complete guide, Best PCP air rifles by budget, and BSA R10 vs Weihrauch HW100.
