19-Aug-2026
Some air rifles come and go with the fashion; the Air Arms S510 just keeps selling. Built in Sussex by one of Britain’s most respected airgun makers, the S510 has been the default recommendation for a serious sporting pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) for the best part of two decades. If you’ve been searching for an S510 for sale in the UK, or trying to untangle the difference between the Carbine, Ultimate Sporter, Tactical and TDR, this guide covers what makes the rifle special, which variant suits you, and what to look for on the used market.
What is the Air Arms S510?
The S510 is Air Arms’ flagship multi-shot sporting PCP. It builds on the single-shot S400/S410 lineage; if you’re weighing those up, see our Air Arms S400 vs S410 comparison listings and range guide, adding a sidelever action that has become one of the smoothest and most satisfying in airgunning. Cycling the sidelever indexes a ten-shot rotary magazine, and the whole action operates with a precision that owners tend to describe in watchmaking terms.
The core recipe: a regulated or unregulated (depending on generation and variant) pre-charged pneumatic action, a Lothar Walther barrel with a well-earned reputation for accuracy, a two-stage adjustable trigger, and handsome woodwork, traditionally Minelli stocks in beech or walnut. In standard UK sub-12 ft·lb trim it holds a Section 1-free status like any legal-limit airgun, and FAC-rated versions exist for certificate holders who need more power for pest control at range.
The variants explained
S510 Carbine — the shorter, handier version and arguably the sweet spot for hide shooting and woodland stalking. Slightly reduced shot count against the full-length rifle, but the balance is superb.
S510 Ultimate Sporter — the deluxe of the range: adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad, laminate or walnut options, and a regulator on current models. This is the one for shooters who want a do-everything rifle that also wins the beauty contest at the club.
S510 Tactical — the modern take, with an adjustable synthetic tactical-style stock and M-LOK style accessory mounting. GSC search data shows UK interest in the Tactical rising sharply, and it’s easy to see why: all the S510 refinement in an all-weather package.
S510 TDR (Take Down Rifle) — the folding/takedown variant beloved of pest controllers who need a rifle that packs into a compact case. Used TDRs are keenly sought and rarely hang around long.
All variants come in .177 and .22, with .177 favoured for target work and hunting shooters split by preference; at sub-12 ft·lb energies, both do the job well within sensible ranges.
Accuracy and handling
There’s a reason the S510 is so often the rifle that ends someone’s search. The sidelever action is fast and certain, the trigger breaks cleanly, and the Lothar Walther barrel delivers the kind of consistency that makes ragged one-hole groups at 30 yards routine with decent pellets. Shot count per fill is generous in both calibres, and regulated versions hold velocity impressively flat across the charge.
Handling is classically English: the rifle points naturally, the stocks fill the hand properly, and even the full-length version carries well on a sling. Compared with continental rivals, the S510’s appeal has always been that it does everything very well with no vices, a rifle you buy once and keep.
S510 vs the competition
The obvious rival is the Weihrauch HW100, the other perennial answer to “which quality PCP should I buy?” Our live comparison, Air Arms S510 vs Weihrauch HW100, goes deep on that head-to-head; the short version is that both are outstanding and the choice usually comes down to feel and stock fit. Against Daystate’s electronic and high-end offerings, the S510 is the simpler, more traditional choice, and against budget PCPs, it justifies its price with build quality you can feel in every stroke of the sidelever. Shooters exploring the wider market should also browse our air gun listings to compare across brands.
Buying a used S510 in the UK
Search data tells its own story: “S510 second hand” and “S510 used” queries convert strongly on Rightgun.uk, because a used S510 is one of the smartest buys in airgunning. These rifles are long-lived and well cared for, and depreciation on a used example is minimal thereafter.
When viewing a used S510, check the usual PCP points. Confirm it holds air; a rifle that’s been left empty for long periods may need seals refreshed, which is routine work for an airgun specialist but worth pricing in. Inspect the sidelever and magazine indexing for smooth, positive function; check the woodwork for cracks at the wrist; and ask when it was last serviced and whether it’s running standard or has been chronographed recently (any legal-limit airgun should be confirmed under 12 ft·lb). A rifle with a recent service receipt, original box, and spare magazine is worth paying a little more for.
On price, used examples typically sit meaningfully below new list, depending on variant, age, and condition, Ultimate Sporters and TDRs command the strongest money. Compare a few current listings to get a feel for the market before you commit.
FAQs
Is the Air Arms S510 regulated? Current-generation Ultimate Sporter and Tactical models feature a regulator; earlier and standard models are unregulated but still notably consistent. Check the specific rifle’s generation when buying used.
Do I need a licence for an S510 in the UK? Standard sub-12 ft·lb versions can be owned without a certificate in England and Wales by those aged 18 or over, while Scotland requires an air weapon certificate. FAC-rated versions require a firearm certificate. See our guide to UK air rifle law and licensing for the full picture.
Which is better for hunting, .177 or .22 S510? Both are effective at legal-limit energies within appropriate ranges. .22 delivers more pellet mass and is the traditional hunting pick; .177 shoots flatter and is easier to range. Choose the one you shoot more confidently.
How many shots does an S510 get per fill? Shot count varies by variant, calibre and generation, but the S510 is known for generous counts, comfortably enough for a full hunting session. Regulated versions extend the consistent portion of the charge further.
Browse Air Arms S510 rifles on Rightgun.uk
Ready to find yours? Browse new and used Air Arms S510 listings on Rightgun.uk, including Carbine, Ultimate Sporter, Tactical and TDR variants, alongside the wider Air Arms range. And if you’re trading up, listing your current rifle takes minutes and puts it in front of the UK’s most engaged airgun audience.
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