20-Oct-2026
“How much is it?” is the first question every air rifle buyer asks, and the one that is hardest to answer with a single number. Look at the search data and you will see buyers typing in model-plus-price queries for the Air Arms S510, the Weihrauch HW100, the BSA R12 and the Weihrauch HW80 every week. The reason there is no neat answer is that the price of an air rifle depends on far more than the badge on the stock.
Rather than quote figures that will be out of date by the time you read them, this guide explains the price brackets these rifles sit in, what moves the price up or down, and what you will really spend once you add the extras. When you are ready to see live asking prices, the listings on Rightgun.uk show exactly what sellers want today.
The price brackets: Where each rifle sits
Think in three broad tiers. In the entry-to-mid bracket you will find good-value springers and older used PCPs. The mid-range holds many of the modern workhorse rifles that most UK shooters actually buy and keep. The premium bracket is where you find the best-regarded names, the most refined finishes and rifles with a loyal following.
The Weihrauch HW80 sits in the springer family, a powerful, well-liked break-barrel with a long track record. The HW100, the Air Arms S510, and the BSA R10 and R12 are PCPs, which is a different design: they run on compressed air from a bottle or pump rather than a spring, and they have a reputation for smooth, accurate shooting. Generally, a used springer of good make will cost less to get going than a PCP once you add the air source, though the best springers are far from cheap. Premium PCPs such as the S510 and HW100 tend to hold their value well, which is one reason they feature so often in buyer searches.
Our best air rifles under £200, £500 and £1,000 roundup is the best place to see how budgets map to rifles.
Browse: Air Arms S510 · Weihrauch HW100 · BSA R10 · BSA R12 · Weihrauch HW80
What drives the price of a used air rifle?
Condition comes first. A rifle with a clean bore, crisp metalwork and a smooth action will always command more than one with dents, rust or a worn stock. Service history is the second factor: a rifle that has been properly looked after, with documented work, is worth more than one with an unknown past.
Then comes specification. Calibre, power level, stock style, whether the rifle is regulated, and whether it has a shroud or moderator all feed into the price. Higher-power rifles that require a firearms certificate form their own market, and the paperwork matters for both buyer and seller. Extras count too: a rifle sold with a quality scope, a spare magazine, a case and a bottle is worth more than the bare rifle, but only if you actually want those items.
Finally, age and rarity play a part. Older and discontinued models can be cheap or expensive depending on how fashionable they are. The TX200, for instance, has long been a favourite and tends to stay in demand, while models that have fallen out of fashion may offer bargains. Our Air Arms TX200 vs Pro Sport guide is a good example of how two rifles with similar reputations can sit in different places.
Browse: Air Arms air rifles · Weihrauch air rifles · BSA air rifles · Air Arms TX200 · All air guns
The true cost of owning a PCP
A PCP air rifle needs a source of compressed air, and that is where first-time buyers are often caught out. You will need either a carbon fibre or steel bottle with a way to fill it, or a hand pump. Hand pumps cost less up front but take effort; bottles are convenient but cost more and need regular refilling. Allow for a gauge, adaptors and spares as well.
Then add the scope. A rifle designed for accuracy deserves decent glass, and the cost of good optics can rival the cost of a mid-range rifle. A moderator, a gun slip or case, and pellets round out the list. None of this is a reason to avoid a PCP; it is simply a reason to budget for the whole package rather than only the rifle. If you are comparing the two top PCPs directly, our Air Arms S510 vs Weihrauch HW100 comparison covers how they differ.
Browse: Air Arms S510 · Weihrauch HW100 · FX air rifles · Thermal and optics · Moderators
Springers: lower running costs, different skills
If the cost of an air source puts you off, a springer is worth serious thought. A spring-piston rifle such as the HW80 or HW95 needs no pump, bottle or fill, so the rifle, a scope and pellets are essentially all you need. The trade-off is technique: springers recoil in both directions as they fire, and they reward a consistent, relaxed hold.
Many experienced shooters regard a good springer as the best way to learn accurate shooting, and the HW95 in particular has become a benchmark in the UK. Our Weihrauch HW95 and HW99S review explains why, and the best spring air rifles in the UK guide compares the alternatives. If you want to understand where a powerful springer fits, the Weihrauch HW80 review is a good read.
Browse: Weihrauch HW80 · Weihrauch HW95 · Air Arms TX200 · Weihrauch air rifles · All air guns
How to get the best value when you buy
Be clear about what you want to do with the rifle. Pest control, target shooting, and informal plinking all have different best answers, and buying for the job usually beats paying for features you will never use.
Compare several listings of the same model before you commit. Asking prices vary between sellers, and the spread tells you what is normal. Ask sensible questions about service history, usage and what is included, and be prepared to walk away if the answers are vague. If you are selling rather than buying, clear photographs, an honest description and a list of included extras help you attract serious buyers and a fair price.
New or used is the other big question. A used rifle from a reputable seller can offer far more for the money than a new one, particularly with models that are built to last, but the saving only holds if the rifle has been cared for. A new rifle gives you a clean slate and, usually, some form of manufacturer backing, which some buyers find well worth paying for. There is no single right answer; the key is to compare honestly, include the extras in your sums, and avoid stretching your budget for a feature you will not use. Many shooters also find it worth starting with a solid mid-range rifle, learning what they like, and then moving up, because a well-chosen used rifle is usually easy to resell on a specialist marketplace if your needs change.
Browse: All air guns · Air Arms S510 · Weihrauch HW100 · BSA R10 · Weihrauch HW80
Air rifle price FAQ
How much does an Air Arms S510 cost? It depends on age, condition, specification, and extras. The quickest way to see what sellers are asking right now is to browse current S510 listings.
Is a PCP more expensive than a springer? Usually, once you include the air source. A good springer needs no extra equipment, though premium springers are far from cheap.
What affects the price of a used air rifle? Condition, service history, model, calibre, power level, and the extras included are the main factors, along with how much demand there is for that model.
Is a Weihrauch HW100 worth the money? Many UK shooters consider it a benchmark premium PCP, and it tends to retain its value, but the right rifle depends on your budget and what you plan to shoot.
Browse: Air Arms S510 · Weihrauch HW100 · BSA R12 · All air guns
The best way to learn what an air rifle really costs is to compare live listings. Browse air guns on Rightgun.uk, line up the models you are considering, and if you have a rifle to sell, list it where UK air gun buyers are already searching.
Further reading: Best air rifles under £200, £500 and £1,000, Air Arms S510 vs Weihrauch HW100, Best spring air rifles in the UK and Weihrauch HW80 review.
