Air rifle vs rimfire rifle: Understanding the difference

If you’re getting into small-bore shooting or pest control, you’ll quickly come across the question: air rifle or rimfire?

Both options can be accurate, effective, and great fun to shoot — but they suit different purposes, budgets, and levels of experience.

In this guide, we’ll compare air rifles vs rimfire rifles in terms of cost, power, accuracy, legality, and practicality, so you can choose what’s right for your style of shooting.

What is an air rifle?

An air rifle uses compressed air or gas to propel a pellet down the barrel. There’s no gunpowder involved — the power comes from either:

• A spring-piston or gas-ram system (mechanical)

• A PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) system (compressed air stored in a cylinder)

Typical uses:

• Target shooting and plinking

• Close-range pest control (rats, pigeons, rabbits)

• Garden or back-yard shooting (where safe and legal)

Legal power limit (UK):

• Sub-12 ft·lbs for air rifles (no licence required)

• Above 12 ft·lbs requires a Firearms Certificate (FAC)

Shop air rifles at Rightgun.uk

What is a rimfire rifle?

A rimfire rifle uses a metallic cartridge containing gunpowder and a primer located in the rim of the case. When struck by the firing pin, the primer ignites the powder and sends the bullet downrange at high velocity.

Common rimfire calibres include:

• .22 LR (Long Rifle) — ideal for small-game shooting and pest control

• .17 HMR — flatter trajectory, higher speed, great for longer-range varmint work

Typical uses:

• Rabbit and corvid control

• Target and competition shooting

• Longer-range pest control on open ground

Legal requirement (UK):

All rimfire rifles require a Firearms Certificate (FAC) and secure storage.

Browse rimfire rifles and ammunition

Air rifle vs rimfire rifle: Side-by-side comparison

When deciding between an air rifle and a rimfire rifle like the .22 LR or .17 HMR, there are several important factors to consider — from power and noise levels to licensing requirements and typical use cases.

Key differences:

• Power

  • Air Rifle: Up to 12 ft·lbs (sub-FAC)

  • Rimfire Rifle: Around 100–250 ft·lbs depending on calibre
    
    

• Noise

  • Air Rifle: Quiet, especially with a moderator

  • Rimfire Rifle: Louder and benefits from good moderation
    
    

• Effective range

  • Air Rifle: Typically 40–50 yards

  • Rimfire Rifle: Effective beyond 100 yards
    
    

• Ammunition cost

  • Air Rifle: Pellets are inexpensive

  • Rimfire Rifle: Higher cost due to powder-based ammunition
    
    

• Licensing (UK)

  • Air Rifle: Sub-12 ft·lbs — no licence required

  • Rimfire Rifle: Requires a Firearm Certificate (FAC) and secure storage
    
    

• Maintenance

  • Air Rifle: Simple upkeep

  • Rimfire Rifle: More frequent and thorough cleaning needed
    
    

• Safety / Backstop requirements

  • Air Rifle: Easier to contain safely

  • Rimfire Rifle: Requires a strong backstop and suitable rural land
    
    

• Best use cases

  • Air Rifle: Garden use and short-range pest control

  • Rimfire Rifle: Long-range hunting and target shooting

Advantages of air rifles

• Low cost and accessibility – You can own a sub-12 ft·lbs air rifle without a licence (in England, Wales, and Scotland) as long as you’re over 18.

• Quieter operation – Ideal for discreet pest control or backyard plinking.

• Safer at Short Range – Less power means less risk of ricochet and over-penetration.

• Minimal recoil – Especially with PCP rifles, making them easy to shoot accurately.

• Affordable ammunition – Pellets are inexpensive and widely available.

Perfect for beginners, pest controllers, or anyone who enjoys easy, accurate shooting at moderate distances.

Advantages of rimfire rifles

• Greater power and range – Excellent for rabbits, crows, magpies, or longer-range vermin control.

• Flat trajectory – Especially in calibres like .17 HMR, ideal for precise shots beyond 100 yards.

• Wind resistance – Rimfire bullets handle breezy conditions better than light airgun pellets.

• Versatility – Rimfires can be used for both field and range work, with options for match-grade accuracy.

Perfect for experienced shooters, gamekeepers, and those with permission to shoot over open farmland.

When to choose an air rifle

An air rifle is best if:

• You want to shoot legally without an FAC.

• You’re mainly controlling pests at short range (barns, gardens, farmyards).

• You value quiet shooting and low running costs.

• You’re starting out and want to develop accuracy and fieldcraft.

Top air rifle picks:

• Air Arms S510 – smooth side-lever, beautifully balanced, ideal all-rounder.

• Weihrauch HW100 – German precision, renowned reliability, perfect for pest control.

• BSA R-10 SE – British-made, regulated power, excellent shot count.

When to choose a rimfire rifle

A rimfire rifle is better suited if:

• You have an FAC and permission to shoot on open land.

• You’re regularly shooting rabbits or corvids at 70–120 yards.

• You want a flat trajectory and higher impact energy.

• You’re progressing into more advanced rifle shooting.

Top rimfire options:

• CZ 457 .22 LR – accurate, reliable, and affordable — perfect for field use.

• Ruger Precision Rimfire – great for target work and training.

• Anschutz 1761 – premium precision and build quality for competition shooters.

Noise, recoil, and moderation

• Air Rifles: Already quiet, but adding a sound moderator makes them nearly silent — ideal for urban pest control.

• Rimfires: Require a moderator to keep noise manageable, especially in .22 LR subsonic loads.

Recoil is negligible on both systems, but air rifles win for sheer smoothness, especially PCPs.

Accuracy and real-world use

Both air rifles and rimfires can be extremely accurate within their ranges.

• Air rifles excel at precision up to 40 yards with sub-inch groups possible.

• Rimfires dominate beyond 60 yards, offering stability and energy retention at distance.

In practice, air rifles favour stealth and control, while rimfires favour reach and punch.

Final thoughts: Which is better for you?

Your ideal option really depends on where you shoot, your level of experience, and what you want to achieve. Here’s a quick recapr to help you make the right decision:

• If you want low-cost, quiet pest control → Choose Air Rifle

• If you're targeting rabbits or crows at longer distances → Choose Rimfire Rifle

• If you prefer no licence and a simple setup (UK) → Choose Air Rifle

• If you need higher power and long-range precision → Choose Rimfire Rifle

• If you enjoy casual backyard plinking → Choose Air Rifle

• If you shoot on open farmland or rural ground → Choose Rimfire Rifle

If you’re starting out or shooting in confined areas, an air rifle is the ideal choice. If you’re managing pests over open farmland or shooting longer distances, a rimfire rifle is the logical next step.

Whatever you choose, Rightgun stocks a full range of air rifles, rimfires, moderators, and accessories to help you get started with confidence.

Start exploring now at Rightgun.uk

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