05-Aug-2026
Ask a room full of airgunners to name the most desirable air rifle brand built in Britain and Daystate will be the answer you hear most. The Staffordshire firm has been building precharged pneumatics since the late 1970s, longer than almost anyones and its rifles combine genuine innovation with the kind of walnut-and-metal craftsmanship that keeps second-hand values strong. But with a range that now spans classic sporters and electronic flagships, choosing the right Daystate takes a little homework. This guide walks through the models you will actually find for sale in the UK, what each does best, and what to check when buying used.
Why Daystate commands such loyalty
Daystate’s reputation rests on three things. First, heritage: the company effectively pioneered the modern PCP, and decades of refinement show in how its rifles shoot. Second, innovation: Daystate was the first mainstream maker to put electronic firing systems into production airguns, and its electronically regulated rifles remain unique in feel — a near-instant, lock-time-free release that target shooters and hunters both appreciate. Third, finish: Italian-influenced stock work (Daystate has long shared design DNA with its Italian sister brands) means even the working sporters look and feel special.
The practical upshot for buyers is that Daystates hold their money. A well-kept example sold on after a few seasons typically loses far less value than a mainstream rifle, which makes the second-hand market unusually healthy, good news whether you are buying or selling.
The classic sporter: Daystate Huntsman
The Huntsman is the heart of the range and the model most UK hunters gravitate towards. Slim, light and beautifully balanced, it is a traditional mechanical PCP with a match-grade barrel and a trigger that needs no excuses. For hedgerow vermin control and rough shooting, it is about as good as a sub-12 ft·lb rifle gets, and FAC-rated versions extend its reach for those with the appropriate certificate. Browse current Huntsman listings on Rightgun.uk.
The electronic flagship: Red Wolf
The Daystate Red Wolf is the rifle that put electronic firing systems on the map for good. A colour-screen brain manages the regulated action, giving selectable power levels and astonishing shot-to-shot consistency; the laminate or walnut bullpup-adjacent sporter stock makes it as comfortable in the field as on the bench. Interest in used Red Wolfs is consistently strong; “Red Wolf second hand” is one of the most common Daystate searches in the UK, because the new price puts many buyers off while the used market offers real value. Our Red Wolf overview covers the model in more depth.
The working tools: Wolverine and Alpha/Delta Wolf
The Wolverine sits between Huntsman and Red Wolf: a burlier mechanical rifle, often seen in high-power FAC trim, with a reputation for utter dependability in the field. The newer Alpha Wolf and Delta Wolf push the electronic concept further still, with touchscreen adjustment, integrated chronograph technology on some versions and tactical-style adjustable stocks. They are rifles for the shooter who wants the cutting edge, and they generate plenty of second-hand interest when they appear. See what’s currently available across all Daystate models on Rightgun.uk.
The modern classics: MK4 and older models
Do not overlook the older electronic rifles. The MK4, in particular, still enjoys a devoted following; searches for the model remain steady year after year, and a good example offers flagship performance from a decade past at a fraction of its original price. The mechanical Air Wolf and older Huntsman variants are similarly sensible buys. With any older electronic Daystate, confirm the battery pack holds charge and that the rifle has been serviced; with mechanical models, a recent seal service is the main thing to ask about.
Buying a used Daystate: What to check
A used Daystate is usually a safe purchase, but a few checks protect you. Ask when the rifle was last serviced and whether the regulator (where fitted) has been touched. Check the air cylinder for its test status if applicable, inspect the barrel crown and look for signs of over-oiling. On electronic models, verify the display works, the battery charges and the programming functions respond. Finally, ask for a chronograph printout or at least an assurance that the rifle sits comfortably below the legal 12 ft·lb limit for a certificate-free airgun, anything above requires an FAC, a point covered in our UK air rifle law explainer.
If you are comparing brands before committing, our reviews of the Air Arms TX200 and the BSA R10 make useful benchmarks, and our guide to buying a second-hand air rifle applies to any purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to own a Daystate air rifle? Not for a standard sub-12 ft·lb rifle in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, though Scotland requires an air weapon certificate. High-power FAC-rated Daystates require a firearm certificate anywhere in the UK.
Are electronic Daystates reliable? The electronic system has been in production and continuous development since the early 2000s and is well proven. Batteries are consumable items, so on an older rifle budget for a replacement pack, and buy from a seller who can confirm the rifle’s service history.
What is a second-hand Daystate Red Wolf worth? Values move with condition, calibre, stock option and whether it is a standard or high-power version, so compare several live listings rather than relying on a single figure. The used market is active, which keeps pricing honest.
Which Daystate is best for hunting? The Huntsman remains the classic choice for its weight and handling. If you want power-level flexibility and the fastest possible lock time, the Red Wolf is the step up; the Wolverine suits those who want maximum robustness in FAC trim.
Browse Daystate air rifles on Rightgun.uk
Whichever end of the range appeals, the used and new market is well represented on Rightgun.uk. Explore the full selection of Daystate air rifles for sale, compare against the wider air gun listings from sellers across the country, and if you are upgrading, listing your current rifle on Rightgun.uk puts it in front of the UK’s most engaged airgunning audience.
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