14-Oct-2026
“How much is a gun?” is one of the most common questions new shooters ask, and the honest answer is: it depends enormously on what you want to do. A second-hand air rifle for the garden can cost less than a nice pair of boots. A best-quality English side-by-side can cost more than a car. Most shooters sit somewhere between the two.
This guide explains what drives price across the main types of gun, where the value tends to sit, and how to budget sensibly. We have deliberately avoided quoting exact prices, because the market moves and every gun is different. Treat it as a framework for judging listings rather than a price list, and always check the actual asking price and condition on the advert.
Air rifles: The widest range of prices
Air rifles run from budget break-barrel springers to premium pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) rifles, and the gap between the two is large. At the lower end, you will find simple spring and gas-ram rifles that are perfectly adequate for garden plinking. In the middle sit well-regarded spring and PCP rifles from established makers, which deliver accuracy and build quality that reward a little extra spending. At the top are hand-finished PCPs with regulated actions and refined stocks.
Remember the extras. Spring rifles are self-contained, but PCPs need a way to fill them, such as a hand pump, a diver’s bottle, or a compressor, and that equipment is a real part of the budget. A decent scope, a moderator, and a carry bag all add up too.
Air rifles below the legal power limit do not need a certificate, which is part of why they are a popular first step. They also hold their value well when you choose a respected model, which makes second-hand an excellent route.
Browse: Weihrauch HW100 · BSA R10 · Air Arms TX200 · Theoben Rapid · Air Arms S510
Shotguns: Budget, mid-range and best
Shotguns have the most varied pricing of all. Entry-level semi-automatics and pump-actions, along with budget over-and-unders from value brands, sit at the accessible end. Well-known mid-range names such as Beretta, Browning and Miroku offer decades of reliable service and a strong second-hand market. At the premium end, makers such as Perazzi and Krieghoff, along with traditional English gunmakers, command serious prices because of the craftsmanship involved.
What drives the price? Brand and model are the biggest factors, followed by condition, barrel length, choke arrangement, the quality of the wood, and whether the gun has been fitted to its owner. Competition guns are priced with a specific discipline in mind, so a trap gun and a game gun of similar quality may be valued quite differently.
Shotguns need a shotgun certificate, so factor in the licence and any time it takes to obtain before you buy. The good news is that mainstream models depreciate far more gently than many people expect, which makes a well-looked-after used gun a sound purchase.
Browse: Beretta 686 · Browning B525 · Beretta A400 · Remington 870 · Perazzi MX8
Rifles: Rimfire, centrefire and the cost of a calibre
Rifles need a firearms certificate and a good reason to hold each one, so the buying process is slower than for an air rifle. Price-wise, rimfire rifles in .22 are generally the most affordable starting point, with centrefire hunting rifles above them and specialist target or precision rifles higher still.
Calibre matters beyond the rifle itself. Ammunition costs differ widely, and a calibre that is cheap to feed will save you money every year you shoot. Optics are a second big line in the budget, because a rifle is only as good as the scope on top of it, and the best value usually comes from pairing a sensible rifle with a quality scope rather than the reverse.
If you plan to stalk deer, choose a calibre that is appropriate for the species and legal for the quarry, and think about a moderator, which is a popular addition for its benefits to hearing and neighbours.
Browse: Ruger 10/22 · Tikka T3X · CZ 457 · Howa 1500 · Sako rifles
Optics, moderators and kit: The costs people forget
New shooters often budget for the gun and forget everything around it. A scope, mounts, a case or slip, a cleaning kit, a safe or cabinet that meets legal security requirements, ear defenders and shooting glasses all belong on the list. For certificated firearms, secure storage is a legal requirement, so it is not optional.
Thermal and night-vision equipment is a category of its own, with prices ranging from entry-level units to professional devices. If you are shooting at night or controlling pests, it is worth researching carefully before you spend. Moderators are another frequent purchase, and they come in a range of materials and designs.
A useful rule of thumb is to set aside a sensible share of your total budget for the accessories. Skimping on the scope or the safe usually costs more in the long run.
Browse: Thermal and optics · Moderators · Safes and cabinets · Gun parts and accessories · HIKMICRO sights
New versus second-hand: Where the value sits
Almost every gun loses some value in its first years, and well-known models then settle into a steadier pattern. That means buying second-hand is often the most effective way to stretch a budget. A gun that is a few years old and well cared for can give you most of the performance of a new one for noticeably less.
Look for signs of careful ownership, such as clean metalwork, undamaged wood, original accessories, and a seller who can explain the gun’s history. Compare several listings of the same model to understand what a fair price looks like, and be wary of anything dramatically cheaper than the rest.
If you are selling, the same logic applies in reverse. Honest condition, good photographs and a realistic price attract serious buyers. Our guide to valuing your gun can help you set the right figure.
Browse: Beretta 682 · Beretta 687 · BSA Airsporter · Weihrauch HW80 · Remington 700
FAQ
How much does a gun cost in the UK? It varies widely by type and quality. Air rifles are generally the most affordable, and shotguns and rifles span a very wide range. The best guide is to compare real listings of the model you want.
What is the cheapest way to start shooting? A second-hand air rifle of a respected make is usually the cheapest route, because it needs no certificate below the legal power limit and holds its value well.
Is second-hand better value than new? Often, yes. Well-known models depreciate gently, so a carefully maintained used gun can offer excellent value, provided you check condition and the seller carefully.
What costs do people forget when buying a gun? Optics, ammunition or pellets, secure storage, a case, a moderator and safety gear. For certificated firearms, add the cost of the licence and compliant storage.
Find your next gun on Rightgun.uk
Set your budget, then browse air rifles, shotguns and rifles from UK sellers and dealers on Rightgun.uk. Compare new and second-hand listings side by side, and list your own gun when you are ready to move on.
Further reading: Second-hand shotguns in the UK: best buys, Best second-hand air rifles in the UK by budget, Best air rifles under £200, £500 and £1,000, Best shotguns under £1,000 and How much is my gun worth?.
