27-Oct-2026
Ask a British shooter about Webley, and you will usually hear about air pistols first. The Tempest in particular has a loyal following, and plenty of buyers come to it through search. But Webley and Scott has also put its name to a range of air rifles over the years, and the second-hand market is full of them. If you have typed “Webley air rifle” into a search bar and found the results a little scattered, this guide is for you.
We will walk through the better-known names that turn up in UK listings, explain how to think about them as a buyer, and set out the checks worth making before you part with your money. We keep to general guidance because specifications changed between models and production runs. Always check the details of the individual rifle in the listing.
Why Webley air rifles are harder to pin down than most brands
Webley is one of the oldest names in British firearms, and the brand has appeared on many different air guns across many decades. That heritage is part of the appeal. It is also why a search for a Webley air rifle returns such a mixed bag. Some rifles are modern, some are decades old, and some have been through several sets of hands.
The practical consequence is that you should not assume two Webley rifles work the same way. The range has included different power sources and different strengths over the years, so confirm the type of rifle, the calibre, and the power level in each listing. If the seller cannot tell you, that is useful information too.
Browse: Webley air guns · Webley and Scott air guns · Webley Eagle · Webley Falcon · Webley Raider
The Hawk: A familiar name on the second-hand market
The Hawk is one of the names you will see most often on used Webley rifles, with listings in both common air rifle calibres. Because it appears so frequently, it is a good model to use as a benchmark when you compare other Webleys.
With any older rifle, condition tells you more than the model name. Look closely at the stock for cracks and the barrel for corrosion, and ask whether the rifle has been serviced. Seals and springs on an air rifle wear with use, so a rifle that has not been looked at for years may need work to perform as it should.
Browse: Webley and Scott air guns · Webley Excel · Webley Eclipse · Webley Hurricane · Webley Mastiff
The Excel and the Axsor: The later models
The Excel and the Axsor are among the Webley names that sit towards the more modern end of what you will find in listings. They are the models to look at if you want something newer-looking and perhaps better supported than an older rifle.
As ever, check the details rather than the name. Confirm the power source, the calibre, and whether the rifle is sold with a scope, magazine, or other accessories. A rifle that includes the extras may be better value than a bare one, but only if the extras are in good condition and are the right ones for your shooting.
Browse: Webley Excel · Webley Axsor · Webley Patriot · Scopes and optics · Gun parts and accessories
The Eagle and the Patriot: Names worth knowing
The Eagle and the Patriot also appear regularly. The Patriot in particular turns up in a range of specifications, including more powerful versions that are controlled differently under UK law. That is a good reminder to read each listing carefully, because the legal category of an air rifle depends on its power. In Great Britain, air rifles above the legal power limit need a firearms certificate, so check what the listing says and make sure you understand what is involved before you buy.
If you simply want a rifle for informal target shooting or pest control within the legal limit, make sure the listing is clear that the rifle is in that category. If it is not stated, ask before you go any further.
Browse: Webley Patriot · Webley Eagle · Weihrauch air rifles · BSA air rifles · Air Arms rifles
How does a Webley compare with other British air rifle brands?
Webley rifles tend to appeal to buyers who value heritage and a distinctly British name. If your priority is pure performance for the money, brands such as Air Arms, BSA and Weihrauch have large followings in the UK and a deep supply of used rifles, which makes it easy to compare prices and condition.
That is not a reason to rule Webley out. A well-kept rifle with a sensible price can be a very good buy, and the smaller pool of listings sometimes means less competition when you find one you like. The sensible approach is to look at a few Webleys alongside rifles from the other well-known British makers before you decide.
Browse: BSA air rifles · Air Arms rifles · Weihrauch air rifles · Daystate air rifles · All air guns
What to check before you buy a second-hand Webley
A short checklist keeps you out of trouble. Ask about the power source and calibre, and confirm the rifle’s legal category. Ask for clear photographs of the stock, the barrel, and any markings. Check whether the rifle holds its power, and ask about any servicing or repairs. If you can, ask to see the rifle shoot, or at least ask whether the seller has chronographed it.
It is also wise to think about parts and servicing. For older rifles, spares and seals can be harder to source, so it helps to find out in advance who could service the rifle if it needs work. Reputable dealers and local gunsmiths can often advise. If you want a second opinion before you buy, you can browse the dealers listed on Rightgun.uk and ask for advice.
Browse: Absolute Airguns · Gun parts and accessories · Safes and cabinets · Air guns · Ammunition
Frequently asked questions
What Webley air rifles are available in the UK? You will find several models in UK listings, including the Hawk, Excel, Axsor, Eagle and Patriot. Because the range spans many years, specifications differ, so always check the details of the individual rifle.
Are Webley air rifles any good? Many shooters rate Webley rifles highly, especially well-kept examples with a clear history. As with any second-hand air rifle, condition and servicing matter more than the badge.
Do I need a licence for a Webley air rifle? That depends on the power of the rifle. Air rifles within the legal limit do not need a certificate in Great Britain, but more powerful rifles do. Check the listing and make sure you understand the rules before you buy.
Where can I buy or sell a Webley air rifle in the UK? You can browse Webley air guns from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk, and list your own for sale on the same marketplace.
Find your Webley air rifle on Rightgun.uk
Browse Webley air rifles and compare them with rifles from other British makers, all in one place. If you have a Webley you no longer use, listing it on Rightgun.uk puts it in front of UK shooters who are already looking for exactly that kind of rifle.
Further reading: Webley air guns: UK range guide, Webley Tempest review, Best spring air rifles in the UK, Best air rifles under £200, £500 and £1,000, and The most powerful legal air rifles in the UK.
