When you’re in the market for a new air rifle, you’ll likely start by checking out some of the latest releases or going straight for a model made by one of your favourite air rifle manufacturers. We stock hundreds of quality air rifles from all the best air gun brands to ensure you can find exactly what you’re after, with the opportunity to browse by brand to find a gun that meets your requirements and budget.
From market-leading air rifles to some lesser-known gems, there are plenty of options when it’s time for an upgrade. Here are some of the top brands to help point you in the right direction.
What Brand Makes the Best Air Rifles?
Buying any high-quality air gun is something of an investment, which is why many people turn to the most trusted brands or stick with a brand they’ve enjoyed before. When you buy a product from a leading manufacturer, you are also buying into their reputation and some level of guarantee that you can trust you’re getting the real deal.
However, you want to make sure you’re not missing out on some great technological developments by lesser-known names challenging the established brands.
Different brands tend to specialise in different areas of air rifle performance, which makes finding an overall ‘best’ tricky – different people appreciate different aspects more than others. That being said, here are some of our favourite brands that are producing air rifles worthy of attention right now.
- Air Arms
- BSA
- Brocock
- Crosman
- Daystate
- FX
- Gamo
- Hatsan
- SMK
- Umarex
- Weihrauch
- Webley
Air Arms Air Rifles
Air Arms, based in Sussex, is committed to producing only the best, an ethos that runs through every element of production.
Since 1983, Air Arms has been at the top of the air rifle game with the latest technology. They now manufacture a wide array of guns, with a range of sporting guns that set the standard for hunting, along with high-performing competition rifles.
Popular Model: Air Arms S510 Sporter
BSA Air Rifles
Tracing its history back to 1861 as The Birmingham Small Arms Company LTD, BSA is one of the longest-established British air rifle manufacturing brands. BSA air rifles have a rich history and come from a tradition of some of the best rifles in the world.
They worked through both World Wars, producing thousands of rifles and machine guns, and continue to innovate with their designs and production today.
Popular Model: BSA R12 CLX
Brocock Air Rifles
Founded by the Silcock brothers in Birmingham in 1989, the Brocock brand has evolved spectacularly, consistently creating high-quality, lightweight hunting PCP air rifles, carbines and pistols.
In 2014, Brocock was purchased by Dianna Group, owners of Italian gun makers Marocchi and Breda, who have been making guns since 1922. Marocchi also owns Daystate, positioning Brocock at the heart of a network of top air gun manufacturers, ensuring they can continue improving and modernising their rifle designs.
Popular Model: BRK Ghost
Crosman Air Rifles
Crosman is an authority in the air rifle arena, with a history of innovation dating back to 1924 when the first pneumatic pump-action air gun was released. Over the following decades, the brand was at the forefront of air gun technology, producing CO2 air guns and later diversifying its products further.
Nowadays, you will find a brilliant range of Crosman products with high-performance rifles that push the boundaries of air-powered technology.
Popular Model: Crossman 1077
Daystate Air Rifles
British brand Daystate has a strong reputation for producing some of the finest and most powerful guns in the world. They pioneered the modern precharged pneumatic airgun and continue to offer some outstanding air rifles to this day.
While Daystate rifles are among some of the most expensive you’ll come across, you’re certainly getting what you pay for. Daystate rifles are often among the most prized and sought-after guns for enthusiasts.
Popular Model: Daystate Red Wolf
FX Air Rifles
Another one for those of us with slightly deeper pockets, FX air rifles are all about striving for the best of the best with cutting-edge technologies.
Starting from humble beginnings, this Swedish firm has made a name for itself over the years with a roster of guns that aim to outperform their predecessors.
Popular Model: FX Leopard
Gamo Air Rifles
Claiming the title of the largest air gun manufacturer in Europe, Gamo has been in the air gun game since 1961.
While their guns are known for their quality, power, accuracy and unbeatable finish, the brand is also renowned for its accurate air gun ammunition and pellets.
Popular Model: Gamo Swarm
Hatsan Air Rifles
Hatsan air rifles consistently outperform other brands that you can get in a similar price range, which has made them very popular.
The Turkish brand is family-owned and operated, and the founder is still very much involved with the Hatsan air rifle design and development. This hands-on approach is often noticed within the products themselves.
Popular Model: Hatsan AT44
SMK Air Rifles
SMK, otherwise known as Sportmarketing, is one of the biggest airgun distributors in the UK, so there’s certainly no lack of options in their range.
SMK has been enjoyed by competitors and hobbyists for many decades, particularly thanks to some great budget options. If you’re looking for a reliable air rifle that doesn’t break the bank, you won’t go far wrong by checking out the SMK range.
Popular Model: SMK XS19
Umarex Air Rifles
Umarex is known for its licensed replicas of real firearms, manufacturing many names you know and love, including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Walther and more.
These German-manufactured guns provide more than enough power and accuracy, making them ideal for a range of shooters’ needs.
Popular Model: Umarex Walther Winchester
Weihrauch Air Rifles
German brand Weihrauch aims to deliver perfection and innovation with their air rifles and other sporting arms, and they do just that.
Weihrauch air rifles are known for being solidly built and used by top competitive shooters. They also have a consumer line, which is great for extremely accurate backyard shooting and pest control.
Here, you know you are getting a quality gun from the moment you hold it. They are a fantastic brand worth splashing out on!
Popular Model: Weihrauch HW97
Webley Air Rifles
A famous British brand with ties to the military in the 20th century, Webley is a name that carries plenty of weight. While they’re most famous for their pistols (as seen in Peaky Blinders), they also produce a small range of air rifles.
Webley air rifles and pistols are often praised for their great look and feel, as well as their ease of use. They’re a great mid-range option, particularly for hobbyists who value realism.
Popular Model: Webley Nemesis-X
Luckily, there are so many top-notch air rifle brands out there that with a quick bit of research, you’ll easily be able to see which ones are worth your time. So long as you buy your rifles from a trusted source, you should have no trouble finding a brand you like.
If you’re unsure about a certain air gun or brand, be sure to seek any reviews so you can see what your fellow shooters are saying. If a brand you’re interested in has turned up on our list of favourites, you can be sure its products are worth looking into!