Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned shooter, there’s no better feeling than getting your hands on a new air rifle. There is plenty to choose from on the UK market, including CO2, gas ram, PCP and spring powered models. With prices ranging from less than £100 to over £1,000, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re wondering which is the best air rifle for you, you’re in the right place. Here at The Wolfman, we stock some of the world’s leading brands such as Air Arms, Gamo and Crosman. In this guide, we’ll share the top 10 air rifles 2023 has to offer for pest control, hunting and target practice. Let’s get started!

1. Kral Empire XS

The Kral Empire XS is an ultra-compact PCP air rifle with a beautiful Turkish walnut stock. Available in .22 and .177 calibre models, this fantastic bullpup-style airgun offers significant power for its easy-to-handle size.

Notable features include its ergonomic pistol grip and Weaver/Picatinny scope rail, which doubles as a carrying grip. It also has an adjustable two-stage trigger with an adjustable trigger blade. Powerful, handsome and comfortable to hold, the Kral Arms Puncher Empire XS is a true contender for the best PCP air rifle of 2023.

2. Reximex Pretensis Walnut

Another impressive PCP air rifle is the Reximex Pretensis in Walnut. This full length sporter boasts a 260cc air cylinder capable of 120 shots at 200 bar.

Designed to be fully customisable, it features a four-way adjustable trigger. Both the muzzle velocity and trigger sensitivity can be modified according to the shooter’s needs. The soft-touch Turkish walnut stock has an adjustable butt pad and cheek piece for better aim and handling.

The Reximex Pretensis is available in .177 and .22 calibre and comes with 2 Multishot magazines, an accessory rail, single shot tray and fill probe.

3. Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine

Our top pick for the best spring air rifle of 2023 is the Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine. This is Air Arms’ best selling carbine springer – which says it all, given that the brand is famous for impeccable build quality and attention to detail.

The TX200 HC is a compact, powerful spring underlever rifle, precision engineered with CNC machining to guarantee unbeatable performance. It features an adjustable two-stage trigger with safety, Lothar Walter match-grade barrel, built-in moderator and synthetic bearing system for reduced friction. This truly remarkable air rifle is available in beech or walnut.

4. Kral Mortal

If you’re looking for a PCP air rifle that offers both incredible power and maximum flexibility, the Kral Mortal is a fantastic choice.

This tactical air rifle is foldable, allowing you to alter its length according to your preference. The cheek piece and rubber butt pad are also adjustable, as is the two-stage trigger and trigger blade.

The pistol grip of the Kral Mortal is intuitively designed, with an anti-slip rubberised surface for ultimate control. The tactical stock incorporates a Weaver/Picatinny rail, removable foregrip rest and carrying spaces for the two included magazines.

5. BSA R12 CLX Pro

BSA Guns have spared no expense with their new flagship model, the BSA R12 CLX Pro. This truly world-class PCP rifle features a custom, quality-made Minelli stock in Walnut or Black Pepper Laminate.

Manufactured in Birmingham, this spectacular next generation airgun combines all the benefits of the classic R10 with all the latest design and prototyping techniques. It features the classic BSA ‘Thumbhole’ design along with a new mono-block side lever action, refined magazines and an improved regulator for an incredibly consistent shot. You will not be disappointed!

6. Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter R

If you’re looking for a match winning, world class sporter, the Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter R is for you. It features an impeccably crafted, high-quality semi-match gunstock in Black, Laminate or traditional Walnut.

Every little detail of this superior carbine air rifle has been fine-tuned using cutting edge technology. It boasts all the great features of the standard S510 Ultimate Sporter, with the added benefit of the new Air Arms series 7 regulator and valve system. The result? An unparalleled degree of control, allowing you to reach your full potential.

7. Gamo Phox Kit

The Gamo Phox air rifle kit is a complete package deal, providing everything you need to use your new airgun straight away. It features the Gamo Phox MK2, a great value pre-charged pneumatic air rifle ideal for plinking and small vermin pest control.

This smooth bolt-action rifle is ultra-reliable, built with carefully selected BSA components such as a 10-shot magazine for quick and easy shooting. The kit also includes:

• Whisper silencer
• 3-9 x 40 scope with one-piece mount
• PCP stirrup pump
• High-quality Gamo gun slip

In short, the Gamo Phox kit offers both new and experienced shooters amazing value for money in one convenient bundle.

8. Gamo Speedster Gen 2

Our pick for the best break barrel air rifle of 2023 is the Gamo Speedster 10x Gen 2. It is available in .177 calibre, ideal for target shooting, or a .22 calibre version offering great accuracy and higher muzzle velocity for hunting and pest control.

This next-generation, state-of-the-art spring powered air rifle features a brand new fast-reload stock compartment and Gamo’s patent-pending 10x Quick Shot GEN2. This revolutionary multishot system allowing you to shoot up to 10 times in quick succession. Simply break the barrel for lighting-fast follow-up shots.

9. Crosman 2250 XL

The Crosman 2250 XL Ratcatcher .22 is a strong contender for the best CO2 air rifle on the UK market right now. This high-power airgun is an upgraded version of the popular 2250, built with an extended 18 inch barrel and strong metal breech for ultra-stable scope mounting. It offers approximately 30 shots from one cylinder at a range of 35 metres.

Designed for superior accuracy in long-range pest control, this nimble .22 calibre rifle also features an upgraded bolt mechanism for smoother cocking. It comes complete with a 4 x 32 centre point scope.

10. Reximex Ixia Compact

Last but certainly not least is the Reximex Ixia Compact – a versatile PCP air rifle featuring a compact bullpup design. The first regulated PCP rifle by Reximex, the Ixia is built with accuracy, stability and customisation in mind. The muzzle velocity, shot count and hammer spring can all be adjusted to your preferences, giving you ultimate control over your shooting.

The technologically impressive Reximex Ixia Compact also features a comfortable chequered pistol grip and height-adjustable butt pad for precise aiming. An 11-22mm Piccatinny rail system allows for easy mounting of scopes and other accessories.

Looking for the Best Air Rifle (UK)? Visit The Wolfman Today

The Wolfman is your one-stop shop for air guns, ammunition, optics and accessories. We’re proud to stock some of the best air rifles UK-wide, from trusted brands such as Air Arms, BSA, Gamo and many more.

Head to our online shop today to view our full collection of air rifles for sale. We also carry air pistols, BB guns and a range of shooting essentials, from targets to gun slips.

Shop The Wolfman for free delivery and same-day dispatch for all orders placed before 11am. For any questions about our products or website, contact us through our enquiry form or call 01473 806 280.