FAC air rifles have the X Factor

If you can face the paperwork, powerful FAC-rated airguns combine the benefits of air rifles and rimfires, says Mark Ripley.

I slowly raised the air rifle up and around the corner of the barn while intently watching my intended quarry. At a little over 30 yards, I was so close. But the magpie’s attention was on the ewes in the lambing field, no doubt scanning for a scrap of afterbirth or a young lamb slow to get to its feet.

Placing the crosshairs on the bird’s head, I could see its black beady eyes flitting from one thing to the next, yet not down at me. I gently took up the slack on the trigger and watched the tiny lead pellet speed out to strike the exact point at which I was aiming.

The magpie’s wings instinctively twitched out from its body to take flight, but it was too late; it was already dead and simply tumbled limp from the barn roof to be added to the modest bag of vermin taken from around the farm buildings.

What Makes FAC Air Rifles So Effective for Pest Control?

The humble air rifle has come a long way from the single-shot break-barrel BSA Mercury Challenger I had nearly 40 years ago. Today, they are true pest control tools, with most boasting multishot, pre-charged capabilities, no recoil and pellet-on-pellet performance, making them ideal for shooting around buildings, livestock or areas where anything higher powered wouldn’t be safe.

Are Air Rifles Legal in the UK Without a License?

The big attraction to air rifles in the UK is the fact they are not – at least not yet – licensed (though requirements vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland), which means anyone aged 18 or over can own one. I would never part with my air rifle, because it has its uses for jobs where a shotgun or rimfire isn’t practical or safe.

Why Choose an FAC Air Rifle Over a Rimfire?

Many people using airguns often move on to a .22 LR or 17 HMR rimfire, with the extra range and obvious gain in lethality offered outweighing the hassle and cost of applying for a firearms certificate.

However, rimfire rounds carry greater risk. A poorly placed airgun shot is obviously less effective, but rimfire rounds can ricochet or pass through a target more dangerously. For comparison:

• Sub-12ft/lb air rifle: limited power, safer near buildings

• .22 LR: closer to 100ft/lb, much higher penetration risk

How Powerful Are FAC Air Rifles Compared to Standard Airguns?

An FAC-rated air rifle typically delivers between 30ft/lb to 50ft/lb. Some models can be tuned to match the velocity of a rimfire. They’re quieter, cheaper to shoot, and less likely to ricochet, making them perfect for humane kills on rabbits, corvids and more.

What Are the Best FAC Air Rifles for Precision Shooting?

There is a trend with FAC precharged air rifles to push them to further distances with incredible accuracy. The FX Impact, for example, is ideal for shooters who love to tune every aspect of their rifle. You can tailor power output and match it to pellets or slugs, just like a handloader.

Other top FAC air rifles include:

• Air Arms S410 – beautifully made, highly accurate

• Daystate Delta Wolf – tactical, digitally regulated precision

• Brocock Sniper .25 – great power, clean dispatch at range

Can You Use an FAC Air Rifle for Long-Range Hunting?

Absolutely. With proper tuning, FAC air rifles can shoot accurately at 100–200 yards. I’ve taken rabbits at 80+ yards using a .25 calibre delivering 55ft/lb. That kind of performance easily rivals a .22 rimfire in suitable conditions.

Are FAC Air Rifles Effective for Fox Control?

Although controversial, FAC air rifles can be used to humanely dispatch foxes at close range, especially with heavy calibres like .25. Shot placement is crucial – I recommend a side shot between the eye and base of the ear.

That said, I still prefer a rimfire or centrefire when foxing is the priority.

What Are the Downsides of FAC-Rated Air Rifles?

• Lower shot count per refill on precharged models

• Requires a firearms certificate (FAC) and secure storage

• May need regular re-zeroing when adjusting power levels

• Not suitable for all pest control scenarios due to legal and safety restrictions

Still, for certain jobs – like shooting rats or quarry through light foliage – the extra punch of an FAC air rifle is invaluable.

Should You Get an FAC Air Rifle or Stick With Sub-12ft/lb?

It depends on your needs. If you already hold a firearms certificate and engage in varied pest control, an FAC air rifle is a no-brainer. But if you’re unsure about the paperwork and security responsibilities, a quality sub-12ft/lb air rifle will still serve you well.

I made the mistake of selling mine when I got my .22 LR – and quickly bought another Air Arms S410 after realising how often I still needed one.