Recommended by many shooting coaches as an ideal first gun.

  Background to the Theoban Fenman The Theoben Fenman was a diversion from the norm when it hit the headlines in August 1993. Theoben had officially been making gas-ram-powered air rifles since 1980 when they were granted the patent for the system, but Ben Taylor had the idea back in 1978 when he was working…

Introduced in the year 2000, the Air Arms s400 is one of the most popular air rifles for beginners and experienced shooters alike. It is a simple, unregulated rifle that uses the tried and tested knock-open valve system.

No matter how accurate an air rifle may be, a shooter will only be able to unlock its full potential if it fits them properly. Target shooters – and target rifle manufacturers – realised this a long time ago, with match rifles offering seemingly limitless amounts of adjustability to maximise gun fit. Hunting rifles, on…

Anschutz tends to go for practicality rather than opulence and a bit more walnut figuring on the stock would be welcome – this Sporter is a bit bland Sound-modified rifles have always interested me. I have tested most of the moderators on the market with high-tech sound meters to measure decibel reduction but, out in…

Background to the BSA Meteor The original BSA Meteor was never intended to be full-powered like the later Meteors were; that was the preserve of the heavier, tap-loading Airsporter – the top-of-the range BSA air rifle of the time. Medium-powered or not, they’re not to be underrated; many MkI Meteors are still giving excellent service…

Hawke Sidewinder scopes are often touted as being suitable for shooting multiple disciplines – and with multiple types of rifle in mind as well, incorporating rimfires and centrefires as well as air rifles. (Read more on the Hawke Sidewinder FFP here.)  This is quite a tough feat to pull off, as some shooters demand a…

Originally designed as a collaboration between Dr Robert Beeman and the Weihrauch factory, the Weihrauch HW 80 made strong use of modern design methodologies at the time of its release in the 1980s. (Read our list of the best air rifle pellets and how to pick them.)  The Venom-engraved and reblued action contains custom-engineered components,…

I have tested quite a few Lithgow rimfires of late but I’d never had the chance to engage with the centrefire version of the Crossover model, the Lithgow LA102 Crossover stalking rifle, with a fine pedigree. The rifle has a well-thought-out stock, making it steady in the aim Background to the Lithgow LA102 Crossover stalking…

The ground-breaking Daystate Delta Wolf was the most eagerly anticipated airgun launch of all time, so the British gunmaker’s latest offering certainly had a lot to live up to. (Read Mat’s review of the Daystate Alpha Wolf.)  My first proper encounter with this electronic mega-gun was back in March 2020 when I spent a day…

Many seasoned airgun shooters will have a relatively small stable of pellets that they will put through any new air rifle they acquire. The Air Arms Diabolo Field, seen here in .22 calibre, is one such pellet. It’s an absolute stalwart of the sport, and has built up a well deserved reputation over the years….