One of the greatest appeals of airgun shooting is its affordability. For a few hundred pounds — and sometimes significantly less — you can pick up an air rifle that should give years of reliable service. With Christmas looming large on the horizon, it is likely more than a few…
Guns for pest control
Rats, squirrels, rabbits, corvids …. Obviously pests need controlling to keep the balance right but which guns for pest control are most effective? Which should you be using? Of course, it depends on your skill, the quarry you’re after … and our experts have written several articles on the subject which you can read right here. We’ve pieces on controlling rabbits with FAC air rifles and look at the right rifles for crow control to mention just two.
Whether you’re looking for a shotgun, an air rifle or a .17 HMR – we’ve reviewed your key choices, listing the pros and cons of each.
Both new and second-hand guns are covered and there is some useful advice on ammunition too.
Browse through our articles and our expert writers give the benefit of their experience on what works best for different locations, the time of day and the time of year.
We’re always updating this section with new advice – so it’s worth referring back when you’ve a query.
Will a budget air-rifle really do the job?
Airguns are not only my hobby, they are also my livelihood, and as someone who subscribes to the adage that you should always use the right tool for the job, I like to use the best shooting equipment that my budget can stretch to. However, not everyone can justify forking…
Is there a minimum recommended calibre for a foxing rifle?
Fox control: Why do all the rifle experts have such a low opinion of the .22 rimfire for fox control? I have taken numerous foxes at ranges of 100 yards – measured not guessed.
How to choose a foxing rifle
Choosing which foxing rifle best suits your needs is not necessarily straightforward as varying circumstances will dictate different choices. The first basic decision has to be whether you intend to shoot from a truck or from foot, and that will be determined by two basic factors – a) the nature…
Steyr Zephyr II .17 HMR rimfire
The original Steyr Zephyr was a .22 LR, produced in 1966 by Steyr Mannlicher, and it was unlike any other rimfire available at the time. It had that everlasting and alluring quality that Steyr rifles possess and it was the only rimfire I knew of that had a Stutzen —…
What is the best big rifle for shooting foxes?
In your opinion what is the best big rifle for foxes, taking into consideration the cost of the ammunition. What is the cheapest price I could buy one for?
CZ 455 American STS .22 LR
Think of .22 rimfires and instantly you think of the CZ .22 LR bolt-action rifle. This rimfire has been offered in many guises over the years to satisfy shooters who want wooden, synthetic Sporter or thumbhole stocks. Blued and nickel finishes were also available, as well as a barrel change…
Which pellet is best for my air rifle?
With the extensive range of airgun pellets now available, how can I find out which would be the most suitable for my air rifle?
Airgun laws and security requirements you need to know
Air rifles: New guidance to prevent under-18s accessing airguns could mean a £1,000 fine if you fail to secure your air rifle properly.
Remington Model 700 SPS rifle
The Remington Model 700 SPS - a great little rifle with dependable accuracy and reliability
Three impressive PCP air rifles for under £500
PCP air rifles are relatively cheap, easy to shoot and given a decent backstop you can even practise in the back garden. Perfect for pest control and ideal around a farm yard if you need to get rid of vermin with little risk of damage to property or stock. Why…
Which is the best night vision scope for the money?
Pulsar’s N550 digital night-vision rifle scope was a game- changer in the world of late-night pest control and subsequent updates have continually evolved. The closely associated Yukon brand has run in parallel, offering similar technology with fewer “toys” included. Which is the best night vision scope of the two? I was…
Effective pest control with an airgun
What do you do when grey squirrels, rats and corvids are robbing nests of eggs? You get out the airgun - and you lay in wait, as Mat Manning explains
Second-hand small-bore shotguns – what to buy?
A second-hand 28-bore or a .410? With more than £1,000 to spend on a small-bore shotgun, either a 28-bore or a .410, our reader has plenty of scope. In fact, he could buy a new gun if he so wished, particularly if he looked at the Turkish market. If he…
Ruger American Ranch rifle
I have the highest respect for Ruger rifles. I have owned and tested many over the years, with the Ruger No.1 being my all-time favourite factory rifle. The manufacturer continue to surprise and innovate in the rifle world and, with the shift to markets producing cheaper or more cost-effective models,…
Weihrauch CW66 .22LR thumbhole – the perfect vermin gun?
Weihrauch is famed for its well-engineered range of air rifles, of which I am a bit of a collector. My first air rifle was an HW35, too. Weihrauch has made a range of rimfires as well as full-bore rifles for decades and its rimfire rifles offer the same blend of…
We pick out some of the best airguns around
In the market for buying a new airgun? Look no further, we have rounded up some of the best airguns on the market. Take part in our poll below to support your favourite. Weihrauch HW100 K, HW100 TK Length: 96cm Weight: 3.3kg with moderator What it offers: This impeccably finished pre-charged…
Tikka T3X Lite in .222 Remington
I tested the stainless steel .243 version of this new model of the iconic Tikka last year when it was launched but I wanted to test the entry-level version, too, which is, let’s face it, the industry standard when it comes to a fox/deer rifle. If you have £1,000 in…
FAC air rifles – are they necessary?
One of the perennial issues facing the air gunner who wants to move up to something bigger is where to go next. Likewise, there are also shooters who already have large centrefires, but find that they need to shoot in places where they are way too powerful. In both situations,…
Three value-for-money secondhand semi-auto shotguns
Hatsan Escort Magnum Target Price: £330 In the 1960s, two trend-setting semi-autos were introduced – one from the USA and the other from Italy. Both were no-nonsense guns that became favourites, primarily with clay target and pigeon shooters. The American offering was the Remington 1100, while the Beretta A300 came from Italy. The Remmie was so…