In the UK, you can legally own an air rifle without a firearms licence as long as it does not exceed 12 ft-lb (16.27 joules) of muzzle energy.

If the rifle produces more than 12 ft-lb, it is legally classified as a firearm and requires a Firearms Certificate (FAC).

You must be 18 or over to buy, own, or be gifted an air rifle

The legal power limit for an unlicensed air rifle in the UK is:

12 ft-lb (16.27 joules) for air rifles
6 ft-lb for air pistols

Air rifles sold by UK retailers are normally below 12 ft-lb, but muzzle energy can vary slightly depending on pellet weight.

It is strongly recommended to chronograph-test your rifle when changing pellet types, or if using a PCP refill system, to confirm it remains within the legal limit.

Modifying a rifle to exceed 12 ft-lb without an FAC is illegal.

In the UK:

18+ to purchase and legally own an air rifle.
Under 18s may shoot one, but only under direct adult supervision.

You may transport an air rifle in public only if it is fully covered in a case or bag and you are travelling to a lawful place to shoot.

Carrying an air rifle uncovered in public can be treated as a serious firearms offence.

You may shoot an air rifle on private land where you have permission from the landowner.

You may shoot in your garden only if there is no chance of a pellet leaving the boundary, including ricochets, misses, or pellets passing through a target.

Hunting is legal for certain pest species such as rabbits, rats, and pigeons, but you must ensure the rifle delivers humane energy and the environment is safe.

You must not allow pellets to leave your land, cross into neighbouring property, or be fired toward public areas, roads, or footpaths.

The 3 most common types are:

Spring Powered that is ideal for beginners, requires no external air source, produces recoil, and is simple to maintain.
Gas Ram that offers a smoother shot cycle than spring, with less long term wear and no need for air fills.
PCP (Pre Charged Pneumatic) that provides the highest accuracy and consistency, has no recoil, and is quieter, but requires a fill system.

For first time shooters or target use, spring or gas ram rifles are the simplest and most practical starting point.

For pest control or hunting, PCP rifles are the most accurate and consistent option when paired with the right filling equipment.

The most popular calibres are:

.177 that is best for target shooting and flatter pellet trajectory at longer range.
.22 that is best for pest control and hunting due to stronger short to medium range impact and better wind performance.

If precision and minimal pellet drop are the priority, .177 is the best choice.

If humane pest control or hunting impact is the priority, .22 is the best field calibre for most shooters.

A scope is not legally required. Many rifles include iron (open) sights which are suitable for casual, short range target use.

A scope is recommended for shooting beyond 15 to 20 yards, field shooting, pest control, and achieving higher accuracy.

A good beginner scope magnification is 3-9x40 or 4-12x50 with a mildot or half mildot reticle for holdover and pellet drop reference.

The core essentials are:

Eye protection to protect against ricochets.
Quality pellets, ideally testing 2 to 3 types to find the best grouping for your rifle.
A covered gun case or rifle bag for safe and lawful transport.
A secure pellet backstop or suitable target system that fully captures the pellet.

If the rifle is PCP, a fill system such as a hand pump, air cylinder, or airgun compressor is also required.

PCP rifles require compressed air, filled using one of the following methods:

A hand pump that is the lowest cost option but requires time and physical effort.
A scuba style air cylinder that fills the rifle quickly but must be topped up at an approved air fill station such as a dive shop.
A dedicated airgun compressor that provides the fastest and most convenient fills, but with a higher initial purchase cost.

Typical shot count per full air charge is normally 30 to 120 shots for standard .177 or .22 PCP rifles depending on air cylinder size, power level, and rifle tune.

While the UK does not legally require locked storage for sub 12 ft-lb air rifles, responsible ownership includes:

Always storing the rifle unloaded and out of unsupervised access by children.
Using a locked gun cabinet or safe is strongly recommended as best practice.
Keeping pellets and magazines separate from the rifle during storage.

When transporting in public:

Use a covered gun case or bag at all times.
Do not carry the rifle loaded with pellets or a magazine inserted.
Only transport directly to a lawful shooting location for legitimate purposes such as club shooting, private land use, or pest control.
Never expose or handle the rifle publicly during travel.