So, you want to dive into the world of PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles, but without feeling like you’ve been mugged by your hobby. Fear not, this isn’t about encouraging you to drop a small fortune, nor is it about leaving you with a plastic toy destined for the bin three months from now. We’re here to get you equipped with a proper setup that will last you a bit longer than what ever you found on the car boot. You will need two things
A budget of £400 is your minimum, but don't panic just yet—it's not as scary as it sounds!
Some common sense or at least the ability to email us if your struggling
Yes, you could find setups for less than that, but at what cost? Your dignity, my friend. You’re likely to sacrifice something important—like a decent scope or the ability to use the thing without begging your local airgun shop every weekend to fix it.
So let's break it down:
Where's that £400 Going?
40-60%: The Gun – This is where the magic happens. You want a good starter rifle that won’t disintegrate on you after 30 shots.
20-50%: The Optic – Because hitting things you aim at is, you know, kind of important.
15-20%: Silencer – Not essential, but if you’d like to keep your ears and not scare the neighbourhood dogs, you’ll want this.
10-25%: Filling Equipment – Air doesn’t grow on trees.
10-15%: Gun Bag – You might think this is an accessory, but it’s non-negotiable unless you enjoy dragging your investment across the floor.
5-20%: Extras (Pellets and Consumables) – The fun stuff. Can’t shoot without pellets.
Our Top 7 Budget PCP Choices
Now that we've set expectations, here are our top picks to help you enter the PCP world with confidence—and maybe a bit of flair.
1. Snowpeak PR900
Price Range: £230–£400
This little gem has been around long enough to earn its stripes. It’s a "no-frills" gun that even comes with iron sights, meaning you can skip the scope if your wallet is truly shaking in fear. But don't expect to hit targets beyond 30m with eagle-eyed accuracy unless you've got Superman’s vision.
Feeling fancy? You can get a full kit—semi-decent scope, pump, and bag—for just under £400. Yep, that’s everything. You’re welcome.
2. Stoeger XM1
Price Range: £250–£450
Basically, a PR900 in a tuxedo. This one’s ergonomic ("Human Tech Design" if you want to sound smart) and features an adjustable stock. It’s also slightly more refined with an improved trigger. The downside? It comes bundled with a scope whether you like it or not—so you’ll have to grab a bag and pump separately.
3. Remington T-Rex Bullpup
Price Range: £290–£475
The name Remington probably conjures visions of high-end, elite rifles. Surprise! It's a PR900 in a bullpup disguise. This configuration allows for a full-length barrel without needing a gun as tall as you are. Don’t be fooled by its basic scope—it’s there, but it’s pretty much asking to be replaced. Still, a great pick if you fancy a compact and quiet rifle thanks to its shrouded barrel.
4. Reximex Lyra
Price Range: £360–£600
Finally, we leave the PR900 fan club for a fresh face from Turkey. The Reximex Lyra brings a beautiful walnut stock, smooth side lever, and the all-important Picatinny rails. It's a solid performer, especially if you’re into classy aesthetics and modern features. But at this price, you're gonna need to stretch that budget a little further for all the extras like a scope, bag, and pump.
5. Stoeger XM1 Scout
Price Range: £450–£600
The Scout is the grown-up cousin of the XM1 with more features like an adjustable cheekpiece and rails for a bipod. Plus, it’s pre-threaded for a silencer. Fancy. You can buy it without the scope and invest in something tailored to your needs.
6. GAMO GX
Price Range: £400–£700
The GX is a collaboration between Spanish giant GAMO and the iconic BSA (yes, that BSA). Built on the BSA Scorpion platform, the GX sacrifices some modern features like a side lever for a reliable bolt action. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse that comes in two flavours: the original factory kit (scope and silencer included) or our upgraded version with more customizable options and a silencer that actually, you know, silences.
7. Walther RM8
Price Range: £490–£875
Walther—the name alone screams Olympic-level accuracy. The RM8 is budget-friendly but built for precision. Its biggest draw is the Walther Lothar barrel, which is legendary for its quality. Sure, the bolt action and lack of Picatinny rails are a bit old-school, but if you’re looking to hit small targets with scary precision, this is your guy.
8. Walther Reign
Price Range: £770–£1115
Now everything I just said was missing from the RM8, consider it fixed here. The Reign is THE go-to option we choose for customers within the budget. Side leaver (Left/Right swappable I might add), Bullpup, lightweight, Picatinny Rails all married to that amazing Walther Lothar Barrel. This is the last stop of budget (sort of) before we hit the mid-range airguns
Honourable Mentions:
There are a few more PCP rifles that could easily make this list. We could go on, but we won’t. Just know there are plenty more to explore.
Final Thoughts on Your Budget Journey
While this list is tailored to keep you within the ballpark of a reasonable budget, it’s clear that a bit of wiggle room can get you some nice upgrades. Start simple, but don’t be afraid to aim a little higher (pun intended). After all, a good PCP rifle is an investment, and you want it to last longer than your latest Netflix subscription.
Good luck, and remember: aim small, miss small!
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