2025 was a big year for UK shooters. Search behaviour shifted, buying habits evolved and interest across rifles, shotguns and air rifles became sharper than ever. From the clay ground to the hill to the back garden, shooters gravitated toward a core group of dependable performers. Here’s a look at the models that made the biggest impact this year.
Shotguns That Ruled 2025
Shotgun interest in 2025 centred around reliability, value and proven performance. Mid-range sporters and classic over-and-unders dominated searches as shooters prioritised guns they could trust across multiple disciplines.
Browning B525 Sporter One - A consistent favourite that once again proved why it remains one of the UK’s most respected sporters. Its familiar handling, strong mechanical reliability and balanced weight distribution make it a natural choice for both clays and game. Shooters loved how well it performs straight out of the box, offering a no-nonsense platform that’s easy to shoot well. Whether used weekly on the ground or taken out for mixed days, the B525 delivered confidence and consistency all year.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 - A timeless performer that continued to attract shooters of all levels throughout 2025. The Silver Pigeon’s combination of smooth cycling, excellent fit and Beretta’s renowned build quality cemented its place as a premium-but-accessible option. Many viewed it as a long-term investment thanks to its durability and excellent resale value. It became especially popular among shooters wanting a gun capable of handling clays, driven days and rough shoots with equal ease.
ATA Arms SP Elegant - The surprise success story of the year. Offering features normally seen on more expensive guns, the SP Elegant gained traction among both new and experienced shooters looking for exceptional value. Its attractive woodwork, reliable action and well-balanced feel made it a standout contender in the budget-to-mid range bracket. For many shooters in 2025, it proved that you don’t need to spend top-end money to get a well-performing, stylish and enjoyable shotgun.
Rifles That Made an Impact
The rise in deer stalking and vermin control shaped rifle interest throughout the year. Shooters leaned towards accurate, dependable platforms that paired well with modern optics and worked across multiple calibres.
Tikka T3x Lite – A leading choice for UK stalkers thanks to its precision engineering and incredibly consistent field performance. The T3x Lite’s smooth bolt throw, crisp trigger and lightweight stock make long days on the hill easier, while still providing the accuracy needed for clean, ethical shots. Its versatility across calibres like .308 and .243 kept it firmly in the spotlight, as shooters valued a rifle that could handle both woodland stalking and open moorland terrain without compromise.
Savage Axis II - One of the strongest entry-level rifles on the market and a major talking point throughout 2025. The Axis II gained popularity for offering impressive accuracy straight from the factory, helped by Savage’s AccuTrigger system and dependable barrel performance. It became a popular stepping stone for new stalkers entering the sport, providing confidence, ease of use and excellent value for money. Many shooters praised it as a rifle that outperforms its price tag.
Ruger American Ranch - A compact, practical rifle that found a wide audience in 2025. Its short barrel, lightweight build and optics-ready design appealed to shooters wanting a modern, adaptable platform. It became a favourite for both stalking and vermin control, especially in calibres such as .223 and .300 Blackout. With a reputation for rugged reliability and great ergonomics, the Ranch offered a blend of portability and punch that suited a variety of shooting environments.
Air Rifles That Stood Out
Air rifle interest remained incredibly strong in 2025, driven by hobby shooters, pest controllers and the ongoing popularity of high-end PCP platforms. Shooters were looking for rifles that combined accuracy, ease of use and long-term reliability.
Weihrauch HW100 - A leader in the PCP world and one of the most respected air rifles ever built. The HW100's match-grade trigger, smooth side-lever action and consistent shot-to-shot performance made it a top pick for both pest control and target shooting. Its exceptional build quality meant shooters trusted it to perform across thousands of rounds. In 2025, it stood out as the benchmark for reliability in the air rifle market.
FX Impact M4 - The headline release from FX in 2025 and one of the year’s most talked-about rifles. The M4 platform pushed adjustability to new heights, allowing shooters to fine-tune almost every aspect of the rifle. From power curves to regulator settings to barrel configurations, it delivered unmatched customisation. Precision shooters and tuners gravitated to it immediately, making it one of the most viewed and discussed air rifles of the year.
BSA Ultra SE - A compact, dependable air rifle that remained a favourite among newcomers and back-garden shooters. Its lightweight design, easy handling and strong accuracy out of the box made it an approachable option for anyone stepping into PCP shooting. In 2025, it gained renewed popularity thanks to its balance of price, performance and real-world practicality. For many, it was the ideal starting point before progressing to higher-end platforms.
Summary
These are the standout rifles, shotguns and air rifles that defined 2025. But if you want the complete breakdown, including the most searched and most viewed guns across every category, you’ll find it inside our downloadable Gunstar Wrapped 2025 guide. Get all the rankings, trends and insights in one place.
