In 2025, CO₂-powered air rifles remain a top choice for UK shooters due to their ease of use, low cost, and minimal maintenance. Whether you're plinking in the garden, managing pests, or collecting military-style replicas, CO₂ rifles offer a simple alternative to more complex PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) or spring-powered airguns.
This article covers the best CO₂ air rifles available in the UK in 2025. We compare performance, features, and suitability for various users, from casual shooters to pest controllers and replica collectors.
Why Choose a CO₂ Air Rifle?
- Easy to Use - CO₂ rifles use 12g or 88g disposable cartridges, removing the need for manual pumping or air tanks.
- Legal & Accessible - Most CO₂ rifles in the UK stay below the 12 ft·lbf (16.3 joules) muzzle energy limit. This makes them legal to own without a firearms certificate (FAC), provided you are over 18.
- Great for Plinking & Light Pest Control - Ideal for garden target shooting or small pest control (rats, pigeons) within 20 to 25 yards.
What to Consider Before Buying (UK-Focused)
1. Power & Legal Limits - Make sure the rifle stays under 12 ft·lbf to comply with UK law. Some high-power models may approach this limit, so stick with trusted brands and UK-specific versions.
2. Temperature Sensitivity - CO₂ loses pressure in cold weather. Below 5°C, accuracy and shot consistency drop. Spring and summer are ideal, or use CO₂ rifles indoors during colder months.
3. Shot Count & Cartridge Type
- 12g cartridges are common and affordable, delivering 30 to 60 shots.
- 88g cartridges offer 150+ shots but are bulkier and more expensive. Some rifles, like the Hammerli 850 Air Magnum, support bulk-fill tanks or adapters for flexible use.
4. Shooting Style
- Semi-automatic rifles are fun and fast for casual plinking.
- Bolt-action or lever-action rifles offer more control for precise shooting.
- Replica-style rifles appeal to collectors and military fans.
5. Where to buy
- Check thousands of air-rifles on Gunstar now:
1. Crosman 1077 Freestyle
Photo credit (Range & Country)
Best For: Beginner plinkers, casual shooters
Type: Semi-automatic
Calibre: .177
Magazine: 12-shot rotary
CO₂: 1x 12g cartridge
Price: ~£130
Why It’s Great: A long-time UK favourite, the Crosman 1077 offers fast semi-auto action, decent accuracy, and a lightweight build. The Freestyle edition adds new colours and styling.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- No recoil, fast firing
- Proven reliability
Cons:
- Limited accuracy beyond 20m
- Plastic construction
2. Umarex Legends Cowboy Lever Action
Photo credit (D.A.I. Leisure)
Best For: Western fans, replica collectors
Type: Lever action
Calibre: .177 steel BB
Magazine: 10-round shell loading
CO₂: 2x 12g cartridges
Price: ~£230
Why It’s Great: A faithful replica of the Winchester 1894. With shell ejection and a smooth lever action, it's perfect for nostalgic shooting.
Pros:
- Realistic Old West design
- Authentic operation
- Surprisingly accurate for a BB gun
Cons:
- Uses BBs, not pellets
- Shells can be fiddly to handle
3. Hammerli 850 Air Magnum M2
Photo credit (Futarama)
Best For: Target shooting, pest control
Type: Bolt-action
Calibre: .22 or .177
Magazine: 8-shot rotary
CO₂: 1x 88g (or 2x 12g with adapter)
Price: ~£310
Why It’s Great: Often called the “PCP of CO₂ rifles,” the 850 Air Magnum delivers accuracy, power, and high shot counts, suitable for serious shooting or pest control.
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy
- Over 150 shots per canister
- Smooth bolt-action
Cons:
- Requires large 88g canister
- Higher upfront cost
4. Diana Trailscout
Photo credit (D.A.I. Leisure)
Best For: Reliable backyard shooting, high shot count
Type: Bolt-action
Calibre: .22 or .177
Magazine: 9-shot (.177) or 7-shot (.22) rotary
CO₂: 3x 12g cartridges
Price: ~£200
Why It’s Great: The Diana Trailscout combines a traditional bolt-action system with modern CO₂ efficiency. With three 12g cartridges, it delivers consistent power across a high number of shots. It’s ideal for target shooting and light pest control.
Pros:
- High shot capacity
- Good accuracy
- Solid wood stock and classic styling
Cons:
- Requires 3 cartridges per fill
- Slightly heavier than synthetic rifles
5. Webley Nemesis X
Photo credit (Range and Country Shooting Supplies)
Best For: Lightweight pest control, portability
Type: Bolt-action
Calibre: .22
Magazine: 7-shot
CO₂: 1x 88g or 2x 12g (with adapter)
Price: ~£225
Why It’s Great: Compact, modular, and discreet, the Nemesis X suits backyard shooting or mobile pest control. It supports silencers and has a tactical look.
Pros:
- Quiet and compact
- Balanced design
- Easy to accessorise
Cons:
- Less powerful than PCP rifles
- Trigger could be more refined
Final Thoughts
Whether you're plinking cans, controlling pests, or collecting realistic replicas, the 2025 UK CO₂ rifle market has something for everyone.
For fun and affordability, choose the Crosman 1077. For serious pest control, go with the Hammerli 850 or Webley Nemesis X. And for true replica appeal, the Umarex Legends Cowboy stands out with unmatched realism.
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