Buying Air Rifles ~£70 in Somerset & Bristol: Local Shops and Buying Guide

Several Somerset/Bristol retailers stock entry-level air rifles in the £60–£80 range. Always verify current stock and pricing before visiting.

Local Retailers

• Airsoft World – Bridgwater (TA6 4DR). Airguns + airsoft. Brands: Weihrauch, BSA, Gamo, Crosman.
• The Gun Shop – Taunton (TA1 1JZ). Traditional gunshop; air rifles, shotguns, accessories. FAC/non-FAC.
• Bristol Airsoft – Bristol (BS2 0SP). Airsoft focus but carries spring/piston air rifles.
• The Shooting Centre – Bristol (BS3 2HZ). Range + shop; airguns, clays, archery.
• Hunting World – Wells (BA5 2RR). Country sports; air rifles, optics, clothing.

What £70 Buys (Spring-Piston .177/.22)

• Gamo Delta / Whisper / Varmint
• BSA Meteor / Lightning
• Weihrauch HW30 (sometimes on sale)
• Crosman Quest / Phantom
• Hatsan Striker / Edge

Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) starts ~£300+. CO₂ rifles ~£80–120.

Legal Essentials (UK)

• Non-FAC air rifle: ≤12 ft·lb (16.3 J) – no license, age 18+ to buy, 14+ supervised use on private land with permission
• FAC air rifle: >12 ft·lb – requires Firearms Certificate
• Transport: Unloaded, in gunslip, not public place without reason
• Scottish difference: Air Weapon Certificate required for ANY airgun in Scotland

Buying Checklist

1. Define purpose: plinking, target, pest control (rabbits, pigeons—check General Licences)
2. Test shoulder fit, trigger, cocking effort
3. Budget scope (£30–50), mounts, pellets, gun slip
4. Ask shop to zero sights before leaving

Pellets: JSB Exact, H&N Field Target Trophy, RWS Superdome—quality matters more than rifle at this tier. Avoid cheap "tin of 500" lead—they damage barrels and group poorly.