What Air Rifle Accessories Should You Get?
Buying your first air rifle is straightforward. Knowing what you actually need alongside it is less obvious. New owners often get overwhelmed by the number of accessories available.
The truth is, you don’t need everything. What really matters is having the right equipment, no matter the type of air rifle you own or the shooting scenario you’re in, to ensure safety, reliability, and a solid shooting experience from day one. In this blog, we will look at the essential air rifle accessories UK buyers should consider first.
Step 1: The Right Ammunition
Before anything else, you need pellets. Ammunition matters more than most new owners realise. Even the best air rifles perform poorly with the wrong ammo.
Choose quality air pellets matched to your calibre and intended use. Target shooting and pest control may require different pellet types. Stick to reputable brands and test a few options to find what your air rifle prefers.
Avoid cheap bulk ammunition when starting out. Consistent pellets improve confidence and help ensure early accuracy gains.
Step 2: A Safe and Practical Gun Case
Transporting your air rifle safely is essential. A soft or padded gun case protects your stock, scope and barrel during travel.
Even though air guns under legal power limits don’t require a firearms licence in England and Wales, they must still be transported responsibly. A proper case keeps the gun out of sight and reduces the risk of damage.
For beginners, soft cases are usually enough. They are easy to carry and offer great protection for regular trips to the range.
Step 3: Air Rifle Targets for Real Practice
You can’t improve without proper targets. Air rifle targets designed for target shooting make it easier to measure progress. Targets are often sold in sets, which can include multiple types for different shooting experiences.
Paper targets are ideal for zeroing scopes and checking consistency. Reactive air rifle targets add a bit of enjoyment for plinking sessions.
Having the right targets ensures your aim develops correctly and keeps practice structured rather than random. Air rifle accessories commonly include targets, cases, and bags.
Step 4: A Reliable Scope and Mounts
Most new air rifle owners quickly move to using scopes. Good optics make aiming easier and improve the overall shooting experience.
When choosing scopes, look for models designed for airguns. Air rifles create a unique recoil pattern that cheaper scopes may not handle well. Air rifle scopes should also be durable and able to withstand drops and fog.
A decent set of scope mounts is key to shooting accurately with a telescopic sight. Scope mount sets often include various inserts for different tube sizes, providing versatility and a secure fit. Strong mounts prevent movement and maintain zero. A solid scope and mount setup ensures your air rifle performs consistently.
- For nighttime shooting, consider using night vision or thermal optics.
Step 5: Cleaning Equipment
Maintenance often gets overlooked, but it matters. Air rifles still accumulate residue over time.
- Basic cleaning equipment keeps the barrel clear and ensures smooth performance. You don’t need a full workshop setup, but a cleaning kit is essential.
- Regular maintenance helps preserve accuracy and protects internal parts from unnecessary wear.
Step 6: Safe Storage at Home
Once home, safe storage should be your priority. Even if not legally required in every situation, responsible storage is part of good airgun ownership.
A cabinet is ideal, especially in homes with children. At a minimum, keep your air rifle stored securely and out of reach. Storage isn’t glamorous, but it protects your investment and ensures responsible ownership.
Step 7: Spare Pellets and Ammo Organisation
New shooters often underestimate how quickly pellets disappear. Having spare ammunition ready prevents interrupted sessions. Keep pellets organised in sealed containers to protect them from moisture. Proper storage maintains consistency.
- A small supply of quality air ammo ensures you’re never stuck mid-session without what you need.
Step 8: Slings for Field Use
If you plan on hunting or walking on land, slings quickly become useful. They don’t directly improve accuracy, but they make carrying your air rifle easier and safer. Over longer distances, this matters.
- For pest control or field shooting, a sling is a practical addition.
Step 9: Eye Protection and Basic Safety Equipment
Safety equipment should never be ignored. Even for air pistols or backyard plinking, eye protection is important.
Ricochets from reactive targets can occur. Basic protective equipment enhances safety and improves overall confidence.
- Good habits early on create a safer shooting experience long term.
Step 10: Bench Support or Shooting Rest
A simple shooting rest or bag improves early results. Beginners benefit from stable support when learning trigger control and follow-through.
While not strictly essential, it makes zeroing easier and speeds up improvement. It’s a sensible add-on once the basics are covered.
Step 11: Understanding What You Don’t Need Yet
There are plenty of airgun accessories available: grips, bipods, advanced optics, and custom stock adjustments.
For new owners, most of these are optional. Focus on essentials first. Build your equipment gradually as your experience grows. Avoid overspending early. Learn your rifle before deciding what to customise or upgrade.
Step 12: Matching Accessories to Your Type of Shooting
Your intended shooting style determines your accessory needs.
- Target shooting requires quality scopes and reliable air rifle targets.
- Pest control requires safe transport and possibly a sling.
- Casual plinking focuses on convenience and enjoyment.
Having all your essential accessories organised in one place makes it easier to prepare for any type of shooting. Essential UK air rifle accessories include precise optics, stable bipods, laser rangefinders, and reliable pellet options.
- Make sure your selection matches how you actually plan to use your air rifle.
Step 13: Buying from a Trusted Supplier
When purchasing air rifle accessories, UK shooters rely on, choose a specialist retailer.
Reputable sellers understand compatibility between air rifles, scopes, mounts and other equipment. They can guide you towards the right products without unnecessary extras.
Buying from a knowledgeable team ensures you start your air gun experience on the right foot.
Final Checklist for First-Time Owners
If you’ve just bought your first air rifle, make sure you have:
- Quality pellets
- A padded gun case
- Proper air rifle targets
- A reliable scope and mounts
- Basic cleaning equipment
- Safe home storage
Start Simple, Build Smart
The world of air rifles and airgun accessories is wide. It’s easy to get distracted by upgrades and extras. Focus on what’s needed first. Ensure safe handling, reliable equipment, and consistent practice. That foundation improves your air gun experience more than any advanced accessory.
