Air Rilfe New Vs Used

When beginning the sport of air gunning, we often get asked if they should buy a new gun or get a second hand air rifle. There are two schools of thought, those that want to be the first to own the weapon and shoot the weapon. The other camp says that rather than buy a cheap air rifle, buy a quality used air rifle. The most affordable entry-level air rifle is the springer. You can read more on different types of air rifles.

Buying Options

Buying New

Arguments for buying a new airgun

• Warranty: New airguns come with a warranty from the manufacturer which can offer peace of mind in case of any issues with the product.
• Reliability: A new airgun will likely have fewer faults and work more consistently than a second-hand one.
• Customisation: Some new airguns offer customisation options that allow you to personalise the gun to your preferences.
• Latest technology: New airguns often come with the latest technology and advancements in design and functionality.

Arguments For Not Buying New

• Cost: New airguns can be expensive, making them a less affordable option for some buyers.
• Availability: Some popular models may be sold out and unavailable, forcing you to wait for a new shipment.
• No proven track record: New airguns have not been tested or used in real-life situations, so their performance and reliability are still being determined.

There are plenty of options for buying a new air rifle for under £100. A well-recognised and oldest manufacturer of air guns is Daisy. They started building in 1888 in the USA, and Probably their best know airgun is the Daisy RedRyder which can be bought for under £50. However, the Daisy air guns are BB guns. That is, they fire steel balls rather than pellets. You can find out more on our blog about air gun pellet types.

Hatsan Airguns

Hatsan has been a well-known and respected air rifle manufacturer in Turkey since 1976. Their most advanced air rifles sell for over £1000, but they produce two entry-level air rifles under £100. The Hatsan Breaker 900x has a fitted moderator and Truglo sights for £99. The next entry air rifle from Hatsan is the Edge. The Edge from Hatsan is an inexpensive spring rifle that delivers a level of performance way above its price point. At under the £100 mark for the black synthetic model, you will be hard-pressed to find a rifle of this quality for a lower price.

B2 Rifle

A Stinger Starter Air rifle kit is based on the B2 .22calibre rifle, over a million have been sold worldwide. The kit at £73.99 includes the stinger rifle, a gun bag, a tin of pellets and a gun bag. You could add our 4×32 air rifle scope and still be under £100.

Buying New £100 – £200

Once you enter this price range then the choice becomes so much greater. You could buy the Remington Express .177 for £149 and it includes a scope and a bag. This break barrel design air rifle comes standard with a number of features that you would expect to find on much higher priced air guns. The full-length, hardwood stock features cut checkering, a fitted rubber recoil pad for a non-slip surface and 15″ length of pull. The trigger is a two stage match design.

£200 and Upwards

At this price point and upwards you can buy a vast range of air rifles and you can get some top of the range air rifles second hand.

Arguments for buying a second-hand airgun:

• Cost: Second-hand airguns are generally cheaper than new ones, making them a more cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers.
• Quality: Some second-hand airguns may have been well-maintained and could still be in good working condition, offering a good quality option for a lower price.
• Rarity: Some airguns may only be available second-hand and not in production anymore, making them a good option for collectors.

Reasons Not To Buy Used

• Uncertain condition: Second-hand airguns may not have been well-maintained or could have been damaged, thus leading to issues with performance and reliability.
• Lack of warranty: Second-hand airguns generally do not come with a warranty from the manufacturer, meaning that any repairs or replacements will be at your own expense.
• Difficulty in determining history: It can be difficult to determine the history of a second-hand airgun, including how it was used, stored, or maintained.
• Risk of fraud: There is a risk of fraud when buying second-hand, as the seller may not be truthful about the condition of the airgun or its history.

On the matter of fraud, at iHunter we have the option when selling an air rifle to use TrustAp. What is TrustAp.

Second Hand

You could get a cheap used air gun to start shooting or you could go for a top of the range pre owned air rifle. Usually an expensive air rifle is more looked after and maintained than the cheaper models, thats because the amount spent increase how much the owner cares about their purchase. You may ask yourself, how much is my gun worth, well it depends on the condition it is in and the link takes you to a post describing the various secondhand conditions.

Used Weihrauch’s Air Rifles

Let’s focus on some great second hand air rifle examples. Many people consider the best starter rifle and the best springer air rifle is the Weihrauch HW99S. Bought new you can expect to pay around £280, but, if you buy as a used air rifle then you could get one for under £200. Weihrauch’s always retain their value very well because of the quality, even if you did not like the sport you could sell your air rifle for around the same price you bought secondhand.

Another top performing rifle from Weihrauch is the HW97 range, there are a few different models but all offer excellent accuracy and function. Bought new you can expect to pay around £550, if you are lucky enough to spot a used Weihrauch HW97 you can get one for under £400. We looked at over 9000 listings of used air rifles and and the average cost of the HW97 was £422. See all preowned average Weihrauch air rifle prices.

Used Air Arms Air Rifles

Raved about in forums are the Air Arms air rifles, especially the Air Arms TX200 (Mk3) new they are around £700. This is what the official manufactures site has to say about the special air gun.

These superbly made underlever rifles have forged their reputation as world beaters within the demands of top level competition in hunting fields around the world.

The smooth, full-power, consistent shooting qualities of the TX200 MkIII are a product of several features working together. These include a balanced mainspring, guide and piston system, which runs on synthetic bearings to reduce friction. Less energy lost to friction means higher efficiency, easier cocking and reduced recoil. These are the qualities of an expertly tuned rifle and the TX200 MkIII comes with these benefits as standard.

A second hand Air Arms TX200 can be bought for  £400 to £500 dependant on the model and the accessories the rifle is sold with. The TX200 first introduced in January 1992 and won many awards along the way. Used Air Arms average prices for air rifles.

 

Summary Old Vs New