Airgun Brand · Air Arms
Air Arms: brand guide and lineup
Researched by James · Updated September 26, 2026 · Editorial policy
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Founding, family ownership and manufacturing details come from Air Arms' own site. Current models and prices come from Pyramyd AIR's live Air Arms catalog, one of the largest US Air Arms retailers. Full methodology & editorial policy →
Quick facts
| Founded | 1983, by Bob Nicholls |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hailsham, East Sussex, England |
| Where made | England, at Air Arms' own factory |
| Parent company / owner | Family-owned; Claire West (Nicholls' daughter) became Managing Director in 2011 and owner in 2020 |
| Known for | Out-of-the-box accuracy, the TX200 springer, and the S400/S410/S500/S510 PCP lineage |
| Typical price range | About $880 (TX200 springer) to $2,300 (top PCP trims); specialized target rifles run higher |
| Warranty | 3 years from purchase (UK terms; ask your dealer about US coverage) |
Current lineup
| Model | Type | Calibers | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TX200 MkIII / HC | Underlever spring-piston | .177, .22 | About $880-$1,200 | Springer hunters and target shooters who want no-PCP simplicity |
| S400 MPR | PCP sporter | .177, .22 | About $1,400 | A lighter, more affordable PCP sporter |
| S510 XS Ultimate Sporter / Carbine | PCP sporter/carbine, regulated | .177, .22, .25 | About $1,550-$2,300 | The core Air Arms hunting PCP for most buyers |
| Galahad Carbine | PCP bullpup, regulated | .177, .22, .25 | About $1,650 | Hunters who want Air Arms accuracy in a shorter, bullpup shape |
| XTi-50 Benchrest / FT | PCP field target / benchrest | .177, .22, .25 | About $4,300 | Dedicated field target and benchrest competitors, not general hunting |
Best Air Arms picks for hunting
- S510 Ultimate Sporter or Carbine — the default recommendation: regulated, accurate, and available in .25 for more energy on bigger pests.
- Galahad — the same accuracy in a compact bullpup, if a shorter rifle matters more than a traditional stock.
- TX200 — still a legitimate small-game hunting rifle if you'd rather cock a lever than manage air, and one of the most accurate springers you can buy.
For a broader look at where a rifle like this fits against slug-tuned PCPs, see my best air rifles for rabbit hunting comparison.
Pros and cons
Good fit
- Hunters who want proven accuracy without tuning a regulator themselves
- Springer shooters who want the TX200's reputation
- Buyers who value a small, family-run British manufacturer
Look elsewhere
- Big-bore hunters — Air Arms tops out at .25 caliber, so hogs and larger game need a different brand
- Tinkerers who want externally adjustable power and regulators to experiment with
- First-time PCP buyers on a tight budget; see my first PCP buyer's guide for cheaper starting points
How Air Arms compares
Against FX Airguns, Air Arms trades adjustability for consistency: FX rifles like my own Impact M4 are built to be tuned, where Air Arms rifles are set up to perform well as delivered. Against Daystate, both are premium UK brands, but Daystate has pushed into electronic, computer-controlled valves while Air Arms has stayed mechanical across its whole lineup. Against Weihrauch, the rivalry is older and mostly about springers — the Air Arms TX200 and Weihrauch's HW97/HW77 have been compared by shooters for decades, and the honest answer is that both are excellent and the choice often comes down to trigger feel and stock shape more than accuracy.
Verdict
Air Arms is a safe, well-earned recommendation for a hunter who wants accuracy without a tuning project. If you want to adjust regulators and power settings yourself, or need big-bore energy, look at FX, Daystate or a big-bore specialist instead.
Shop Air Arms rifles and pellets
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FAQ
Is Air Arms a good airgun brand?
Yes. Air Arms has one of the strongest accuracy reputations in airgunning, built over four decades on a small, focused lineup rather than dozens of models. It suits hunters and target shooters who want a rifle that shoots well out of the box; it's not the brand for someone who wants to tune power wheels and regulators themselves.
Where are Air Arms rifles made?
England. Air Arms manufactures at its own factory in Hailsham, East Sussex, and markets that British manufacturing directly as part of its identity.
Who owns Air Arms?
Air Arms is still family-owned. Bob Nicholls founded the company in 1983; after his death, his daughter Claire West took over as Managing Director in 2011 and became the company's owner in 2020.
What is the Air Arms TX200?
A break-barrel-style underlever spring-piston air rifle that's been in the lineup for decades and is widely regarded as one of the most accurate springers ever made. It runs $880-$1,200 depending on stock and trim, in .177 or .22, and remains a benchmark for spring-gun hunters and target shooters who don't want a PCP.
What is the best Air Arms model for hunting?
The S510 Ultimate Sporter or Carbine for a traditional-stock PCP, or the Galahad if you want a bullpup. All three share Air Arms' regulated PCP platform and come in .177, .22 and .25.
Is Air Arms good for beginners?
It's a reasonable step-up rifle rather than a true first PCP, since most current models run $1,300 and up. If you're buying your very first PCP, start with something in the $500-$800 range and move to Air Arms once you know you'll stick with the hobby — see my first PCP buyer's guide.
What is Air Arms' warranty?
3 years from the date of purchase on new rifles, covering parts and labor when serviced by Air Arms or an approved center. It's a UK warranty; ask your US dealer what backs it if you're buying stateside.
