New Nationwide Survey Reveals Insights into UK Airgunning Community
A recent survey conducted by The AirGun Centre has shed light on the thoughts and habits of airgunners across the UK. With responses from 2,784 participants, this study offers a rare glimpse into one of Britain’s most active shooting communities.
Among the key findings, the survey revealed that 63% of respondents believe .22 calibre is the best choice for hunting, while almost 70% prefer PCP rifles as their main platform. However, traditional springers remain popular, accounting for over a quarter of primary rifle use.
In terms of purchasing habits, reliability was the top priority for airgunners, with over half of respondents citing it as the most important factor when choosing an air rifle. Brand reputation followed closely behind, with price, weight, and noise level ranking lower on the list. Surprisingly, accuracy was the least important consideration, suggesting that many shooters assume it as a given.
The survey also highlighted the personal nature of the sport, with over half of airgunners admitting to having a pre-shooting ritual. These rituals ranged from practical checks and breathing exercises to more quirky routines, such as lucky clothing and singing in an Elmer Fudd voice. This further emphasizes the individuality of shooting habits.
Personality also showed up in other areas, with 17.5% of respondents revealing that they name their air rifles. Traditional names like Betsy, Betty, and Bertha were popular choices, as well as more creative options like “The Beast,” “Carl Plinkington,” and “Smackmaster3000.”
Practical habits were also a standout area in the survey, with nearly two thirds of respondents admitting to cleaning their rifle more often than their car. Target shooting was revealed as the most popular type of shooting, followed by pest control, garden plinking, and hunting.
However, not all confessions were positive. One in five shooters admitted to exaggerating the size of their groupings, while the most common embarrassing moment reported was forgetting pellets or bringing the wrong calibre altogether.
The survey also revealed a more even split in terms of shooting locations, with around a third of participants mainly shooting at clubs or ranges. Garden shooting and private land were close behind, and pest control still accounts for a significant share, highlighting the practical use of air rifles across the UK.
When asked what they wish others would stop doing at the range, the top complaint was talking. Respondents cited unnecessary noise as the biggest disruption to concentration, followed by bragging and unsolicited advice.
The full survey results, including detailed breakdowns, charts, and verbatim responses, can be found at: https://www.theairguncentre.com/blog/airgun-questionnaire-results/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.