Essential Accessories & Setup for Beginners: What You Really Need to Get Started

Once you’ve chosen your air rifle and fitted a scope, it’s tempting to splash out on loads of extras. But do you really need a bipod, sling, laser, chronograph, or cleaning kit straight away?

In this guide, we’ll break down what’s essential, what’s nice to have, and what can wait — so you can set up smart and avoid wasting money.

The Core Kit: Must-Have Accessories

1. Pellets

You can’t shoot without them, but make sure you use the right ones for your rifle and purpose. Stick with domed pellets from a good brand to start. Buy a few sample tins to see what your rifle likes best. See our choosing pellets article HERE

2. Targets - get hundreds of free download targets HERE

• Paper targets: Good for sighting in and accuracy training
• Spinners: Instant feedback and fun
• Backstops: Catch pellets and reduce ricochet risk

3. Scope Mounts

If your rifle didn’t come with a scope or mounts, you’ll need these to match your rail (11mm dovetail or Picatinny). Invest in decent quality mounts — loose, misaligned, or cheap ones cause accuracy headaches and often lead to the mistaken belief that the scope is faulty when all it is doing is shifting during shooting due to poor mounts. 

Most air rifles have an 11mm dovetail but some, for example, BSAs may have 13mm. Some more modern air rifles may have a Picatinny rail (NATO spec) Make sure you know what you have before you buy. We get a lot of unneccessary returns due to this very avoidable error.

I most cases a pair, 2 piece are fine. Quality air rifle makes include Sportsmatch, BKL, Hawke and WULF. See our filter here for these brands with 11mm dovetail. Note you will also need to get the right tube diameter for your scope. Most are 1 inch (25mm) or 30mm. Again please be sure as this is another rookie return error. 

Oh yes, and height, moumts need to be high enough for the scope objective (big end) clears the rifle, but not so high that you have a bad shooting position or not enough scope adjustment available. 

4. Rifle Bag or Slip - see our rifle Bags Cases and slings here

Essential for safe transport and legal compliance. UK law requires your airgun to be covered and unloaded in public, even if just moving it from car to field.

• Fits your rifle with scope fitted
• Has zip pockets for pellets or tools
• Strong handles or shoulder strap

5. Basic Safety Setup

Before firing a single shot at home or in the field, make sure you’ve got:

• A safe backstop (like a thick board or pellet trap)
• A stable shooting position (bench, prone mat, or shooting rest)
• Clear boundaries and knowledge of what's beyond your target

Useful Extras (Not Urgent, But Worth Considering)

1. Chronograph

Measures pellet speed (fps) to check your rifle is below the UK legal limit and helps with pellet testing and zeroing. Budget models like the AirforceOne or FX Radar are ideal. Tacticalscope chrono search results sample here

2. Shooting Rest, Bipod, Tripod or Sandbag

These help with zeroing and accuracy training. A solid front rest, beanbag, or bipod (for PCPs) can stabilise your rifle and reduce human error.

Bipods - Hawke, Harris, Vector, UTG all do quality well priced bipods.

Mini tripods - The Elltech, Vanguard and Vector mini tripods are also super popular. You do not need a big pricey tripod. 

Rests and bags - Simpkle and easy on the go support. See what we have HERE

3. Basic Cleaning Kit

You won’t need to clean your barrel often, but a basic kit helps when you do:

• Pull-through cables
• Cleaning patches
• Light oil for rust prevention

We don't do loads, the Vector/Gunpany .177/.22 one is great when in stock. 

4. Pellet Pouch or Tin Holder

Makes it easier to reload without fumbling with a tin lid — especially during hunting or plinking sessions.

5. PCP-Specific Gear

• Filling system: Pump or air bottle (plus correct fittings)
• Spare O-rings and seals
• Pressure gauge (if not built-in)

What You Don’t Need (Yet)

• Laser sights or red dots: Fun but often unnecessary
• Tactical add-ons: Slings, lights, and rails aren’t needed for most beginners
• High-end scope levels, turret wheels, or rangefinders: Save for competition or advanced use

Beginner Setup Checklist

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started with air rifle shooting in the UK. Buying the right accessories makes all the difference in safety, performance, and enjoyment.

Build your setup gradually based on your needs, not hype. Focus on shooting well, staying safe, and enjoying the learning curve. The rest will follow naturally.

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