3 of the best: break-barrel air rifles under £300

Check out these three excellent break barrel air rifles, all retailing at less than £300, and all reviewed by our team of experts in 2021!

BEST PACKAGE DEAL
The SMK SPEC OPS Sniper MK II
Sold as a package that includes the break-barrel air rifle, a 3-9×40 SMK scope, scope mounts, a moderator and a bipod, the SMK SPEC OPS Sniper MKII from Sportsmarketing offers unbelievable value for money. The only additional item you need to buy is a tin of pellets!
This synthetic thumbhole Sporter comes in .177 and .22 and is gam ram powered. It provides 11.7 ft/lbs of energy and produced sub-half-inch groups over a 25-yard range in its full test review. If you like military looks and are after a great value starter package, this is the rifle for you.
RRP: £269.95 for the full package
Read the full review here

BEST ENTRY LEVEL RIFLE
BSA Meteor Evo Silentum
Everyone started with a spring-powered break barrel, which is exactly what the BSA Meteor Evo Silentum is! Again, this one has a tough synthetic stock requiring little maintenance, and has the benefit of an ambidextrous cheek-piece and a really decent grip – ideal for newcomers to the sport.
It’s great for new shooters to learn to use open sights first, and the quality of the Meteor’s are way above its teeny price tag; it has 11mm dovetails machined into the top to take a scope when required. It’s nice and light, making it suitable for youngsters, and showed very consistent chronograph results in its test.
RRP: £175
Read the full review here

BEST VALUE OVERALL
Crosman Fire
Another package deal, the Crosman Fire comes with a scope and mounts, and retails at just £179. Boasting Nitro Piston technology, this gas ram has a super smooth cocking action and makes no spring noise upon cocking or firing. It’s another rifle with a synthetic thumbhole stock, and is fully ambidextrous, with more than a hint of tacti-cool styling.
Its performance exceeded expectations, with just 5 fps spread over a 10-shot string in its test. The gun comes in .177 or .22, and also has the benefit of a weight adjustable trigger unit so you can set it your liking. All in all, a cracking rifle at an unbelievable price.
RRP: £179 for rifle, scope and mounts
Read the full review