TURN UP THE GAS

Spring-powered rifles have been around for over 100 years and probably account for more units sold each year than any other air rifle category, especially at the affordable end of the market.

However, springers aren't the only alternative to pre-charged pneumatics and the associated inconvenience of having to ensure a ready supply of compressed air. Gas-rams are hardly new on the scene, but are a much more recent innovation.

We have Ben Taylor and David Theobald to thank. Apparently inspired by the air-assisted forks on a Suzuki motorbike, the pair founded Theoben in 1982, bringing us the legendary Sirocco soon after, with plenty more instant classics following.

Instead of a mainspring, cocking a rammer compresses a sealed chamber of gas which, when the trigger is pulled, is allowed to expand, propelling the pellet down the barrel. Fans will point out that you can keep a gas-ram cocked for as long as you like, unlike a springer, while their detractors will tell you the firing cycle is harsh.

Forty-odd years ago, the Sirocco set the standard for all other gas-rams to live