Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re in the UK, over 18, and after a sub-12 ft/lb air rifle (or sub-6 ft/lb air pistol), then yes — you can legally buy an airgun from us without a firearms licence. But getting it delivered is another story… ✅ Can I Buy an Airgun Without a Licence? It depends on where you live in the UK: England & Wales: You must be 18+, and you can legally own: Air pistols up to 6 ft/lbs (≈8 Joules) Air rifles up to 12 ft/lbs (≈16 Joules) No licence required for either — these are considered "non-FAC" airguns. Scotland & Northern Ireland: Any airgun over 1 Joule (even BB pistols) is classed as a firearm. You will need a licence to buy or own anything over that threshold. Channel Islands & other non-mainland UK regions: Local laws vary, and we generally cannot ship to these areas. You’ll need to check with your local authority before attempting to buy. We only sell UK-legal airguns unless clearly listed as FAC. If you’re unsure whether you can legally own something on our site, drop us an email first. 🚚 Can You Deliver an Airgun to My House? Yes — but not like Amazon Prime. UK law requires that all sales of airguns must be face-to-face to verify ID and confirm age. That means: We cannot post new airguns to your home (even signed-for or tracked doesn’t count). We can post, repaired or warranty-replacement guns because they’re not classed as new purchases. To get your airgun, you have a few options: 1. Click & Collect (Recommended) Come visit us in person. We’ll show you around the rifle, answer any questions, and make sure it’s right for you. It’s the best way to avoid surprises. 2. Home Delivery (Only in Select Regions) We run our own private courier service — one of the only gun shops in the UK doing this. If you're in a qualifying delivery zone (roughly 60% of mainland England), we'll add you to a local delivery run and hand-deliver your rifle with all legal ID checks completed. This is not next-day delivery. It can take 5 days to 3 weeks, depending on your area. If you see “Home Delivery of VCRA-Restricted Items” at checkout, you’re in the zone. If you don’t? You’ll need to use Option 3 below. Check our delivery coverage map here → 3. RFD Transfer (Anywhere in the UK) This is the most common method for out-of-area customers. Here’s how it works: Contact your local gun shop (an RFD) and ask if they’ll accept a transfer from us. Once they confirm, either get their RFD number/email to us or ask them to email us directly at info@vector-air.co.uk. When ordering, set their shop as your delivery address (not your home). They’ll handle the handover and ID check legally on our behalf. Need help choosing the best route? Just email us — we’ll make sure you get your gear without breaking the law.

If your gun is dovetail: Dovetail mounts offer broad compatibility with most dovetail rails, but be mindful of exceptions in rail dimensions by specific manufacturers. BSA and GAMO use a 13mm dovetail rail, while FX and Walther utilize a 9.5mm rail, differing from the standard 11mm. Fitting standard dovetail mounts on oversized rails may misalign your gun/mount/scope, and fitting them on undersized rails may result in sliding or rocking. For over/under-sized dovetail rails, Vector Air recommends using equal pull mounts like BKL or considering the conversion to Picatinny RIS for optimal compatibility. Disclaimer: Proper Use of Scope Mounts on Recoiling Guns Before using scope mounts on recoiling guns (e.g., spring/gas ram air rifles, rim/centerfire guns, and blowback airguns), read and understand this disclaimer: Creep Risk: Dovetail mounts on recoiling guns may experience creep due to the absence of anti-recoil locking pins, resulting in gradual movement during recoil. Recommendation: Mitigate mount creep by using recoil arrester blocks or recoil stoppers. The Vector Optics Riflescope Recoil Stopper (SCOT-15) is one such product for stabilizing mounts. Alternative Solution: Prevent mount creep by converting dovetail rails to Picatinny. Adapter rails like the Eagle Vision Dovetail to Picatinny RIS Conversion Rails offer a stable platform during recoil. User Responsibility: Ensure the chosen mounting solution suits the firearm and application to avoid damage, decreased accuracy, or safety hazards. Consultation: If in doubt, consult with a qualified gunsmith or professional. Disclaimer Acceptance: By using dovetail mounts on recoiling guns, users acknowledge potential risks and accept full responsibility for the chosen mounting solution and its consequences. If your gun is Picatinny: Not much to consider; prices are generally driven by features and machined quality. Cheaper mounts may lack precision, causing slight alignment twists, while pricier mounts, often made from billet alloy, offer higher accuracy. Features like adjustability enhance flexibility for shooting at extreme distances. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when using firearms and accessories.

We do not have a direct finance partner, however, we do use PayPal on our system which allows the use of PayPal credit. We do not have any influence on this credit lender as it is all handled by PayPal. Whether you are looking to spread the cost over a fixed period or can't wait until that all-important end-of-year bonus comes through, many of you have asked about finance options on purchases. We are looking into finance options to be built into the site. However, in the meantime, PayPal has come to the rescue! PayPal is now offering all of their account holders the chance to apply for one of two pay-later options: Pay-in-3 Pay in 3 - Eligible UK buyers can pay in three interest-free payments for purchases of £30 – £2,000. PayPal Credit PayPal Credit - Eligible UK buyers receive a revolving line of credit that they can use to pay over time. PayPal Credit offers either 0% interest for 4 months on purchases over £99 or a merchant-specific Installment offer. For the 0% interest for 4 months offer, any remaining balance due after the promotional period or any transactions under £99 are charged interest at the standard variable rate. Terms and conditions apply. How to use Finance with PayPal - Pay Later 1 - Create a Vector-Air account: Click Here 2 - Create a PayPal account: Click Here 3 - Apply For PayPal Credit: Click Here 4 - Head over to our website and add the items you want to your cart 5 - Once ready to purchase, head to your cart and select "Checkout" 6 - Continue through the checkout system until you can choose your payment type, select PayPal 7 - Once the PayPal payment portal opens, log in and then select your Pay Later choice. For Pay-in-3 you will get a decision on approval in a few seconds. Troubleshooting & Help What Is PayPal Credit? PayPal Credit is like a credit card, without the plastic. It's a credit limit that's attached to your PayPal account which you can use for your online purchases. How do I apply? Applying for PayPal Credit is easy. For PayPal 0% for 4 months Offer, just click on the PayPal Credit button on our checkout page. Simply complete the short application form and, if approved and once you accept the Credit Agreement, you'll have a credit limit linked to your PayPal account almost straight away. For PayPal Instalments, just click on Pay By Finance on our checkout page. A selection of instalment offers will be displayed, enabling you to calculate spreading the cost of your purchase across several payments. Click on the PayPal Credit button within the calculator. The application form takes minutes to complete. PayPal will then run a credit check and, if approved, you'll have a credit limit linked to your PayPal account as soon as you accept your Credit Agreement. Do I need to reapply if I already have PayPal credit? If you already have PayPal Credit, you can take advantage of these offers without having to reapply as long as you have enough available credit limits. Just select one of the available instalment offers and check out with PayPal Credit. Do I need to have a PayPal account? Yes, however, if you don't have a PayPal account, you can create one as part of the PayPal Credit application. Signing up for a PayPal account is free and easy; all you need to do is provide your email address, create a password and accept PayPal's User Agreement. I do not see PayPal credit as a payment option. For PayPal Credit to show as a payment option, you will need to ensure that the items in your basket are eligible for PayPal Credit and that you have a minimum spend of £99 within your basket. We do not offer PayPal Credit on our Pre-Owned collection. Interest-Free Credit cannot be used in conjunction with any discount, promotional codes or cashback websites unless specified otherwise. What do I do if I am unsuccessful in applying for PayPal credit? If you have been declined for PayPal Credit, PayPal will send you more information about why your application was unsuccessful. What happens if I want to return the item I bought using my PayPal credit? Providing your purchase meets the returns criteria, just return as normal and the money will be refunded to your PayPal Credit account. What is the cost of PayPal credit outside of instalment offers? The Representative Example below shows the typical costs of using a PayPal Credit limit, not including instalments or other offers. Representative Example: Purchase rate 21.9% p.a. (variable) Representative 21.9% APR (variable) Assumed Credit Limit £1,200 For more information, visit PayPal Credit's FAQ page. Finance provided by PayPal Credit, Terms and Conditions apply. Credit is subject to status. UK residents only. PayPal Credit is a trading name of PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg. What happens if credit options do not show up The main reason the credit option does not appear is that PayPal's internal checks have failed. This means PayPal will not offer you finance based on your previous spending, or if you have too many lines of credit open already. Unfortunately at this point, there is nothing we can do. You must approach PayPal and ask for a resolution. The secondary reason these may not work is due to your location. If you are outside of England, PayPal Credit is not always available. This also includes if you are using a VPN; PayPal denies credit on accounts where it cannot verify your address, a VPN is a great thing to use as it scatters your digital address, however as PayPal uses your digital address for checks, if a VPN is used on our site, PayPal cannot confirm your location and may reject your credit. If you are using a VPN, disable or pause it and refresh the page (you may need to clear cookies) and try again. Terms & Process Please note that we are in no way affiliated with or responsible for PayPal accounts, the payment options they provide, or any charges that your account may incur as a result of missed payments. We are only the vendor of the goods and do not see your payment choices. Like a credit card from your bank, PayPal pays us, and you then reimburse PayPal. *Please see PayPal website for Terms and Conditions for Pay-In-3 or PayPal Credit before proceeding. We do not accept responsibility and reserve the right to cancel orders at any time.

Besides basic gun ownership, this is the most important part of the usage part of owning a gun. Testing it. You see if you go through your shooting career saying "I only shoot these pellets because there cheap" you should probably consider a different sport. What you should be doing is finding the best option to get the best out of your gun. This is done mainly with pellet testing. Pellet testing is where once you have leaded in you can then begin trying different pellets. you see as with fingerprints every barrel is different. You can have 2 of the exact same guns next to each other and they will prefer different pellets. So once your gun has leaded in, you should secure yourself a pellet sample pack and test each pellet with a different target at your zero distance (normally 25m) This will give you a broader spectrum of what pellets you can rule out and what your gun favours. Once you have found the pellet with the smallest group, you have got your guns preferred pellet. Just remember just because you have your gun's preferred pellet does not mean it won't change! with lead buildup, cleaning and wear. Your gun will change pellet preference os its always a good idea to keep testing as you go.

Of course you can, we recommend that you choose click and collect online so we can prepare your item. If you are coming to collect please wait for us to email you with confirmation that your order is ready.

Due to the nature of our business, we flag up as being a restricted service provider and thus classified as a high-risk retailer. Many card providers and banks now use new safety protocols for their members to prevent their users getting themselves in trouble by spending on restricted sites. This is a more complex way of saying that if your bank or payment provider perceives your purchase as a risk they will decline it. Quite often as your payment information is tied to your personal information, this can then lead your other accounts also to reject your purchase going through. For instance, if you attempt to pay with a Barclays card (the most likely to reject a purchase) and payment fails, your other cards such as Monzo or Sterling may also fail. You can contact your bank to inform them that their protocols are creating a false positive with our site. They may ask some questions regarding your personal requirements for some of the products you are looking to purchase. If your payment provider is unable to clear your use for purchase on our site, we do recommend using PayPal, as we are already fully authorised with them as being a safe provider. If you are unable to use Paypal we can use our invoicing system for you to pay via an external payment provider. To use this system please send us a list of the items you are looking to purchase as well as a delivery address. Please note that this system requires payment within the working day or your item may be sold elsewhere without warning.

If you've encountered issues during the checkout process, such as freezes or being redirected back, there could be a few reasons for this. Let's address some common payment-related issues and other factors that might be affecting your purchase experience: 1. Payment Issues: Due to the nature of our business, we are classified as a high-risk retailer by many card providers and banks. They have implemented safety protocols to protect their members from spending on restricted sites like ours. In simpler terms, if your bank or payment provider sees your purchase as a potential risk, they may decline the transaction. This can lead to a situation where not only your initial card but also other linked accounts may reject the purchase. For example, if you attempt to pay with a Barclays card (known to be more likely to reject such transactions), and it fails, your other cards like Monzo or Sterling may also fail. To resolve this issue, we recommend contacting your bank and informing them that their protocols are mistakenly flagging our site as a high-risk retailer. They may ask you some questions about the specific products you are trying to purchase. Providing them with additional information can help clear your use for purchasing on our site. 2. Alternative Payment Options: If your payment provider is still unable to approve your purchase, we suggest using PayPal. We are already fully authorized with PayPal as a safe provider, and this may eliminate payment issues. 3. Invoicing System: If you cannot use PayPal, we have an invoicing system available. To use this system, please send us a list of the items you wish to purchase along with your delivery address. Please note that payments using this system must be made within the working day, as items may be sold elsewhere without warning if payment is not received promptly. 4. Access Issues: Restricted websites like ours may also have issues with access from some internet service providers or mobile broadband providers. This is because we have multiple elements that trigger restriction filters; especially if your provider has age restrictions or if you have been inadvertantly marked as "at risk". 5. VPN Usage: If you are a user of a VPN, our system may trigger blocks to protect its integrity. We recommend turning off VPN's when trying to access our site. 6. Membership and Location: To proceed with your purchase, you need to be signed up as a member of our site and reside in mainland England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. If your location is outside of this or if you have not filled in your information with your country and region, this may prevent you from progressing through the site. 7. Accurate Information: Ensure that you accurately fill in all required information during the checkout process, including your date of birth. Accurate information is essential for processing your order. 8. Device Issues: Some older devices especially mobile devices may struggle to access our site. This is because the system we run on is kept at the cutting edge of technology so we can have a high-performing website. Unfortunately, this does mean that some devices or extinct browsers such as Internet Explorer (or outdated web browsers) will not be able to access our site successfully. If you continue to experience issues during checkout after considering these factors, please reach out to our customer support team for further assistance. We are here to help ensure a smooth and successful purchasing experience.

The Orange Mod is the term we give to our imported airguns from Eastern Europe. Many eastern block airgun manufacturers build their guns to work at high power with a low shot count. So when they are imported into the UK under unlicensed sub12 law, they are restricted through various mass-developed mechanical means resulting in low efficiency due to the wasting of air. We then re-engineer these restrictions and then tune each individual gun to work within the confines of the law on sub-12 air guns. As this takes time and expertise, this is a service other importers may not offer.

At Vector Air, we take safety and legal compliance very seriously. Here's what you need to know about Restricted Items: What's on the Restricted List? Airguns (rifles, pistols & training markers): These require you to be 18 or older to purchase and cannot be sent through normal postal services - You will need to collect from the store or use our local delivery service. Airgun Ammunition: Just like the guns themselves, airgun ammo is restricted to those 18 and over however can be posted once your age is confirmed. Explosives: This includes blank firing guns and pyrotechnics – all restricted due to their potential hazard. Blades: While some bladed items may be available, certain types are restricted based on UK law and all are restricted to 18+. Pressure Components: This includes silencers and barrels, which can affect the performance and safety of airguns; like airguns, these cannot be posted through normal postal services. Why the Restrictions? These restrictions are in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of these items. By following them, we can help keep our customers and the community safe. How to Order Restricted Items: To purchase a Restricted Item from Vector Air, you'll need to provide us with proof of ID that shows: Your Face Clearly Your Date of Birth Your Shipping Address Do I Always Need to Send ID? In some cases, we may be able to verify your age and location electronically. However, to ensure a smooth and secure transaction, we highly recommend including a copy of your ID with your order number. This will help us quickly process your purchase and get your Restricted Item on its way to you. Still Unsure? If you have any questions about Restricted Items or the ID verification process, feel free to contact our friendly customer service team. We're happy to help!

Do you offer part exchange on air guns or airsoft guns? Yes, we do offer part exchange on new purchases. However, there are specific conditions and limitations you should be aware of. Do you purchase guns outright? As a general rule, we do not purchase guns outright unless it is a rare gun. Our main focus is on part exchange for new purchases. What types of guns are not accepted for part exchange? We do not accept damaged guns or ETU (Electronic Trigger Unit) air rifles for part exchange. Will I get the value I expect for my gun? The value offered for part exchange may not be exactly what you are looking for. You will typically get more money selling your air gun or airsoft gun privately. Where can I sell my gun privately? We recommend listing your gun on platforms such as The Gun Locker, GunTrader, or Pre-fired, as you will likely get a higher value than we can offer. What if I don’t want the hassle of selling privately? If you prefer not to sell privately and are okay with possibly receiving a lower valuation, we can organize a valuation for your gun. Please note that we may reject your gun based on current stock, market trends, and desirability. How do I initiate a trade-in? To initiate a trade-in, you need to get your product to us for inspection. While we can provide a rough valuation based on descriptions and images, a concrete value can only be given after we have tested your gun. To do this you must: Email us with photos and details to get your initial estimate Accept you are happy that this estimate may go up or down Post the item to us or visit us in-store - for testing and inspection Wait for valuation, we will then issue the value as a coupon for you to use online or if you are in store we will process the trade-in as a discount against your purchase Enjoy your new purchase Can the valuation change after you receive my gun? Yes, the initial valuation may be adjusted after we inspect and test your gun. The final value could go up or down based on our assessment. What happens if I do not accept the valuation? If you do not accept our valuation and you have posted your product to us, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs. We can either use our firearms account to ship it back to you for £30, or you can include a return Parcelforce label with your address on it, or organize collection from us under your own name. Summary of Part Exchange Process: Initial Contact: Provide descriptions and images of your gun via email for a rough valuation. Inspection: Send or bring your gun to us for testing and a final valuation. Final Valuation: Receive the final value, which may be different from the initial estimate. Decision: Accept the offer and proceed with the part exchange, or decline and arrange for the return of your gun. By understanding these guidelines, you can make an informed decision about whether part exchange is the right option for you.

The choice between 25.4mm (1"), 30mm, and 34mm scope tubes primarily hinges on your specific needs and preferences for performance, weight, and budget. Which should I buy? 25.4mm (1") Tubes 25.4mm (1") are budget optics, less material & smaller lenses result in lower clarity, however, they do have a deeper depth of field for those who don't want to constantly keep focusing the optic. These are traditional and widely used, offering a balance between affordability and functionality. They are generally lighter, making them suitable for airsoft and airgun enthusiasts who prioritize price, manoeuvrability and ease of handling. 30mm Tubes 30mm new standard. balance between clarity & performance for hybrid shooters. These provide a significant improvement in durability and light transmission compared to 1" tubes. They are ideal for users looking for enhanced performance, especially in scenarios with varying light conditions. This size offers a balance between weight and optical improvement, being a popular choice among many serious shooters. 34mm Tubes This option is tailored for those who prioritize the highest level of optical clarity and light transmission. 34mm tubes allow for even more light transmission and typically support more elevation adjustment and a narrow depth of field for precise range finding which is beneficial for long-range shooting. However, they tend to be heavier and more expensive. They are best suited for high-precision airgun and airsoft applications. At Vector Air, we recommend considering your shooting conditions, budget, and personal preferences before making a choice. Each tube size offers specific advantages, so the best option will depend on whether you prioritize cost, weight, or performance.