Introduction to the Air Arms S510

The S510/500 range features a number of enhancements over the S410/400, such as the addition of a regulator and power adjuster on some models as well as high-power and .25 calibre variants. All feature a super-slick side-lever action, 11mm dovetail scope rail and 10-shot magazine system, apart from the single shot S500 XS Xtra. S500/510 rifles are revered for their accuracy and reliability, making them a favourite with hunters and target shooters alike.

The S510 Ultimate Sporter is regarded by many as one of the finest air rifles available. Indeed, the S510 Ultimate Sporter XS was voted as such in the 2019 Great British Shooting Awards. The range is distinguished from other S510 models mainly by enhancements to the stocks, but shares the proven 10-shot magazine and side-lever platform of its stablemates. Like many other Air Arms rifles, S510 Ultimate Sporters are popular with hunters and target shooters who value their consistency, accuracy and reliability.

About Air Arms

Based in south east England and founded in 1983, Air Arms has a long and well-respected reputation. It was one of the early pioneers of modern-day pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles, introducing its first model in 1988. Today the company produces some of the most respected PCP hunting and competition rifles, as well as class-leading underlever spring-powered rifles.

“S500/510 rifles are revered for their accuracy and reliability, making them a favourite with hunters and target shooters alike.”

The S510 Ultimate Sporter is regarded by many as one of the finest air rifles available

“S510 Ultimate Sporters are popular with hunters and target shooters who value their consistency, accuracy and reliability.”

S510 Product Range

The S510/500 range is one of the biggest, and possibly most complex, product line ups on the market. Not including the separate S510 Ultimate Sporter range (see below for this range), there are eight different rifles and carbines, each with its own list of stock options and variants. Note that whilst Superlight models are ambidextrous and there’s a left-hand option for the Walnut stock, the Beech and Walnut Thumbhole derivatives are right-hand only.

All rely on the same dependable and proven side-lever action and adjustable two-stage trigger which incorporates a safety catch. All but the single shot S500 use a 10-shot magazine across all calibres. The S510 introduces the larger .25 calibre in some models, as well as the choice of high-powered shooting up to 44 ft. lbs. Non-regulated rifles are filled to 190 bar, regulated rifles to 250 bar, by using a probe that attaches to a valve accessed by removing a cap at the front of the cylinder. And there’s a built-in manometer to show air pressure.

Air Arms S510 Carbine

The S510 is marketed as a carbine. There are five different stock options, all of which measure 970mm long with a 395mm shrouded match-grade Lothar Walther barrel. The Beech model is the heaviest at 3.2kgs. The ambidextrous Superlite ‘Hunter Green’ and ‘Traditional Brown’ models, as well as the Walnut and Walnut Thumbhole variants come in at 2.8kgs. Available in .177 and .22 at a maximum of 12 ft. lbs., the S510 claims a shot count of 70 in .177 and 90 in .22 from the unregulated action.

Air Arms S510 Carbine Beech

Air Arms S510 XS

Although the S510 XS is a high-powered variant, it is slightly shorter than the standard S510, but only by five mm. The XS model uses the Air Arms Series 7 regulator and valve system and delivers outputs of 20 ft. lbs. in .177 and 30 ft. lbs. in .22 with corresponding shots counts of 20 and 30 respectively. A dial on the side of the breech enables you to adjust the power to suit different shooting environments. Stock options comprise Beech, which is the heaviest by 0.4 kgs at 3.2kg, Superlight Hunter Green, Superlight Traditional Brown, Walnut and Walnut Thumbhole.

S510-XS-Carbine-Walnut-Thumbhole

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Air Arms S510 XS XTRA and Air Arms S500 XS XTRA

The S510 XS Xtra introduces a .25 option to the line-up alongside .177 and .22 calibres. Accordingly, this is a high-powered rifle putting out 20 ft. lbs. in .177, 32 ft. lbs. in .22 and 44 ft. lbs. in .25 although levels can be reduced with a breech-mounted adjustment dial which takes the .22 model down to just seven ft. lbs. Despite this, shot count remains more than respectable thanks to the larger air cylinder and regulated action at a claimed 60, 55 and 35 in the three calibres. To help achieve higher power, the XS Xtra has a 493.5mm Lothar Walther barrel and is 1110mm long overall. Stock options comprise Beech, which is the heaviest by 0.5kgs at 3.3kg, Superlight Hunter Green, Superlight Traditional Brown, Walnut and Walnut Thumbhole. 

The S500 XS Xtra variant is available in .177 and .22 only and provides a single shot alternative. All other dimensions, stock options and performance statistics are the same.

Air Arms S510 XS XTRA Superlite Green
S500-XS-Xtra-Superlite-Traditional-Brown

Air Arms S510 TDR

Designed with hunters firmly in mind, the S510 TDR (Take Down Rifle) breaks down into component parts all stored in a foam-lined hard case and can be put together in just a few seconds. The design ensures everything locks down tight with no movement. Available in Walnut or Tactical Black, the S510 TDR is a full-length rifle at 1030mm long and 2.8kgs. The unregulated 12 ft. lbs. action delivers a claimed 55 shots in .177 and 70 in .22. Two magazines, fully shrouded Lothar Walther barrel with a built-in moderator and adjustable stock add to the S510 TDR’s hunting credentials.

S510-TDR-Walnut

Air Arms S510 R TDR

The S510 R TDR has all the benefits of portability, light weight and consistent performance of the S510 TDR with the added advantage of a regulated action. As a result, at 12 ft. lbs., shot count increases to a claimed 90 and 110 shots in .177 and .22 respectively.

S510-R-TDR-Tactical-Black

Air Arms S510 XS TDR

For hunters who need more range and a flatter trajectory, the S510 XS TDR combines all the benefits of light weight and portability with high, but adjustable, power levels – 20 ft. lbs. in .177 and 25 ft. lbs in .22. The inclusion of Air Arms Series 7 regulator and valve means that despite such output, the S510 XS TDR still delivers 20 shots (.177) and 30 shots (.22) which will be more than enough for most hunters. Like the other TDR rifles, the XS is available in walnut and Tactical Black with features including an adjustable stock, shrouded and moderated barrel and two magazines. 

Air Arms S510 XS TDR Tactical Black

Check out our review of the S510 XS TDR on Youtube.

Air Arms S510 TC

The distinctive double cylinder design of the S510 TC Rifle hints at extra air capacity at high-power levels. Available only in ambidextrous Superlight Hunter Green and Superlight Traditional Brown, the S510 TC Rifle is available in .177, .22 and .25 at power levels of 20, 29 and 35 ft. lbs. which equates to 60 shots in .177 and .25 and 75 in .22.

S510-TC-Carbine-Traditional-Brown

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter

The range comprises a variety of rifles and carbines, each of which is available in a choice of three stocks: laminate, walnut and a black soft touch synthetic, all of which are ambidextrous and feature fully adjustable cheek pieces and butt pads. Power levels range from 12 ft. lbs. up to 44 ft. lbs. in .177, .22 and .25 calibres and include regulated and non-regulated options. Non-regulated rifles are filled to 190 bar, regulated rifles to 250 bar, by using a probe that attaches to a valve accessed by removing a cap at the front of the cylinder. And there’s a built-in manometer to show air pressure.

Don’t forget to check out our video review of the ultimate sporter at the top of the page!

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter Carbine

Described as a carbine, the S510 Ultimate Sporter still measures 1010mm long with a 395mm shrouded Lothar Walther barrel that includes an integrated moderator. The walnut and laminate stock options weigh in at 3.4kgs with the black synthetic variant 0.1kg lighter. In addition to fully adjustable cheek pieces and butt pads, there are sling swivels and an accessory rail. The cheekpiece on the laminate stock is finished in the same laminate whereas on the walnut derivative it is a black synthetic. Two magazines are provided and are based on a proven cartridge design. Available in 12 ft. lbs. only in .177 and .22 calibre, Air Arms claims a shot count from the unregulated action of 60 and 80 shots respectively.

S510-Ultimate-Sporter-Carbine-Laminate

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter R

The ‘R’ designation hints at the fact that this carbine benefits from the Air Arms Series 7 regulator and valve system. It is identical in every aspect as the standard S510 Ultimate Sporter other than a higher shot count of a claimed 90 plus in .177 and 120 plus in .22. In addition, not only does the additional of a regulator give more shots from the 250 bar fill, it means they are more consistent across the fill pressure with no drop off as the air supply drops.

S510-Ultimate-Sporter-R-Carbine-Walnut

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter Review 

Check out our video review of the Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter below or Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter review here.

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter XS

Winner of the ‘Airgun of the Year’ at the 2019 Great British Shooting Awards says it all about the S510 Ultimate Sporter XS. At 1115mm, it’s a full-length rifle, weighing 3.7kgs in the black finish stock and a little heavier in laminate and walnut. In addition to all the features associated with the range, the XS model is regulated for greater shot consistency and introduces .25 calibre availability to the range alongside .177 and .22 options. The ‘XS’ depicts high power levels at 20, 32 and 44 ft. lbs. in the three calibres which correspond to a shot count of 40, 35 and 25, which is ample for a dedicated hunting rifle. A dial on the side of the breech means you can adjust power levels to suit your shooting environment.

S510-Ultimate-Sporter-XS-Rifle-Laminate

Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter XS XTRA

The Xtra version has all the features and performance of the award-winning S510 Ultimate Sporter XS along with the added benefit of a larger air cylinder to deliver more shots per air fill. Available in .177, .22 and .25 at 20, 30 and 44 ft. lbs., you can expect 60 shots in .177, 55 in .22 and 35 in .25.

S510-Ultimate-Sporter-XS-Xtra-Walnut

Is the Air Arms S510 Right for me?

Best suited to

Comfortable and light, the S510 range is designed with hunters firmly in mind. That said, a dependable and reliable action delivers impressive levels of consistent accuracy – especially the regulated models – making the S510 a more than competent FT, HFT and range rifle as well.

Without a doubt, Air Arms had hunters firmly in mind when it created the Ultimate Sporter. However, the addition of a regulator on some models means the Ultimate Sporter is a more than competent performer in HFT and FT events.

Pros and Cons

The S510 range has a lot going for it. The rifles have appeal to this looking for a light weight, traditional sporting rifle looks thanks to elegant woodwork. Perfected over many years, Air Arms has ironed out any kinks in the action and the S510 range has a well-deserved reputation for reliability. Finish and engineering are high quality and won’t let you down. In terms of cons, there’s very little to criticise the S510. Being cylinder rifles, shot count is something to consider, although in the regulated model in particular, there are more than enough for several days hunting.

As the name suggests, the Ultimate Sporter range is designed for those who want the very best when it comes to a hunting rifle. The super-slick sidelever action is very reliable, as is the magazine and action overall. Accuracy and consistency are excellent throughout the range in all calibres. The stocks are highly adjustable. The only thing to consider is whether you want something a little smaller, lighter and more compact.

Our Recommended Accessories for the Air Arms S510:

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Air Arms S510 Specifications

S510

S510 Carbine S510 XS S510 XS Xtra S500 XS Xtra S510 TDR S510 R TDR S510 XS TDR S510 TC Rifle
Weight kgs 2.8 – 3.2 2.8 – 3.2 2.8 – 3.3 2.8 – 3.2 2.8 2.8 2.8 3.4
Stock options Beech; Superlight Hunter Green; Superlight Traditional Brown; Walnut; Walnut Thumbhole Beech; Superlight Hunter Green; Superlight Traditional Brown; Walnut; Walnut Thumbhole Beech; Superlight Hunter Green; Superlight Traditional Brown; Walnut; Walnut Thumbhole Beech; Superlight Hunter Green; Superlight Traditional Brown; Walnut; Walnut Thumbhole Walnut; Tactical Black Walnut; Tactical Black Walnut; Tactical Black Superlight Hunter Green; Superlight Traditional Brown
Length mm 970 965 1110 1110 1030 1030 1030 1110
Barrel mm 395 395 493.5 494 395 395 395 493.5
Trigger Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage
Regulated No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
Magazine 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres Single shot 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres
Calibres .177 / .22 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 / .25 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 / .25
Power options ft. lbs. 177/.22/.25 12/12 20 / 30Adjustable 20 / 32 / 44 Adjustable 20 / 32 Adjustable 12/12 12/12 20 / 25 Adjustable 20 / 29 / 35
Shot count .177/.22/.25 70 / 90 20 /30 60 / 55 / 35 60 / 55 55 / 70 90 / 110 20 / 30 60 / 75 / 60
Air cylinder capacity cc 156 156 288 288 156 125 125 439
Fill pressure 190 250 250 250 190 250 250 190
Safety catch Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual
½ inch UNF thread Yes Yes Yes Yes Built-in moderator Built-in moderator Built-in moderator Yes

S510 Ultimate Sporter

S510 Ultimate Sporter S510 Ultimate Sporter R S510 Ultimate Sporter XS S510 Ultimate Sporter XS Xtra
Weight kgs 3.3 (Black)3.4 (Walnut and Laminate) 3.3 (Black)3.4 (Walnut and Laminate) 3.7 (Black)3.8 (Walnut and Laminate) 3.7 (Black)3.8 (Walnut and Laminate)
Stock options Laminate; Walnut; Soft touch Black Laminate; Walnut; Soft touch Black Laminate; Walnut; Soft touch Black Laminate; Walnut; Soft touch Black
Length mm 1010 1010 1115 1110
Barrel mm 395 395 494 493.95
Trigger Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage Adjustable two-stage
Regulated No Yes Yes Yes
Magazine 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres 10 shot all calibres
Calibres .177 / .22 .177 / .22 .177 / .22 / .25 .177 / .22 / .25
Power options ft. lbs. 177/.22/.25 12/12 12/12 20 / 32 / 44 Adjustable 20 / 32 Adjustable
Shot count .177/.22/.25 60 / 80 90 / 120 40 / 30 / 25 60 / 55 / 35
Air cylinder capacity cc 186 186 288 288
Fill pressure 190 250 250 250
Safety catch Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual Resettable manual
Moderator Yes Yes Yes Yes

Comparison with the Air Arms Range

Air Arms S510 XS XTRA vs S500 XS XTRA

The S510 XS Xtra has a 10-shot sidelever action magazine system, whereas the S500 XS Xtra has a sidelever single shot action, meaning you will need to manually insert a pellet each time the rifle is cocked. Some feel that a single shot action offers more precision. The S500 XS Xtra does not have a .25 calibre option.

Air Arms S510 vs S410

The S510 range uses a sidelever system to cock the action whereas the S410 uses a bolt action. Both use the same 10-shot magazine. The S510 range is much broader too, with a take down option, .25 calibre models and high-power variants.

Other Air Rifles to Consider

Whilst there is little by way of comparison for the TDR take down and twin cylinder TC models, alternatives to Air Arms rifles and carbines include the Red Wolf and Wolverine R from Daystate, as well as the Weihrauch HW100 Range.

Air Arms S510 Disassembly

Here you will find disassembly diagrams and part references taken from the official manual for the Air Arms S510 Carbine at https://www.air-arms.co.uk. All credit for producing these diagrams is attributed to Air Arms.

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