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CO2 Rifles

CO2 Rifles for Sale in South Africa

A CO2 rifle runs on compressed carbon dioxide from a 12g capsule or an 88g cartridge, so there is no cocking, pumping or filling between shots. Load the gas, load the magazine and start shooting. NeonSales stocks CO2 pellet rifles and CO2 BB rifles from Sig Sauer, Crosman and Artemis, from under R3,000 up to full-auto BB rifles, with delivery across South Africa.

CO2 Pellet Rifles or CO2 BB Rifles?

  • CO2 pellet rifles fire lead pellets through a rifled barrel, which makes them the more accurate choice for target shooting. Popular models include the Sig Sauer MCX and MPX in .177, which use an 88g CO2 cartridge and a 30-shot belt magazine, and the Artemis CR600W multi-shot rifle in .177 and .22.
  • CO2 BB rifles fire 4.5mm steel BBs and are built for fast, fun plinking. Many are realistic replicas with blowback or full-auto fire, such as the Crosman AK1, Crosman R1 Full Auto and Crosman DPMS SBR. Steel BBs bounce off hard surfaces, so always shoot them at a soft backstop or a BB trap.

12g Capsules or 88g Cartridges

Most CO2 rifles use 12g capsules, the same size used in many CO2 pistols. A capsule gives a few dozen shots in a rifle, depending on the model and the temperature. Rifles built for 88g cartridges, such as the Sig Sauer MCX and MPX, give far more shots per fill.

CO2 pressure rises and falls with the temperature, so a CO2 rifle shoots faster on a hot Durban afternoon than on a cold Highveld morning. Put a drop of pellet gun oil on the tip of each capsule to protect the seals, and avoid leaving a capsule in the rifle for weeks between sessions.

Who Are CO2 Rifles For?

CO2 rifles suit backyard plinking, informal target shooting and shooters who want realistic replica styling without the effort of cocking a spring rifle. Recoil is minimal, which makes them easy for newer shooters to handle under supervision. For serious pest control or longer-range accuracy, a PCP air rifle or a powerful spring or nitro piston air rifle delivers more power.

CO2 Rifle Prices in South Africa

  • Under R3,000: the Artemis CR600W in .177, Sig Sauer MPX, Crosman AK1 and the Artemis CP2 CO2 pistol and rifle kit.
  • R3,000 to R6,000: the Sig Sauer MCX with red dot sight, the Artemis CR600W in .22 and the Crosman R1 Full Auto kit, which comes with CO2 capsules and 1,500 BBs.
  • Over R6,000: full-auto replicas such as the Crosman DPMS SBR.

Every CO2 rifle in this collection is .177 or .22 calibre. South Africa only treats an airgun as a firearm when it is above 5.6mm calibre and also produces more than 8 joules. Our guide on when an air rifle needs a licence explains the rule.

CO2, Ammo and Accessories

Keep your rifle running with 12g CO2 capsules, steel BBs and 4.5mm pellets or 5.5mm pellets. Add a red dot sight for quick aiming and targets for practice.

Shop CO2 rifles by brand from Sig Sauer, Crosman and Artemis. Looking for a CO2 pistol instead? Browse our gas guns, or see every model in our air rifles collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to own a CO2 rifle in South Africa?

CO2 air rifles that fall below the regulated muzzle energy threshold in South Africa generally do not require a firearms licence. However, regulations can change and may differ by municipality. NeonSales recommends confirming the latest SAPS guidelines or checking with your local authority before purchasing.

Are CO2 rifles suitable for pest control on South African farms?

CO2 rifles are widely used for pest control on South African farms and smallholdings. A .22 calibre CO2 air rifle delivers enough power for birds, rodents, and small vermin at close to moderate range while operating quietly. NeonSales carries several models well suited to agricultural pest management.

Can I mount a scope on a CO2 air rifle?

Yes, many CO2 air rifles come with dovetail or Picatinny rails that accept scopes, red-dot sights, and other optics. Each listing on NeonSales specifies the rail type and compatibility. Browse our scopes and mounts collection to find optics that pair with your chosen rifle.