Wow, I see this thread went downhill quickly....
Fishfingerdude, you at least seem to know something about the subject. I'm not sure if the law is different here (my profile says Down because I have just moved back to NI, but I worked in Aberdeenshire until very recently) in Scotland, I have to admit that whilst I keep several air rifles, for field sports (hunter field target, rarely pest control) and an air pistol, for 10m range shooting, I no longer hold a firearms licence myself. I'm not the gamekeeper, and I no longer shoot at a club, so I have no need to, and if you have no need to, in my opinion, you shouldn't have one. All my airguns are simply set at the legal limit, should I wish to compete again. You're more than likely right about it being hard to get a licence if you have no need for one, I simply meant that if you do have a legitimate reason for owning a rifle, it's a better option than an airgun, which on the whole is not a humane manner of dealing with live quarry. But from experience, learning to shoot properly is a worthwhile experience, should you have any interest in hunting or target shooting. And it's come in handy for me, working on the Estate gave me the opportunity to shoot game and to go stalking. As I said, I keep airguns for sport now. And they are great fun when used responsibly.
I've missed most of this topic now, it's all been edited, but from what I did see, mention of a legally overpowered pistol and some claim about shooting a sheep.... Wow, I'm not sure what to think now. There's a good reason that the law has changed so much in recent years regarding use of air rifles and firearms in general, and it's because of people like that. You're the people that are ruining the reputation of responsible gun owners. And giving shooting sports a bad name. I'm actually pretty sad having seen this, I was pretty enthused having seen someone on here wanting advice on the sport, but it's unvieled a bunch of people who clearly know very little, are irresponsible, and has generally backed up the legislative changes of recent years that until now I thought to be unreasonable.
To the guy who initially asked the question (I apologise, I've forgotten your name); if you want advice on this subject i suggest you contact one of the sane people who have commented thus far (Brisa and Fishfingerer seem to fall into that category, again apologies to the few others who have offered genuine advice), but more importantly I'd advise you speak to a representative at your local rifle club. They will be happy to help you make an informed decision on purchasing a rifle and give you professional advice on its use. I've had a quick look online and this is the first oen that came up based in Suffolk (that's where your profile says you're from right?) http://www.hadleighrifleclub.co.uk/hrc2geninf.htm .
This thread ought to be closed now.