| Factors to consider when using an air rifle | | | | crosswinds! |
| for hunting or target practice. | | | | |
| | | | Temperature Factors |
| Rifle shooting is a skill that one gains with | | | | |
| practice. There just isn't another way. In | | | | Another weather factor in rifle shooting with |
| some ways, this is even more true with air | | | | air rifles is temperature. Depending on the |
| rifles than bullet-firing powder guns, | | | | power plant in your gun, cold air can |
| primarily because muzzle velocities vary a | | | | seriously affect its performance. Pneumatic |
| lot more and the ammunition is lighter. If | | | | guns, in particular, are notoriously |
| you're working on improving your rifle | | | | inconsistent in terms of power if used where |
| shooting prowess with air rifles, here are | | | | the winters get significantly colder. It's a |
| some tips that may help. | | | | good idea to practice during all four |
| | | | seasons, so you can learn what your airgun's |
| Wind Factors | | | | particular quirks are. |
| | | | |
| Perhaps the most basic thing to keep in mind | | | | Gun Limitations |
| about rifle shooting skill is that some | | | | |
| factors are beyond your control, and | | | | Finally, keep in mind that rifle shooting |
| therefore must be taken into account. These | | | | success is nearly impossible if you practice |
| include wind speed and direction (in relation | | | | unrealistic scenarios. Air rifles designed to |
| to how your shooting range is set up). | | | | be effective up to a maximum distance of 400 |
| Because air rifles have comparatively lower | | | | yards, for instance, shouldn't be expected to |
| muzzle velocities and lighter ammunition, | | | | hit targets at 450 yards with any |
| even a light breeze will often affect your | | | | consistency, regardless of how accurately you |
| aim. A good tip, therefore, is to vary your | | | | aim. Read the documentation that came with |
| practice range set-ups. Shoot into a stiff | | | | your airgun, and work on practicing within |
| breeze one day, then fire at your target with | | | | your model's limits. Good luck! |
| a helping wind the next. And don't forget | | | | |