5 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Shooting an Air Rifle

Air rifles might look simple, but getting good with one takes more than just pulling the trigger. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up on basics, avoiding these common mistakes will tighten your groups and raise your game.

1. Using the Wrong Pellets

Not all pellets are created equal. Grabbing any random brand or type off the shelf is one of the quickest ways to mess up your accuracy.

Different rifles prefer different pellets—dome, hollow point, wadcutter, pointed—and even small variations in weight or shape can have a big impact. Find what works best for your specific air rifle through testing. It’s worth the effort.

2. Incorrect Shooting Position

If you're gripping your air rifle like it's a centerfire rifle, you’re doing it wrong—especially with spring-piston models. A tight hold interferes with the rifle’s natural recoil, throwing off your shot.

Use the "artillery hold": support the rifle loosely in your open palm and let it recoil naturally. Stay relaxed. Let the rifle do the work.

3. Neglecting Scope Setup

Mounting a scope isn’t a one-and-done job. If you don’t zero it properly, every shot will be off-target—and if you’re using a regular rifle scope on a spring airgun, it could get damaged fast.

Use scopes specifically rated for air rifles, and make sure they're firmly mounted and correctly sighted in. Take your time dialing it in at the range—it’ll save you a lot of frustration.

4. Poor Follow-Through

It’s tempting to check your shot the instant you fire. Don’t. Air rifles have a slower firing cycle than firearms, and any movement during or right after the trigger pull can kill your accuracy.

Keep your sights on target and hold steady for a second or two after each shot. Good follow-through is one of the biggest accuracy boosters you can master.

5. Skipping Maintenance

Air rifles aren’t high-maintenance, but they’re not zero-maintenance either. Failing to clean the barrel, tighten screws, or check seals leads to inconsistent performance and long-term damage.

Inspect your rifle regularly. Clean the barrel every few hundred shots, keep the seals in good shape, and check your scope mounts and stock screws for tightness. A well-maintained rifle shoots straighter, every time.

Final Shot

Mastering the air rifle is about consistency and control. Avoiding these five common mistakes will give you a major edge—whether you're target shooting, plinking, or hunting. Stay sharp, shoot smart, and the results will follow.