Top 5 Mistakes New Airgun Shooters Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Getting started with air rifles is exciting—there’s something deeply satisfying about hitting your first

bullseye. But for many new shooters in the UK, early mistakes can lead to frustration, poor accuracy, or even unsafe practices. In this post, we’ll cover the top 5 mistakes beginners make with air rifles, and more importantly, how to avoid them.

Whether you're plinking with friends or setting up proper air rifle targets in your backyard, this guide will help you shoot safer, smarter, and more accurately from day one.

1. ❌ Poor Shooting Position and Technique

Many new shooters underestimate the importance of proper stance, grip, and posture. Slouching, leaning too far forward, or inconsistent shouldering can drastically affect accuracy—especially with spring-piston rifles, where hold sensitivity matters.

How to Avoid It:

• Learn and practise the artillery hold (especially for springers).

• Keep your body relaxed but stable, with both elbows supported if possible.

• Try dry-firing (if safe for your rifle) to master form before live shots.

2. ❌ Using the Wrong Pellets

Not all pellets are created equal. Many new shooters buy bulk or cheap ammo assuming all types are similar. In reality, pellet weight, shape, and brand have a huge impact on grouping and consistency.

How to Avoid It:

• Test a pellet sampler pack to find what your rifle prefers.

• Choose domed pellets for general use—they’re typically the most accurate.

• Keep a shooting log to track performance with different pellets on your air rifle targets.

3. ❌ Skipping Scope Zeroing

Some beginners assume a mounted scope is already zeroed. Others try to adjust while shooting at random targets, leading to more confusion than progress. A poorly zeroed scope results in inconsistent hits—no matter how well you shoot.

How to Avoid It:

• Set up at 10–30 metres with paper air rifle targets.

• Fire 3–5 shot groups and adjust elevation/windage incrementally.

• Recheck zero periodically—especially if you drop or bump the rifle.

4. ❌ Ignoring Trigger Control

Jerking the trigger is one of the biggest accuracy killers for new airgun shooters. A smooth, controlled squeeze is essential, particularly when shooting at small reactive or paper air rifle targets.

How to Avoid It:

• Practise trigger control using dry fire (if your rifle allows it).

• Place the middle of your index pad on the trigger for the best feel.

• Focus on a steady squeeze—don’t anticipate the shot.

5. ❌ Using Poor Quality or Inappropriate Targets

Some new shooters use cans, bottles, or random items as targets. While it might be fun at first, these objects can be unsafe, give poor feedback, or damage your pellets. Worse, they rarely help improve precision.

How to Avoid It:

• Invest in proper air rifle targets—such as:

  • Paper bullseye targets for zeroing.

  • Reactive targets like Flare Sonic Targets for audible feedback.

  • Spinners or knockdowns for fun and challenge.

• Always check your backstop and ensure it’s safe and pellet-proof.

Final Thoughts

Starting off on the right foot with airgun shooting is all about fundamentals. By correcting these five common mistakes early, you’ll see faster improvement, safer shooting habits, and much more satisfaction hitting your air rifle targets.

Remember: good shooting isn’t about expensive gear—it’s about mastering technique, consistency, and safety.

🧰 Bonus Tip: Join a Local Airgun Club

Practising at home is great, but joining a local shooting club gives you access to experienced shooters, proper ranges, and expert feedback. You’ll also get to test a variety of air rifle targets in a controlled environment.