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