I'm not a great shot by any means. The typical group with my current air rifle has 8/10 shots well under 1" with the other 2 (flyers?) opening the group to well over and inch. I'm shooting an entry level springer, so I realize that I can't expect one-hole accuracy with this gun. But it seems to me that if the gun is capable of 8/10 shots in a 3/4" group, then it ought to be capable of placing all 10 under 1". I have to conclude then, that the problem is my technique. What are some things I can do to improve my consistency? Of the pellets that I have tried so far, it seems to like Crosman Premier 7.9g best.
How to improve my technique?
- Thread starter granpappa
- Start date
This is kind of a open question,, because there is not enough data to know where the issue may lie
Are you shooting outside, wind can change
are you shooting bench, or free
It may not be your technique at all but the pellets, even a slight deformation of the skirt will cause flyers or a difference in weight can cause issues. Even ted was a little put off with a brand he shot at a competition because of pellets being an issue.
If your flyers are random during your session then most likely that is the issue.
A lot depends on when you are getting the flyers to determine the issue for good example
If your flyers are consistently at the end of your shoot then you are having issues with fatigue and pretty much is a matter of practice and training
If your flyers are consistently at the start of your spread then your breathing control may be an issue. And may be a simple solution of getting in position relax and centering yourself before you start.
be it bow, gun, or air consistency is the key element of accuracy. do not let a few fly offs make you change your technique at least not until you are sure you are the issue.
Are you shooting outside, wind can change
are you shooting bench, or free
It may not be your technique at all but the pellets, even a slight deformation of the skirt will cause flyers or a difference in weight can cause issues. Even ted was a little put off with a brand he shot at a competition because of pellets being an issue.
If your flyers are random during your session then most likely that is the issue.
A lot depends on when you are getting the flyers to determine the issue for good example
If your flyers are consistently at the end of your shoot then you are having issues with fatigue and pretty much is a matter of practice and training
If your flyers are consistently at the start of your spread then your breathing control may be an issue. And may be a simple solution of getting in position relax and centering yourself before you start.
be it bow, gun, or air consistency is the key element of accuracy. do not let a few fly offs make you change your technique at least not until you are sure you are the issue.
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Youtube has a bunch of information..... search Artillery hold and practice as much as you can.
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Yeah, shooting outside with light wind. Trying to use artillery hold and relax before shooting. When shooting for groups, I use a rest. Try to shoot during respiratory pause. Practice as often as I can. Will keep trying. Not sure at what point the flyers occur.
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PCP.. I had this problem and I never looked back PCP if you enjoy shooting air guns you will really enjoy shooting PCP. Spingers are not for everyone and it was not for me and I sent it back. Good luck with the challenge!
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G
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Entry level springer...
Springers sometimes benefit from a good barrel scrubbing when they arrive from the vendor. You might consider that. The shot cycle is violent and quite often the screws on the gun will loosen up, especially on a new gun. Taker her down, clean her up real good. Mind you avoid lubes and solvents which could cause detonation if they get into the compression chamber. This is also called dieseling. Tighten up all the screws and put a dab of blue lok-tite on them. Don't strip them putting them back, just snug them down good and trust the lok-tite to do it's job. Leave the gun overnight to let the lok-tite set. Scopes on springers take a beating. If your entry level gun came with a cheap scope, it will probably be ok but monitor the scope's performance. Pellets are a big deal when shooting springers. Spring guns are often picky about what pellet they will shoot accurately. If you can afford it, get a pellet sampler and take the time to figure out which pellets in the sampler the gun prefers. That will usually give you an idea as to what pellet weights the gun prefers. The artillery hold: for now shoot the rifle with the center of gravity sitting on a soft pillow and hold the rifle only as tightly as necessary to maintain a good sight picture. Once you master that, try to accomplish the same thing without the pillow. It will come quickly enough. Pellet skirts: Crossman Premier is a thick skirted hard lead pellet. They shoot well in a lot of guns. Some pellets that might shoot well in your gun will have soft skirts, prone to damage, examine pellet skirts for damage before shooting. Accuracy in general with springers: There are a lot more people who think their favorite springer will shoot pellet on pellet at 25 yards than there are guns which will do it. Mind you I did not say that there were not any gun/pellet/shooter combinations who can do it. There are enough who can, to make most of us jealous now and then. If your springer/pellet combination will consistently shoot under one mil (3.4 minutes) from a rest, it is doing good enough for the hunting line up. That equates to 7/8" groups CtC at 25 yards. There are some middle and low power sporters (10 - 14 fpe) that can consistently shoot in the 2.5 moa (5/8" @ 25 yds) range. There are some light power high quality guns (5 - 10 fpe) that can consistently shoot under 2 moa (1/2" @ 25 yds) or even a bit better than that. These are not hard fast rules, just guestimations which should help you evaluate how well your shooting with your kit. Wind: even a little wind can make a big difference with pellets. I read somewhere else that if you scale the ballistics of an air rifle up to compare with a service rifle shooting a thousand yards, it compares fairly closely in range estimation requirements and drop estimation requirements but it is about two and a half times as hard for the air gunner to dope the wind correctly. Soooo.... Welcome friend, you have embarked on a great quest. =)
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Oldspook that may be the best post I've ever seen regarding springer power and accuracy . Very well said !
Granpappa remember when you see targets posted on forums they are always the best the shooter shoots . Nobody is gonna show you the targets on the days when they suck. Lol. As far as the 8 out of 10 ratio ..Well a big part of that is just springers . I've personally had guns that would one hole it for a short time but then the moon would shift in the sky , or a black cat ran thru the yard , or you just finished that manic tin of pellets .... And your back to reality . With an inexpensive springer tolerances aren't as tight and they are almost always overpowered for their weight . Pick up a TX 200 and you'll know what I mean . The truly accurate and repeatable springers are usually quite heavy and slow-kinda fast . Trying to figure it all out for me at least is a big part of springer appeal . Welcome to the addiction
Granpappa remember when you see targets posted on forums they are always the best the shooter shoots . Nobody is gonna show you the targets on the days when they suck. Lol. As far as the 8 out of 10 ratio ..Well a big part of that is just springers . I've personally had guns that would one hole it for a short time but then the moon would shift in the sky , or a black cat ran thru the yard , or you just finished that manic tin of pellets .... And your back to reality . With an inexpensive springer tolerances aren't as tight and they are almost always overpowered for their weight . Pick up a TX 200 and you'll know what I mean . The truly accurate and repeatable springers are usually quite heavy and slow-kinda fast . Trying to figure it all out for me at least is a big part of springer appeal . Welcome to the addiction
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Fast is Slow...Slow is Fast...
Simple statement that is the shooting world. There are many variables in shooting and many can be practiced away as we all strive for the perfect shots and scores. But this statement after all things are considered, checked and rechecked still is the root of firing a consistent string.
Welcome to the sport. I will look for some basic tutorials that I used for many years that will improve your shooting at any level. A lot of basics that most do not realize affect their ability to be consistent. From what you have stated so far has been shared by everyone that has picked up a Springer. You are doing better than you think for the equipment you have at hand. Take the advice of those on this forum. Try and incorporate these pointers into your routine and have fun with it...
Simple statement that is the shooting world. There are many variables in shooting and many can be practiced away as we all strive for the perfect shots and scores. But this statement after all things are considered, checked and rechecked still is the root of firing a consistent string.
Welcome to the sport. I will look for some basic tutorials that I used for many years that will improve your shooting at any level. A lot of basics that most do not realize affect their ability to be consistent. From what you have stated so far has been shared by everyone that has picked up a Springer. You are doing better than you think for the equipment you have at hand. Take the advice of those on this forum. Try and incorporate these pointers into your routine and have fun with it...
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Hi granpappa,
Shooting a springer is quite challenging indeed, and I think that it is a good type of air rifle to use to master the fundamentals of good shooting and develop a solid technique. Hang in there and don't give up. I've become a better shooter because of my springer, which is a TX200. There is very good advice given here already, but let me just share with you a thread that includes several articles in which I've shared many things that I've learned from all my years of shooting and refining of my technique. The link is below. Good luck!
Cheers!
Link: http://www.airgunnation.com/topic/shooting-with-or-without-a-rest-that-is-the-question/
Shooting a springer is quite challenging indeed, and I think that it is a good type of air rifle to use to master the fundamentals of good shooting and develop a solid technique. Hang in there and don't give up. I've become a better shooter because of my springer, which is a TX200. There is very good advice given here already, but let me just share with you a thread that includes several articles in which I've shared many things that I've learned from all my years of shooting and refining of my technique. The link is below. Good luck!
Cheers!
Link: http://www.airgunnation.com/topic/shooting-with-or-without-a-rest-that-is-the-question/
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I shoot what would be considered a cheap springer strangely enough I get better groups shooting freehand than bench. I am not sure if it is because of the bounce from the piston or what.
I also shoot a 60 pound compound bow, and a 50 cal Black powder side lock percussion cap. All of them requires a good follow through and hold.
I also shoot a 60 pound compound bow, and a 50 cal Black powder side lock percussion cap. All of them requires a good follow through and hold.
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Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. Maybe I am not doing as badly given my setup as I thought. I will keep trying, and try to incorporate your suggestions.
By the way, maybe learning to shoot a Springer is helpful in shooting other guns as well. I recently shot my best group ever with my .17 HMR (1/2 inch ctc at 50 yards). Considering that I'm not an experienced shooter, I'm very pleased with that.
By the way, maybe learning to shoot a Springer is helpful in shooting other guns as well. I recently shot my best group ever with my .17 HMR (1/2 inch ctc at 50 yards). Considering that I'm not an experienced shooter, I'm very pleased with that.
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