New Gun, First Shots, Rookie Airgunner

[BurneyCA Dennis]

HW97 arrived about 1 pm. I was ready. Examined gun then ran a swatch thru the barrel. AOA had initially sighted it at 20 yards. On the bench the first two shots were dead center. I tried to calm my excitement. From there I shot groups at 10, 25. 30 and 35.Most all my shots were vertical dead center, but 1-2 inches low. I resisted the temptation to adjust the scope, but temptation won out. I raised the scope up several clicks.That put the shots closer to dead center. I then moved the target to 40 yards. Between 20 and 40 yards was where my pests would be shot. Once satisfied my groups were good at 40 I then reshot groups at 10,20, 30 & 50 to determine my hold over/under.
By now I was totally pooped and out of gas. Still, not a bad first shoot.
What did I learn?
1. I’m going to need to strengthen my cocking arm.
2. Usually, when I did everything right I was damn near close to dead center.
3. Most of my shots were failures.
4. To get better I need to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.
Damn, that was sure fun.
Your useful advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Ranchibi]

Congratulations! And, yes, when you acquire a new airgun and that first shot is spot on...NIRVANA especially with a springer! Enjoy shooting that incredible 97K!

 

[SaabDan]

It will get a bit easier to cock once you break it in a bit. And, by then you'll have gained some strength too and it won't seem like so much work!

 

[Struckat]

Sounds like a fun day. You are absolutely right. Practice practice practice.
I am a slow learner, but now I have total confidence when shooting my HW95 .

Enjoy that beauty.

 

[c_m_shooter]

HW97 will just get better with time. Stock up on H+N FTT pellets (4.52 head size if you have a .177).

 

[.20calguy]

I don't know how you are shooting or what your purpose is, so it's hard to comment.
I primarily plink from the bench out to 75 yards.
Yesterday I shot shot paper and found that my cheek weld affected the elevation. This may only be an issue for people shooting from a front and rear bag though. I first noticed it when I rested my free hand over the cheek plate and got a high and right flyer which makes since because the hand was pulling down and left against the rear bag.
Here's my set up. I have been shooting the front bag close to the balance point of the gun as of late

 

[Struckat]

I have had no success using a rear bag with a springer. I also rest the gun on my hand and hand on the front bag. Has to let the gun do what it wants.
Every springer seems to have different preferences.

 

[maxtrouble]

Soup cans are evil. No shooting gallery is complete without some.

Uncle Sam NEEDS YOU to keep the Communist Soup Can Horde in check.

String them up on a piece of paracord and give them some What For.

 

[BurneyCA Dennis]

I have had no success using a rear bag with a springer. I also rest the gun on my hand and hand on the front bag. Has to let the gun do what it wants.
Every springer seems to have different preferences.

I have seven oak trees circling the shooting side of my house, plus between these are various rock piles. The first shooting zone is at about 25 yards with several other zones at 50 & 75 yards. Dispersed between this are ten foot pine trees. In this area is an abundance of diggers, aka ground squirrels. They are constantly producing liters and I am trying to keep up with the baby makers.
Most of my shots are from 25 to 43 yards with the occasional long shot challenge.
I sit in a chair and use one bag resting on the fence railing.My herd thinning is from spring to late fall. It’s starting to get cold so the diggers will go underground until spring.
for my winter entertainment I plan on hanging targets from the trees at various distances.

 

[Greenarrow]

Best Tips on Shooting a Springer!

Share your past experiences and help fellow shooters hone their craft and shooting ability!! *The idea for the this thread is compliments of Air Arms

www.airgunnation.com

welcome and congratulations on the 97! Good choice

 

[Dead-On]

My first adult rifle was an HW 97 .20 cal. I think you will really enjoy it as I did mine. I loved it and my first impressions were similar. After 15 years I sold it. It was getting too heavy and hard to cock for leisurely shooting. I initaly bought it for pesting, but once I entered the PCP world many of those heavy rifle got sold. Hold, hold, hold sensitivity is everything with this airgun. Resting the gun the same way regardless if it is from a bag or your palm is crucial.