To get the most out of your airgun, it is important to focus on both shooting technique and tuning . With proper technique, you can improve accuracy, and with tuning, you can optimize your weapon to perform at its best. In this guide, we will review the most important aspects of shooting technique and tuning to help you get the most accurate and effective shot.
1. Correct shooting technique – The basis for accuracy
Even the best airgun won't shoot accurately without proper technique. Here are some basic shooting techniques that can improve your accuracy:
Shooting position
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Standing shooting: Maintain a stable base with slightly bent knees and place the weapon close to your body.
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Kneeling shooting: Use one knee as support, and rest your elbow on it for stability.
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Prone shooting: The most stable position, especially with a bipod or sandbag.
Grip and trigger
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Hold the weapon firmly but relaxed – a grip that is too tight can affect accuracy.
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Pull the trigger slowly and evenly to avoid jerking the shot.
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Use your fingertip to pull the trigger for a more controlled movement.
Breathing control
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Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and hold your breath for a short moment when you pull the trigger.
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Avoid breathing deeply during the shot as it can create unwanted movements.
2. Adjusting optics for better precision
A properly adjusted riflescope or red dot sight is essential for precision shooting.
Zeroing the scope
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Place a shooting target at the desired distance (e.g. 25-50 meters).
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Shoot 3-5 shots and observe the pattern.
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Adjust the windage and elevation of the sight as needed.
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Repeat the series of shots until the shot group is centered on the target.
Parallax Adjustment – What is it and why is it important?
Parallax is an optical phenomenon where the reticle (crosshair) in a riflescope appears to move relative to the target if you move your head slightly. If parallax is not properly adjusted, your sight picture can be inaccurate, which is especially important at long distances.
To adjust parallax:
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Find the parallax wheel or adjustment ring on your scope (often marked with distances in meters or yards).
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Set it to the approximate distance to your target.
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Look through the sight and move your head slightly from side to side. If the reticle appears to move relative to the target, adjust the parallax until the movement stops.
Benefits of correct parallax adjustment:
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Increases precision , especially at long distances.
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Reduces eye strain as you don't have to strain to stay focused.
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Minimizes shot deviations as the sight remains stable regardless of your head position.
3. Optimizing trigger sensitivity
The trigger plays a crucial role in accuracy. Many airguns allow for adjustment:
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Trigger weight: How much force is needed to activate the shot.
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Trigger travel: How far the trigger must be moved before the shot is fired.
Tuning tips:
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Lower trigger weight provides a more controlled shot release .
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Avoid pulling the trigger too lightly as this can lead to accidental shots.
4. Tuning your airgun
Choosing the right type of hail
Different types of shotguns have different precision and ballistics:
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Flat-nosed shotguns: Best for short-range shooting.
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Pointed Shot: Increases penetration and range.
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Hollow-point shot: Designed for maximum expansion upon impact.
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Heavy hail: Better for long distance as they are less affected by wind.
Hammer spring and regulator adjustment (PCP guns)
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The hammer spring tension can be adjusted to optimize air consumption.
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Regulators can be installed to ensure consistent air delivery and improved precision.
Important: Changing the regulator or spring may affect the performance of the weapon and should be tested with a chronograph.
Running and tuning stability
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Shifting the weight balance in the weapon can provide better control.
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A heavier barrel can reduce recoil and vibration.
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Silencers can reduce turbulence and improve precision.
5. Troubleshooting precision loss
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shot groups are scattered | The barrel is dirty or the wrong type of shot is used. | Clean the barrel and test different pellets |
| Varying firing rate | The regulator or hammer spring is unstable | Adjust regulator or hammer spring |
| The aim hits differently | Scope is loose or not zeroed | Tighten rail mounts and reset sight |
| Low precision at long distances | Wind impact or incorrect weight of hail | Use heavier shot for better stability |
6. Regular maintenance after tuning
To ensure that your adjustments and tuning improvements last, you should:
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Clean the barrel after each shooting session.
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Check optics and screws for loose parts.
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Test the firing rate with a chronograph to ensure consistent performance.
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Note changes in your tuning process to track improvements.
Conclusion
By combining proper shooting technique with tuning your airgun, you can achieve much better accuracy and performance. Whether you're fine-tuning your sights, adjusting your trigger, or optimizing your hammer spring, small improvements will lead to significant results.
Take time to experiment and test to find the setup that works best for you and your weapon.
