Shooting Technique & Accuracy Fundamentals for New Air Rifle Shooters

So you've chosen your air rifle, sorted your pellets, and found a legal place to shoot. Now it's time to hit what you’re aiming at — consistently.

Good shooting isn’t about luck or scopes and sights (to be covered in depth in other artcleses). It’s about repeatable technique. This post covers the fundamentals that new shooters need to master accuracy from day one.

1. Shooting Position & Stability

Whether you’re shooting standing, prone, or from a bench, your goal is stability. If you wobble, so will your shot.

  • Prone: offers the most stability and is great for target practice.
  • Seated at a bench: ideal for zeroing and casual shooting.
  • Standing: the least stable but good for field practice or hunting.

Tip: Use a bipod, sandbag, or rest to reduce movement.

2. Correct Rifle Hold

Don’t grip your air rifle like a shotgun or hunting rifle. Air rifles are sensitive to hold, especially springers.

  • Keep your leading hand relaxed, supporting the fore-end (not gripping hard).
  • Rest the butt of the rifle snugly into your shoulder.
  • Maintain a gentle but secure grip with your trigger hand.

This is often called the “artillery hold” — let the rifle recoil naturally.

3. Breathing Control

Breathing affects aim more than you think.

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Let it out slowly.
  • Pause halfway through your exhale and hold briefly — that’s your shot window.
  • Don’t hold your breath too long or rush the shot.

4. Trigger Technique

Yanking the trigger ruins accuracy.

  • Place the pad of your index finger on the trigger — not the joint.
  • Apply gentle, straight-back pressure.
  • Don’t “jerk” or anticipate the shot — it should come as a surprise.

Practice this dry (unloaded) before live firing.

5. Follow-Through

The shot doesn’t end when the pellet leaves the barrel.

  • Keep your eye on the target.
  • Maintain your position.
  • Resist the urge to drop the rifle or look up.

Follow-through is crucial for diagnosing shots and building muscle memory.

6. Practice with Purpose

Random plinking can be fun, but deliberate practice improves accuracy.

  • Use targets with defined bullseyes and scoring zones.
  • Track your groups and aim for consistency before chasing perfection.
  • Focus on one skill at a time — hold, breathing, trigger, or follow-through.

Download free targets here

Final Thoughts

Accuracy isn’t about the latest gear or luck — it’s about technique. Nail these fundamentals and your air rifle will reward you with tight, repeatable groups.

Remember: slow is smooth, smooth is accurate.

Course Menu - Air Rifle Confidence Bootcamp
Previous - Essential accessories and set up for beginners
Next - Scopes & Sighting Systems Explained for Air Rifle Beginners