Air Pistol Shooting Techniques for Beginners

Welcome to the exciting world of air pistols! More budget-friendly than air rifles, but still packing a punch, air pistol shooting is a challenging and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

Whether you’re interested in hunting or target practice, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to get started. We’ll cover the basics of choosing your weapon, discuss how to shoot an air pistol and give you some invaluable air pistol shooting tips to help you refine your skills.

Choosing the Right Air Pistol for Beginners

Before we delve into the techniques of air pistol shooting, it’s essential to understand what an air pistol is. An air pistol is a type of pneumatic weapon that uses compressed air or CO2 to propel pellets or BBs. Air pistols come in a variety of designs and power sources, including:

• CO2 air pistols, which use small single-use cartridges and are known for being easy to use
• Gas piston air pistols, which are more expensive but used a sealed gas unit instead of replaceable cartridges
• Spring-powered air pistols, which are the most affordable option but can be tricky to shoot accurately
• PCP air pistols, which are extremely accurate and consistent, but are more expensive

When choosing an air pistol, you’ll want to think about the pistol’s power source, and its calibre, as well as your budget and skill level. A .177 spring air pistol would be a good budget-friendly option, whereas a PCP pistol is a solid choice if you’re looking for accuracy. For more information, see our buyer’s guide to air pistols.

Basics of Air Pistol Shooting

Air pistol shooting is a skill that requires a blend of concentration, coordination, and control. Here are the basic steps:

• Loading: The first step to shooting an air pistol is to load the pellets. Make sure to handle the ammunition and pistol carefully during this process, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Aiming: Hold the pistol with two hands, arms extended, so that your chest and arms form a triangle shape. Raise the gun so that your target aligns with the sights on the top of the pistol.
• Shooting: When you’re ready to shoot, slide your index finger onto the trigger and breathe out. Keep your sights aligned on your target, and pull the trigger straight back.

No matter how experienced you are, safety should always be your first priority when handling air pistols. Always treat an air pistol as if it’s loaded and never point it at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Make sure you keep your sights on your target, but also be aware of what’s beyond it.

Additionally, before you use your new air pistol, ensure you’re aware of all UK airgun laws including what and where you can shoot.

Air Pistol Shooting Tips for Beginners

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s delve into our top tips for air pistol shooting.

Refining Your Grip and Stance

The way you hold your air pistol can significantly affect your accuracy. Hold the grip firmly but not too tightly and keep your wrist steady. You’ll find it easier to steady your aim if you hold the pistol with both hands.

A proper stance can provide a stable platform for accurate shooting. Try the basic standing position where you face the target directly, feet shoulder-width apart. For added stability, you can also make use of sandbags or gun rests to give you something to lean on.

Learning Good Trigger Control

To improve your trigger control, keep your trigger hand as relaxed as possible. Practice pulling the trigger directly backwards in a straight line, to avoid ‘steering’ the pistol to the left or right – otherwise you’ll miss your target. Maintain light pressure until the pellet strikes its target.

Proper breathing will help to steady your hand. Try to shoot at the natural pause at the end of your breath for best results.

Additionally, familiarise yourself with how much pressure is needed to fire your pistol. This will come with practice. If your air pistol features an adjustable trigger, make sure to tweak the sensitivity to your liking.

Practising Drills for Air Pistol Shooting

Practising regularly is the only way to improve your air pistol shooting skills. Simple exercises like dry firing, where you practise the shooting process without any ammunition, can significantly improve your technique.

You can also try shooting at different distances or practising timed shoots to increase your proficiency. Experiment with a range of practice targets and, crucially, different types of pellets. You’ll find that each pistol works best with different ammunition, so explore a range of weights and types. To learn more, see our buyer’s guide to air gun pellets.

Using Air Pistol Accessories

Just like any other sport or hobby, having the right accessories can greatly enhance your air pistol shooting experience. The correct equipment can provide an added level of comfort, safety, and accuracy, assisting you in becoming a proficient shooter faster.

For example, your air pistol will come with standard iron sights, but you might want to upgrade to a telescopic sight (or pistol scope). These are designed to gather light, magnify your view and help you adjust for elevation and windage, thereby improving your accuracy.

Visit The Wolfman: The UK’s One-Stop Shop for Air Pistols and Accessories

Looking for a new air pistol (UK)? Visit The Wolfman to browse a wide range of air pistols for sale, from budget models to more advanced options. For inspiration, click here for our guide to the best air pistols of 2023.

As well as air guns, we also stock a fantastic selection of air pistol accessories and shooting essentials, including ammunition, scopes, bags and more. Visit our website to browse our selection and get started with your air pistol shooting adventure.

Order from The Wolfman today and enjoy free delivery across the UK. If you have any queries regarding our products or site, contact us – our friendly team will be happy to help.