Definitive Guide to Airgun Hunting

Hunting with an airgun is an experience unlike any other. Airguns provide a great way for new hunters to get into the sport as well as a way for experienced hunters to add to the challenge and excitement of bagging game. Whatever your reasons for wanting to hunt with your airgun, there are a few things that you are going to want to consider before you head into the field. That's why we have worked with some of the best airgun hunters around to compile information on everything from choosing the right caliber to choosing the right scope for your rifle. With airgunning being one of the fastest growing shooting sports in the country, we've got all the info you need to get started!

Highlights

STATE GUIDEA visual guide to where you can hunt View Map RecommendationsPerfectly suited for hunting View Guns Intro to HuntingWith Jim Chapman Watch Now

Why we HUNTBenefits of hunting with airguns View Article POWERPLANTSSo many options, choose wisely View Article SCOPESTips for making the right choice View Article

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Detailed Review

One of the biggest things to consider when looking into taking your airgunning hobby from the range to the field is caliber choice and how it relates to the amount of energy a projectile will create. The formula for calculating foot relies on the factors of pellet weight and velocity, so the heavier a projectile is and the faster it is moving, the more ft-lbs of energy are produced. This translates to more penetration and energy transfer. Use the above chart as a guide to help you choose the correct caliber for what you want to hunt. Remember this is a recommendation showing the minimum energy needed to humanely hunt with an emphasis on correct shot placement. Keep in mind as a pellet travels its velocity decreases and so does the foot pounds of energy it creates on impact, thus it's important to keep your effective range in mind when taking aim on game. For all of these reasons, it's important that you spend some time at the range practicing with your hunting rig and the ammo you intend to use in the field.