“What is the maximum range for hunting with this airgun?” This is one of the most common questions we get from new shooters. The answer may surprise you because it has almost nothing to do with the hardware and nearly everything to do with the person pulling the trigger. Let’s get started.
It’s not about the hardware.
Most modern PCP airguns, regardless of their cost, can produce reliable hunting accuracy to 50 yards when shooting off a bench. Add a decent optic, some good pellets, and just about anyone with even basic skills will have success at the range. But shooting a moving target without the help of a bench and a rest is a completely different scenario. So what is YOUR max effective range with an airgun. Let’s find out.
Set up a Range, and Give Yourself Some Space.
An easy way to get started is to pick up some Gamo Knock-Down targets. These present shooters with a typical kill zone that, when hit, causes the target to fall. They are resettable by pulling a string, so you can take more practice shots.
So here’s the drill. Give this a try, and let us know how you do! Setup either a knockdown target or some sort of static target with a 1” circle. You can take a quarter and simply draw an outline around it, which is about the same size.
Starting at 5 yards, take 10 shots and see how many successful shots you get on target. If you can get 8 or 9 shots out of 10 in the kill zone or circle, then you are good to go for 5 yards. Now, back up to 10 yards and repeat the process. Most shooters start to see real issues at 10 to 15 yards, and the percentage of shooters that shoot reliably at 20 plus yards is much smaller than you may think. Again, we want to know how well you do. Be honest and let us know YOUR max distance. And remember, you need to be able to hit the target 8 or 9 times out of 10, so it’s about consistency, not just making that “one” shot.
Tips to improve your small game hunting accuracy at range.
The first tip we have for you is to make sure that you sight your gun in at the same position and with the same gear you will use in the field. Airguns, specifically spring and gas ram-powered airguns, can be extremely hold-sensitive. If you have your airgun dialed in on the bench using a rifle rest and then take that out into the field and shoot offhand, you may find that your point of aim is way off. The same would apply to shooting sticks, leaning against a tree, etc. Sight and practice like you plan to shoot. While spring guns tend to be the most affected by this issue, it can also happen with other airguns like PCP airguns.
The next tip is an extension of the previous tip. Try to practice in the same conditions as in the field, i.e., temperature. You’d be surprised how much temperature can effect your point of impact. Metal will expand and contract, and those changes can result in minute shifts in your point of impact on small game. When your kill zone is a quarter, it does not take much for a shot to go from successful to errant.
The final tip comes down to ego. If you are going to be a truly effective and ethical huntsman, then check your ego at the door, get real, and get real honest about your abilities. Put in the trigger time, and don’t make excuses when you can’t make the shot. It just means you need more trigger time and practice. You only fail when you give up.
Need help? We are here for you!
It’s important to be as ethical as possible when hunting. The last thing any of us should want is to wound an animal and then have them go out and expire slowly. If we are going to take game, let’s do it as quickly and cleanly as possible. Fortunately, we have an entire section on our site for targets and traps that can help you create the best scenario to hone your shooting skills. If you need help pulling together the best options for your needs, just give us a call. We are always here to help.
