An Expert's Guide to Shooting an Air Rifle Responsibly

For some people, there's nothing better than target shooting. If you're an experienced gun owner or hunter, this means going to the range and using live ammunition. If you enjoy archery, this means shooting a bow.

But what if you want to practice your marksmanship with something a little less lethal? Alternatively, what if you have kids who want to learn how to shoot but aren't' ready for real firearms yet?

We recommend buying a BB or pellet air rifle. These firearms are much safer and easier to handle. Practicing with them can help people of all ages improve their accuracy and firearm control.

However, as with all firearms, you need to implement safety rules and regulations while handling air rifles. Just because they're less lethal, it doesn't mean they can't be dangerous or deadly.

Keep reading for an expert's guide on shooting an air rifle responsibly.

Keep the Safety On Until You're Ready to Fire

One of the most important principles of gun safety is learning to consistently engage the firearm's safety mechanism. The only time the safety should be off is while you're firing the weapon.

Regardless of if you have an air rifle or pistol, activating the safety can prevent serious accidents. This is especially important for kids learning how to shoot.

Both kids and adults who are new to guns, however, can improperly handle a weapon, leading to an accidental discharge. If the safety is engaged, this is less likely to happen.

Practice Trigger Finger Discipline

People who have spent time in the military or have experience working in law enforcement go crazy watching action movies full of gun mistakes. These include unrealistic shootouts, infinite magazines, and actors who clearly have no idea how to handle a firearm.

The most common issue? No trigger finger discipline.

People who aren't familiar with firearms immediately put their finger on the trigger when handling a rifle, pistol, shotgun, or any other type of gun. This can be incredibly unsafe. If the handler trips, sneezes, or gets startled, they can easily pull the trigger and cause an accident.

Instead keep your trigger finger straight and off the trigger at all times, unless you're actively shooting.

Practice Muzzle Awareness

Another major safety concern with air rifles and other firearms is muzzle control. When handling a weapon, you must always be aware of where the firearm is pointed.

Unless you're engaging a target, if you have an air rifle in your hands, the muzzle needs to be pointing down and away from your feet. A high power air rifle accidentally discharged while pointed at someone can have severe consequences.

This is one of the most important aspects of gun safety and tactical training. Candidates get kicked out of Navy Seal training, Swat training, and other tactical schools if they can't learn muzzle awareness. Not controlling where your weapon is pointing could lead to accidentally shooting yourself or someone else.

Use the Appropriate Personal Protective Gear

When using firearms, you need to wear the appropriate clothing and gear to protect yourself. While the standards are much higher with real firearms, shooting an air rifle is no exception.

At the very least, all participants should wear eye protection. Safety glasses will protect your eyes and vision in the event of a misfire or ricochet. BBs and pellets are infamous for bouncing off of hard surfaces.

Children Should Only Use Air Rifles and Other Firearms Under Adult Supervision

In today's age, it's important for kids to learn how to be independent. Because of technology and social media, kids are going outside less, spending more time on screens, and growing up in a more sheltered lifestyle.

Getting your children started in outdoor, physical activities like shooting can help them break free from too much screen time or dependence on electronics. However, that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be supervised while handling air rifles.

Until you know your child is 100% aware of the danger of firearms and can demonstrate proper gun safety, you shouldn't leave their side while target shooting.

If they have friends over, this is even more important. Kids tend to show off for their friends and make unwise decisions. Additionally, if another person's child is hurt in your care, they can hold you legally and financially responsible.

Keep a watchful eye on your kids while they're using air rifles and try to be as hands-on as possible. Finally, do a little research to find the best BB guns for kids.

Learn How to Set Up Targets to Maximize Safety

Another important aspect of firearm safety is learning how to set up targets appropriately. This applies to both what you're using as a target and where you're placing it.

As noted above, BBs and pellets have a tendency to ricochet off hard surfaces. This can lead to minor and major injuries. Make sure the targets you're using are appropriate for this type of ammunition.

Just as importantly, make sure the backdrop of the target is clear and safe. For example, don't set a target up against a chainlink fence you share with your neighbor. You or your kids could accidentally damage their property, hurt one of their pets, or worse.

Take a look at the best air rifle targets and airsoft targets on the market. Then, choose a location where you can safely set them up.

Treat the Air Rifle Like It's Loaded at All Times

Lastly, regardless of if you're looking for BB guns for sale, pellet guns for sale, or real firearms, you need to treat every weapon as if it were loaded at all times. There are countless firearm accidents that result because people are playing around with the weapon, assuming it's unloaded.

This can lead to property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Be smart with your air rifle. Don't point it at people, pets, yourself, or anything else aside from a designated target.

Looking for an Air Rifle?

Now that you know a little more about air rifle safety, it's time to start shooting! If you don't have a gun yet, we can help.

Check out our selection of BB and pellet air rifles. And for more tips on shooting, safety, and gun maintenance, check out some of our other articles before you go. Stay safe out there!