Many here have asked me about how to really be comfortable and accurate when shooting big bores. I'd like to offer some suggestions which if followed will really make a difference. First, go buy a high end PCP air gun in at least .22 caliber.They are expensive but will teach you great trigger control as any errors show up
In missed shots. Air guns seem to me to be more sensitive to trigger control issues than .22 cal firearms. Quiet too, and can be shot in the back yard! Set up a 1 inch diameter target at 50 yards and shoot 10 or more shots offhand and 10 shots using a post or tree as a rest. Then shoot 5 rnds offhand with your big bore at the same target. Those air guns will shoot 1 hole groups st 50 yards. You should easily be able to shoot 2 inch groups with your big bore. I generally find that after this practice, I shoot the air gun and big bore about equally well. Once you've got 50 yards down, go to 100 yards. Those air guns will shoot better than 2 inches at that range. You should be able to shoot your bigbore at least 6 inches offhand and better than that off of a post or tree. Don't waste your time with shooting sticks! Don't worry about recoil and concentrate on your stance, breathing and above all trigger control! This really works but takes dedication! Hope this is helpful! Personally, I do this same drill with a 1911 and it's amazing what you can do!

Sounds like a fantastic reason to get an airgun and set up a bullet trap in the back yard! Just can't shoot the big bores back there....

These .22and.25 cal PCP airguns run 4500 psi and you can legally add a suppressor( which can't be used on a firearm). They are unbelievably quiet and accurate. Just shooting one everyday will build up the shoulder muscles and shooting one accurately requires great trigger control and no flinching at all. If you already have a flinch, this practice will help to cure it. Superb training aid! You'll see a huge improvement in your big bore shooting!

I do a lot of shooting with a Diana/RWS .177 caliber spring air rifle.

Great trigger and very accurate.

But one of the hardest things for me, in learning to shoot this rifle, was learning that I had to hold it like a lit stick of crying baby dynamite. That is, very, very lightly and delicately.

I learned that one cannot pull the rifle in firmly to the shoulder, as one must do with a hard-kicking rifle. Somehow or other, that throws everything off, and the spring air rifle will shoot wildly.

I have never shot a PCP rifle. Do they behave the same way?

Mike- I had one of those RWS Diana's and it was tricky like you said. The PCPs like a Daystate wolverine( best) or FX impact seem to shoot just like a std rifle. Steady aim, trigger control, breathing all need to be correct though or you miss those 1 inch targets. Highly recommended!

Okay, Rob. Sounds like a great practice tool. So how much is this gonna cost me?

Many consider the Benjamin Marauder PCP 25 cal about the ultimate in air-bang for buck, around $500, but needing a scope and good pump that will add $300+. It is a great high-entry level PCP air rifle.

Depends on location, In the wide open plains of Idaho I use a 22 L.R. to a 404 Jefferys and only have one neighbor that's ever complained, he was from California btw and liberal as hell, and the noise bothered his spouse, so they moved to town.. but your post is good advise for the millions..

I picked up one of the little Ruger African rifles in 223 Remington. Matches my 416 Alaskan in features and function. Much cheaper and easier on the body to shoot.

Funny timing, that air rifle talk. I just purchased a Benjamin Maximus Hunter .22 with the kit 6x scope.

Crappy trigger aside, it shoots 1/2" groups in my back yard and has already accounted for a squirrel with a single, perfectly placed headshot.

Trigger pull is absolutely atrocious though.

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:
Sounds like a fantastic reason to get an airgun and set up a bullet trap in the back yard! Just can't shoot the big bores back there....

I always said if one can't pee out the front door and shoot an 06 out the make without any body complaining.

One lives in the wrong place.

I'd say go with a $500-$1500 range PCP air gun from Daystate, Brocock or FX or Benjamin( marauder is a great buy),scope $125-400, small air tank for refills ($500) and get refills at a scuba shop or an air pump if you really want a workout! My FX wildcat gets about 50 shots per refill so workout time is reduced. I like .25 caliber as you can kill coyotes with it but .22 or .30 is also fine. BTW the suppressed FX wildcat is quieter than a suppressed .22 subsonic with a ARmtech Armory can on it! Unbelievable!