Airgun Academy Episode 35 - Artillery Hold

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[@johanvandersandt8904]

This guy has a passion for what he does...

[@kmkcopkiller]

He is but you must remember everything he says is his personal opinion. Not dogma. Must find what works for you. Not saying he is wrong but some tiny details are his preference. Like the hand on the sand bag. Shouldn't make a lick of difference if your actually letting the gun rest with no holding effort.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@kmkcopkiller Fair point!

[@Craigkenton]

Very useful information. I have been holding my spring rifle wrong. Thanks for the advice. I will be using the Artillery hold from now on.

[@CVM222VOLT]

I became an airgun enthusiasts back in the early 90s when The Airgun Letter later known as the Yellow Forum was the go to forum. Even back then Mr Gaylord was often referenced as a major influence in the hobby. So glad he is still going strong in providing great information.

[@aphexteknol]

I'm glad this exists. Back when I started getting into airguns over 20 years ago, this information wasn't readily available and I always struggled with spring piston rifles. Once I learned the artillery hold however, it was like discovering a whole new world of accuracy. I really hope airguns keep rising in popularity, they really are a ton of fun for plinking, training, pest control, etc.

[@randeepkang8780]

I know this might sound weird, but I am completely new to air guns, and I wanted to ask, what is plinking?

[@aphexteknol]

+Randeep Kang Kang plinking is a slang term for any informal shooting just for the pleasure of it. its named after the sound a pellet makes when it hits an empty can. plink!

[@edyfofashow]

+Randeep Kang Kang screw airgunning. slingshots is where its at! silent but deadly

[@kmkcopkiller]

But what is the difference between letting the gun rest on hand vs sand bag if its equally "resting". I understand the concept of artillery hold but really it shouldnt matter if u let it rest ontop of sandbag or resting on your hand on your sand bag? My gamo 10x has no problem shooting from a solid tripod as long as i do the same and let it rest without trying to control the gun with my hold. Now ny question is, what about break barrel pistols? Surely you cant rest those unless it has a giant barrel lol. Or maybe im wrong? Ive shot my air guns very similarly to my powder guns all my life since i was young and tbh no one ever taught me artillery hold specifically but i just developed a kinda weird intermediate artillery hold....i get about quarter groups on average 25-50 yards and used to actually be better! Even with pistol at 25 yards i was definitely controlling that thing like a powder gun. Idk maybe im weird or pistols work different? And i always use iron sights on pistols. Im not old but i guess i am old fashioned haha

[@huckjam2394]

Exactly its another one of these things one guy said one time and now everyone just does it.

[@pyramydair]

Ok, so maybe this is old news to most of you, but this might be the best explanation as to why artillery hold works for airguns. Hear it from Tom Gaylord!

[@jasonbrown467]

why did you have to call him gaylord? he seems cool to me

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

Hi NGG. Hope the climbing and shooting are going well... It might be a little late, but I offer this... Everything Tom said is accurate. The "artillery hold" for springers is a must (for increased accuracy), and yes, you can do this hold in Standing, Sitting and Prone (the prone requires the back of the hand). 70% of my plinking/fun is done in the standing position due to its difficulty. For standing find the balance point of the rifle, using the artillery hold ( best done sitting, rest yr arm on yr leg). That will be your position for the hold. Next, standing position, weight is on back foot (opposite to centerfire), bring rifle to shoulder, weld cheek. You can adjust your hold slightly if it helps to stabilize. It takes practice, but I find it extremely rewarding. In regards to your pack, if I am going shoot off something, its always my shooting pack. I don't use sandbags w/ my springers. Hope that helps. Happy, safe shooting

[@Dr._Spamy]

I don't get why to rest the gun on the palm of my hand ? The hand palm could be more or less sticky. I don't know how the sandbags perform but I would say the less friktion the better. And on some fabric the rifle foreshaft would slide perfectly I guess. OK, if you rest the gun on the hand palm, it's easier to make sure to rest it at the same position each time.

[@bloedjohan7602]

@@SpetsnazBear-3710 You still hanging around here? I have a question and I'm seeking a person willing to answer😅. About the artillery hold ofc.

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

@@bloedjohan7602 Guten Tag "Bloed Johan". Yep, bouncing around every once in a while. If I can help in any way I certainly will try.

[@billware6721]

New to Air Guns I recently purchased a Ruger Impact Max Elite. I still have a ways to go before I master this technique but I have improved significantly with your advice. Thank you!

[@wardaddy6002]

I just got the same gun yesterday and was wondering why my shots are all over the place when I'm so accurate with a firearm.

[@swampfox7110]

How has the Ruger performed? Any deficiencies? I am thinking about buying one.

[@billware6721]

@@swampfox7110 Your timing is perfect. Had it out today. Honestly I love it especially at this price point. One caution. Many videos advise to tighten all screws regularly on break barrels. Be careful with the main breech bolt. The housing is hard plastic and the interior nut holder ( a cast part of the breech ) will break if over tightened. Just keep snug. You will be fine.

[@FM418]

Thanks for teaching an old dog a new trick! Learned something new today. Just started shooting a spinger air gun a couple months back. Had no idea about this specific hold needed for this type of air rifle. Thank you for the new knowledge for an old shooter!

[@Beesa10]

Learning about the recoil characteristics of spring guns and using a repeatable, consistent hold which gently supports the rifle rather than gripping it tight and pulling it into my shoulder was a game changer for me. A big part of the enjoyment is getting familiar with the rifle, doing your own testing with a whole selection of different pellets and hold variations to see what works best. It's remarkable how much of a difference these things can make to your group sizes and almost certainly the reason why many new airgun shooters are frustrated at first.

[@bloodbushcraft2467]

​@@Beesa10what's funny is I was practicing shooting my bow which is really similar with a loose hold and being consistent. Started shooting a air rifle the same way. But as I was trying to zero it. I ended up watching videos where they clamped the gun down. So I started holding tighter and tighter with it being more out of wack. Now I'm gonna go back to even less of a grip

[@Beesa10]

@@bloodbushcraft2467 Some spring rifles are more 'hold sensitive' than others but gripping tight and pulling the stock into your shoulder (like a firearm) generally doesn't help. Consistency is key, I try to keep the contact pressure light and even, enough to support the rifle so it feels 'nestled' in place. I'll use a point of reference so my hand is supporting the stock in the same place.

[@OffGridMadMan]

Being muzzle heavy is good, stops any flip. You can wear a glove on your rest hand too as long as it doesn't grip, like leather. The key is consistency every shot however you do it.

[@pyramydair]

Agreed, 100%

[@jasonbrown467]

great information. i am great with my gamo .177, standing up and shooting, but with my crossman .22 its all over the place, 5 inch groups at 50 feet. i will try this artillery hold

[@BlackCobra331]

No wonder my Benjamin trail np XL was all over the place for years thanks!

[@TheGearhead222]

Dear Sir-Just a quick and sad note. George Pena passed in an auto accident in 2016, along with his wife. He was THE airgunsmith for McBrides Guns for years and will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace-John in Austin

[@bradgrabill7691]

Very good information. Not sure I understand why you recommend not resting gun directly on sand bag?

[@Leadheadsam]

Great video , thank you 👍

[@hel1copter]

Hi Tom. I seem to recall reading about the artillery hold first in relation to a qualification session you conducted whilst in the armed forces. Rather than rifles, you were using pistols - in fact 1911A1s from the armoury stock, and a high ranking officer asked to qualify alongside the men. I believe he held the pistol in a loose one-handed grip and got brilliant scores seemingly without effort. I've recently come back to pistol shooting after a break of more than 20 years (since the Dunblane massacre in the 90s), but here in the UK it's difficult now for the private citizen to keep a regular "explosive" firearm. So I've dug out my old HW45, cleaned it up and am starting to get my eye back in. However, I always used a two-handed grip in the past with my Safari Arms 1911. Can you offer some video instruction on the artillery hold for a Colt-like air pistol, please?

[@pyramydair]

+hel1copter You can ask your questions directly from Tom here: www.pyramydair.com/blog/ that's where he answers all of them!

[@Jeffrich308]

This is the best explanation that I have ever heard! Thanks!

[@DDIAZ-we4dz]

really? i had heard about this before but never thought it was an important thing. i grab my air rifle the same way i would a centerfire rifle and it gives me great accuracy. guess ill have to give this a shot though. no pun intended.

[@JayKayKay7]

Nice to be taught things you thought you already knew but now know what to do and the why of doing.

[@deantsport]

very informative video and i enjoyed it. liked and subscribed 👍

[@reclusepilgrim]

Thank you for all that info. I got a Crosman Nitro Venom Dusk two days ago. I have not been able to hit the bull's eye and it has been so frustrating and taxing that it has cost me my confidence - and I am a good shot! What am I doing wrong? The scope is calibertated, but I would re-do that with a differet pellet that you would suggest. Also, which pellets should I use? I have been using pellets from Crosman.

[@pyramydair]

Tried posting on our blog here www.pyramydair.com/blog/ and folks will help you figure it out!

[@freddysflyz]

Great information (thank you) that leads me to confirm a long standing question I have. Do I need to artillery hold my GAMO CAMO Rocket IGT .177 Cal. having what they call Inert Gas Technology (IGT) which I just learned is a gas spring piston? Please help me demystify this with my thanks in advance!

[@eirizarry77]

I learn some thing new, thanks for the tips, happy holidays

[@CanadianPrepper]

Genius

[@Scott64a]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@JFEnterprize]

Have a crosman 1000 quest that would shake around too much to be accurate reliably. I’ll try this out see if the groups improve. Could also not like the crosman pointed pellet. The round nose are best that I recall

[@pyramydair]

You're welcome! Please don't forget to like & share so more people can see this video

[@rejrej5241]

thank you again sir for another great video you are by far my favorite person on the round table just by chance I have a .177 Gamo wasp break barrel what is your opinion on the best scope the scope that comes with it as you know no good maybe something that I can zoom in with that's perhaps more reliable?

[@Happy-Me.]

Great video

[@passionearmiariacompressa883]

great vid sir and awesome explanation. I will try tomorrow

[@Aeshir2]

is the problem with sandbags that it molds to the shape of the gun and grabs it? would putting a smooth, flat surface on top of a bag or whatever slightly grippy surface solve this problem?

[@huckjam2394]

Why would it resting on you hand be any different from it resting directly on the bag? It doesn't make any difference if you do it right. I shoot directly off bags all the time and can put shot after shot into the same hole. I think the problem people have when resting on bags is they rest most of the stock across the whole bag instead of just a couple inches on the edge of the bag letting the front 3/4 of stock after the trigger guard float free. I get the best accuracy shooting from directly on top of the bag with my front hand pushing straight down from the top of the gun right in front of the scope wedging the gun between my hand and the bag. This allows the gun to recoil straight backwards and not let the barrel go in any other direction and allows me to shoot consistently into the same hole over and over.

[@e.colemantlpss6406]

I’m still not sure why resting it directly on the bag is any different to resting it on your hand. As long as you’re not restricting the recoil movement, what’s the different?

[@jebsdaddy141]

My guess would be there is more friction if resting directly on the bag compared to less friction of the gun on the skin.

[@WLGunnett]

I don’t understand how the friction of your hand (sweaty and sticky skin) would be better than a dry sand bag. It seems to me that the dry sand bag would allow for more movement, the “artillery carriage”, than the palm of a hand. Please explain.

[@Beesa10]

Resting on sand bags does work, but if you rest directly on something solid (wood furniture etc) the groups open up. The recoil is not as simple as just a backwards and forwards movement of the rifle, there is vibration happening which causes the end of the barrel to move. Resting on the palm of your hand, and some people prefer to wear a glove, it apparently allows the movement and vibration of the gun to happen in a more repeatable way. It's worth testing for yourself to find what works best for you.

[@z16chevelleguy]

Thank you I Can't wait to try this

[@jdmbraceyourself695]

Good video

[@terrypittman4392]

Did anyone else notice how he reached up like it was a bolt action rifle

[@Kawitamamayi]

I think every one who has shot a springer knows that they have a relatively violent action. So why don't you show us the gun & barrel movement with a high speed camera? Show the effect on gun harmonic movement with different holds and rests. Will an artillery hold actually result improved precision and accuracy for springers? If so where are the spent target results?

[@joelwolfe7579]

Does this also go for nitro pistons? I’m assuming so with the presence of moving parts.

[@lennassi9114]

Should you shoot a spring piston pistol with an artillery hold?

[@ahmondeboxley2950]

Hey what up wit it Mr tom I have a hatsan 125 sniper vortex gas piston in 22 cal can't seem to get a scope to hold up what is the best scope and what size Mr Jim Chapman told me about the Diana bullseye scope mount and I luv how it moves with the recoil of the gun I jus need help on finding the right size scope for this rifle

[@theLizardof0z]

Am I the only person who does not understand what the difference is between placing the gun in a bag and placing it on your hand? Your hand has as much friction as the bag, unless you manually pack lotion bottles for a living. I don't see the advantage of one over the other. Does anyone have an actual VIDEO of the shot influence differences or are we relying on hear-say?

[@drivesideways6550]

I wondered what Fred was up to since I Love Lucy ended.

[@syedirfanahmad9626]

Good tips 👍

[@chapter4travels]

Is this true for gas pistons as well?

[@codaalive5076]

Do people only shoot from rest and never standing? Strange because i only see it with airguns in the last 20 years or so...

[@curtisboisjolie2535]

Thank you sir.I'm off to try it RIGHT NOW!LOL!I've been trying to get this silly pellet gin to shoot right.makes sense to me

[@am2am2am2am]

Hi . I was wondering if I coud fit any barel and slug liner to FX wildcat MK1 that is used on new guns I am looking to buy slug barel and liner. I hawe FAC gun in 5.5 cal and like 5.5 slug liner

[@shibajimukherjee7574]

Thank you sir....

[@Just_The_Average_Dude]

The airgun doesn't know the difference between a hand or a sandbag so why does this work? I understand the concept of holding it loosely and why that would work but I dont understand the difference of your palm vs a sandbag or rest.

[@SH-xq3hd]

Hi dude please guide me for buying my first air rifle in my country limited brands are available only I select a some rifles please tell me which rifle is best for long time use and good accuracy 1. Diana 34classic, 2.gamo black fusion, 3.walther terrus which rifle is best ? Please reply me… thanks

[@xiKnowWhereULivex]

This reply may be a little too late, but I have always heard good the about the 34. Many people say it is the best starter air rifle for new shooters.

[@mwilcox2102]

06/14/23 how do you shoot an artillery hold with a springer pistol browning 800?

[@pyramydair]

You can't really, but the pistol barrel is much shorter, so it's not as much of an issue even for break barrel pistols...

[@georgeaura]

Can this be done standing?

[@rob21]

I think this explanation missed the most important reason as to WHY you need to do this. You basically want to zero the POI with the gun moving in the recoil. The reason being the gun's movement from the piston after every shot will be more consistent than your hold.

[@grantdixson1442]

But why wouldn't sand bags be more consistent than your hand?

[@beforeiaddmorecontent]

my ruger air hawk shoots way tightener if i pull hard into the shoulder...

[@joelborja9434]

Hi sir, do you ship air guns here in Philippines?

[@Jrhnhemp]

Has someone made a video on infantry hold while hunting? Level aim understood..but hunting has it's own issues.. For example: shooting up at squirrels, using sticks to support you forward hand (forked? T handle, tree limb?) etc.....you cant take a table, chair and sandbags when you hunt?

[@CVM222VOLT]

The " artillery" is in reference to holding it so the gun is fdee to recoil like the artillery cannon he shows in the video. Many are very successful out in the field if they continue to allow that free movement be they resting on a truck hood, tree branch, shooting sticks, standing ... Most important thing is to repeat in how you hold. It can be amazing how groups open up if you hold it tightly one shot them loosely as in the video the next shot.

[@jimboniusmaximus6018]

That is literally my exact rifle, scope, and mount setup.

[@fartmerchant762]

Well you know that you chose a good setup when the experts are using it

[@SunilLoe]

🙏

[@Jeeper1378]

Omg it works .. shot better this way than on a freaking stand.

[@Gemthermakleingk]

what's the name of the air rifle and scope he is using for this video?

[@1or2there]

ruger blackhawk, saw a cupl of them on ebay . . .

[@glockfan112]

What happened to airgun reporter? There has been a lack of new uploads.

[@brettroper2038]

What gun and scope is this ?

[@1or2there]

ruger blackhawk, ther on ebay . . .

[@jenniseburnett1672]

I have a gamo varmint .177 (Model Number 6110017154) anyway i can put a .22 barrel on it? Safely and legit lol

[@YA-ee9zf]

I never knew about this and been shooting for 15 years with great accuracy with a normal hold so I call bs on this video

[@rallandfortier3151]

The piston is not the problem, spring torque is. Unfortunately the spring rotates as it decompresses and the position of its mass, primarily the ends, is not always in the same position causing inconsistencies in the position of the barrel muzzle. When you see your front sight twist from torque how can you shoot accurately? I shoot ten meter, off-hand with springers daily and the so called "artillery hold" has never produced good results. It has been so ineffective that I have sign "NO TO THE ARTILLERY HOLD" at my shooting position and one on my pellet trap. Air guns are not like artillery, they do not return to battery. Ralland (Ron) Fortier

[@heithwatkins]

Gaylord is still good........... That aught to be in the Bible somewhere.

[@cstuartcook9390]

I now feel confident that I will be slaughtering the opposition in my next competition

[@StephenMooreOfficial]

ok so what if youre free holding? you cant do an artillary hold when youre free handing.... and nobody is gonna carry sandbags around when they hunt small game lol

[@nikolas7030]

Wait... Is his name actually GAYLORD?

[@andrewvu1752]

I can tell by your profile pic and I know exactly what you mean

[@richardturner6981]

Good video, but what is a military hold for a Crosman Shockwave ,22 rifle?

[@jacksonmississippi3857]

The kinger of Gunners Gaylord

[@darthtyranus378]

His name is an insult to his name

[@raycarl7933]

‘Resting’ on your hand vs ‘resting’ on a sandbag. I don’t see any ‘technical’ difference. In fact that’s not even logical.

[@jebsdaddy141]

different friction factors. the goal is for the rifle to be free to move and not be restrained.

[@rallandfortier3151]

My apologies, my comments were not present yesterday. Ralland (Ron) Fortier

[@blackswordshinobi]

hey gay lord or gray lord the Artillery Hold also work for pistol type grip rifles like tr77 even those I need work on the scope it place shot at dime groups real tight even at stand rest to shoulder open the stock let rest there not grip tightly it does work breathing also key good shot

[@rallandfortier3151]

Challenge the artillery hold and your comments will be deleted. Ralland (Ron) Fortier

[@gehtdianschasau8372]

That gaylord is to scared to shoot without glasses.

[@CanadianPrepper]

Its just being professional, if he didnt people would be asking him why he didnt

[@depressedislandersfan8086]

Gaylord what a name