Artillery Hold : [how to] fire a spring air rifle

[@airgunology]

Don't forget to sign up for our Facebook Group where you can discuss all of my reviews - facebook.com/groups/351221505224875/

[@EarthSurferUSA]

A AR15 shoots very well, (much better than a pellet gun over 50 yards), with the same loose hold. The AR15 is a pea shooter of a center fire.

[@thelittlebeaver6080]

Eye your a brit just like me

[@shane4176]

Been shooting center fire rifles my whole life. After watching this now I can shoot my springer much better. Thanks!

[@airgunology]

Glad it helped, so many doubt this method, but looking at the comments, many found it to work. Thank you

[@jumperstartful]

Thank you. I am 75 and thought I would get a pellet rifle and hunt some critters around the property. I bought two springers and had nothing but frustration with all the recoil. i found your site by accident and your solved the problem. I have a target at 30 yards and I am hitting it like crazy using your technique, loose grip and let the rifle recoil. works great thanks.

[@airgunology]

Excellent and glad it worked. Perhaps this will help all those doubters that this actually works.

[@sabretech2001]

[5:33] Steve: "Treat it nice and gentle, like a woman..." Abby: [Death Stare] LOL! Classic! Keep up the good work, Steve

[@airgunology]

:) was funny :)

[@henrycruz45cal]

And he was clueless about it. Told a woman to treat it like a woman

[@bizallin]

death stare?????? she was smiling...

[@BionicRusty]

I had a good chuckle at that too 🤣😂

[@azurplex]

Wasn’t lost on her. We saw her look back at him as if to say “Really?!”

[@kingarthur5110]

Five years too late but still a very informative video. I've been shooting centerfire and rimfire firearms for years and got used to the 'solid' hold. This year I bought my kid a .177 springer to teach him about gun safety and how to shoot. Didn't even realize I was using the wrong hold until I came across this. Our accuracy has most definitely improved.

[@lpleach]

Thanks! I thought I had a serious problem with my air rifle. After trying this out and catching myself from tensing up before pulling the trigger, I now hit my 44 yard target 100% now! I was missing every time before this.

[@airgunology]

Awesome buddy and glad it helped. Sometimes simple things work best.

[@20thcenturyman21]

I see the error of my ways now: on a date get the lass in the artillery hold . Been doin' it wrong all these years ! Good video Abby + Steve. Cheers !

[@DanielBowens]

Great info for noobs like me, I grow up on a 22lr, my new neighbors have been complaining my 22 was too LOUD lol. Switched to a springer and I couldnt hit anything.. thanks for the into, I'm heading out to practice now right now!!

[@airgunology]

Nice, hope it helps and good luck

[@machbaby]

I'm glad I stumbled on your channel. As a beginner airgunner, that was a very concise, informative video.

[@airgunology]

Welcome aboard!

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Finally someone that talks sense and real help we all can use for our air guns. Thank you so very much, looking forward to many more vids!

[@airgunology]

Thanks, be sure to check out the other videos in my channel and even consider being a Patreon. I am to try and keep this channel as factual and open / non bias as possible.

[@hoppobun7]

Well done Steve , lots of people do not know how to handle springers , i have a slight idea having shot them for 40+ years, this is a great series if vids !!!!! atb brian

[@airgunology]

:) thanks Brian.

[@vikingga]

Thank you for the video. Your's is the first I've come across that has explained the artillery hold. I'm sure that there are many more, but so far I've only heard of the method, not been explained. Cheers.

[@trevorjameson3213]

You're advice really helped, thanks! My groups have really tightened up now. I wasn't doing it right at all. lol

[@airgunology]

Awesome, please share for the doubters

[@Hack3rPT]

I always thought that you needed to hold springers really tight, so it would move less. I will try this later, it might really help with accuracy, because my groups look really bad, and I've always thought it was the rifle. Thanks for the amazing video!

[@fulanito410]

Outstanding post mate. You're a natural instructor, and Abby is a good sport.

[@airgunology]

Thank you, my army training :)

[@andrewscargill7277]

Thanks Steve… just bought a springer. Was a good shot in the Army but getting really frustrated. But I was doing what I was taught and as you explained, butt tight in my shoulder. Looking forward to getting back to the range

[@graemegibbons8255]

Steve, thanks for the video. I watched this 20 mins before going the range with my HW95k .22, adopted the artillery method and got a good 5 shot grouping that fitted under a 1p piece, at 25meters. I'm also ex-Army so trying to learn a very different technique in shooting a springer than from an SA80. I have only been air rifle shooting for 6 months so really happy with it. Cheers again for your help, keep up the good videos.

[@airgunology]

Thanks mate, also shot SLR and SA80 in my TA days. It is totally different. Glad it helped :)

[@jgelim]

Best advice I have ever been given. I have a 100KT PCP and wondered what i was doing wrong with an underleaver I have just bought - thanks a million!

[@airgunology]

Hope it helps you improve. Remember it takes practice and may feel weird to start with. Good luck

[@dem-blades]

Just got a HW97KT thanks to one of your other reviews and will try to remember this technique !

[@airgunology]

Nice one, yes this really does help

[@MrEdmakko]

I love the way you put Abby to work.

[@airgunology]

hehehehehehe, can't have her doing nothing :)

[@paulrhodesquinn]

Thanks Steve, just got back into shooting and this showed me I was doing it all wrong! Really helpful instruction and demonstration too!

[@hulbertparsons7396]

And just enough hand pressure to squeeze the trigger. I only put my thumb pad on the grip. And nice video! I'm introducing a couple of friends to serious airguns and wanted a good video to describe the artillery hold. This is perfect, I'll send it to them.

[@challes2000]

Thank you for this video. A must see video. Bought a Daisy Red Ryder and put in a high performance spring. Since installing this new spring my shots are all over the place. After watching your video my second and third shots were hits ( one inch spinners) at 40 feet.

[@landshark7154]

You'll shoot your eye out

[@MrRockstar1968]

Great info on how to do the artillery hold. Apparently in 1965 a recoilless springer rifle was manufactured by Feinwerkbau. Thankfully some manufacturers today are now manufacturing recoilless springer riffles that have a recoil suppressing mechanism built in. Apparently they are more accurate, so maybe all manufacturers should follow foot.

[@telcomscott]

Best explanation yet! I was ready to send back my Gamo Maximum. I’ll try this.

[@gehtdianschasau8372]

That's part of the fun. Shooting a HW-100 is almost too easy, shooting an 40 joule gamo springer isn't, that's a real challenge. Thx, for you helpful tips! I 'm trying to use the atillery hold for a couple of years now, i still kinda suck, but im getting better. Maybe i will tune the stock a little to help me with it. it's ugly, so there is not much to ruin. Btw: 5:32 That look of her when you said that shows me that you really know, how to treat a women, good for you. Have fun

[@mortimerwatt1766]

Excellent video again - These honest reviews and practical video's are making a real difference to my shooting - well done Steve

[@airgunology]

Thanks Mortimer, glad you liked it

[@jimgrieve72]

Thank you for posting this - what a difference it’s already made!

[@airgunology]

Awesome and glad it works for you. Please check our other videos and share. Don't forget to join our FB group if you have not already facebook.com/groups/351221505224875/

[@petertomas3665]

Very nice and informative video. Im going to buy the Diana Air KIng in a few days. That model has the recoil reduce spring system which reduces the recoil drasticly but the best part is that even before the recoil hit ends the backwards movement and vibrates the rifle the pellet is already out of the barell which increases very much the accuracy.

[@mikecook3046]

Thanks just got a springer and need to improve my shooting I'll give these tips a try and see if it helps. I've found these and your other beginners videos helpful. Thanks

[@azurplex]

Thanks for the tips. I’ve been doing it wrong and getting frustrated. The wilder my group, the more I was trying to clamp down. Now I know I need to do the opposite.

[@richpurslow3283]

I use a air arms pro sport and came to the same conclusion when zeroing her. This technique 100% works! Dont stop her doing her thing. You have to replicate the same shot each time and that is better achieved by having less of a restriction on how she shoots. Also always make sure you have your hand between anything you rest on and the rifle! The amount of people i see resting a springer on a solid surface.

[@airgunology]

Thanks for confirming to others. Many are doubters and know better :)

[@richpurslow3283]

@@airgunology your welcome mate

[@Mirpurmad]

thanks so much my dear Friend. I always treated the airgun like a normal 7.62 mm rifle and although at shorter range it was not an issue but anything over 25 yards there was problem hitting the target.

[@benquattoz4025]

Thank you so much for this tip, I didnt understand why My Stoeger x50 shot both to the right and left when i aimed in the middle.

[@airgunology]

Hope it helps

[@forcemultiflier1746]

Mate! great tips ! you know, it's funny to think back on shooting back over the years, as a boy, when I got my first Airgun - Diana 177, I swear I could shoot the Balls of an Ant!!, By that I mean , you just picked it up and shot it, hard to explain but when it's the first gun you ever had, you just learned that gun, and boy did I learn that gun, I ,upon thinking about it now in my 50's, must have put half a Million rounds through it ,maybe more !! but as the years went on and you go to .22LR , And then your first center fire Rifle, and don't forget the first Shotgun ! these had to be" HELD " onto, as you know, so much so , that it becomes a little habitual I feel, that is the case here with me anyway , I simply forgot how to shoot an air rifle!, .My groups are awesome now thanks to watching your vid , childhood rekindled ! with all the shooting I have done over the years, and I have to add that I was a good claytarget shooter in my younger years , provincial champ and HOA and all that stuff! I have never enjoyed more of a Hunting challenge than getting back to simple, Hard! ,Tricky- you have to think about it with distance and wind and elevation , air rifle hunting, can't believe I waited this long to relive this simple JOY!!

[@airgunology]

Thanks Shane, great memories. Glad it help

[@usernamemykel]

"Daisy 880 pro" channel says that he gets the most accuracy from a Red Ryder springer after he installed a metal lever, a fibre optic sight, and a FIRM hold. I tried it, and he's right. However, my Benjamin Trail NP .22 does prefer an artillery hold. So, it appears that one must tailor his hold to the individual rifle.

[@darkhorsegarage9623]

Great video. I always look for a feature on the for stock. Something like a screw or bump and find that with a finger. So I know I am always in the exact same spot when I hold the rifle.

[@andywales666]

well explained and demonstrated.. many vids like this kinda talk down to you but this one doesn't :)

[@airgunology]

That is nice to know and what I was aiming for. Thank you.

[@luke_atthat]

Thank you. I am shooting better and better with my Benjamin Trail NP2, and it is because I hold it more relax. I hear of the artillery hold but was not sure if I was using it correctly. Your video is showing me better how to do it. Thank you.

[@airgunology]

Awesome, glad it helps and please share the video for others.

[@luke_atthat]

Steve Allan It is done on my Facebook !

[@airgunology]

thank you :)

[@BrianWMay]

Really helpful thanks. My last rifle shoot was the SLR and previously the Lee Enfield .303 - both of which needed to be gripped.

[@Titus9508]

Great advice and really well explained, keep up the good work!

[@terryfield5520]

Luv the nickelback T-shirt

[@markfleming5895]

just watched this Steve, really good instructions ive just bought the HW97K BLUE LAMINATE. feels like a tonne weight compared to my HW100 BULLPUP, you can tell that when you get your eye in it's a brilliant springer, see where I've been going wrong at times cheers.

[@jamesfoote8916]

Great video Steve thank you very much. I followed this advice but I was standing and at 25 yards I had 15 pellets covered by a 1pence peace. And trust me I am not a good shot.

[@airgunology]

Nice and glad to see someone try and comment rather than spout rubbish without actually trying. Glad it helped and please share.

[@AR-iy7oy]

Even a 1 pence PIECE.

[@kobrien1352]

Great! Used this method with my HW99s .22 and 100% improvement!

[@frikkiesmit327]

haaaa!!! Im gona try it and compare groupings with the old method and the advised artillary method. What you said makes sense. I have heard also that pellet guns(springers) recoil forward, where a real live gun recoils to the back and this plays a role in the type of scopes you can and cant use on a springer. I am glad my dad taught me to shoot with open iron sights since pre kindergarden .I learned to shoot with a scope in my 20's hahahaha.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Springer recoils forwards and backwards.

[@libra7624]

you want a loose hold on the rifle allowing it to recoil, for bench rest you can shoot them on a rifle rest but you want to try the rifle rest and also the flat part of your hand, some smaller spring piston rifles like the stoeger x3 are not as picky about hold because they dont recoil as hard, but with any spring piston or gas ram rifle its good to do shot groups using your hold and finding the hold that gives you the tightest shot groups, i would go 3 set of 5 to verify with shot groups to see wich is better, the better the shot groups are the better the hold your applying, having 17 spring piston rifles ranging from 5 ft/lbs to 30 ft/lbs i found each likes a different hold but close to the artilley hold for most

[@airgunology]

Nice info, thanks

[@libra7624]

new people hold them with a hard grip, and some use sled type gun rests wich the stock is not allowed free movement, rather then a sand bag or a pistol rest wich can allow the stock to move in the rear, if the rest has rubber and grips to much its good to put soft material on it to allow free recoil, most people here in america make the mistake of locking down springers on a sled, i have found with my spring rifles and gas rams, that holding it gentle and allowing the rifle to move give me the best shots, people grip hard out of fear it will kick but we want it to kick

[@kilmameri]

i know this is an old video but thank you! i dont have anyone around me to teach me shooting so im reliant on videos like this to get into it! i have had no education on the technique before this and im so excited to try this out!

[@airgunology]

No problems and good luck

[@SuperBenjamin1965]

Really good info I will use this technique on my beamin r 9 /22 cal I was wondering why I missed those squirrels on a few occasions

[@ronmckickass5714]

Going to try this technique this afternoon. My only question is by allowing the gun to move backwards, are you losing energy?

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Not possible.The power comes from the internal workings of the gun.

[@sme4969]

this is what i have told and tried to explain to people about especially when they say you can not use a bipod on a springer. :) all the pod is is a support the same as the shooters fore arm ;) :) as long as you hold the rifle softly it shoots fine :)

[@airgunology]

Many forms of the artillery hold, but the principles are the allowing the rifle to move

[@RedCatHabitat]

her face when he says treat it like a woman

[@airgunology]

hehehehehe

[@andrewbutcher3391]

This is the best video I’ve watched. Until a month ago I didn’t know anything about air rifles but have had to get involved due to a rabbit problem. I chose a decent quality springer over a low end PCP and this is really useful thanks. The only issue I’m having is the Air Arms TX200HC I chose is a bit heavy so it’s not easy to shoot free standing. Any advice you could direct me to on that would be very much appreciated.

[@airgunology]

Glad it helped. Practice and build strength. Shooting sticks may also help as long as the TX200 can move freely and you still adopt the artillery hold.

[@andrewbutcher3391]

Steve Allan Thanks Steve that’s really helpful. You want to be instantly good but I guess it’s like anything else and needs time and practice.

[@airgunology]

Andrew, indeed that is correct, we are an impatient breed :) Above all, take your time, have fun, it is a sport / hobby for a lifetime not 1 month.

[@johnkatakowsi9907]

Thanks for the Video!!! Very Good explanation been practicing the hold and my groupings have vastly improved though I had a defective rifle or bad pellets!!!!

[@drivethelightning]

Best explanation thus far

[@airgunology]

Awesome, thanks and please share

[@joebarr2542]

Very helpful video. Thanks. Just one question. Can I fire my springer from a bag rest without placing my hand underneath the rifle?

[@igbsecurity]

Excellent informative video, taught a newbie like me a lot, keep em coming ✌️

[@airgunology]

DevilsGuard thanks

[@drguy2156]

Good advice as ever Steve buddy, many thx to you and Abbey.

[@airgunology]

Thanks

[@kendalabarca6707]

Excelente video y muy clara la explicación!!! Muchas Gracias a Abby pues lo hizo excelente también!!! Felicitaciones a ambos. Sigan adelante con este canal Steve y una muy buena idea es participar a tu Hermana Abby de vez en cuando. Saludos cordiales Amigos.

[@airgunology]

Thank you

[@paulashurst333]

very interesting and yes in the army told to hold tight to your shoulder or the sight will come back and take your eye out thanks for the info

[@airgunology]

Yup, Spring air rifles can be very different to military people and against the grain of training.

[@paulashurst333]

Steve Allan I had to laugh at your army comment took me back some years

[@airgunology]

me too :)

[@terenceyounification]

I guess you are right. Sad though isn't it because your videos are very well done so don't be deterred.👍👍👍

[@airgunology]

Yeah, a bit sad but some people may have genuine reasons for the dislike such as my face, Abby's clothes etc etc. The internet over the years never fails to disappoint :)

[@jankoszuta9835]

What do you think of the advice people give about adding weight to the end of the rifle to increase its inertia?

[@stewartrobertson2337]

looking forward to more,Stu.

[@airgunology]

Will try to oblige :)

[@bigfoot8778]

I think u did a great job explaining this.

[@airgunology]

Thank you Brian, please share the video.

[@DanT288]

Really good shooting lesson thanks to you both its made a difference

[@dennisoconnor4949]

You have just confirmed why my .22 pellets are shooting high and erraticly at 25metres. I tried to cure it by tightening my grips which did not work. If this works for me the rodents in my garden had better watch out! Thank you.

[@fencingcoach3w]

Hello Steve, After viewing all 7 of the 'Airgunning for Beginners' episodes this afternoon I've happily become a Patron, enjoy. As an almost complete newbie to the sport I was hoping that you might do another couple of videos in this series? These would be: 1) Trigger technique - I understand breathing and even heartbeats matter let alone how the air rifle is held. All this on top of the actual pull on the trigger. 2) What are .177 and .22 best for? - I guess this might be down to personal preference but I'm interested to know what you think is the best way for me to go as I'm interested in target shooting. I hope to do this at both in-door and out-door ranges as well as in the garden. Thanks... Pete aka 'P' as Patron appear to want to call me.

[@airgunology]

Peter, many thanks for becoming a patreon and yes I would love to expand the series of videos. Your suggestions are greta and noted for future videos. Many thanks again. Steve

[@denisebloem7529]

Baught a new Hatsañ Striker springer, very impressed.

[@airgunology]

Nice one, make sure you try the Artillery hold out on it.

[@turboeddy]

Brilliant video thanks. It's helped me with my HW97.

[@mikeruizesparza1514]

Inmy experience i toztally agree with the front hand position just giving a correct balance to the rifle, but having some (gentle) pressure of the rear of rifle over the shoulder helps getting more accurate shots

[@airgunology]

Nice info and of course adapt to suit your own style.

[@benjamin7576]

I've bought a new spring gun. It makes lot of sound as it is lubricated. After how many shots will it become quiet? And how to make spring airguns as quiet as possible? And how to adjust the front and rear sight? I dont use scope .

[@airgunology]

It might become quieter after time, but I doubt it. What make is it ? How cheap was it ? You might be able to add a silencer. Also the iron sights should have screws on the rear sight to allow you to adjust. If it has no sight adjustment, I fear you have bought a cheap rifle.

[@benjamin7576]

I'm from India and it is a Indian made Hurricane mod 16 airgun. Yeah it has adjustment screw but I'm not getting it whether I've to tighten/loosen the screws.

[@ScottAnders62]

Just got my first air rifle yesterday, Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach I, and I was incredibly disappointed trying to get a decent shot group. Wish I had known this before choosing a springer.

[@petertomas3665]

Hello, could you tell me pls if a loose pellet can damage my rws diana air king 54 ? Its 5.5 but some cans of pellets i have they are too loose while putting them in a barell. So i will buy some 5.51 to try. Can those loose pelletes damage my rifle and should i throw them away or its ok to shoot them. Thank you.

[@michael47lamb]

Excellent vid! Explains it really well. Thanks

[@airgunology]

Thanks

[@Waveyak]

Hopefully you’re still checking this post. What are your thoughts on using a barrel mount clamp on bipod for target shooting. Would these be to rigid and restrict recoil enough to affect accuracy?

[@airgunology]

General consensus is don't do it. Don't tripod a springer as it will affect the recoil and of course accuracy.

[@noahkerslake2377]

ones again a great vid steve keep em comeing

[@airgunology]

Thanks buddy, please share

[@mariolofaro8330]

Thanks so much! I really started to doubt my ability to hit the broad side of a barn at 25 to 30 yards. My hits were all over the place.

[@1340azad]

Thank you so much Mr. Allan. Very nice vid.

[@airgunology]

Thank you :)

[@raye7961]

Just heard about this lately. I have never had a problem of hitting any target that I shoot.

[@shaneweightman]

If you call a spring gun a springer, what do you call gas ram ,,? A rammer ,,,,,and has a gas ram got similar recoil? Thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧

[@richardbaxter2057]

Interesting stuff! Can’t say that I’ve ever had an accuracy issue when holding my HW97k and 77k like the old .303 though?

[@redpillnibbler4423]

As long as your hold is consistent it should be ok.

[@adamcunningham9947]

The smirk she's gives him when he says to treat it like a woman made me giggle. Great vid 😊

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

springers are much better than PCP"s they NEVER run out of air and you need a lot of practice with them

[@airgunology]

Some may disagree, but all have their merits and uses :)

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

na they expect the rifle to shoot for them fucken assholes don't understand that understanding the recoil of the weapon is the WHOLE game of shooting I was out horsing around one day and one asshole was like lets go home it's to windy again that's the art of squeezing the trigger

[@QTKayex]

Christ, you must be fun at parties. Nothing wrong with PCP mate. I think anybody will agree that removing recoil or any other factors affecting accuracy in any type of gun is an improvement. Why not remove your powersteering rack and gas/electric cooker while you're at it?

[@clivewinter3351]

kenny cadarett aa

[@peteralexben]

gasram`s can fail and seals and springs wear out or break.

[@richardanderson7803]

Could you please offer tips on adjusting the trigger pull weight on the new BSA spitfire 10 shot

[@canofanger]

2:35 Was expecting you to SMACK her fingers with that cleaning rod when she gripped that stock too tight.

[@randolphchappel6098]

So, I have a couple questions about this “ artillery hold:” 1) Does the point of impact change when the target is above or below, say when the gun and target are at the same level? If say the target is 6 inches higher than level; do I allow for it? 2) How do I do the artillery hold whilst standing and shooting off hand?

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Shooting at a steep angle upwards or downwards changes the point of impact because there’s less gravitational effect on the pellet,it’s not to do with hold.

[@lukasporubovic3314]

That was incredibly helpfull. Nice job.

[@doug7467]

What brand and model of rifle is this? I really like the stock design.

[@airgunology]

It is a BSA Lightening XL (Tactical Stock) in .22 I have a video review of it on the channel.

[@nicke_ug2501]

Best video I've yet seen (aside from Tom Gaylord's take on it) on the web. Great vid!

[@airgunology]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cnb4110]

Thanks for the refresher!

[@airgunology]

thank you and glad it helped.

[@VerminHuntersTV]

Hi One vital point you didn’t show ,was holding the trigger back,once the shot had gone.Fail! Regards Davy Thomas

[@airgunology]

True,

[@Steelcityreece]

Wow I have a crossman Optimus thankyou for showing me this

[@stevenhatfield1961]

Would love to see a comparison of the best budget 22 caliber springer pellet rifles. Also quiet noise comparison. So little good info on springers.

[@airgunology]

Check out my HW9 7 KT review. I tend not to do too many springer reviews.

[@tomharries847]

Funny as I find it but you look and sound like Chris Packman but with dark hair and actually encourage the use of guns.

[@airgunology]

Don't get it :)

[@marklawrence855]

I'm definitely going try this

[@casualobserver77]

Good informative video... I'll try this when my new break barrel comes in the mail :) however I must say that AR15s have very little kick... My Wife and Kids enjoy shooting my AR-15 because it has next to no recoil... next to a shotgun there is no comparison...

[@airgunology]

Used a AR15 as an example, and probably a bad one :)

[@786philb]

Yep. The opposite to a powered round. Yet the gentle touch goes to pot if that rifle needs a service. Then I found applying pressure worked at times . But drove me mad until it was lubed up. Dam these springers take some understanding. But so long as you keep them in good prep. Then you may get some level of consistency. The rest is down to you. That's my thoughts on this. It takes a lot of effort to be good with high power springer. My suggestion is that its worth spending £50 to £60 quid getting them serviced from new. Taking away mechanical errors. Then you can consentrate on your technike. Before you get hissed off and give up.

[@airgunology]

Good advice.

[@fenners1]

I was doing everything wrong. Thanks for the tips!

[@airgunology]

Happy to help!

[@philiphodge4254]

Great video. 10/10 👍

[@airgunology]

Glad you think so!

[@AK-ky3ou]

What rifle is that?