Shooting & Country TV | Gary Chillingworth | How to shoot a spring gun accurately

In this episode of Shooting & Country TV, our airgun guru and Airgunner magazine contributor, Gary Chillingworth, gives advice and demonstrates how to shoot a spring gun accurately. Gary is a big fan of spring guns, and here shows you some types of spring gun from his own collection, advising on which will get you furthest if you wish to compete in HFT competitions.
Gary is running this new airgunning vlog - At the Range with Gary Chillingworth - every other week on Shooting & Country TV, so make sure to subscribe to the channel and keep and eye out for his videos if you love air rifle shooting. It will be a mixture of air rifle reviews, air rifle shooting technique advice, and tips for Gary's specialist subject - HFT.
If you want Gary to answer a specific question or cover a particular area of airgun shooting, just leave a comment below or contact Gary via details in the video. Enjoy!

[@GjVj]

That pellet-on-pellet accuracy at 40 yards is mind-bogglingly good! Amazing - and inspirational - demonstration of skill from Gary. Mad respect!

[@user-wg4tn2nj8o]

Its refreshing to have someone who actually knows how to shoot showing how its done and not regurgitating all the myths that persists on the internet like springers are only efficient with light pellets etc etc.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Thanks for saying shooting Not firing

[@garychillingworth]

Good news, Emily The boss has said I can film a strip and lube (that sounds so wrong) and it should be up next Thursday. Would you guys like me to do a breach seal and O rings as well?

[@krisdabrowski7482]

Yes please on the seal and O rings.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Steady Gary... I said strip and lube, I don't remember discussing o-rings ;) hohoho

[@cliverider6395]

That would be great

[@highgatehandyman6479]

Woe. Amazing airgun channel. That's very impressive marksmanship at 40 yards with a springer

[@krisdabrowski7482]

Absolutely brilliant and informative. This is exactly the sort of video I’ve been hoping for. Really appreciated and will encourage me further with my TX200HC too. 👍

[@johngriffiths3309]

Not forgetting the HW77 😃👍🏻

[@stephenmac3105]

Great wee gun, have one myself

[@junaidquraishi4420]

Great video, Garry. I’ve shot FT with my FTP 900 and I am looking for something a bit different. I watched this video a number of times. As a result, I just picked up a new TX200HC the other day. I’ve ordered an LP stock. Unfortunately, right now (February 02/2022) I have three feet of snow and -18C in my shooting range. The video was very informative and your teaching style is relaxed. I can tell you had fun making the video. I can’t wait to see more Springer content from you. Thanks

[@justad1018]

Bloody good stuff my freind. Thank you.

[@kevinclark5780]

Another really informative video, well put together. Cracking shooting Gary 👍

[@garyhaden2390]

Just started shooting air rifles, and this is a brilliant review, got a hw97kt, 177. Even resting on a bag still wobble, but i will never give up, thanks to people such as your self who take the time and effort to do these kind of videos, (THANKS AGAIN)

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers buddy - Gary

[@markrichens6893]

Fantastic advice and demonstration of skills. Thank you

[@Esoxlucius51]

Ok Gary, first let me thank you regards sticking wheel weights to balance recoil, you've just solved my issue with a hw98, I removed the barrel weight to fit a moderator, twice the length but only 60% of the weight.sticky weights applied=balanced recoil👍😁

[@garychillingworth]

Superb :-)

[@FeathersMcGraw1]

Great video Gary, lots of great advice and lots for me to think about with my tx200hc

[@myobs]

One of the most enjoyable and informative videos I have seen, and great shooting too! Thanks for taking the time to make and upload it.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers Buddy

[@heithwatkins]

Best spring video I've ever seen. BRAVO 🎯

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Fantastic Garry. Well done, and congratulations on all your comp wins.

[@garychillingworth]

Cheers Steve, if there is anything you would like me to look at, please let me know.

[@obxjimbo272]

Totally awesome springer shooting video 👍thank you! I absolutely love my tx 200 also!!

[@ianwoods1384]

Hello Gary. Thankyou for your video, really enjoyed it and packed with tips and information.

[@paultowns9880]

A superb video Gary. Very informative and your enthusiasm shines through. Thank you.

[@r123brown]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@josethebarber5721]

Best informative video of spring airgun ever thank you

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Glad it was helpful! - Chilly

[@ken244]

Just bought a HW77 and cant wait to shoot it

[@rodrigonunez8358]

Great video, I have an HW97 and I love it. Springers are awesome.

[@patrickgraham7809]

Great video, thanks Gary

[@timupright3776]

Outstanding video, thanks 👍

[@snd7622]

Thanks Gary for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@EduardoAReyes]

Mr. Chillingworth, keep up the excellent content! I enjoy all of your videos sir, chiming in from Philadelphia, PA USA. I also love those Air Arms & Weihrauch's underlever, I own them both ( AA ProSport & HW97 KT STL) both in .177, they're such a joy to shoot but you sir, are on another level and make it look super easy with the level of accuracy you achieve from all of your shooting instruments! 😮 Warm Regards, Eddie-Eduardo Reyes

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers Eddie, I think it's something to do with my corpulent stomach. It helps absorb the recoil :-) Gary

[@EduardoAReyes]

@@ShootingCountryTV 😆😃🙃😁

[@daniel-lee888]

Great shooting, love the classic British humour. Just received my LP Tac2 stock in blaze orange for my TX200.. You only live once!

[@garychillingworth]

Good man, hope you love it. I love the blaze orange.

[@redauwg911]

such excellent information thank you

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Glad it was helpful! - Gary

[@janicebarker4361]

Great shooting, good video. I have the TX200 in .177 and the Prosport in .22 both excellent guns.

[@stephenanderson3700]

Just seen the vid Gary, I have a 77 and a 97 but my favourite is my newly acquired tx200 sr 0.22. Brilliant rifle, now you've got me looking at a tx200.

[@32leatherneck]

Excellent video. I have watched nearly all of your videos and have learned a good deal. Please continue with more TX springer content and HFT.

[@garychillingworth]

Will do.

[@pauljarvis7554]

Great video Garry

[@rayfrancis2929]

Great video! I love my TX200HC too, bought my first TX200 in my late teens, sold it ( needed the cash ). Then I bought a S400 PCP, great gun but became bored of it, felt just too clinical. Now in my 50s and back to a TX200HC. There is just something special about this rifle. They are more challenging than PCPs therefore more rewarding to shoot and less boring ( in my opinion ). It's an awesome bit of kit!

[@tokikiba1311]

Just got my Diana panther 350 t06. And I'm here to improve my shooting. Thank you sir.

[@stratsw]

I’m just getting into springers, I have a pro sport and love it. Thanks so much for this video, I have learned a lot and really appreciate that you have shared your wealth of knowledge.

[@garychillingworth]

You are very welcome buddy. Hope you love the Prosport.

[@stratsw]

@@garychillingworth many thanks Gary, yes lovely gun, it’s a .22 so I’m looking to get a tx200 mk3 in .177. Forgot how good a good springer is until recently!

[@ken244]

amazing groups.

[@nathanvernon8320]

Thank you for such a great video!

[@ShootingCountryTV]

You are so welcome! - Gary

[@tjsnapper1953]

Great video as I've just acquired an old Tx200hc thats been fiddled with combined with your stripdown of Tx200hc a very good set of instructional videos. Thankyou

[@richardjohnson2091]

One of the most informative videos I've seen - thank you Would love to see a tutorial video on the full strip down, breach seal and O ring replacement of the TX200.

[@garychillingworth]

Hi Richard, the video on the strip down is now live on Shooting and Country tv.

[@ravenshield7823]

Excellent shooting and commentary. You know your gun.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers, it's a lovely old beast :-) Gary

[@BionicRusty]

Just found the channel. Subbed. Thank you so much Gary. 🙏 I’m a newbie, have been shooting for a couple of years and for about 6 months, it’s been with a TX200HC. Every weekend I’m on a 60M range and during the week on my own 30M one. Your tips are going to help me enormously and I’ll be gunning for that top spot in no time. 😂 What I’d give to have a couple of hours picking your brains. Any chance of doing a Live with Q&A on here? A bit cheeky I know but if you don’t ask….. Top man. 👍👍🙏

[@mikelangelno]

The best instructional and entertaining video viewed so far and I've watched 100s if not 1000s. Love your devotion to springers rather than blowpipes. I have a Walther LGV Pro which is just as accurate as my Air Arms S200 which I love to bits too. Also love my blonde and white Weihrauch HW35. Agree with your advice on how to hold a springer, I call it the 'new-born baby hold' - not too tight but secure enough, it can't slip out of my grip. The so called 'artillery hold' is like using a springer spaniel as a support, in my experience but maybe it works for some. Have subscribed and bonged the bell. Thanks again, to a great KZbinr.

[@garychillingworth]

Cheers Mike, I love the analogy of new born baby hold, I may pinch that in the future 😀 Glad you enjoyed the video, let me know if there is anything specific that you want me to look at. Gary

[@stevewhitehart5795]

Great video, I wish I had seen that a few years ago.

[@TheCarpvader]

Great video. Very informative. Now I just need to practice with my pro sport more!

[@willytheekid]

Simply one of the best & most informative springer videos on all of the interwed! Thanks Gary...I used your Knowledge regarding the weighted Barrel end for my .30 Carnivore. I removed most of the Stock Silencer baffles and replaced them with some REALLY heavy wheel nuts wrapped in plumbers tape! Ive gotta say...the difference is simply amazing!! The Carnivore is, on the best of days, an absolute animal of a springer to 'try' and shoot accurately😂(which is why I love it!!🥰) , but with this weight mod, the upward 'walk' has considerably decreased.😀...next mod is some neoprene for the inner stock 😁(I already sanded, sealed & shimmed it etc...but I had never thought of using a neoprene lining- Brilliant!!) But, Im hooked on getting an Air Arms rifle now because of your amazing reviews...so Im saving up for a .22 Air Arms Pro Sport for xmas 😊(Bit more plinker friendly than the Carnivore lol) Kia Kaha Gary and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us all 🥰

[@ShootingCountryTV]

You're welcome mate - Chilly

[@ianmangham4570]

Love that fancy/home made stock

[@nickwebb9290]

Fantastic advice, remarkable shooting and like you no nonsense approach, thank you 🙏

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers Nick - Gary

[@oscargregory6153]

One of the most informative and concise videos I've seen on technique. I'm so impressed by your knowledge and teaching skills that I ignored your inability to spell the word sense. Thanks very much for the lesson.

[@blistersteel]

My horizons have been broadened. Thank you for sharing sir.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

You're welcome

[@russellconnor7211]

Oh how I've missed the banter my friend , great video mate I had no idea you were able to sleep with one eye open .

[@garychillingworth]

You can't kill me Russ, I'm a Belieber 😀

[@slawekopiela5681]

Fantastic advices. I'm impressed of Your great work. Really well done!

[@dd119ful]

Really great. Interested to know more about things like why you bed the Rifle in the stock, distribution of weights, why you wear the glove, shooting from different positions - thanks 🙏

[@geraldkiethmorrison7316]

Awesome shooting gary.thanks informative video.knowlagable.i boughta tx 200.wooden stock..putting havke air 3×9×40 on this badboy.happy shooti g

[@jandoedel1421]

Thanks Gary for your instructions. Not a word about artillery hold. Since I shoot HFT the way you do, i can finally shoot every pellet in de same place. The keyword is do'nt let de rifle make moves to left or right just let it slide between forefinger and thum The only difference is, I put the forefinger against the peg, and the trhee other fingers behind. This way there is no effort to hold the rifle absolutly without any movement. When you shoot, the rifle only moves back en forth. Fantastic.

[@garychillingworth]

Cheers Jan, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@springerlover113]

Wow impressive 👌

[@HanoiHustler]

Thank you!

[@shaunwild8797]

I would love to see a full strip of the TX200.

[@garychillingworth]

I'll get it done Shaun.

[@shaunwild8797]

@@garychillingworth Thank you very much Sir.

[@grahamhardman8039]

Great instructional videos Gary. Easy to follow, practical, and presented in stages. You’ve probably persuaded me to keep my HW95, which i was on the verge of selling, because my PCPs are easier to shoot. Thank you.

[@garychillingworth]

I have just got a 95 and we will be doing videos with it very soon.

[@grahamhardman8039]

Thanks Gary. I’ll look forward to it.

[@muffinthepug2358]

Thanks for sharing some great tips. Yes a tx relube video would be popular I'm sure

[@johndoo5363]

Thanks for the great insights. Trying to inplement this for the diana 460 magnum. 😊

[@garybowles8340]

Ordered a TX200HC last week and watching this video has given me a huge amount of confidence in getting to shoot this rifle with a good degree of accuracy. Will be buying a glove as well now that I’ve seen yours. Great video, thanks 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ShootingCountryTV]

That's great, let me know how you get on - Gary

[@garybowles8340]

Hello Gary, finally got my left handed HC on Friday! Awesome looking rifle, albeit quite heavy, but not a problem. Got it zeroed in over the weekend and had heard that it shouldn’t be held tightly. This has worked really well. Shot a 5 target card at 20 yds on Sunday in the garden (would have scored 48, so I was pleased with that). This afternoon set up a target at 30yds and left the turrets as they were (just focussed) 10 shots and very impressed with the accuracy! After the 4th shot I had to go and look at the target to make sure I hadn’t missed as I could only see 2 holes through the scope!! Final result was that all 10 shots could be covered with a 1p coin…. 😁😁😁 👍🏼👍🏼

[@alanraven7539]

really enjoyed your video 10 out of 10 thanks!

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! - Chilly

[@nigelmonaireo5024]

Very entertaining video. Ime hoping to get a Tx200 soon thank again nigel

[@bobthebarsteward]

That target stock is the best cammo I've seen. I'd love to see a comparison between the classic and the HC, with sound meter comparisons on muzzle sound too.

[@peterrider7853]

Great video hope I'll be able to shoot better, I'll be happy just to get as close as your first 🎯

[@davidpaylor5666]

Cheers Gary, useful stuff. I've just bought a hw97 after shooting PCPs for a couple of years and I love it. My main gun is a hw100 bp and it is faultless but kind of boring to shoot, it doesn't ask very much of the shooter to be pellet-on-pellet even out at 50m (I'm in the UK so 12 ft lb). This is what I wanted from it for pesting but sat at the bench with some paper to poke holes in, it just doesn't entertain like the 97. I suspect that I may be buying something with a TX in it's name in the not too distant future...

[@garychillingworth]

You will love it mate.

[@shlamimk4664]

Since I've been getting into air rifle shooting, I've been through a fair few air rifle channels. This is the first one ive subscribed to. Quality viewing. Your legs are safe.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers Buddy - Gary

[@SabcatPrinting]

Great video. I just got my first springer in nearly 30 years at age 46.. Remington Tyrant. I think I will try a tune up and maybe make a stock from 3 layers of plywood.

[@garychillingworth]

Sounds like a plan :-)

[@lesedwards936]

Enjoyed watching this video, I love shooting my old Wembley hawk 111 even thou it isn’t a patch on today’s springers,

[@garychillingworth]

Still a great gun though.

[@kris2435]

Thanks for sharing

[@BassSwirls]

I bought my first 77k in 88? from a very well known world champ shooter. He had filled the cocking lever with lead! It was one of a pair of his, pre AA sponsorship . I bleddy sold it for a ton to fund my first pcp......damn.

[@garychillingworth]

We've all sold stuff and then regretted it buddy :-)

[@stuartmacdonald9299]

Just subscribe brilliant video thank you 👍

[@mikelangelno]

Watched it Gary and thanks for your informative response. btw re. your wondering about why the stock add on is called a hamster. I think it is called hamster because the ancestor was a 'beanbag' filled with pearl barley or other seeds, like the cheek pouches of a hamster. On springers it should be called a stoat - more macho 8-) btw noticed your loading of the veteran Diana. I always break the barrel enough, (2") to insert and seat the pellet securely then, when needed, (such as when walking up and encountering a target in the field), complete the full process in one simple flowing action. If the pellet flies out, it's a nod to go up to the next size pellet.

[@padiman1201]

Just purchased a pre-loved TX200 (.177) with Hawke Sidwinder (6-24). I have been using a HW100KT for about 18 months anf getting spot on results. The TX200 is my 1st Springer so was unsure if I could take to it - but the price was right and it would be rude to let it go. It took me a few shots to get the zero sorted/confirmed but from then on at 30 yards I have been hitting tight (under 1p) groups and in the centre of the target conistently. Sure, a few misses but this is down to my teachnique and learning curve. It's a keeper and definately going to practice to improve my on shooting. Like you guide here and some great tips I intend to adopt. Note, using the same AA Diablo 8.4gr x 4.52 as I shoot through the HW100KT and they seem to be fine.

[@garychillingworth]

Glad you're enjoying it. I love mine.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

I think that stock actually looks much better than the custom alternative, it looks fitting and definitely seems like the rifle feels pleased by it as well hehe.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

I'm actually thinking of going back to it. Gary

[@leoncechrist]

Nice video Gary

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Thank you kindly - Chilly

[@cliverider6395]

Please could we see a full strip down of the TX200

[@johngreen8693]

Seconded!!

[@cliverider6395]

Is it possible for a video on tuning the TX200

[@dwangs465]

This is the best Springer video on KZbin mate. The amount of videos that just regurgitate the same stuff over and over that is just crap. I shoot a tx200 just straight out the box in a CS custom stock. I prefer the full length rifle myself. Keep up the great videos. Could you do a video on what tuning a Springer actually means the amount of videos with people just polishing a tube and saying it's tuned kills me and makes it harder for new shooters to actually understand what tuning a spring means.

[@garychillingworth]

I'll make a plan and do it. I have a slightly rough hw98 that could do with a tune.

[@johngreen8693]

Strip and relube of the TX please!! That accuracy at 40m is fantastic.

[@garychillingworth]

Hi John, the video is done and uploaded. Just look on the Shooting and country KZbin page or lifeattherange.com

[@johngreen8693]

@@garychillingworth Many thanks Gary!

[@gehtdianschasau8372]

I love my HW-100 but sometimes it almost feels too easy, to be accurate with it. Then i take out my gamo magnum, (.22, about 40 joule or about 30 ftp) that one kinda kicks, it's mechanically precise, but hard to shoot accurate. That makes it perfect to train the proper technique. Thx for your helpful tips. Have fun!

[@agVTEC1]

Great video Gary really enjoyed it. I'm a pcp hft shooter but you shoot springers like high end pcp's... I've seen you many times won competitions with a springer. Please carry on making videos that's HFT related as there ain't a lot of HFT videos in KZbin. Anwar

[@garychillingworth]

Hi Anwar, the plan is to make lots and lots of HFT content.

[@agVTEC1]

@@garychillingworth that's great I'm looking forward to it. Thanks.

[@steveshirley9853]

Yes please for the strip down tx200 video

[@davidbetts480]

Hello Gary, I have just seen your video on the HW97. I have a HW80 which is a break barrel which I have had for a good 30 years plus.

[@garychillingworth]

Great rifle the 80

[@ib1rcnut]

Gary here in the US we have names for things like your rifle that has all the stuff added to it that makes it look like junk but preforms really good. That rifle is a sleeper. Like an automobile that looks really bad intentionally but has a high performance engine and chassis that makes it very very fast. Or it could be called a rat rifle. Similar to automobiles and motorcycles called rat rods and rat bikes. You can use a conglomeration of all kinds of stuff on them that normally would not be used on an automobile or motorcycle. For instance. A mailbox for a scoop on the carburetor on the automobile. Or suff like a piece of rebar or a railroad spike for a foot peg on the motorcycle. I really like your rifles and enjoyed the video. Hopefully this will help me shoot my springer. Thanks!

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Cheers Roger - maybe Ill have to rename it the Sleeper - Have a great one. Gary

[@MrTench8]

Wow! That is very impressive shooting Gary. Other than awkward shooting positions making life a little more difficult for a springer than a pcp that is every bit as good as most pcp's! See you at Mad.

[@garychillingworth]

Cheers Tench, you are 100% correct, on the flat my TX is as good as my hft500 or my old Steyr, the difficulty comes when you start shooting inclines and Kneeling and standing.

[@highgatehandyman6479]

TX is the king it seems What scope you got on that target one. This is an epic video. From a champ. Golden

[@nicholls64]

Nice video Gary, I’m planning to add a TX to my collection in a month or so.

[@garychillingworth]

Hi Spanner, are you going to get a HC or a classic?

[@nicholls64]

@@garychillingworth HC, should be collecting it today.

[@garychillingworth]

Very nice, I'm sure you will love it.

[@marktaylor7997]

This guy knows his sh*t…..helped me so much thanks

[@lenkomsa1399]

Great video and so informative! I had no idea Russ was president of the Justin Bieber fan club! Good to know thank you very much.

[@garychillingworth]

He is a true Belieber.

[@justso1823]

I loved my old tx200 sledge action bought it for £200 second hand . I've never seen anyone talk about that action

[@garychillingworth]

We will try and get one for the show.

[@ianmangham4570]

I need that monster scope 👍😎

[@roberthowe2910]

Good instruction.. Just subbed...

[@garychillingworth]

Much appreciated Robert.

[@jspool]

Hi Gary. Love the videos. Thanks for the time and effort you put in. I,m 67 with a not to flexible back and 6’ 250 lbs. I am impressed with you getting into prone shooting positions and I can see that you make some adaptations. Could you possible do a video called “Prone for Old Fat Guys”! All kidding aside, I think it will be well appreciated by the majority of us! Thanks

[@allanbrian611]

I may have questioned your advice about which pressure gauge to refer to when filling a pcp but I would be a supreme idiot to question you on springers. That was a very impressive demo. I struggle with that level of accuracy at that range with a pcp! Well done sir. Incidentally, I would be very interested to see a strip down video by you on the Air Arms.

[@garychillingworth]

Allan, I'm always happy for people to question me, it's the only way I'll get better 😀

[@josephcharlesaustin8216]

What a fantastic video on what to do to increase your skill on springers. Just today 29/04/2022 pick up my first springer HW97tk and sold my HW110 FAC. Cant sit still for wanting to get it out and fire some lead. Waiting for a new scope so will have to grin and sit tight. Perhaps you could guide me to someone that makes hamsters to suit the HW 97. Keep up the different side of air gunning.

[@ShootingCountryTV]

Hi Joseph, Let me make a call to a friend, I know he has a hamster for a 97, ill ask what he has got. Gary

[@josephcharlesaustin8216]

@@ShootingCountryTV Thanks Gary

[@BassSwirls]

One respected ft shooter who's name escapes me used a stock made from pallet wood! ...inlet for his 77.

[@frinxasestronca3399]

The Master 😊

[@marx4325]

Hi Gary, fantastic video, super informative and educational. I love the way you explain things simply and get to the crux of the situation. Could you list the scope specifics of this set up please. Could you list the equipment you use in the description as it really helps in getting a clear picture. Cheers mate keep up the awesome videos

[@ShootingCountryTV]

It's a AA TX200HC, with a Weirauch silencer, although the AA one is just as good. It has a Tony Leech 22mm piston and sleeve and a home polished trigger. I use two scopes. My favorite is the Optisan CP 10x32 or the variable 12x32. The scope for this was the Hawke Vantage SF 3-12x44 with the 1/2md ret.

[@neiledwards8931]

V-mach kit being fitted plus pellet lubricating just wondering which pellet gets the edge on accuracy out of the V-mach plant enjoyed the video Gary Cheers Neil 🍻👌👍

[@garychillingworth]

Helli Neil. I do apologise I thought I answered you months ago. Gor me, the only pellet of choice is the jsb 8.44 diablo or the AA field 8.44.