Safe Air Rifle Practice Advice

Air rifle safety has to be the most important element of using an air rifle. Your love of the sport, enjoying the great outdoors, and the thrill of the hunt all matter, but safety has to come first, always. An air rifle is a lethal weapon after all, so it needs to be used responsibly and with due care.

Know Where You Are

Only shoot on land where you have clear permission (in writing if possible) to shoot. Take the time to check out the area surrounding your proposed shooting area. Never shoot close to a footpath, bridleway or other right of way. If you see other people who are not expected in the area, always check with them that they have the right to be there, and advise them that you are shooting. If need be, contact the landowner to discuss the matter.

Handling Your Rifle

Always make sure your rifle is unloaded before you put it down - discharge pellets into the ground if necessary, and never leave it unattended. If you pick up a gun, check immediately whether it is loaded. Be aware at all times of the direction your rifle is pointing in, and always carry it pointing downwards. Before taking a shot, consider the risk of missing and what could get harmed. If in doubt, do not shoot.

Consideration for Wildlife

Always adhere to regulations on the use of lead shot. In England and Wales it is illegal to use lead shot to hunt certain species, including ducks and geese. In Scotland the use of lead shot is restricted by area rather than species. This is to protect wildfowl such as swans which may accidentally ingest shot, resulting in poisoning.

Beginners should not practice on live quarry. Use clay to gain the necessary experience to be sure of a clean kill. Wounded quarry should be despatched humanely as quickly as possible.

Keep it Safe

Store your air rifle in a locked cupboard in your house or another occupied building, not in a shed. It is imperative that children are not able to access your rifle, from both a safety and legal perspective.

Join the Club

If you are a beginner, a good way to get started is to join a shooting club, where you will be able to get advice on the best rifle to choose and all the legal requirements associated with shooting, such as applying for a firearms certificate. Going out for your first shoots with experienced hunters allows you to observe and learn the safety procedures to follow. Many clubs offer shooting lessons, which will incorporate safety elements, or organisations such as the British Association for Shooting and Conservation offer firearms awareness training courses. Visit the BASC website for further information.

Safety practices and procedures may seem tedious to begin with, but they will soon become ingrained and you won't give them a second thought. Putting safety first is good for you, good for the people and wildlife around you and good for the sport.

The information contained herein is for general guidance only. The author makes no representations about the completeness or accuracy of this information. Reliance on this information is entirely at your own risk.