What can I shoot with an Air Rifle?

Are you curious about what you can shoot with an air rifle? Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just beginning your journey, understanding the versatility and appeal of air rifles is vital. Air rifle shooting offers diverse activities, from honing your skills on paper targets to managing pest populations.

In this article, we will look at what you can and cannot shoot, from traditional targets and household items to live quarry. Join us as we explore the world of air rifles and ensure your shooting practices are enjoyable and compliant with the law.

What types of air rifle activities are there?

Air rifles offer remarkable versatility, making them a popular choice for various activities, from recreational shooting and competitive sports to pest control and small-game hunting. Let's examine these varied uses more closely to better understand their capabilities and appeal.

1) Target Shooting

Target shooting is a sport and recreational activity in which you use your air rifle to aim at and precisely shoot (target shooting) targets. It involves various target types, including paper targets for tracking accuracy, metal silhouettes that provide auditory feedback, and reactive targets that move or burst upon impact, adding an extra challenge.

Legal Targets

• Paper Targets and Bullseyes: Widely used in shooting ranges and competitions, these are ideal for practice and honing precision skills. They are legal and safe, provided they are used in designated areas.

• Metal Silhouette Targets: These are used for disciplines like silhouette shooting and are designed to withstand repeated hits, making them popular for recreational and competitive shooting.

• Reactive Targets: These targets, which can include spinning or exploding targets, are permissible as long as they are used in a controlled environment that ensures safety.

Check out our article on air rifle targets, which provides a closer look at what types of targets are available in the UK.

2) Plinking

Plinking is a casual form of target shooting in which participants shoot at informal targets, often set up in a relaxed outdoor environment like their back garden. Commonly used targets include tin cans, plastic bottles, and other everyday household items. This recreational activity focuses on fun and enjoyment rather than strict competition.

Plinking is popular among beginners (with entry-level air rifles) and experienced shooters (with higher-powered air rifles) due to its laid-back nature and ability to provide a satisfying shooting experience without the pressure of formal target shooting. It offers a great way to practice shooting skills in an enjoyable and varied setting.

Household Items

1. Aluminium Cans: Shooting at cans is a traditional practice for many air rifle enthusiasts. It provides a fun, reactive element that can be safely enjoyed in private spaces.

2. Balloons and Plastic Bottles: When appropriately secured and used in a safe environment, these items can provide informal shooting enjoyment.

3) Formal Target Shooting

Formal target shooting with air rifles is a popular and disciplined sport that offers precision and challenge. Field Target (FT) and Hunter Field Target (HFT) are among the most recognised forms, each with its unique structure, objectives, and community.

Hunter Field Target Shooting

Hunter Field Target shooting is designed to simulate real-life hunting conditions. Shooters engage targets set at unknown distances, mirroring hunting scenarios. The targets are typically animal-shaped silhouettes with a metal kill zone. The objective is to score points by hitting the kill zone, focusing on practicality and adaptability in varied shooting positions like standing, kneeling, and prone.

Field Target Shooting

Field Target shooting is a competitive air rifle discipline where participants aim at metal targets with a knock-down mechanism. These targets are placed at varying distances, typically between 7.5 and 50 meters, and include a defined kill zone that shooters must hit to score. The primary objective of FT is to demonstrate precision and consistency, as competitors strive to knock down as many targets as possible.

Memberships and Permissions:

Shooters need to be members of recognised clubs or associations to participate in HFT and FT events. These organisations provide access to competitions and ensure that participants are adequately trained and informed about safety standards.

Both HFT and FT foster a sense of community and sportsmanship, offering competitive yet supportive environments for shooters of all levels.

For more information on hunter-field target and field target shooting, check out our article, which examines these two amazing activities in more detail.

4) Live Quarry Shooting

Certain pest species, such as rats, rabbits, and wood pigeons, can be shot legally with an air rifle. This is contingent upon complying with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which mandates humane shooting and defines permissible species.

Air rifles are a popular and accessible means of hunting small game in the UK, provided hunters adhere to legal and ethical standards. Here's a guide to understanding which species can be hunted and essential considerations for responsible shooting.

Commonly Hunted Species

Rabbits:

• Rabbits are one of the most common targets for air rifle hunters. They are abundant and can cause significant agricultural damage, making them a legitimate quarry for population control.

Grey Squirrels:

• Considered a pest and a threat to native red squirrels, grey squirrels are legally huntable with an air rifle. Managing their numbers helps protect local ecosystems.

Wood Pigeons:

• These birds are often hunted due to their large populations and potential to damage crops. Their keen senses and flight patterns make them challenging targets for hunters.

Crows and Magpies:

• These birds can be hunted as they are often seen as pests, particularly in rural areas that impact crop yields and native wildlife.

Legal Considerations

• Hunting Seasons: Ensure you know and adhere to specific hunting seasons for different species. Some animals, like pigeons, have fewer restrictions due to their pest status, but others may be protected during certain times of the year.

• Permissions: Always obtain the necessary permissions to hunt on private land. Hunting without landowner consent could be considered trespassing.

• Licenses and Laws: Familiarise yourself with local wildlife laws and comply with any licensing requirements. Hunting without proper authorization can lead to legal consequences.

Check out our article on what you can hunt in the UK for more information on these species and the laws surrounding small game hunting and pest control.

What about what you can't shoot?

Using an air rifle responsibly involves understanding the limits imposed by law on what you can and cannot shoot. So, while it's great to know what you can shoot, it's equally important to know what you can't shoot.

1) Animals You Cannot Shoot:

• Birds: Many bird species are protected under UK law, including all wild birds during their nesting period and certain species year-round. Examples include birds of prey like hawks and owls and other protected species.

• Endangered Species: Shooting any animal listed as endangered or threatened is strictly prohibited. These laws help preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable wildlife populations.

• Specific Regulations: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 outlines protected species, and hunters must familiarise themselves with these regulations to avoid illegal activity.

Always familiarise yourself with hunting and shooting laws so that you stay up-to-date with the ever-changing laws and regulations. BASC is an excellent source, with hoards of information on what you can and cannot shoot, when you can and how you should shoot.

2) Inappropriate Targets

• Glass Bottles: Shooting glass is dangerous due to the risk of shattering, which can cause injury and environmental harm. It is strongly discouraged.

• Valuable or Breakable Household Items: Items that pose safety risks or cause property damage should not be used as targets.

Illegal or Unsafe Shooting Scenarios:

• Public Areas: Shooting near public highways, parks, schools, and other populated areas is illegal and poses significant safety risks. A safe distance of at least 50 feet from the centre of public roads is mandated.

• Domestic Animals: Shooting domestic pets or livestock is illegal and considered animal cruelty. Such actions can lead to severe penalties and damage community relations.

• Random Objects: Shooting at random objects or property without permission is illegal and irresponsible. It can cause property damage and inadvertently endanger others.

By understanding and respecting prohibited targets, shooters not only comply with the law but also contribute to the conservation of wildlife and public safety. Always stay informed about local and national regulations to ensure responsible and enjoyable shooting experiences.

Legal and Ethical Guidelines

While air rifles offer rewarding experiences and activities, whether for target shooting or hunting, using them responsibly requires a thorough understanding of legal and ethical guidelines. Always ensure you're familiar and up-to-date with air rifle laws in your jurisdiction to maintain safe and legal air rifle practice.

Compliance with Power Limits:

In the UK, air rifles must not exceed a power limit of 12 ft/lb without a firearms certificate. Exceeding this limit classifies the air rifle as a firearm, necessitating more stringent licensing and background checks.

• Regularly check your air rifle's power output to ensure compliance with legal limits.

Check out our article on air rifle licensing to see which air rifles fall under this category.

Age Restrictions:

• In the UK, air rifle ownership is restricted to individuals aged 18 and above. While those aged 14 to 17 can use an air rifle under adult supervision, they cannot legally own one.

• The use of air rifles by individuals under 14 is strictly prohibited unless supervised to ensure safety and responsible handling.

You can read more about these requirements in our article on air rifle laws.

Landowner Permission:

• It is legally required to obtain explicit permission from landowners before shooting on private property. Shooting without permission can lead to trespassing charges.

• Document any permissions granted to avoid potential disputes and legal issues.

Proximity to Public Areas:

• Shooting within 50 feet of the centre of a public highway is prohibited if it causes annoyance or endangers others. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid shooting near populated areas.

Always remember...

Ensuring Humane Kills:

When hunting small game, aiming for a quick and humane kill is essential. Knowledge of the target species' anatomy and precise shooting are crucial. Have the best air rifle (usually repeating air rifles) as well as the correct air rifle pellet to ensure a humane kill for the targeted game. Practice regularly to maintain accuracy and confidence in your shooting skills, reducing the risk of injuring an animal.

Respect for Wildlife:

Adhere to ethical hunting practices to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Avoid overhunting and ensure your activities do not disrupt local ecosystems. Follow seasonal guidelines and legal quotas to support conservation efforts.

Maintaining Safety Standards:

Prioritise safety by using appropriate backstops, wearing protective gear, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Regularly inspect your equipment to ensure it is in good working condition, always presume you are handling a loaded air rifle so that you can handle your air rifle responsibly.

Responsible Behaviour:

• Engage in respectful and considerate behaviour, whether on public or private land. This includes properly disposing of waste and respecting the rights of others.

• Educate others about safe and ethical air rifle practices to promote a culture of responsibility and conservation.

Understanding your responsibilities and acting with integrity ensures a safe and rewarding experience for all involved.

Final Thoughts

When considering what you can shoot with an air rifle, it is paramount to understand and respect the legal restrictions in place. Familiarise yourself with the list of protected species and ensure that your targets do not include inappropriate objects or scenarios that could pose safety risks.

By embracing these guidelines, you can enjoy your air guns and specific sports while contributing positively to the safety and preservation of our natural environment. Let your commitment to ethical practices inspire others in your community to follow suit, fostering a culture of responsibility and respect in the air rifle shooting world.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. From PCP air rifles, Spring air rifles and target rifles, here a Air Arms we have the perfect air rifle for you and all your shooting needs.