Air Rifle & Pellet Safety Guide for Beginners

Welcome to our guide on the safe and responsible use of air rifle pellets. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting, understanding how to handle and use these pellets safely is crucial. This guide aims to provide you with essential safety tips and best practices to ensure a secure and enjoyable shooting experience.

Understanding Air Rifle Pellets

Before diving into safety practices, it's important to understand what air rifle pellets are. Air rifle pellets are small projectiles used in air guns. They come in various calibres, the most common being .22 and .177. Unlike traditional bullets, air rifle pellets are propelled by compressed air or other mechanical means.

For a better understanding of the common calibres check out our guides on both the .22 calibre and .177 calibre.

How to Store Air Rifle Pellets

• Keep Pellets Out of Reach of Children: Store your pellets in a secure location, away from the reach of children. Consider using a locked cabinet or a storage box with a combination lock.
• Avoid Humidity and Extreme Temperatures: Store pellets in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion or deformation. Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect the pellet's shape and weight, leading to inaccurate shots.

Handling Air Rifle Pellets

• Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands after handling pellets, especially lead pellets, to avoid potential lead contamination.
• Inspect Before Use: Before loading your air rifle, inspect the pellets for any deformities or damage. Using damaged pellets can lead to inaccurate shooting and can potentially damage your air rifle.

Loading Your Air Rifle Safely

• Always Point the Air Rifle in a Safe Direction: Even when loading, ensure your air rifle is pointed in a safe direction, away from people or animals.
• Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Different air rifles have different loading mechanisms. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to load your rifle safely.

Safe Shooting Practices

• Wear Protective Eyewear: Always wear safety glasses when shooting to protect your eyes from potential ricochets.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be conscious of where your pellet will go if it misses or goes through your intended target. Never shoot in a direction where there's a risk of injuring someone or damaging property.

Post-Shooting Protocol

• Unloading Your Air Rifle: If you have remaining pellets in your air rifle after shooting, make sure to safely unload them.
• Dispose of Used Pellets Properly: Collect any spent pellets and dispose of them responsibly. Do not leave them on the ground, especially if they are made of lead.

The enjoyment and success of air rifle shooting heavily depend on how safely and responsibly you handle your ammunition. You must remember that whilst shooting air rifles is fun, they can also be lethal. By following these guidelines, you'll not only ensure your safety but also that of those around you.

Additional Resources

For more information on air rifle safety and best practices, particularly in the UK, visit the National Air Rifle Association or contact your local shooting club.

Remember, safety is the number one priority in any shooting activity.

Happy and safe shooting!