In the world of air gun shooting, there is much debate surrounding the best way to hold a springer. Many shooters will tell you that there is only one way to do it, but the truth is that there are many different ways to hold a springer that can lead to successful shooting. One method that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the artillery hold. So, what is an artillery hold? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Artillery Hold
The term “artillery hold” was first coined by American airgun writer Tom Gaylord. Gaylord observed that many artillery pieces remain accurate even after recoil, and he began to experiment with different grip techniques to see if he could replicate this success with a Beeman C1 air rifle. After some trial and error, Gaylord found that loosening his grip on the rifle resulted in tighter groups. He dubbed this technique the “artillery hold” and it has since been adopted by many shooters looking for an edge on the competition.
Basically, the artillery hold is just a loose hold. Instead of gripping the forestock, simply lay it in your open palm at the point where the rifle is balanced. Grip the buttstock as lightly as possible and lay your thumb along the top of the stock instead of around it. The buttstock should rest against your cheek and shoulder as gently as possible.
Benefits of Artillery Hold
So, what are the benefits of using an artillery hold? First and foremost, it helps to reduce muzzle rise after each shot. This allows for faster target acquisition and increased accuracy, as you are not having to fight the natural tendency of the rifle to want to move up after each shot. Additionally, an artillery hold can help to keep your shots consistent, as any variability in grip will be negated by the fact that your hand is not tightly gripping the stock.
If you are looking to improve your shooting skills, then we highly recommend giving the artillery hold a try. It may take some practice to get used to, but you’ll be impressed with the results.
(For more on the best break barrel air rifle that hits like a champ, see this post)
