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Céline Goberville during air pistol qualification at 2012 London Olympics
shooting-sports/airgun-competition

Airgun Competition

Competitive airgun shooting ranges from Olympic 10-meter precision events to field target and silhouette. Air rifles and pistols fire pellets using compressed air or CO2, making them ideal for indoor ranges and youth programs.

airgun competition
air rifle shooting
air pistol competition
10m air rifle
olympic airgun

01 // LEARN

#01

What is Airgun Competition?

Understanding this shooting discipline

Competitive airgun shooting ranges from Olympic 10-meter precision events to field target and silhouette. Air rifles and pistols fire pellets using compressed air or CO2, making them ideal for indoor ranges and youth programs.

10-meter Olympic shooting is one of the most precise shooting sports. Competitors use highly specialized rifles or pistols to shoot at targets where the 10-ring is 0.5mm for rifle. Field target adds outdoor challenges with knock-down targets at varying ranges.

Types & Variations

10m Air Rifle (Olympic precision)
10m Air Pistol (Olympic precision)
Field Target (outdoor knock-down targets)
Air Gun Silhouette
Benchrest Air Rifle

02 // START

#02

Getting Started with Airgun

Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners

Getting into airgun doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.

Essential Equipment

What you need to get started

1Air rifle or pistol appropriate for your discipline
2Quality pellets (match grade for precision)
3Shooting jacket and pants (precision events)
4Shooting glasses
5Pellet trap for home practice
6Eye protection

Safety & Rules

Know these before your first shot

110m events: standing position, 60 shots in qualification
2Maximum rifle weight: 5.5kg for Olympic
3Field target: variable ranges, knock-down targets
4No ear protection typically required
5Junior programs often available

Pro Tips for Beginners

Advice from experienced shooters

Start with a quality entry-level target rifle or pistol
Indoor ranges (basements, garages) allow year-round practice
Focus on trigger control and breathing
Match-grade pellets make a measurable difference
Many clubs have loaner equipment for beginners

What Does Airgun Cost?

Realistic budget expectations

Getting Started

$200-600

Basic equipment to begin

Competitive Setup

$1,000-3,500

Quality gear for serious shooters

Per event/match:$10-25 entry, 60-100 pellets
Ammo per session:$5-15 (match pellets ~$15-25/500)

Hidden costs to consider: Extremely affordable to shoot regularly. Home practice capability eliminates range fees for most training.

Airgun Types

Compare your options

TypeBest For
10m Precision

Purpose-built PCP target rifles/pistols. Extreme accuracy at short range.

Olympic-style competition, serious precision work
Field Target

Scoped PCP rifles, 8-55 yard ranges. Knockdown targets with kill zones.

Outdoor shooters wanting varied challenges
Sporter/Entry

Spring or entry PCP rifles. Good for learning and recreational shooting.

Beginners and youth programs

03 // ASK

#03

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about airgun

New to airgun? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.

Find answers to common questions about airgun competition. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.

Spring-piston rifles cock for each shot. PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) rifles use a reservoir of compressed air for many shots. PCP is required for serious competition but spring rifles work for learning.

Yes, with proper backstop. 10 meters is about 33 feet. Many serious competitors have home ranges. Use appropriate pellet traps and ensure a safe backstop.

Entry-level target rifles start around $500. Mid-range competition rifles run $1,000-2,000. Top Olympic-grade rifles exceed $3,000.

Excellent. Low noise, no recoil, and indoor capability make airgun ideal for teaching fundamentals. Many Olympic shooters started as juniors in airgun programs.

For competition, use match-grade wadcutter pellets from brands like RWS, H&N, or JSB. Test several types in your rifle; different guns prefer different pellets.

04 // FIND

#04

Upcoming Events

Find airgun events near you

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