Missing with elevated shots

AIRGUNNING

Q I have been missing seemingly straightforward shots at high targets with my air rifle. A friend has told me this is because the point of impact can change as the angle of the shot shifts. Is this true, and what is the best way to practise shots at steep angles?

A The point of impact does indeed change depending on the angle of elevation. This is mostly because the angle at which gravity is acting on the pellet is different from when you zero over a flat range.

For very steep shots, gravity will be pulling straight back at the pellet, which, confusingly, can cause it to miss high or at least above the point where you expect it to be on your crosshairs.

Rather than getting too muddled with trying to understand the physics, it is best to put in some practice to find out where the pellet is striking when you take shots at different angles and where you need to aim to compensate for it.

Now is the perfect time of year for mastering elevated shots because there are plenty of inanimate targets around in the shape of acorns, conkers and cones,