At Gunstar, we believe that some of the best shooting tips don’t come from manuals, they come from fellow shooters.
We recently asked our Facebook community a simple question: “What’s the best piece of shooting advice you’ve ever received?”
The responses came flooding through and we’ve summarised some of our favourites.
1. “Treat any and every gun as if they’re loaded.” - Stefan Freeman
This one came up again and again, and for good reason. It's a golden rule of firearms safety. Whether you're on the range, out in the field, or cleaning your kit, assuming every gun is loaded keeps you, and those around you, safe.
2. “Always hold the barrel when loading springers.” - Dougie Evans
One member shared how this habit was drilled into them by their dad, and how they now do the same with their grandsons. It’s simple advice, but absolutely vital.
When loading a spring-powered air rifle, holding the barrel ensures that if the mechanism slips or malfunctions, you’re not at risk of serious injury. It prevents the barrel from snapping shut on your fingers and avoids damaging the gun’s internal workings. It's a habit that builds awareness of the gun's tension and reinforces safe handling during one of the most crucial moments in the loading process.
3. “Practice. Practice. Practice.” - Ian Hageman
No secret formulas, no quick fixes, just repetition and commitment. As one shooter put it, the best way to improve your shot is to keep showing up and putting in the time. Skill is earned, not bought.
4. “Never palm a bolt.” - Stuart Ellis
This one speaks to technique and safety. Palming the bolt can cause wear or even injury if done carelessly. Respect the mechanics of your firearm, it’ll treat you better in return.
This might sound like a small detail, but it can save you a lot of grief,and money, in the long run. Palming a bolt (pressing it closed with the palm of your hand) might feel easier or quicker, but it can wear down the mechanism unevenly, damage your bolt handle, or even cause a misalignment over time.
Instead, use your fingers to guide the bolt into place with care. It’s a habit that encourages mechanical sympathy treating your rifle like the precision instrument it is. Over time, this approach helps your rifle perform better and last longer.
5. “Stealth and patience – slowly, slowly catchey monkey.” - Andrew James Wicks
This bit of advice might sound lighthearted, but it’s deadly serious in the field. Whether you're stalking game or waiting for the perfect shot, patience is a shooter's secret weapon. Move deliberately. Think clearly. The best results rarely come to those in a rush.
6. From the Gunstar Team: Zero Your Rifle in Real Conditions
One of the most overlooked bits of advice we can offer? Zero your rifle in the same conditions you’ll be shooting in.
We’ve seen countless users get great groups on a calm day at the range, only to miss in the field because they didn’t account for wind, temperature, or terrain.
If you're hunting do a proper zero at the same distance, using the same pellets or cartridges, in similar light and weather. It might take a little extra time but it’s the difference between guessing and precision.
Final Thoughts
Shooting advice isn’t just about better aim it’s about tradition, safety, and passing knowledge down through generations. Whether it's a phrase from your dad, a habit learned through years of shooting, or wisdom shared with your grandkids, these are the lessons that really stick.
Have your own tip that’s stood the test of time? Join the conversation over on Gunstar's Facebook page we’d love to hear it.
