Very good overview of the elements of tuning an airgun rifle.

The provided text outlines five key secrets for optimizing airgun accuracy, particularly for less expensive models. The first secret involves determining the barrel's twist rate, which dictates the distance a pellet travels for one full rotation within the rifling, a crucial factor for pellet stabilization. Next, the speaker emphasizes selecting the correct pellet weight that best suits the barrel's twist rate, as inappropriate weights can lead to destabilization at longer distances. The third secret focuses on pellet head size, recommending a head diameter slightly larger than the barrel's bore for optimal sealing and stability. Fourth, the source stresses the importance of barrel tuning, which involves firing a significant number of pellets to "acclimate" the barrel to a specific pellet type, improving consistency and grouping. Finally, the fifth secret addresses airgun seals, particularly O-rings in PCP rifles and breech/piston seals in break barrels, highlighting their critical role in maintaining consistent velocity and preventing erratic shot groups.

This roundtable discussion among airgun experts, including "the godfather of airguns" Tom Gaylord, delves into the nuances of airgun maintenance, challenging common assumptions about frequent cleaning. While many believe regular cleaning is essential for airguns, the experts generally agree that airguns are largely self-cleaning through use, and over-cleaning can even negatively impact accuracy. The primary focus of maintenance shifts from bore cleaning—which often removes harmless pellet residue rather than dirt—to addressing specific issues like performance degradation or external exposure to the elements. Key distinctions are made for different airgun types: CO2 guns require lubrication of cartridges and removal of small cartridges after use to prevent seal wear, while PCPs benefit from retaining some pressure to protect internal seals and prevent dust intrusion. The discussion also highlights the importance of following manufacturer guidelines for cleaning when available, using appropriate tools and lubricants like bore whips and silicone oil, and protecting guns from moisture and rust with products like Ballistol, especially after exposure to inclement weather. The experts strongly advise against using cleaning pellets due to their ineffectiveness and potential to damage certain gun components.

The video explains a specialized technique called the "artillery hold" for accurately firing spring air rifles, which differ significantly from recoil-less PCP rifles or firearms. Unlike traditional shooting stances where the rifle is held tightly, the artillery hold emphasizes a loose, gentle grip on the rifle's stock and a light rest of the butt against the shoulder. This counter-intuitive method allows the rifle to recoil naturally when the internal spring fires forward, preventing erratic barrel movement and improving shot grouping. The video demonstrates this technique in various positions, highlighting how a tight grip causes pellets to scatter and how the artillery hold promotes a more fluid and accurate shooting experience by allowing the rifle to move as it's designed to.

If the video sound is to be trusted to compare the sound, the supersonic .22 had a much louder crack. the pellet rifles seems next loudest, and the subsonic .22 was quietest...but I doubt we can use the video sound levels to compare.