Author Archives: Jim Chapman
Mastering Field Shooting Positions: Practical Stability When the Moment Counts
An almost universal truth is that when most of us set up our rifle and zero it in for the hunt, we do so from the bench. But experienced hunters know the truth: the field rarely gives you the perfect shot. You may plan to settle into a rock‑solid benchrest position, but real hunting … Continue reading
Shooting Uphill or Into a Tree: The Ballistics Every Squirrel Hunter Needs to Know
Spend a day in the squirrel woods and you’ll learn quickly that most of your shots won’t be level. In fact, if you hunt the Midwest hardwoods long enough, you’ll go entire mornings without a single ground shot. Every fox squirrel seems to be halfway up a hickory, and every gray squirrel seems to be … Continue reading
Is a Chronograph Useful for Airgun Hunting?
A chronograph is one of the most valuable and overlooked tools an airgun hunter can own. Airguns operate in a narrow performance band where small changes in velocity can dramatically affect accuracy, trajectory, and terminal performance. A chronograph gives hunters the hard data needed to keep their rifles at peak performance in the field. Airguns … Continue reading
Camouflage for Airgun Hunters
I’ve been asked about wearing camouflage when airgun hunting, and whether it makes a significant difference. Much of the quarry that airgun hunters pursue have well-developed eyesight, such as squirrels and woodchucks. Real-world experience has convinced me that going into the woods in full camouflage for these species greatly improves my success rate. Some years … Continue reading
What Makes A Great Urban Hunting Rig?
One application in which I think airguns are the best practical choice is pest control in urban areas. This is the type of shooting that calls for pigeons to be culled from under the roof of an industrial building or clearing rabbits off of a suburban golf course. In both cases these pests can have … Continue reading
Airgun Hunting: Pros and Cons of Hunting Hogs from a Blind
In general, my preferred method of hunting is still hunting or spot and stalk, where I am on the ground and moving. I enjoy working through the landscape to find my quarry, then getting into range for the shot. That’s what drew me to airguns in the first place, the emphasis on hunting skill in … Continue reading
Advantages of Hunting With a Semi‑Auto PCP Air Rifle
Semi‑automatic PCP (pre‑charged pneumatic) air rifles are a small portion of the PCP air rifle space, but a few models have carved out a distinct place in the airgun hunting world. The best examples blend the precision and consistency of traditional PCP systems with the rapid‑fire capability of semi‑auto mechanics, creating a tool that appeals … Continue reading
My Thoughts on Portable Compressors
Portable PCP compressors can improve the way airgun shooters manage their equipment, depending on their needs. I personally like using a CF tank, and especially since I have a commercial-grade Omega Compressor to keep them filled, it is the most effective approach for me. However, there have been times in my airgunning history when I … Continue reading
Selecting My Hunting Optics
My preferences are driven by the rifle the scope is being mounted on Continue reading
Pellets or Slugs For Hunting
Pellets or Slugs For Hunting Airguns have evolved dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a world dominated entirely by traditional diabolo pellets has expanded into a new era of high‑BC airgun slugs capable of long‑range precision and improved knockdown power. But with this evolution comes a natural question: Which projectile is better—pellets … Continue reading
