Shooting Springers?

Thanks guys, it's frustrating to shoot well then the next time out shoot like crap. The purpose of this rifle was to shoot sparrows, starlings and squirrels but being so hold critical I don't see how I can shoot it from different positions and make it work. I know the rifle will shoot, just not sure I want to devote the time to figure it out. At this point I'm thinking a PCP would've been a better option even though it's more expensive.

These were shot at 20 yards, 5 shots. The squares are 1".

I think I've found my problem (other than me). I purchased this rifle new and installed a Leupold VX3 4.5-14, 30mm tube with side focus scope on it, that's what I shot the groups in the photos with. The only problem was the scope didn't focus well at close ranges, especially at higher magnification. So I had a 8.5-25 Konus Pro on the shelf that had been on my .22, I didn't like the clarity at higher magnification so I had removed it and put my Mueller back on. The Konus was installed on the 48 and my problems started shortly, it would shoot a good group then move somewhere else. I'd chase the zero and after several shots it'd do it again. 

I shot it Saturday afternoon and my frustration was to the point that I wanted to baseball bat the rifle on a tree. After walking away and cooling off for an hour or so I resumed. This time I didn't worry about groups or chasing the zero, just focusing on my hold, good trigger management and maintaining point of aim. It became very clear then that my scope was junk. The target's I shoot most have a .113" bulls eye's, my shots were relaxed with clean trigger breaks and I was shooting all over the place. Sometimes I'm dense but the light did finally come on. I removed the Konus, reinstalled the Leupold and the rifle immediately started shooting groups again. I see a new Meuller 8-32 mil dot scope in this rifles future. 

I'm 56 and have been shooting powder burners all my life but this is my first air rifle. I knew the learning curve would be steep and it has been. It was frustrating to know that I had a rifle that would shoot and had in fact proven it, but I couldn't shoot it. I also shot bows most of my life and probably learned more about shooting from them than anything I've ever picked up. Some of the bows I've owned over the years were very finicky to shoot, any flaw in your form was magnified greatly. 

Thanks guys for the comments and advice.

Justin

Yes John, I was aware of the fact that these guns are scope killers. I contacted leupold before installing mine and was told "All of our scopes will be usable on that air rifle". I also contacted Optics planet about the Konus Pro and was told it would work. This AM I called Mueller and asked the same question, I was told the 8-32 X 44 was not air gun rated but they had sold several for springer air gun use and they held up. My next question was "If I install it on my air rifle and it breaks will you warranty it?" Yes was the answer.
Time will tell as I ordered the Mueller to replace the Leupold.

Thanks, Justin

My Mueller just arrived, the first thing I did after unboxing it was take it out side to check the clarity. It's nice and clear through the magnification range just like the (Mueller) 4.5-14 on my rimfire is. There is no comparison to the Konus Pro, the Mueller's beat it hands down.

I called Mueller again after looking the scope over to verify they will warranty it if my 48 kills it. The gentleman said no problem and that it would be a good test for their scope. So I'm going to mount it and see what happens. If it dies I'll get it warrantied and move on to something else, if it holds up to the 48 it'll give springer shooters another reasonably priced alternative. 

My Leupold's have been flawless but not being able to focus close is a deal breaker. I looked on line to see if there was any info on how I could adjust it myself but didn't find anything. I also called Leupold, they can do it, but 25 yards is about as close as they can make it focus. 

Thanks guys for the advice, I'll report on how it goes, good or bad.

Justin

I mounted my scope this afternoon and after making sure it was on paper at 10 yards moved out to 25 yards. As normal I was wild as a buck deer in late October starting out but eventually settled down some. I worked a lot on grip, or the lack of, hand placement and trigger pull. Also I shot it straight off bags and found if I put the bag under the front action screw it will shoot decent groups. Anywhere else and it looks like I was shooting a shot gun. BTW, this rifle has a piece of 1/8" neoprene between it and the stock at the action screws, I need to order another scope base, the one I have is a UTG with 10° built in for barrel droop and I'm out of elevation.

All groups were from 25 yards.