This is my first experience with a springer: HW95 .177 tuned by Mycapt65 to a smooth ~14.5 FPE.
Since I can shoot 15 yards inside and I have sighted in dead on at this distance until the weather (in MI) improves allowing outside shooting. For sighting in I tried to use the artillery hold with hand between forearm and front rest. I was able to get consistent groups with this method.
I have been practicing offhand (silhouette hold) and noticed that shots are landing ~ 1' to 1.25" lower than when the gun is shot rested. I still have a way to ge to improve offhand capability, but the pattern of shots landing on average lower is clear.
The only explanations that come to mind are that when rested I am throwing groups consistently high or I am pulling shots consistently low offhand. It is surprising to me that both trends are so consistent. For sure it's not the gun!
Completely normal and is an expected result. Springers are a lifetime learning experience. Springers will change POI as you change and there are no solutions and you simply have to learn to adapt to it.
Even using a rest for the forearm at the bench you can shoot using just the rest, then cover the rest with a slippery silk cloth and POI will change. Now move the rest closer or further to the trigger guard and POI will once again change.
As an hunter I learned long ago that typical hunting situations require many different holds and each hold will change POI with you. One shot may require simply sitting down and taking the shot, the next may require support by resting the rifle on your forearm while your hand rests on a tree or fence post. Each hold variation will change POI.
To combat this normal situation I learned to do two things. Actually three and will state the third one last. Or was that four........Grin!
Forget all the many recommended ways to hold the air rifle, simply use whatever hold you like and is comfortable for you. The important thing is to hold it the same way all the time. I use a small stick on piece of velcro on the stock as a marker and my thumb is place on that and this gives me a consistent placement for my hand. Even one half an inch change will change POI. The velcro is a means to learn the rifle. As you do learn you can abandon that and use some indicator on the rifle, fore end screw, edge of checkering, whatever just place your hand the same each time. Do the same for your cheek weld. Use whatever means you like, just make sure to never change your cheek weld.
Next sight the rifle in as you intend to shoot it. You will not be carrying that bench around while hunting or simply going for a walk and plinking at pine cones or acorns, tin cans or whatever. I personally due to becoming an old fart and being lazy use a Bipod stand up rest while hunting, the good ones are quick to deploy and provide a consistent portable rest and allow you to concentrate on the shot, not straining to hold the rifle up. This provides a consistent rest for each shot and I sight the rifle of choice in using this.
Also shooting offhand or using a field rest be it a fancy Bipod like I use or simply shooting sticks you must learn to pull the trigger quickly, not jerk it but a simple quick pull. That slow bench rest squeeze does not work well in the field. Learn to come to the target from the bottom and as the crosshair lines up pull the trigger. Timing is the key, a couple days practice and you will be amazed at the accuracy you can achieve.
And lastly each new tin of pellets, same brand, same weight, always shot a group or two and check them, it is not unusual for a new tin of pellets to change POI slightly.
Hope this helps, you will learn for life. I am still learning. Just some of the basics , breathing, both eyes open, etc, etc, you will learn all this as you go. I have some top end fancy PCP rifles, however I find shooting a springer to simply be much more fun. It also makes you a good shooter and keeps you tuned and sharp.
Cheers
Kit
