Air rifle is a great idea! Maybe even get a 1/4 scale picture of the buck target and shoot at 25m, 17.5m & 10m?? I'm guessing someone on here could maybe do this by taking a photo of one, sizing it and sticking it onto either A3 or A4 paper. (There's a challenge for someone!!!
)
Most people that fail tend to struggle with the 70m part which is either sitting or kneeling and is clearly down to unfamiliarity or just basic lack of practice! You should get a decent set of sticks, preferrably either a stable tripod or an even more stable set of quad sticks. These can be made for about £10 from the green plastic coated B & Q garden canes. (I'll try and get some photos done of how to do this as I've been meaning to for some time now!)
Everyone is different and some will find sitting easier than kneeling and vice-versa. They may well try, but nobody will know what suits you best as an individual! You will have to discover that for yourself by trial and error!
There are however basic techniques which may help!
Kneeling - If you choose to kneel, and you are right-handed, have your right knee 'up' to support your right elbow which in turn supports the rear of the rifle. (Use you rigid bone structure to best effect!). Keep your back and neck straight for the same reason! Hunching over (sticks too low!) is not rigid and you can even notice your pulse beat affecting your aim. Sit on your foot/feet for added stability and have your other knee out at an angle. Make your sticks the right height for you, not the other way around! Know this height when measured against your body or mark your sticks!
Sitting - Again, don't slouch! keep your body rigid and use your skeleton to support. Use lifted knees to support elbows and the back end of the rifle. Many people find it easier to sit almost sideways to the target and have the sticks in line with both raised knees. Again, stick height is paramount to success!
The key to success with either technique though is practice! Probably the most common fault with shooters is 'flinching' or snatching at the trigger! Pressure should be gradually applied to the trigger so that you are almost unaware of exactly when it will go off! By the time you feel the recoil and realise that it has - the shot has already hit the target!
I hope this helps and we can get a 1/4 scale target produced? Also, what a great way to get our aspiring kids up and running??!!
MS