You’ve loaded your air rifle, taken aim at the target and pulled the trigger – but nothing happens. No reassuring “pop” sound, no recoil, and the pellet remains stuck in the barrel. It’s a frustrating situation that many airgun owners have experienced at some point.

If your air rifle refuses to fire, there could be several potential causes. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common reasons why air rifles won’t shoot and provide step-by-step troubleshooting tips to get your gun back up and running.

Safety Warning

Before attempting any repairs or disassembly, ensure your air rifle is completely unloaded and handled safely. If your airgun is still under warranty, do not attempt disassembly as this may void the warranty. Contact the retailer or manufacturer for professional servicing instead.

Check the Seals

One of the first things to inspect is the condition of the gun’s seals, which can degrade over time. Locate the breech seal and the main compression chamber seal (often made of leather). If these seals appear worn, dried out or cracked, they may not be providing an adequate air-tight seal for the compressed air to escape and propel the pellet.

You can try reviving old leather seals by applying a tiny amount of airgun oil and leaving the rifle to stand on its butt overnight. This may help soften and condition the seals. However, if the seals are severely damaged, they will likely need to be replaced.

Inspect the Spring 

If the seals appear to be in good condition, the next step is to disassemble the air rifle and inspect the main spring. Over time and with repeated use, the spring can weaken, preventing it from generating enough force to fire the pellet.

With the gun disassembled, you can choose to either replace the mainspring with a new one or attempt to revive it by cleaning off any debris or residue that may be impacting its performance.

Clean Internal Components

While you have the air rifle disassembled, take the opportunity to thoroughly clean all internal components. Use appropriate cleaning supplies and solvents to remove any built-up grime, residue or debris that could be interfering with the gun’s operation.

Pay close attention to the barrel breech, compression chamber, and any moving parts like the trigger assembly. Ensure everything is clean and properly lubricated before reassembling the air rifle.

Reassembly Tips

When reassembling your air rifle after repairs or cleaning, take care to follow the correct order and orientation of all components. It can be helpful to take photos or make notes during the disassembly process to refer back to when putting everything back together.

Double-check that all seals, springs, and moving parts are properly seated and aligned. Improper reassembly can lead to further issues or even damage to the air rifle.

Preventing Future Issues

If your air rifle is relatively new and you’ve encountered firing issues, consider whether improper handling or maintenance may be the culprit. Dry-firing (pulling the trigger without a pellet loaded) can potentially damage internal components over time and should be avoided.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures, and avoid using excessive force or applying lubricants not specifically designed for airguns.

The Wolfman’s Quality Air Rifles and Expert Advice

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and your air rifle still won’t shoot, or if you need assistance with repairs or replacements, look no further than The Wolfman. We offer a wide range of high-quality air rifles, air pistols, and accessories from trusted brands, along with knowledgeable advice from our experienced staff.

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