Airgun Target Shooting for Beginners: What to Expect

If you’ve ever been curious about airgun target shooting — whether you saw it in a movie, heard about it from a friend, or are just looking for a new indoor hobby in Toronto — you’re not alone. Airgun shooting is one of the fastest-growing precision sports in Canada, and for good reason: it’s accessible, safe, and incredibly satisfying.

At OnPoint Archery in Scarborough, we’ve introduced hundreds of first-timers to airgun shooting right here at Toronto’s largest indoor archery, airgun, and knife throwing facility. Here’s exactly what you can expect from your first session.

What Is Airgun Target Shooting?

Airgun shooting uses compressed air or CO2 to propel pellets or BBs toward paper or metal targets. Unlike firearms, airguns operate at much lower velocities and are federally classified differently — which means they’re accessible for beginners without requiring a firearms license for supervised range use.

The sport emphasizes precision, breath control, and trigger discipline — skills that overlap heavily with Olympic-style target shooting. In fact, many competitive shooters start with airguns because they teach proper fundamentals without the noise, recoil, and expense of traditional firearms.

What Happens at Your First Airgun Session

When you arrive at 40 Continental Place in Scarborough, the first thing you’ll notice is our climate-controlled indoor range. No wind, no weather — just you and the target. Here’s how a typical 1-hour intro session unfolds:

• Safety briefing (5–10 minutes): Your NCCP-certified instructor walks you through range rules, proper handling, and the four universal safety principles. No prior experience is needed — everything is taught from scratch.
• Equipment orientation: You’ll learn the parts of the airgun, how to load pellets, proper grip, and sight alignment. All equipment is provided, including eye protection.
• Guided shooting: You’ll fire at paper targets from 10 metres, with your coach giving real-time feedback on your stance, grip, and trigger pull. Most beginners are hitting the bullseye within their first 10 shots.
• Progress and games: Once you’re comfortable, many sessions introduce fun challenges — shooting at smaller targets, reaction drills, or friendly head-to-head scoring.

Is Airgun Shooting Hard to Learn?

Not at all. Unlike archery, where building draw strength takes time, airgun shooting is immediately accessible. The fundamentals — aim, breathe, squeeze — are simple to learn but take a lifetime to master. Most beginners walk away from their first hour with a target full of tight groupings and a big smile.

The real challenge isn’t physical — it’s mental. Controlling your breathing, staying calm under pressure, and maintaining focus shot after shot is where the sport gets deep.

Airgun vs Archery: What’s Right for You?

Both sports are offered at OnPoint, and many visitors try both through our combo events. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Learning curve: Airguns are easier to pick up in the first session. Archery takes more physical adaptation.
• Physical demand: Archery engages your back, shoulders, and core more. Airgun is more about fine motor control and mental focus.
• Sound and feel: Airguns produce a satisfying pop. Archery gives you that quiet “thwip” and the thud of the arrow hitting the target.
• Cost: Beginner sessions are the same price — $39.99 for a 1-hour intro — and combo packages start at $69.99, saving you $10 versus booking separately.

What to Bring and Wear

One of the best parts about indoor airgun shooting: you don’t need any special gear. Here’s what we recommend:

• Clothing: Comfortable, fitted clothes. Avoid loose sleeves that could interfere with your grip. Closed-toe shoes are required.
• Eyewear: We provide safety glasses, but if you wear prescription glasses, those work fine too.
• Mindset: Come ready to focus and have fun. No experience necessary.

Why Airgun Shooting Is Perfect for Toronto Winters

Let’s be honest — Toronto winters are long, and finding indoor activities that aren’t just another movie or restaurant gets old fast. Airgun shooting at OnPoint is climate-controlled, open year-round, and provides that rare combination of mental challenge and genuine fun. It’s also a fantastic date idea, friend outing, or solo skill-building session when you need a break from the cold.

We’re located at 40 Continental Place in Scarborough, with free on-site parking, and we’re open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and weekends from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Ready to Try It?

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a unique date night, or just want to see what all the buzz is about, airgun shooting delivers. Book your session at onpointarchery.ca/book-your-experience/ and discover why Toronto’s newest precision sport obsession is happening right here in Scarborough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license for airgun shooting in Ontario?

For supervised range use at a licensed facility like OnPoint Archery, no license is required. Our NCCP-certified instructors supervise all beginner sessions and provide full safety training on-site. If you plan to purchase and own an airgun for private use, different regulations apply — but for your first session, just show up and we handle the rest.

What age can kids start airgun shooting?

At OnPoint Archery, our airgun activities are available for ages 12 and up as part of our 2-hour combo events. For younger participants (ages 8–11), we recommend starting with our 1-hour archery intro — it’s a great entry point before graduating to airgun sports.

How much does an airgun session cost at OnPoint?

A 1-hour airgun intro session is $39.99 per person. Our most popular option is the combo package — pair archery with airgun or knife throwing for $69.99, saving $10 versus booking separately. All equipment is included in the price.

Is airgun shooting similar to real firearms training?

Yes — the fundamentals are identical. Proper sight alignment, breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow-through are the same skills taught in firearms training. Many law enforcement and military personnel use airguns for low-cost, low-recoil practice. For recreational beginners, it’s a safe and accessible way to learn marksmanship fundamentals without the intensity of live-fire ranges.