What should you do if your air rifle malfunctions?

When an air rifle malfunctions, the most appropriate action is to raise your hand for the Range Officer. This ensures that a qualified individual, who is trained in handling such situations, can address the issue in a safe and controlled manner. By signaling to the Range Officer, you prioritize safety and follow proper protocols, which are essential in maintaining order on the range.

Pointing the muzzle at the ground is important for general firearm safety and should be done to ensure that the rifle is not directed at people or unsafe areas. However, simply pointing the rifle at the ground does not address the responsibility of reporting the malfunction or ensuring the situation is handled safely.

Attempting to fix the rifle yourself bypasses safety protocols and could lead to further complications or accidents, as you may not be aware of all the intricacies involved in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

Continuing to fire until the rifle works can lead to dangerous situations, as the malfunction could be a serious issue that may cause harm to yourself or others if you disregard safety and persist in using the defective equipment.

Thus, raising your hand for the Range Officer is the best course of action, placing safety and proper handling at the forefront of your response to a malfunction.