Range Day Debacle, Why I'm Struggling with my Cheap Air Rifle

Went to the range for a quick burn‑in on a new air rifle this week, and it's nothing like the smooth click and solid shots I was promised in the ad I spent ten minutes setting the trigger, adjusting sights, and even had my buddy give it a second‑hand test. Instead I was left chasing paper shots that kept spinning off at the edges. The muzzle was mis‑aligned, and every pull of the trigger felt like pulling a carrot at a bad angle: it made me want to toss the thing back. My frustration boiled over when the instructor laughed at my 'low score' – maybe it's me being the critical type. If there's a trick I'm missing, tell me. All I've wanted is to feel that sweet sweet arc without feeling like a kitchen appliance, not a missile launch pad.

Thought the same for years and never had the shot that felt right. Maybe I’m doing it wrong, or the gear is faulty. A plain shot should feel solid – not shaky. Anybody else caught in that same ‘bullseye fail’ lately? Would love some real talk, not theoretical training wheels.