Field Target Editorial ....................

[kirby999]

I feel a need to get up on my soap box. I really enjoy field target shooting , especially shooting "Hunter Class" . Hunter Class is what drew me into field target competition . IMO , the way I see ; Hunter class is supposed to be an entry level class, where with an  average air rifle , a bucket to sit on and a bipod , your average shooter can go out and enjoy a day of shooting with others and have a chance at placing . Tonight I was looking through some pictures posted over on what is called the green forum (field target) and came across a picture of a guy shooting a USFT with a giant of a scope on top of it, complete with 8" (at least ) thick foam pads on both knees . I had heard about this guy , and understand his USFT is shooting heavy weight pellets to the limit of just under 20fpe . He is within the rules as they are written . The shooter who won the Nationals last year in "hunter class" was from our club and shot a power boosted (15-16fpe) AirArms EV2 dressed in a custom stock to get around the rules against adjustable stocks . Although he too was, "within the Rules " I felt as if he bought his win . I guess his winning inspired this guy to stretch the rules . A lot of folks in field target wonder why it's hard to attract new shooters and keep them interested . IMO this is a big part of it . I feel something needs to be done to promote a more accurate "hunter Class" . here's the picture , I borrowed from the post . kirby

[Big_Bill]

Unfortunately David,

This happens in every sport, until rules are made that restrict and cover every loophole in the rules.

If it said only factory stocks could be used, some factory representative would be on the line with a stock with wheels and a gyroscopic stabilizer on it lol

But first the membership must demand these changes or form a new organization and start over.

Bill

[Gene_SC]

I do agree with you David and I wish they would open up even more classes to shoot under.

I did notice that when you were here you used the bucket to sit on and the bipod. Not foam, just your elbow on your knee for height adjustment.

[PeakChick]

I wholeheartedly agree with your post Kirby. That guy was shooting Hunter Class? That's $3000.00 worth of rifle and scope. It is a USFT Hunter, but come on..... It's really a unlimited class rig. Hunter class really is for the average Joe or Jane to take out something like and R9, HW97, TX200, Marauder, AA410, AA S200, BSA Super 10 or the like, with a real world scope and have a good time shooting. Like you said, it is a class designed to be an intro to FT and give folks a chance to have fun and be competitive with a rifle average folks might be able to afford.

I used to shoot in SAS Cowboy Action Shooting some years back. For the most part, it was a great bunch of folks that just wanted to have a good time shooting and getting to play an adult version of "Cowboys and Indians." There were always those who thought they needed to be ultra competitive, came out with "race guns." Their "period authentic" vintage guns were lightened, tuned, tweaked. They shot really light calibers, .32 or .38 with very low powered target loads so they could be uber fast on the steel.

Some folks just don't get it..........

[daved]

I'm with ya too, pal.  IF I had the chance to compete in FT, it would most likely be HFT.  Just seems more real to me, more like what Field Target shooting should be, rather than just an equipment race.  Unfortunately, the closest venue for me to shoot in is at least a 5 hour drive one way, plus overnight lodging, and that just makes it too expensive.  Sounds like the rules need some tweaking, maybe your own club would be a good place to start.  Later.

Dave

[TCups]

Bill is correct -- it happens in every sport -- winning at any cost.  At least target shooters don't have to take steroids.  But wasn't one of the Olympic match pistol winners DQ'ed for taking beta blockers to slow the heart rate?  Better winning through chemistry.  Anyway, some are driven to do the best they possibly can with what God gave them.  Me, I am proud to hit all 15 bulls on the "Steroid" target.  Though I have and can afford some relatively expensive air rifles, I consider true improvement to be purchased with practice and  attention to technique.  And I am very competitive -- with myself.  

BTW, I wonder how many grackles and squirrels he has shot with that rig and I wonder if he puts those pads on his knees when he tromps through the woods.

[DanoInTx]

I've heard of competitive shooters taking Benadryl prior to a match to slow their heart rate and steady out their shots, seems like a cheat to me, but then who am I?

[ronbeaux]

Since they relaxed the scope restrictions, I think Springer Class is the best bet for entry level shooting. Get you a Prosport, TX 200, or HW 97 and spend the money on glass and you can hang with anybody. There will be a few Whiscombs, and yes they are hard to beat, but you can compete with the guys and get challenged in the process. You won't win over all, but at least you got a chance in your class.

If you put that scope on one of the above mentioned, you will be able to range the target correctly and have a chance to 'click' your scope and play the wind. Hunter class is locked at 12 power and you must hold over/under without adjusting the scope. Sure, the sticks help, but when the target size shrinks and it gets out there to 30+ yards, you NEED to know how far and use the numerous ballistic programs along with practice to be able to drop one through the hole.

To me, the most stable way to shoot FT is sitting using a back brace and a 6" pad to sit on with the gun propped across your knees. Some use the shooting jackets, but a tight fitting denim shirt will do in a pinch. Just as long as you can use the fabric to help steady your aim. Put a knee pad on your knee to help cushion the gun and use the same techinique as you would across a squishy bench rest.

Repeat. YOU WILL NOT WIN overall in the comp. There are plenty of shooters out there that use springers to compete, and they have a lot less money invested than the guys that use the $3000.00 plus aurguns.


My 2 cents. AND, the reason I don't compete anymore. I have the money, I just don't care to spend it on a race.