Being quite new to the sport of Air Rifle Field Target (FT) it was suggested that perhaps I could do some sort of a ‘new starters’ guide, so here we go… 

First of all, if you are young, old, male or female it does not make a blind bit of difference! The world of FT is there for all to enjoy, whether it be for fun or competition. Field Target shooting is a sport that has grown in popularity in recent years; it combines the outdoor field conditions of a rough shoot with the target precision of competition shooting. A course is laid out outdoors with a route to walk round and at set locations a shooting point with a knockdown target at any distance from 8 yards to 55 yards away. The knock down target will only fall if you hit the bull, which is typically 40mm diameter. The targets can be up in trees, in hollows in the ground, half hidden in pipes or behind objects etc anything to make it a challenge to the shooters skill to hit the target. 

Immediate advice that I have: 

•       Don’t go to the local shop out and spend all your money on the latest kit

·         Ask whatever questions you have, even if you think they are stupid…. “a tenner says that someone has previously asked such questions” (he says with a smile)

·         Take whatever opportunity you can to try and shoot some of the rifles…Ripley and the Air Arms Pro-Target are quite common (that should tell you something but don’t be swayed by this!!)

·         Listen to the good advice on offer; remember that the members have been in your position before

·         Take your time and be patient in your choice of rifle and scope and don’t think that because it costs a lot it must be good

·         Don’t expect to be a budding world champion…take your time perfecting your technique

Basic Kit:

• Rifle - Just about any air rifle can be used for Field Target. However, some rifles are too powerful or too low power to be efficiently used. Most rifles shooting less than 650 fps aren't used since the accuracy of such rifles typically suffer at longer distances. Rifles shooting more than 12ft. lbs. are illegal in this country unless you have an FAC (Fire Arms Certificate) and are not allowed in Field Target shooting.
• Scope - There are a wide variety of scopes available and at varying prices, so your finances play a big part here, as well as the advice.
• Pellets - The only way to determine which pellet is right is to shoot a variety of pellets through your airgun and see which one shoots the best for you.
• Shooting seat/bag

As I have already mentioned, ask questions and listen to the advice given and chose your kit accordingly. What you need to bear in mind is that you might not like the sport after a short period; so until you are certain, think about buying second-hand kit…brand new is not cheap and not necessarily the best! 

Shooting Positions: 

Any shooting position is allowed in FT. As long as you can see the hit zone and have the gun supported only by your body, you can use any position that you are comfortable with. Most shooters use a sitting position since that offers the best stability. Your two feet and your posterior, on a beanbag cushion for comfort if you want, form this. You then brace yourself across your knees with one arm, elbow and hand on respective knees, and rest the rifle on the elbow of that arm, or on the upturned hand on one knee as an alternative rest. You then have a very stable platform and the movement you can see through your scope is the effect of your own breathing and indeed heartbeat as the rifle moves in time with your pulse, the breathing becomes part of your shooting technique. However, clever course designers will make sure that at least one of the targets cannot be shot from a sitting position and will have to be taken with a standing or kneeling shot.

Targets: 

The targets used for Field Target shooting are made of metal and are shaped traditionally to look like typical airgun prey rabbits, rats, pigeons, squirrels, crows and nowadays more fun shapes such as a crocodiles or even Santa’s sack of toys! They all have a 40mm diameter hole in them, sometimes smaller, with a metal disc behind which is linked to the prop that holds the target upright. When a pellet hits this disc it knocks the prop allowing the target to fall down. The target has a cord attached which is used to pull the target upright again which resets the prop ready for the next shot. 

OK, so there you have the basics. All that is required now is for you to come to one of our shoots and try it for yourself. 

If you give Tony Cook a ring on 01384 827401 he will steer you in the right direction.