This is an introduction to an air rifle competition called Field Target. Field Target is a hunting simulation competition shot with air rifles. The targets are silhouettes of animals that might be hunted with air rifles (and some that you probably wouldn't!). The competition is shot in the woods and fields in typical settings that a hunter might encounter while hunting. The targets have circular holes cut in the target face in an area that represents the "Kill Zone" of the particular animal. Behind the kill zone is a paddle. When a pellet passes through the kill zone and hits the paddle, the whole target falls over dead. A hit anywhere else on the target leaves it standing. After a kill, the target is reset by pulling a string attached to the target. A kill scores one point, a miss scores 0.
The Field Target competition was started in England in the Late '80s. It developed quickly in the U.S. and an organization call the American Airgun Field Target Association (AAFTA) was formed. AAFTA developed a set rules for Field Target shooting. The rules are designed to be simple. The animal target must be knock downed when the kill zone is hit. They can be placed any distance from the firing line from 10 to 50 yards. The kill zones can be any size but typically range from 3/8" to 1 1/2". The targets are set in lanes in the woods or fields. Each lane typically has 1 to 3 targets. Any shooting position may be used by the competitors, most use a seating. Any air rifle (upto 20 ft/lbs.) may be used. A scope is highly recommended but not required.
The challenge in this competition is estimating the correct distance to the target and wind drift. Competitors are squadded into groups of twos and threes. While one person shoots, the others score and reset the targets. A typical competition would have 7 to 12 lanes with 1 to 3 targets. After each competitor shoots in one lane, they all move to the next. A Field Target match can consist of 20 to 100 shots. Being squadded with other shooters tends to build a camaraderie level among the competitors. The competitors tend to encourage and cheer on each other to kill those little critters. I started shooting this competition last fall. I must warn you, it becomes addicting.
The air rifles that are used in this competitions are not the $39.95 Wal-mart versions. These are highly precise German and British made air guns. These guns are manufactured to firearm standards (or better!). There are basically two types of guns used in competition, the spring piston and precharge. The spring piston gun uses a piston that is moved to the rear of a compression chamber. The gun is cocked using a level or the guns barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the piston moves forward in the compression chamber and forces the pellet down the barrel. The precharge gun has a tube that contains compressed air. When the trigger is pulled, some of the compressed air is released to propel the pellet at the target (much like CO2). Spring Piston guns range from $100 to $1000. The compressed air guns go for $500 and more. Many of the top shooters have many thousands of dollars. If you would like more info call Beeman and request a free catalog from them. Their number is 800-227-2744 and ask for customer service.
Most Field Target competitions are shot in an area with woods and/or fields. The targets are placed in "lanes". A lane is an area in the woods where the targets are placed and the brush is cut away just enough not to interfere with the pellets trajectory. One to three targets are placed in each lane. Each lane is marked with a number and a firing line. The firing line has a defined width (usually 2 to 3 feet) within which the competitors must fire at the targets. A average competition will have 8 to 15 lanes containing targets.
A typical competition starts an hour before the competition at the sighting-in range. Prior to shooting a match in the woods, most competitors like to check their air rifle, scope settings, and just practice. This activity usually is performed with paper and spinner targets. Once the gun and gear is ready, the competitors head into the woods.
Prior to the competition there is a shooter meeting. In the meeting the shooters are briefed about the match. The meeting covers things like the number of lanes that will be shot, the number of targets in each lane, and the number of shots at each target. At the end of the meeting the score cards are handed out. The score card indicates the competitors starting lane. With the score card in hand, the shooter heads into the woods. Each shooter is squadded with one or two other competitors for the match. Each shooter takes a turn shooting at the targets while the others score and reset the targets. After all members of the squad have shot the lane, they move to the next higher number lane. When they reach the highest numbered lane, they move to lane one. Once all lanes have been shot, the match is over and the score can be tallied. Most matches consists of 25 to 60 shots.
Being squadded offers the shooters the opportunity to meet new people and discuss relevant issues in the shooting sports. It also make you more creative in that you have to come up with a variety of excuses for your many misses. One of the most important things I have learned from others during matches is techniques for preparing for and shooting in a match.
Equipment preparation is of the most important thing in this competition (as it is in most others). The key to field target is knowing the point of impact for your air rifle at just about every point between 10 and 50 yards. This sounds rather difficult but it is really rather easy. There are two methods used by most shooters. The first is what is called Hold Over/Under. In this method, the gun is sigthed-in at an intermediate yardage, say 40 yards. The point of impact can the be calculated or mapped for the remaining distances. When firing at a target, the sight is held either high or low on the kill zone to compensate for the trajectory.
The other method used by most shooters I know is to use a scope that has target turrets. For those that don't know target turrets are graduated with a numbering system and can be adjusted on the fly by hand. With this, every yard can be associated with a number on the target turret. When that yardage is needed, the turret is turned to the number associated with it and the crosshairs are held right on the kill zone.
This competition is unique in that any shooting position is acceptable. The only rule is that the rifle must be supported only by the body. Most shooters choose the sitting position, resting their arms on their knees and the rifle on there arms. This affords a very stable shooting base. It feels a little weird at first, but after shooting a while it will feel natural. The shooter may use a pad to sit on which may be upto three inches thick.
This has been a quick overview of the Field Target competition. I have more information about the competition, as well as info about where to purchase airguns and products for anyone interested purchasing one. Field Target clubs are located all over the US. If you would like a list clubs write or call me. For information about joining AAFTA, call Bob Pieser at 813-239-3105. Anyone with questions or that would like to talk more about airguns and airgun competitions, write me at harris.btroyer@ic1d.harris.com or call me at 407-951-3736. Good bye and good shooting!
To learn more about adult airgunning, check out the American Airguns Web Page