Ever wondered what it's like to shoot a field target match?

[Franklink]

I used a PARD electronic scope to shoot an Ultimate Field Target match last weekend. At the beginning of each lane I hit record so that I could stitch them together, the intent being to create a video to give folks an idea of what field target is like. While field target isn't much of spectator sport, hopefully this 23 minute video will give anybody considering attending a match the push to get out there and compete.

There are some fun targets in the mix, things like a poop emoji, beta fish, Elmo, bears, beavers, owls, cowboy, etc.

The yardages listed before each lane were the distances marked on the lane markers. The built in rangefinder on the PARD was a couple yards off here and there.

In "regular" field target (sub 20fpe and max of 55 yards) the distances are not given and electronic rangefinding devices are not allowed. But this version (Ultimate Field Target) allows them.

In all versions of field target, no sighters are allowed after the start of the match. It is a game where trajectory validation prior to the match is REQUIRED if the shooter intends to be competitive.

I used a BRK Ghost, shooting the NSA .20/18.9grain slugs for this match.

As all field target matches are, it was a hoot to shoot and I hope you enjoy it and maybe even decide to come try it for yourself.

 

[Nofilters]

Compare the AAFTA rules to the preliminary that we have come up with. I think you will find by stating distances and uping the power to 50ftlbs for short range and full monty. With up to 100 ftlbs for long range. You will see that many more people or shooters will be welcomed to the discipline. So lesson the equipment race and increase the amount of shooters. If you are a range director or FT club that wants to grow give this a try. It basically allows anyone that wants to shoot a broad application to do so.



UFT 10-14-24
Overview Rules:

Ultimate Field Target: What is UFT and the Vision for the Future
Overview
Ultimate Field Target (UFT) brings a fresh, inclusive approach to airgun shooting sports, combining elements from traditional Field Target shooting across various distances. Designed for any shooter with nearly any airgun, UFT provides three distinct options: Short Range, Long Range, and the “Full Monty.” Clubs and Ranges can host one, two, or all three formats depending on their specific capabilities and community needs.
The vision for UFT is to foster a family-friendly, community-oriented sport that values precision, marksmanship, and camaraderie. We believe in a sport that is accessible and welcoming to shooters of all skill levels, promoting a supportive environment where participants can connect, grow, and share the enjoyment of shooting sports with friends and family.
Currently, UFT has dedicated locations in Upstate NY (Binghamton Area), Texas (San Antonio Area), and Phoenix, AZ. These locations showcase the flexibility of UFT and provide shooters with various challenges across different terrains and distances.
We’re also building an online presence, which will eventually feature match results, shooter feedback, and a voluntary Shooter ID program. As it becomes available, the website will help shooters track their progress, connect with others, and participate in discussions on the future of UFT. This platform will take time and volunteer support to establish fully so that it may evolve gradually.
In addition, UFT is committed to community support by occasionally hosting fundraising matches and special events to raise money for charitable organizations, such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, homeless veterans, and St. Jude’s. These events allow participants to engage with their community meaningfully while supporting important causes.

Ultimate Field Target Rules
Match Formats
1. Short Range Ultimate Field Target:
• Shooting Distances: 15 to 55 yards
• Maximum Power: 50 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: Each target is shot twice, totaling 48 shots in a 12-lane setup.
2. Long Range Ultimate Field Target:
• Shooting Distances: 25 to 100 yards
• Maximum Power: 100 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: Each target is shot twice, totaling 48 shots in a 12-lane setup.
3. The Full Monty:
• Shooting Distances: Near, middle, and far targets, up to 50 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: 6 shots per lane (two shots per target), totaling 72 shots in a 12-lane setup.
4. UFT recommends a minimum of 10 lanes or the use of repeating lanes to achieve a comparable shot total for standardized comparison across locations, though this is not a requirement.
Ammo and Equipment
• Ammo: Only mass-produced ammo is permitted, including pellets, slugs, and .22 rimfire subsonic ammo where range policies allow.
• Rifle Package Weight: Maximum of 16 lbs, including all accessories.
• Scope Magnification: Limited to 25x. Shooters may use scopes with higher magnification but must adhere to the closest factory marking at or below 25x on the honor system.
Course Layout and Targeting
• Distances: All distances will be given, and range finders are allowed and encouraged.
• Course Difficulty: Standard course difficulty is comparable to a 36-40 Troyer scale, with higher difficulty levels reserved for national or special events.
• Target Type: Only knockdown-style targets with pull-to-reset or shoot-to-reset functionality will be used.
• Color-Coded Scoring: Scorecards and corresponding target markers will be color-coded by class and division to help shooters identify targets accurately and reduce confusion.
• Forced Positions: Some courses may include forced shooting positions, such as standing (with a tripod or bipod) or kneeling. However, this is not mandatory and is determined by each Club’s voting process within their rule set.
Time Limits and Support
• Time Limit: Shooters have a 4-minute time limit per lane, which also applies to the “Full Monty” format with 6 shots per lane.
• Shooting Support: All shooters will compete seated, using a bucket or stool with a “V” type bipod, with no flat bottoms or custom accessories to assist in holding the rifle.
Community Engagement and Scoring
• Online Platform: A website is being developed to include match results, community feedback, and a voluntary Shooter ID program for class placements. As a growing entity, the website features will be implemented as resources and volunteer support become available.

Conclusion
Ultimate Field Target strives to build a supportive, family-friendly community where marksmanship and fellowship are at the core. Whether you’re new to airgun shooting sports or a seasoned competitor, UFT invites you to join us as we grow, evolve, and bring the excitement of airgun shooting to more people nationwide. With a focus on accessibility, flexibility, and charitable outreach, UFT offers a unique and rewarding experience for shooters of all backgrounds.

This change provides a flexible approach to hosting charitable events, emphasizing community involvement as part of UFT’s values. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!

 

[Dewy]

Cole. Thanks for posting this. Great video And looks like a lot of fun. Dang I need to move closer to some air gun fun. Do you happen to have a video of the various gear you use when shooting a match?

 

[Franklink]

Cole. Thanks for posting this. Great video And looks like a lot of fun. Dang I need to move closer to some air gun fun. Do you happen to have a video of the various gear you use when shooting a match?

Field target really is a bunch of fun. I'm glad to live within a few hrs driving distance of various matches.

I'm sorry I don't have a video that goes over the gear. I so have a couple photos though.

The most common position used in field target these days is some variation of "bucket and sticks." Many sit on a five gallon bucket and use the two legged Primos brand of "Trigger Sticks." I prefer a lower seat height so use a collapsible stool and the Primos brand "Pole Cat Steady Stix" or some homebrew crossed sticks that are very similar.

Here's me in that position from a little prairie dog shooting session I had a few months ago. 44 of the 48 shots in the match in the video above were taken from this position. (Elbows on knees is critical for stability). Notice the rope between the legs of the shooting sticks to keep them more stable. Most shooters add some sort of rope/string to the legs to keep the legs from spreading out too far.

Here's the gun with the PARD scope atop. The goofy looking stuff on top of the scope is the built in laser rangefinder and night vision hardware. Notice the little peg on the shoulder "pad." That aids in keeping the gun from dropping out of the shoulder pocket.

And here's a photo of me taken by my buddy Van at a match last winter. Stool, score clipboard and water bottle in my left hand. Homemade gun caddy in my right. The white towel on the gun is to keep the scope from heating up so much in the sun. The caddy is convenient mostly cuz it keeps my stuff out of the dirt. But it's pretty simple, just PVC pipe suspending a little wooden tray with some dividers. Pipe insulation in the yokes where the gun sits. Little Red yarn on the muzzle poking out from under the towel. Simple wind indicator, another common tactic field target shooters use to help in knowing wind speed/direction.

 

[17dean]

Being that I have never actually attended one of these events .see this video, it was quite interesting and definitely has peaked my interest. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Ranchibi]

Very cool video! Thanks for sharing! Great shooting!

 

[Uglyjohn]

Impressive to see that you waited out the wind on that long bunny. Good job Cole! Uj

 

[Franklink]

Impressive to see that you waited out the wind on that long bunny. Good job Cole! Uj

Thank you.

That one was nerve wracking. I'm usually pretty hurried in my shooting, often probably shooting too fast. But I was able to exert some self restraint on that one. Hard to tell with all the reticle waving around but I was shifting back and forth between what I felt I needed as a hold off for the peaks and the troughs of the wind speed. There's a lot more info in the scope view of the PARD that doesnt show in the videos. One of those things is the timer for the current video. And since I was hitting record at the beginning of each lane, I knew where I was at in the 4 minute window to get the 4 shots off.

The coming together of the mental game and the prematch trajectory verification and applying that to the conditions presented is all part of why field target is such a fun challenge.

 

[EDventure]

Compare the AAFTA rules to the preliminary that we have come up with. I think you will find by stating distances and uping the power to 50ftlbs for short range and full monty. With up to 100 ftlbs for long range. You will see that many more people or shooters will be welcomed to the discipline. So lesson the equipment race and increase the amount of shooters. If you are a range director or FT club that wants to grow give this a try. It basically allows anyone that wants to shoot a broad application to do so.



UFT 10-14-24
Overview Rules:

Ultimate Field Target: What is UFT and the Vision for the Future
Overview
Ultimate Field Target (UFT) brings a fresh, inclusive approach to airgun shooting sports, combining elements from traditional Field Target shooting across various distances. Designed for any shooter with nearly any airgun, UFT provides three distinct options: Short Range, Long Range, and the “Full Monty.” Clubs and Ranges can host one, two, or all three formats depending on their specific capabilities and community needs.
The vision for UFT is to foster a family-friendly, community-oriented sport that values precision, marksmanship, and camaraderie. We believe in a sport that is accessible and welcoming to shooters of all skill levels, promoting a supportive environment where participants can connect, grow, and share the enjoyment of shooting sports with friends and family.
Currently, UFT has dedicated locations in Upstate NY (Binghamton Area), Texas (San Antonio Area), and Phoenix, AZ. These locations showcase the flexibility of UFT and provide shooters with various challenges across different terrains and distances.
We’re also building an online presence, which will eventually feature match results, shooter feedback, and a voluntary Shooter ID program. As it becomes available, the website will help shooters track their progress, connect with others, and participate in discussions on the future of UFT. This platform will take time and volunteer support to establish fully so that it may evolve gradually.
In addition, UFT is committed to community support by occasionally hosting fundraising matches and special events to raise money for charitable organizations, such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, homeless veterans, and St. Jude’s. These events allow participants to engage with their community meaningfully while supporting important causes.

Ultimate Field Target Rules
Match Formats
1. Short Range Ultimate Field Target:
• Shooting Distances: 15 to 55 yards
• Maximum Power: 50 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: Each target is shot twice, totaling 48 shots in a 12-lane setup.
2. Long Range Ultimate Field Target:
• Shooting Distances: 25 to 100 yards
• Maximum Power: 100 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: Each target is shot twice, totaling 48 shots in a 12-lane setup.
3. The Full Monty:
• Shooting Distances: Near, middle, and far targets, up to 50 ft-lbs
• Shot Count: 6 shots per lane (two shots per target), totaling 72 shots in a 12-lane setup.
4. UFT recommends a minimum of 10 lanes or the use of repeating lanes to achieve a comparable shot total for standardized comparison across locations, though this is not a requirement.
Ammo and Equipment
• Ammo: Only mass-produced ammo is permitted, including pellets, slugs, and .22 rimfire subsonic ammo where range policies allow.
• Rifle Package Weight: Maximum of 16 lbs, including all accessories.
• Scope Magnification: Limited to 25x. Shooters may use scopes with higher magnification but must adhere to the closest factory marking at or below 25x on the honor system.
Course Layout and Targeting
• Distances: All distances will be given, and range finders are allowed and encouraged.
• Course Difficulty: Standard course difficulty is comparable to a 36-40 Troyer scale, with higher difficulty levels reserved for national or special events.
• Target Type: Only knockdown-style targets with pull-to-reset or shoot-to-reset functionality will be used.
• Color-Coded Scoring: Scorecards and corresponding target markers will be color-coded by class and division to help shooters identify targets accurately and reduce confusion.
• Forced Positions: Some courses may include forced shooting positions, such as standing (with a tripod or bipod) or kneeling. However, this is not mandatory and is determined by each Club’s voting process within their rule set.
Time Limits and Support
• Time Limit: Shooters have a 4-minute time limit per lane, which also applies to the “Full Monty” format with 6 shots per lane.
• Shooting Support: All shooters will compete seated, using a bucket or stool with a “V” type bipod, with no flat bottoms or custom accessories to assist in holding the rifle.
Community Engagement and Scoring
• Online Platform: A website is being developed to include match results, community feedback, and a voluntary Shooter ID program for class placements. As a growing entity, the website features will be implemented as resources and volunteer support become available.

Conclusion
Ultimate Field Target strives to build a supportive, family-friendly community where marksmanship and fellowship are at the core. Whether you’re new to airgun shooting sports or a seasoned competitor, UFT invites you to join us as we grow, evolve, and bring the excitement of airgun shooting to more people nationwide. With a focus on accessibility, flexibility, and charitable outreach, UFT offers a unique and rewarding experience for shooters of all backgrounds.

This change provides a flexible approach to hosting charitable events, emphasizing community involvement as part of UFT’s values. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!

Thanks for the video Cole and look forward to shooting with you soon.

As a new competitor, I do enjoy the "unlimited" categories. I'm not interested in ranging and have no aspirations to compete in WFT. Plus, I like that I can shoot any of my rifles and don't have to worry about being over-powered. I just love getting out and plicking metal. It brings me back to my childhood. I hope more events like this will be available to all of us.

 

[Franklink]

Thanks for the video Cole and look forward to shooting with you soon.

As a new competitor, I do enjoy the "unlimited" categories. I'm not interested in ranging and have no aspirations to compete in WFT. Plus, I like that I can shoot any of my rifles and don't have to worry about being over-powered. I just love getting out and plicking metal. It brings me back to my childhood. I hope more events like this will be available to all of us.

I'm excited for the new format (Unlimited FT) as well.

AAFTA is a fun game, and I'll continue to shoot AAFTA-like matches. But it is HEAVY on the range -by-focus aspect. And also very equipment-race oriented. 12 and 20fpe.

And the current version of Extreme Field Target is leaning more and more to oomph, with competitors creeping closer and closer towards that 100fpe limit.

That leaves a middle ground of airguns in the 21 to 50ish fpe range that don't have a place to play and be competitive (or are slowly losing a place to be competitive). And I'd hazard a guess that there's more 28-36fpe .22 airguns owned out there than any other fpe range. And with known distances, a guy doesn't need a high dollar scope.

So Ben's idea with the new format opens up the possibilities quite a lot. If you've got an airgun, you can come and shoot, simple as that. Doesn't need to be a $3000+ rig. Doesn't need to have a giant dinner plate stuck to the side of it to range by focus. Doesn't need to be capable of pushing expensive .30 pellets up to 99.789 fpe.

 

[Nofilters]

JOIN IN THE FUN!!!!!

Anyone can compete!!!
Anyone can host!!!!!!!
Family Fun

 

[steve123]

Thanks Franklink for the video! Man I wish my wobble zone was like yours. Yours is like a 5th of a KZ and mine is more like a 3rd of a KZ.

I don't know why but hitting a Field Target's Kill Zone and seeing the target fall through the scope makes me feel great.

Shooting at paper targets is okay, and represents another type of satisfaction or goal, but doesn't do the same thing for me as knocking down steel does. Ha, maybe if I got a 250 on a EBR card that'd feel pretty great too but that's darn near impossible.

Who doesn't like placing high or even winning but I'm there to have fun and the more steel that goes down the more fun I have. I'm so glad I ran across this sport/game all those years ago and for the people I've met and become friends with in the process.

Hitting steel = It's been this way for me since I was 8 years old when I was at my Dad's friends house and knocked a tin can off a saw horse using his son's BB gun. The sound and the downrange reaction.....
In my life this desire progressed into Metallic Silhouette and later on Vintage Sniper on the same targets, The American Handgunner World Shootoffs, long range steel matches with centerfires including ELR, NRL22, other long range 22rf events, and of course FT.

For those that haven't yet get out there and try FT or UFT and you'll probably experience "that feeling" we FT shooters have enjoyed.

 

[Franklink]

Thanks Franklink for the video! Man I wish my wobble zone was like yours. Yours is like a 5th of a KZ and mine is more like a 3rd of a KZ.

I don't know why but hitting a Field Target's Kill Zone and seeing the target fall through the scope makes me feel great.

Shooting at paper targets is okay, and represents another type of satisfaction or goal, but doesn't do the same thing for me as knocking down steel does. Ha, maybe if I got a 250 on a EBR card that'd feel pretty great too but that's darn near impossible.

Who doesn't like placing high or even winning but I'm there to have fun and the more steel that goes down the more fun I have. I'm so glad I ran across this sport/game all those years ago and for the people I've met and become friends with in the process.

Hitting steel = It's been this way for me since I was 8 years old when I was at my Dad's friends house and knocked a tin can off a saw horse using his son's BB gun. The sound and the downrange reaction.....
In my life this desire progressed into Metalic Silhouette and later on Vintage Sniper on the same targets, The American Handgunner World Shootoffs, long range steel steel matches with centerfires including ELR, NRL22, other long range 22rf events, and of course FT.

For those that haven't yet get out there and try FT or UFT and you'll probably experience "that feeling" we FT shooters have enjoyed.

Lol, must be youth. I think a large part of the perceived lack of wobble in that video is the reduced magnification and clarity. And that's my more wobbly set of shooting sticks, they've got more flex than my more solid pair. But they're lighter and more convenient.

As for the rest, I agree completely. So dang fun to bang some steel. That's the hard part of getting people to try field target...on paper, or from afar, it doesn't seem like it'd be as much fun as it is in reality. There's just something really addicting about being able to poke that pellet/slug into a kill zone way the heck out there and be rewarded with the target falling down.

The aspect of setting up a gun/scope/projectile, practicing with it and figuring out the trajectory, and then having that all come together at a match in a good score is very rewarding as well.

 

[R&R1911]

Cole that looks like a ton of fun!
I enjoyed shooting your Ghost at the FT match in August... Looks like another reason to get a rifle. Still have not been down to the valley to shop, but hopefully soon.

Would these matches be held in the same places as the other FT matches? With known yardage I imagine they would not be shot at the same time...

 

[Franklink]

Cole that looks like a ton of fun!
I enjoyed shooting your Ghost at the FT match in August... Looks like another reason to get a rifle. Still have not been down to the valley to shop, but hopefully soon.

Would these matches be held in the same places as the other FT matches? With known yardage I imagine they would not be shot at the same time...

Hey Ryan!

I think Ben @Nofilters is still working out the logistics so maybe he'll chime in....

My understanding with the new format that he's working on is three targets per lane. Near, middle, far. The only restriction is that a gun producing more than 50fpe cannot shoot at the near target. But if you want to use your "regular" field target gun (sub20fpe) and you're wanting to shoot an AAFTA-style match, you can shoot at near and middle targets. And don't look at the posted distances . Or if your gun is under 50fpe then you can shoot at at all three targets.

The general idea is that anybody with an airgun under 100fpe can come and shoot and enjoy a match. An AAFTA guy can follow mostly AAfTA rules if they want the practice (ranging by focus to determine distances). A guy with a typical 35fpe .22 that likes to hunt can use that gun to shoot and use the distances supplied. A slug fan can come shoot with slugs. A subsonic rimfire guy can even join on the fun.

Essentially, inclusivity.

 

[R&R1911]

After shooting exactly one field match and still not owning a rifle yet, I am already excited about another new game!
Having the options/choices to shoot different disciplines on the same field is really interesting!!! I imagine one could even shoot through at 12 or 20 fpe, and then adjust or change rifles and come back and try at 35 or 50...

 

[Motorhead]

After shooting exactly one field match and still not owning a rifle yet, I am already excited about another new game!
Having the options/choices to shoot different disciplines on the same field is really interesting!!! I imagine one could even shoot through at 12 or 20 fpe, and then adjust or change rifles and come back and try at 35 or 50...

Issue we Match Directors have and it relates to targets .... Is rattle downs !! Even at AAFTA 12 & 20 fpe limits the targets adjusted for an any place on KZ hit sensitivity with a 12 fpe hit, might very well be rattled down with a 20 fpe miss against the face plate.
This issue only gets more an issue with high power FT as targets MUST NOT be able in being rattled down with outside the KZ strikes on faceplate. Which then equates to lower power strikes on actual KZ paddle being insufficient to transfer enough energy to trip the mechanics and drop the target.

We who have played the FT game for years have had freebees due to rattle downs and smiled, yet also sent one into KZ and not had target fall. Protests on such can go either way

 

[Nofilters]

After shooting exactly one field match and still not owning a rifle yet, I am already excited about another new game!
Having the options/choices to shoot different disciplines on the same field is really interesting!!! I imagine one could even shoot through at 12 or 20 fpe, and then adjust or change rifles and come back and try at 35 or 50...

Yes, you are correct. The whole point of the Ultimate Field Target is to be Ultimate !!!right ,lol. matches I try very hard not to overlap or conflict to answer your first question.as far as optics and rifles. There are many places and I strongly recommend that you shop around and don’t be afraid to look at the used market as well. There’s also the option you can buy direct from Daystate if you are interested in a Daystate rifle you do not have to buy from a United States distributor . I think the most versatile gun is a modified RedWolf. Not everybody feels comfortable number one with electronics and number two modifying the electronics however, the adjustability is very simple and very fast and on the fly you don’t need a programmer like you do with a regular Redwolf and you can adjust everything through the trigger. This allows you to have 12 different power
Level settings so you can have a setting for 12 ftlb,20 ftlb, 50 flbs and higher depending upon your caliber and even a setting for 70 ftlbs pounds with a 30 caliber. The optics game is very confusing and if you’re going to be using the gun for multiple types of Field Target, you may want to look at a higher end scope that is known for good ranging because ranging is part of the game. I think it promotes less participation because of extra cost, but that’s my personal opinion that’s why I am pursuing the Ultimate Field Target with a known distances so you literally can buy $100 or $150 Scope with a $300 gun and come out and play and have fun and be competitive. Are the higher price guns and higher price scopes make your task easier ,yes. Those cheap guns can be very competitive. The example of the national title with a Marauder and UTG Scope now not everybody can do that but it shows that it is possible So, if you can try before you buy. and.The nice thing about Field Target shooters is ( mostly)they’ll be more than glad to let you shoot their rig and tell you the pros and cons and what stumbling blocks they’ve gone over. So, I would you do the research and you’ll be a lot happier Customer in the end in my opinion I hope that answers your questions and I will try to help anyway I can. I normally don’t get on Airgun Nation. franklink usually text me and let me know that someone ask a question that’s how I know to get on Airgun Nation but I normally don’t get on . ty vm for your interest in growing the sport.

 

[Frank in Fairfield]

Uh huh.

 

[cavedweller]

I'm excited for the new format (Unlimited FT) as well.

AAFTA is a fun game, and I'll continue to shoot AAFTA-like matches. But it is HEAVY on the range -by-focus aspect. And also very equipment-race oriented. 12 and 20fpe.

And the current version of Extreme Field Target is leaning more and more to oomph, with competitors creeping closer and closer towards that 100fpe limit.

That leaves a middle ground of airguns in the 21 to 50ish fpe range that don't have a place to play and be competitive (or are slowly losing a place to be competitive). And I'd hazard a guess that there's more 28-36fpe .22 airguns owned out there than any other fpe range. And with known distances, a guy doesn't need a high dollar scope.

So Ben's idea with the new format opens up the possibilities quite a lot. If you've got an airgun, you can come and shoot, simple as that. Doesn't need to be a $3000+ rig. Doesn't need to have a giant dinner plate stuck to the side of it to range by focus. Doesn't need to be capable of pushing expensive .30 pellets up to 99.789 fpe.

@Franklink - by Ben, you mean Ben Spencer?