Field Target is an arms race.

[cavedweller]

Says Mr. 3 groove custom hammer forged barrel to Mr. $3000 scope and $4000 rifle...

You guys are a hoot! Your shooting at levels most people can't even comprehend.

To compete with that requires many years of experience and many thousands of dollars. You could work a lifetime whittling down that last 1/2" of error in field conditions with a pellet rifle.

I for one will just shoot shotgun shells and soup cans in the sand pit and be amazed at all the precision you guys have mustered.

I'm still crosseyed from looking down that three groove barrel. I think it tangled up an optic nerve or something.

Mindset thing … I don’t go to matches to compete… I go to have fun and fellowship.

 

[AirNGasman]

Perspective...

Is a matter of perspective.

.

 

[dgeesaman]

That one is gonna hard to prove, either direction, specifically because the arms race is the prevailing mindset. Whether the phrase offends someone or not,
guys incrementally buying "better" is the norm. And scores improving is also the norm. Chicken or the egg? Sure.

What is a fact is your monthly moaning session about an equipment race.

 

[Franklink]

Perspective...

Is a matter of perspective.

.

Yep, "expensive" and "cheap" are all relative.

 

[Franklink]

What is a fact is your monthly moaning session about an equipment race.

???

 

[Franklink]

It's been entertaining to see the thought process and mentalities in some of the responses.

The equipment race isn't something that keeps me up at night folks. I'm not passing judgement as I've been just as active in it as the next guy. Buying new scopes and guns is fun, and the hunt for a more accurate gun is addictive.

Whether somebody disagrees with my verbiage or not, the process of continually spending more and more and buying "better" and "better" equipment is simply an integral part of the game.

Does the amount of anger you feel towards my initial post correlate with how much YOU spent on the current rig you're running? And are you mad b/c you're not getting the scores you wanted out of it? Or because I reminded you of how much it cost?

Lots of comments here essentially saying you cant buy better scores. I'll concede that you can't buy better scores without practice....but will also state that combining a better rig with more practice WILL improve scores.

How many of you guys are still running the same gun and scope you shot at your first match?

 

[JohnTaylor]

Growing the Sport of Field Target: A Call for Unity





Field Target has always been a sport that celebrates precision, skill, and camaraderie. It’s one of the few activities where shooters of all ages and abilities can come together, enjoy friendly competition, and share a passion for marksmanship. In many ways, it’s a sport that uniquely lends itself to being a family affair, bringing together generations in a shared pursuit.





However, I’ve noticed a growing focus in some circles on equipment—specifically, the divide between “cheap” and “expensive” setups or “good” and “bad” gear. While it’s true that equipment plays a role in any sport, I believe we must remember this: it’s the shooter behind the trigger who makes the difference, not the price tag of their rifle.





Great shooters can deliver incredible results with modest equipment, while even the most expensive setups won’t guarantee success without practice, patience, and skill. The beauty of Field Target lies in its inclusivity. It’s a sport where nearly anyone can start, regardless of their budget, and grow their skills over time.





Shifting the Focus





Our shared goal should be to grow the sport and welcome new participants. Instead of focusing on what gear others are using, let’s focus on making Field Target more accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive.


• Encourage New Shooters: Offer guidance, mentorship, and support to those just starting out, regardless of their equipment.


• Celebrate Participation: Every shooter who steps up to the line contributes to the community and keeps the sport alive.


• Maintain Perspective: The most important competition is between ourselves and our personal bests, not whose rifle or scope costs more.





Field Target is one of the few remaining sports that truly welcomes families, young and old alike. If we lose sight of this, we risk alienating potential shooters who could bring new energy and diversity to our events.





A Call for Unity





I encourage everyone to focus on growing the sport rather than on comparing equipment. Let’s work together to create an environment where every shooter feels valued, regardless of their gear. After all, Field Target is about more than just hitting targets—it’s about building a community, sharing a passion, and passing it on to future generations.





Let’s aim for a future where our sport thrives because of our shared commitment to its growth, not because of the equipment we use. Together, we can ensure Field Target remains the inclusive, family-friendly sport we all love.





What do you think? Let’s have a constructive conversation about how we can make this happen.

I wholeheartedly agree! Very well put. Thank you! John

 

[thomasair]

You can absolutely buy better scores....but you're not gonna move very far up the ladder without the work to go with it.

 

[Franklink]

You can absolutely buy better scores....but you're not gonna move very far up the ladder without the work to go with it.

100% agree on this statement.

I'm curious if the saltiness from so many is that they spent the coin, but didnt put in the practice.

 

[thomasair]

100% agree on this statement.

I'm curious if the saltiness from so many is that they spent the coin, but didnt put in the practice.

Not everyone can practice as much as you. lol

 

[Franklink]

Not everyone can practice as much as you. lol

Can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. I know you put more projectiles downrange than I do. But, yes, I do shoot quite a bit, mostly because I just enjoy it.

 

[thomasair]

I was mimicking something one of the greats said to you.

 

[Franklink]

I was mimicking something one of the greats said to you.

Ahh yes. That little gem.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

Mindset thing … I don’t go to matches to compete… I go to have fun and fellowship.

I go to the local farmers market for fun and fellowship. There is more fun and fewer fellows. And you don't need an expensive rifle to be competitive.

I understand the attraction of an organized match. I'll attend one in the future and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I know you guys love it and that's groovy. I'm happy being a spectator and learning things that may help me shoot better. I may even consider shooting if I can be competitive using my crude springers made of mud and sticks.

‐-‐--‐----------

I think there should be "claimer shoots". You can use any rifle and optic you want in the match. After the match any rifle can be purchased for $500 by anyone who claims them. You shoot what you can afford to loose. And anyone can join the game with a competitive rifle for $500 by claiming one.

Competitors limit their equipment to what they can afford to loose. If you can shoot a $250 rig then your rifle is safe. But if you need more than $500 to play the game someone is going to buy it after the match.

It's a perfect game to balance skills with the arms race. We used to race old junker cars with those rules and MANY people participated. Lots of guys that have been racing for decades started with a "claimer" they bought or built and raced on the cheap. Pellet gun matches should have an entry class with rules like this so the unwashed masses could participate with their sh!tty equimpent.

 

[thomasair]

I go to the local farmers market for fun and fellowship. There is more fun and fewer fellows. And you don't need an expensive rifle to be competitive.

I understand the attraction of an organized match. I'll attend one in the future and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I know you guys love it and that's groovy. I'm happy being a spectator and learning things that may help me shoot better. I may even consider shooting if I can be competitive using my crude springers made of mud and sticks.

‐-‐--‐----------

I think there should be "claimer shoots". You can use any rifle and optic you want in the match. After the match any rifle can be purchased for $500 by anyone who claims them. You shoot what you can afford to loose. And anyone can join the game with a competitive rifle for $500 by claiming one.

Competitors limit their equipment to what they can afford to loose. If you can shoot a $250 rig then your rifle is safe. But if you need more than $500 to play the game someone is going to buy it after the match.

It's a perfect game to balance skills with the arms race. We used to race old junker cars with those rules and MANY people participated. Lots of guys that have been racing for decades started with a "claimer" they bought or built and raced on the cheap. Pellet gun matches should have an entry class with rules like this so the unwashed masses could participate with their sh!tty equimpent.

I used to race IMCA modifieds and remember a few races where people nearly died after riots over engine claims. I'm not kidding, either.

That said, it's not a bad idea....but I don't know if it would fly.

 

[Cloud9AG]

It's been entertaining to see the thought process and mentalities in some of the responses.

The equipment race isn't something that keeps me up at night folks. I'm not passing judgement as I've been just as active in it as the next guy. Buying new scopes and guns is fun, and the hunt for a more accurate gun is addictive.

Whether somebody disagrees with my verbiage or not, the process of continually spending more and more and buying "better" and "better" equipment is simply an integral part of the game.

Does the amount of anger you feel towards my initial post correlate with how much YOU spent on the current rig you're running? And are you mad b/c you're not getting the scores you wanted out of it? Or because I reminded you of how much it cost?

Lots of comments here essentially saying you cant buy better scores. I'll concede that you can't buy better scores without practice....but will also state that combining a better rig with more practice WILL improve scores.

How many of you guys are still running the same gun and scope you shot at your first match?

IMO, your posts about FT being an equipment race don’t help. It feels to me like you’re bored and want something to talk about. Now NoFilters had a decent post that I can get behind, mostly because we do all of those things at my club and don't worry about who has what equipment. I’m also not inclined to change any rules or create new classes when the structure in place with AAFTA has lots of opportunities to participate.

 

[Iowa Airgunner]

I started shooting open field target with a browning leverage under lever. And a 25 x UTG scope. I shot three times a day about 500 -1500 pellets a week. And felt my equipment was holding me back. So I bought a tx200 and a scope for 315 dollars with 60 X magnification. And I felt like I got better.
One day just for kicks I did a shoot out with the Leverage vs the TX at 35 yards. The TX did just a little bit better. Like the Tx had a 1/4 inch hole and the leverage was 3/8 one hole group. The difference for twice the money is 1/8 inch group.
In the springer world the arms race has sorta stopped.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

I used to race IMCA modifieds and remember a few races where people nearly died after riots over engine claims. I'm not kidding, either.

That said, it's not a bad idea....but I don't know if it would fly.

There are always heated moments with guys who are really serious about competition.

...another good reason to turn it down a notch or two for the greenhorns who are a bit apprehensive about "competition shooting".

It's a door to get into pellet gun shooting for the average guy. I enjoy shooting against guys that shoot better than I do. But if there is a huge disparity in experience and equipment it's just not sport anymore.

Pellet rifles are so much more than FT matches. Just like cars are so much more than Indy. Shooting needs a lowrider hop and some off-road races so the average Joe can participate. Not new rules to your games but rather a completely new game geared more toward fun and building skills with basic equipment.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

I started shooting open field target with a browning leverage under lever. And a 25 x UTG scope. I shot three times a day about 500 -1500 pellets a week. And felt my equipment was holding me back. So I bought a tx200 and a scope for 315 dollars with 60 X magnification. And I felt like I got better.
One day just for kicks I did a shoot out with the Leverage vs the TX at 35 yards. The TX did just a little bit better. Like the Tx had a 1/4 inch hole and the leverage was 3/8 one hole group. The difference for twice the money is 1/8 inch group.
In the springer world the arms race has sorta stopped.

Exactly.

A $250 Cometa 400 with iron sights will shoot right at an inch at 50 yards sitting in a lawn chair with elbows on your knees.

Shaving a half inch off that pattern is going to cost another thousand bucks and you'll have to use a rest.

Shaving another 1/8" will cost another $4k and you'll have to make an obsession out of it.

I can shoot the $250 gun off my knees using cheap pellets at a 2" target at 50 yards and hit it 90% of the time. Im satisfied with that.

It saves a pile of frogskins and I still have money left to buy a new outboard and boat gas for a year, plus travel to an FT match in Arizona to watch the big boys shoot.

They will shoot a LOT better than I can but I can shoot ALMOST as well as they do. Then I can go fishing 2 nights a week for the rest of the season. It's a win/win for everyone involved.

 

[thomasair]

Anyone can go to a ft match and have fun with their poopty equipment. No need to start anything new.

Unless...having fun actually means beating someone else with similarly poopty equipment and receiving some sort of award or recognition for it. It's a slippery slope.