Nation,
I do know there is some debate upon the use of slugs in many different types of airgun competition, but some things do need to be clarified. In Europe, it seems that the issue has been addressed, and slugs, proper, are specifically not allowed. No problem.
AAFTA rules, the way I see them, and interpret them, does not specifically state NO SLUGS. The rule stated above, taken directly from the AAFTA rulebook, states "Any design of pellet made of lead.......". I translate "Any design of pellet", to include a solid projectile. That's my interpretation, and, have inquired and asked a good deal of officials in AAFTA the same, and their interpretation was the same as mine.
I do realize that they are not allowed in benchrest. My original vision was to use these in AAFTA Field Target competition, and hopefully find one that works in a 12 ft lb platform. I've had just OK success with that.
Realizing that sometime down the road, they will be allowed in benchrest, I'll have these little rockets tweaked to perfection, for their one day inclusion into benchrest, which the gentleman above stated that there will be a class for it in the future......I'll be ready.
As many of you know, I have been a world class Field Crossbow competitor for many years, recently retired. Back in my beginning days of competition (early 90's), one size arrow and weight was used. Not because of any rule prohibiting it, it just what was TRADITIONALLY used and done. Aluminum arrows had a finite life in the crossbow world, due to their abuse, and use. Any size or construction of a production arrow, available to all, was allowed, yet everyone used that one size of aluminum arrow, due to the width of their track, that the arrow rested on.
Along comes me. I decided after I was in the sport for a while, I'd push the boundaries. I used the largest diameter arrow made, and destroyed the US National and World Indoor records......twice. The "Traditionalists" did not like that, so rules were implemented limiting arrow diameter considerably smaller than what I used. I never shot those arrows ever again.
I then decided to push the limits in a different way......go to a different design of arrow, the aluminum/carbon mix. I now went and acquired the SMALLEST diameter arrow, and a material that no one used. The other competitors said I couldn't use that material of arrow, not because of rules prohibiting them, but it just wouldn't work.
After smashing my own National and World Indoor record AGAIN, some competitors protested that arrow, even though it was legal by the rules. Their attempt was shot down, and I continued using those arrows up to my last competition.
Based on that lesson above, it seems people do not like, nor accept change, particularly when beaten by another competitor, and will do everything they can in their power to stifle them. I just wouldn't let them. When they said I couldn't do this, I did it. When they said I couldn't do that, I did that as well.
When the World Championships come to the US, I will God willing, be able to shoot it. And yes, I will use a "diabolo " style pellet.. But when rules are more clearly defined, and shooting disciplines are more accepting to slugs, proper, I'll be ready.
Tom Holland
Field Target Tech
