I’m a newb to FT and need your advice
- Thread starter Pale_Rider
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Depends where you are currently and what aspect of your FT game you would like to improve?
I have some questions for you first:
1. What class of FT are you shooting?
2. How many matches have you been to?
3. What reasons you believe causing you the most misses?
I have some questions for you first:
1. What class of FT are you shooting?
2. How many matches have you been to?
3. What reasons you believe causing you the most misses?
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I’m currently in Fresno, Ca but am willing to drive as far south as San Diego and as far north as Sacramento. I am a complete newb to FT so I would like to improve every aspect
1) I have not decided a class yet until I learn of the classes involved
2) I haven’t been to any FT matches but want to attend one soon
3) As I am a complete newb to FT I cannot answer this question
1) I have not decided a class yet until I learn of the classes involved
2) I haven’t been to any FT matches but want to attend one soon
3) As I am a complete newb to FT I cannot answer this question
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First you will want to dope the rifle you plan to use. This means you will find where your scope focuses at specific yardages and make them on the wheel or front AO. 10, 11 ,12 ,13 ,14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 yards.
Next identify where your rifle hits at each of these ranges. You will use the mill dots in the scope and record where you hit.
Next you will want to practice range finding.
Practice your off hand and kneeling shots. Even just shoot off hand in the garage. Aim small hit small. After a few weeks of practice you will be surprised at the improvement you will see.
This will get you started. There is more to learn but don’t be intimidated as half the fun is learning.
Next identify where your rifle hits at each of these ranges. You will use the mill dots in the scope and record where you hit.
Next you will want to practice range finding.
Practice your off hand and kneeling shots. Even just shoot off hand in the garage. Aim small hit small. After a few weeks of practice you will be surprised at the improvement you will see.
This will get you started. There is more to learn but don’t be intimidated as half the fun is learning.
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The above is very good advice.
A couple more questions?
What scoped rifle do you have that you would consider using for field target, or are you planning to buy a new outfit? Do you own something you can get started with for practice?
The rifle should be 17 caliber, and scoped.
There is a limit of 20 foot pounds on the high end.
A couple more questions?
What scoped rifle do you have that you would consider using for field target, or are you planning to buy a new outfit? Do you own something you can get started with for practice?
The rifle should be 17 caliber, and scoped.
There is a limit of 20 foot pounds on the high end.
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I would recommend you start with finding local club match, contacting someone and attending one match. Usually match directors have loaner rifles already set up and will bring it for you to use.
You probably will start in hunter class, shooting most of your shots sitting on the bucket and using hunting sticks to support your rifle. Big decision at this point is what equipment to go with. You will hear a lot of recommendations, maybe you already have rifle, maybe you would want to buy something that you see someone has. Ask guy to try theirs, see what you like.
For first time shooter, my advice would be to understand that this is precision game. Each shot counts. You have loopy trajectory that pellet goes thru, it is important to know you hold points for every distance from 10 yards to 55 yards. Scope is more important than a rifle. You can do well with $200 rifle, not so much with the scope.
Once you've been to the match you will learn much more and can ask focused questions. If you are going with your own equipment to first match, make sure you have range card for it with hold over points for distances between 10 to 55 yards. Make sure gun is capable of 1 inch 10 shot groups at 55 yards. Shoot from bucket and sticks. Shoot standing and kneeling.
Happy shooting, Vasyl.
You probably will start in hunter class, shooting most of your shots sitting on the bucket and using hunting sticks to support your rifle. Big decision at this point is what equipment to go with. You will hear a lot of recommendations, maybe you already have rifle, maybe you would want to buy something that you see someone has. Ask guy to try theirs, see what you like.
For first time shooter, my advice would be to understand that this is precision game. Each shot counts. You have loopy trajectory that pellet goes thru, it is important to know you hold points for every distance from 10 yards to 55 yards. Scope is more important than a rifle. You can do well with $200 rifle, not so much with the scope.
Once you've been to the match you will learn much more and can ask focused questions. If you are going with your own equipment to first match, make sure you have range card for it with hold over points for distances between 10 to 55 yards. Make sure gun is capable of 1 inch 10 shot groups at 55 yards. Shoot from bucket and sticks. Shoot standing and kneeling.
Happy shooting, Vasyl.
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Oh, and if you have not read the post two below yours, picture below. You should. It starts with my new HFT gun ...
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Most of it's been mentioned already but...
A good rule of thumb is to spend the most money you feel comfortable with on your gear. An accurate rifle that doesn't exhibit "point of impact/POI" shifts, has a light-ish trigger, and has a nice scope on it, makes the sport much more enjoyable!!! I say this because I've seen way to many beginners with gun and/or scope problems show up to FT matches and get discouraged right off. In other words don't show up with a Gamo springer sporting a $30 4x scope, mounted in $10 rings.This is where researching the best bang for the buck gear really pays dividends, .
Marksmanship Form = solid fundamentals, like follow through, trigger control, etc, are the other aspects of shooting that must be mastered. You can learn this by plinking on paper and steel, just practice "form" as you have fun. The more you shoot the better you'll get. There are plenty of online resources concerning the development of these skills.
A good rule of thumb is to spend the most money you feel comfortable with on your gear. An accurate rifle that doesn't exhibit "point of impact/POI" shifts, has a light-ish trigger, and has a nice scope on it, makes the sport much more enjoyable!!! I say this because I've seen way to many beginners with gun and/or scope problems show up to FT matches and get discouraged right off. In other words don't show up with a Gamo springer sporting a $30 4x scope, mounted in $10 rings.This is where researching the best bang for the buck gear really pays dividends, .
Marksmanship Form = solid fundamentals, like follow through, trigger control, etc, are the other aspects of shooting that must be mastered. You can learn this by plinking on paper and steel, just practice "form" as you have fun. The more you shoot the better you'll get. There are plenty of online resources concerning the development of these skills.
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I currently have low powered scopes(1-6 & 3-12). I’m deciding which scope to purchase; I have a budget of $300.
I own a few pcp rifles, only 2 of them are in .22 (career & Vulcan) and a springer (D48 in .22). The only .177 I own is a 1377 carbine which I doubt is suitable for FT
. Also, have a 79g(.177) pistol but am not sure if pistols are allowed/suitable for FTUpvote 0
Vasyl,
I think the closest club to me is in Sacramento(2 hours away from me). For now I want to make a homemade FT setup in my backyard. What do you recommend for such a setup?
Also, thank you for the detailed advice
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Oh, and if you have not read the post two below yours, picture below. You should. It starts with my new HFT gun ...
Just read the post you mentioned and I came to the conclusion that I should start with a .177 as I’m no expert with a .22.
Quite inspiring to hear about ken doing well for his first FT match with a brand new rifle!
I was looking at the used 177 Hammerli AR20 that krale has listed. What do you think of that rifle?
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Come on out to the Sacramento Valley Field target club match. Great group of guys. Let us know if you are coming and we can bring a plethora of guns to try. Our Diablo field target club just had a match today at the range in Concord. Come on down...
Sac valley match on 9-28 in Ione. Lots of top knotch shooters willing to lend a hand.
Dave
Sac valley match on 9-28 in Ione. Lots of top knotch shooters willing to lend a hand.
Dave
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I do a decent amount of plinking and some pesting with my current guns although I would still consider myself a newb, as I’m just using instinct to shoot. I recently traded Ranchibi my AF escape for his scoped D48 that was damn near brand new. I am extremely happy with this rifle as it is quite the challenge to shoot.
This is my first group with the D48 (.22)
If I recall correctly, it was a 10 shot group. I read a post a while back about Tom Gaylord’s “artillery hold” that I believe helped me out immensely
Thanks for the advice. I will take my time with buying gear that I’m comfortable with
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Dave,
If I’m able to take the day off, I will absolutely come up to Sacramento to shoot with you guys! Thank you for the invite
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#1 practice.
Likely the close 10 yards shots will be the most troublesome for you, most are acuusumed to holdover for range so that's easy but that shoot lower tha scope angle shots need practice.
Basic rules, have fun ( NOTE this includes mandatory safety practices), rifles under 20fpe - this MAY be waived by the MD at informal shoots but it is heck on the targets so 20fpe max) shopes under 16x for "hunter" class where stix & bipod's allowed. WWFT/international 12fpe max (just so you know someone has won a major event with a low budget pump rig) any ole scope is fine - March 5x whatever-. And the maybe "open"(?) 20 fpe large scopes and shooting harnesses ( STABLE) allowed.
At a non-points match DO just call ahead and speak with the friendly MD, tell them you new have a XXX. Generally no shortage of folks willing to lend rifles/gear to new folks. Sometime great deals to e had also.
I've personally used a variety of rigs/scopes & classes all in the name of improving shooting skills while having fun. Daystate 2000 with old Nikko, Gamo 1000 with duplex 7x, QB based rig's, RWS48 (changing from duplex to mildot for the Nationals). I've also seen others (top shooters unlike myself) use just about any rig combination for many reason. I had an FWB 601 SSP out shoot me (that is a 10m rig ) it was his "only rig" LOL, he even hit the 55 yard targets they just didnt fall. Several RWS 75's , WITH MD advance permission I've seen a 30fpe BSA used 1 time ( and NO 10 yard targets) by a new person.
Simply get to a match. You'll learn everything asap hands on.
Lot's in your area and most clubs have fairly unanounced "short call" shoots so calling/emailing is a good idea.
http://aafta.org/html/organization/organization_aafta_clubs_sw.html
John
Likely the close 10 yards shots will be the most troublesome for you, most are acuusumed to holdover for range so that's easy but that shoot lower tha scope angle shots need practice.
Basic rules, have fun ( NOTE this includes mandatory safety practices), rifles under 20fpe - this MAY be waived by the MD at informal shoots but it is heck on the targets so 20fpe max) shopes under 16x for "hunter" class where stix & bipod's allowed. WWFT/international 12fpe max (just so you know someone has won a major event with a low budget pump rig) any ole scope is fine - March 5x whatever-. And the maybe "open"(?) 20 fpe large scopes and shooting harnesses ( STABLE) allowed.
At a non-points match DO just call ahead and speak with the friendly MD, tell them you new have a XXX. Generally no shortage of folks willing to lend rifles/gear to new folks. Sometime great deals to e had also.
I've personally used a variety of rigs/scopes & classes all in the name of improving shooting skills while having fun. Daystate 2000 with old Nikko, Gamo 1000 with duplex 7x, QB based rig's, RWS48 (changing from duplex to mildot for the Nationals). I've also seen others (top shooters unlike myself) use just about any rig combination for many reason. I had an FWB 601 SSP out shoot me (that is a 10m rig ) it was his "only rig" LOL, he even hit the 55 yard targets they just didnt fall. Several RWS 75's , WITH MD advance permission I've seen a 30fpe BSA used 1 time ( and NO 10 yard targets) by a new person.
Simply get to a match. You'll learn everything asap hands on.
Lot's in your area and most clubs have fairly unanounced "short call" shoots so calling/emailing is a good idea.
http://aafta.org/html/organization/organization_aafta_clubs_sw.html
John
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Wow sounds like some great memories to be had with some good fellas willing to share knowledge and guns. And you make it seem like a gun show with all the different types of guns/gear that is brought out. You have piqued my curiosity even further about FT.
Thanks for the advice John
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Someone told me this once and I agree. 80% of your practice time should be in the forced (standing and kneeling) positions.
Chas
Chas
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A couple of additions to some good advice already given:
First... on your question about the AR20.... from what I know of them, it's a great first rifle. Typically accurate and adjustable enough to do well.
Second .... my wife and I made our biggest gains shooting a practice target called IFP ... International Field Position. There is a web site about it where you can download practice targets. It is quite difficult but if you score yourself every time, it gives you incentive and feedback on your progress.
It's a great game to us.... we've been at it for close to 30 years and still enjoy it, even if we aren't as serious as we once were.
I think the advice given about the scope is pretty good though a hard line $300 budget might make finding a great one difficult. One note on that though, PEOPLE can range as well as a scope, it just takes some training and practice. Knowing your equipment and yourself is more important than the cost. I've seen it a LOT. A person comes into the game buying something like a Thomas with a March on it and thinking they will kick butt because they've just spent over $7k and get beat by a guy with an Mrod.... repeatedly. It's not about the small groups ... It's about NOT MISSING a reasonable target with something that is accurate enough and dependable.
Welcome and hope you find FT enjoyable enough to stay with us.
Bob
First... on your question about the AR20.... from what I know of them, it's a great first rifle. Typically accurate and adjustable enough to do well.
Second .... my wife and I made our biggest gains shooting a practice target called IFP ... International Field Position. There is a web site about it where you can download practice targets. It is quite difficult but if you score yourself every time, it gives you incentive and feedback on your progress.
It's a great game to us.... we've been at it for close to 30 years and still enjoy it, even if we aren't as serious as we once were.
I think the advice given about the scope is pretty good though a hard line $300 budget might make finding a great one difficult. One note on that though, PEOPLE can range as well as a scope, it just takes some training and practice. Knowing your equipment and yourself is more important than the cost. I've seen it a LOT. A person comes into the game buying something like a Thomas with a March on it and thinking they will kick butt because they've just spent over $7k and get beat by a guy with an Mrod.... repeatedly. It's not about the small groups ... It's about NOT MISSING a reasonable target with something that is accurate enough and dependable.
Welcome and hope you find FT enjoyable enough to stay with us.
Bob
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