Indiana needs a FT club!

[binfordw]

I need to decide how to set the matches up at some point. I can either go with typical FT style, and hope to draw some attendants from the internet that might be close by, or focus more on local people- for atleast the first few matches, and setup the course to handle both airguns AND rimfires. I have about 5 people locally that would shoot with airguns, none besides myself have ever shot FT, and I'd say we would all just shoot Hunter class style- atleast for the first few. I think if I advertised it locally as a shoot for both airguns and rimfires, we could probably get several more people to come out. Everybody around here has a .22RF, and some info about how it works and pictures of the interesting targets should draw some curiosity.

It would require a little more caution and work to create a safe course layout, but its possible. It would also add more cost to the targets- but its minimal since I'm making them myself- and the heavy duty versions could be used for any shoots we want to do- 12fpe airgun to rimfire. I think it would be a great way to introduce people to the sport, and possibly pick up new airgunner members. 

 

[blueflax]

We shoot matches that are doable with both air rifle and .22LR. One that takes very little in terms of range equipment is based on the NRA’s High Power Sporting Rifle. This match is shot with centerfire rifles at 100 yards. We made some ½ size targets and set them at 50 yards. The targets can be printed on the 10”X10” repair centers for the 100 yard target. All that is needed is a firing line, a backstop and something to post the targets on.

The rule book is available on line. Some things will have to be adapted. For example, some air rifles and rim fires are difficult to load slingley. We allow the use of magazines in slow fire, but take extra care with making the line safe.

If you look around in our club blog, http://idahoairguns.blogspot.com/ you will find more information. I plan to write a description of the match, but EBR is keeping me busy right now. 

Good luck
Ron

 

[binfordw]

Thanks for the info blueflax,

I had a look around the blog, I'm wanting to stay with Field target for starters, are we don't have a range with benches. That, and steel targets are kind of my thing.


Heres another new design I finished a few nights ago. Completely stenciled, no artistic ability required! I plan to add these designs to the current website targets soon, I just need to verify the sizes and check over the stencils to make sure no changes are needed to each style.

 

[NMshooter]

I love this one. Is it by design he is sporting a package?

 

[Bam86]

We used to shoot it in Terre Haute, Riley Conservation Club. Didn't get a lot of turnout and within a year it pretty much folded. Still have the targets stashed away in the basement. I didn't have an airgun back then, so never participated. The club has some woods with some good firing lanes nestled between spill piles. This might be something we could revive again if there was any real interest. As stated earlier, just takes someone to champion the idea and do all the work. The club is pretty receptive to the idea, just not willing to volunteer any work. 

Anyone in the area interested? Maybe we could try a couple of matches in 2016 just to feel out the interest. Send me a note: [email protected]

 

[binfordw]

Accidental placement

The resettable targets have a shorter mount-to-KZ pattern, so it will be different for them.

 

[NMshooter]

The Bear is still my favorite target!. If you want me to send a prepayment just PM me and I will get it right out. I think what you are doing is great! I would love for this to caught on all over. I am getting ready to join a shooting club and you never know, I could start a FT here in Albuquerque

Doc

 

[mobilemail]

I'm in West-Central IL, 3 hours from Terre Haute and ~4 hours from Evansville. I wouldn't be able to do a regular club meet, but FT shoots once or twice a year I could swing. I have never shot FT and always thought it looked fun, this would be the closest opportunity I know of. 

 

[binfordw]

Mobilemail-

The shoots I'm planning to hold will be in Greensburg IN, about 35mins SE of Indianapolis.

Doc- I'll try to get the bear stencils resized to fit the resettable targets here shortly, I'll let you know when its ready!

 

[ClearedHot]

Count me in if there is an opportunity to shoot with you all outside the competitive events. I'm in Greenwood. 

 

[binfordw]

ClearedHot,

A friend of mine has a cousin in greenwood we're trying to convert to airguns, you should really try to join use for a fun shoot or event soon.

 

[ClearedHot]

Thanks Binford. I'd be delighted to join you all and also assist your friend in Greenwood with any interest that can be spawned towards airguns. Not a springer guy but I have some quality PCPs and an old Bluestreak. Lots of freely assessable air that he or she is welcome to. 

Drew

 

[BarryinIN]

I know this is an old thread but:

1- I only recently got a semi-serious air rifle, so just found the thread. 

2- I was wondering if anything came of this. I'm in central IN, and three of us have been knocking around the idea of doing FT. 

3- Bam86: PM sent. I'm a member of Riley, as are the other two guys. Maybe we could dig those targets out of the basement eventually.

 

[Bustedwin]

Just seen this thread from year and a half ago. I am guessing things didnt work out.

 

[Bam86]

Still interested, but no time. I still have the e-mail of those guys from Riley. But plant shut down last year, job change, and house remodel that is still ongoing, so no time or money to get serious about FT in Terre Haute Area. At least not yet. The other club shooters that would have been interested in trying FT, got busy teaching 4H shooting, so they don't have much time either. Maybe some day. I still want to giver it a try. How soon to retirement... Oh way to long.

 

[491458]

I used to shoot Field Target back in the late 90s in Indy they had a really good program there. Anthony Storey was the guy who held it all together. I think the Nationals were there back in the day. I have been trying to get ahold of him but with little luck. If you could track him down I'm sure he would be able to give you some advice. I'm southern Indiana.

 

[BarryinIN]

I'd still be interested, but while I could've done a lot to help with getting it going when I last posted, I couldn't do so much now. To sort of echo Bam86's post, I have 4-H shooting sports every other weekend now, plus a friend and I started a youth air rifle program at my other gun club. Time has become really scarce.

But my interest is still there! If someone can start a program up and organize it, I will help when can...and shoot.

 

[Hoosierdb]

Indiana Airguns LLC has opened in Madison county. They have a range, 4 season shooting enclosure and a woods they want to turn into a FT range.
they also have a commercial cascade system and fill bottles and gins for free.
indianaairguns.com is the site.