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Bulletbob

Member
Jul 5, 2020
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N.C., United States Statesville Iredell county
I found a club near where I live and they have field target matches. It is not happening right now but will start soon. 

I would like to try if nothing to learn from other folks.So the question, what is the least I have to have to shoot a match.

I have watched vidieo of big matches but they seem to be from a different world. I'm just a poor redneck with a rifle and scope and a tin of pellets. I do sometime suffer from the fact I need to be around folks sometimes.

I will welcome advice. I can't ramsome the homeplace to shoot.

Thanks and God Bless

Bobby
 
Contact the Match Director of the event you plan to attend. Explain your situation. You will likely be told to attend with what you have, or be offered a club gun to shoot. After attending a couple matches you'll know if a second mortgage is needed or that what you have is sufficient. 

All THAGC clubs will welcome you with open arms. 
 
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We have an information page here that I recently found that has all the rules an requirements for FT matches. But before you go out and start buying stuff just go to a match , they will gladly welcome you to watch or participate. It's a great way to find out if you like it or not. Most clubs will pair you with someone to walk you through the course and show you the ropes. Some clubs even have a loaner gun set up for you to use. I haven't been to one myself yet because the closest one to me is three hours away and I haven't had the chance to go yet. I do however plan to make it to at least one match this year. All of the interactions I have seen here have been welcoming to newcomers. 
 
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Make sure your gun is under 20fpe, and you can set your scope to 16X or less and you should be good to go for Hunter class. You can use a dove stool and shooting sticks. 

I know it seems intimidating watching videos of FT, but keep in mind that those are usually the guys at the top of the game. Just like drag racing, competition archery, or any other competitive anything, people will always use the best equipment available to give them an edge and to stay competitive. 

I don't get to go very often, and my equipment always has me stuck in between two classes. But I go anyway when I can and have a lot of fun. Most field target clubs are hurting for attendance lately so I'd imagine they will be glad to have you. 

If nothing else, it's always a good time to meet up with other folks who like airguns!


 
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I found a club near where I live and they have field target matches. It is not happening right now but will start soon. 

I would like to try if nothing to learn from other folks.So the question, what is the least I have to have to shoot a match.

I have watched vidieo of big matches but they seem to be from a different world. I'm just a poor redneck with a rifle and scope and a tin of pellets. I do sometime suffer from the fact I need to be around folks sometimes.

I will welcome advice. I can't ramsome the homeplace to shoot.

Thanks and God Bless

Bobby
Click to expand...

What is the rifle and scope you will use? 

POI shifts, inaccuracy, and ability to range targets, will be the most prominent hurdles. But most people just start out with what they have and go from there. It's nice to make friends and hang out with like minded people. 

Just show up and make the best of it. You'll learn what works over time.
 
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Bobby
You have to practice shooting in FT position, from 10 to 55, and you can do that in any field. Shoot at distances every 5y and write down on a piece of paper how you adjust the sight or the mildots you use at each distance and how you estimate the distance, you have to repeat that in the competition.
This practice will give you confidence when you go to compete.

I'm a novice too, I not have 55y in my yard, 25y maximum, I put 3 or 4 1" targets on the ground between 10 and 25 yards and I shoot randomly at one and the other. Sitting in FT position.
Obviously I use a silencer.


Jorge
 
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+1 on what's been suggested already.

Note that when my wife and I started, we used a Sheridan with a peep and an RWS 34 w 7x scope and did well at that time. Different era.. yes... but we KNEW our rifles. It's been said "beware the man who has only one rifle..... "

We've had lots of people with minimalist equipment show up and have varying degrees of success and enjoyment . The enjoyment aspect is perspective but the success part is preparation and understanding the game. FT rifles don't need to be the most accurate to be competitive but, as Steve stated, need to be dependable, and you need to know how they are at the different ranges. It should allow you to stay inside a 1 1/2" kz at 55 yds without wind being considered and a 3/8" at maybe 15 yds. The more accurate, the more forgiveness in wind and range estimation.

I would say the majority of us use competition as an EXCUSE to buy and use something nice, not necessity. I myself just like an excuse to shoot and hang out with shooters. Mostly GREAT bunch of people .

Biggest thing is GO, you will learn more directly at a match. A dependable rifle less than 20 ft lb, something to sit on, scope less than 16x, and sticks is the equipment for Hunter, plus understanding your rifle will promote success ...

Bob
 
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If you are going to shoot hunter, just bring a 5 gallon bucket to set on. You can make a pair of shooting sticks from a pair of about 5/8" dowel rods. Glue a bit of felt where the gun touches the sticks to keep from scratching you gun. drill a hole in your sticks about 6 inches from the top and put a cotter pin through to hold them together. Put a metal washer between the sticks. They work great and last for years. As the others have said, just get to a match and have fun.
 
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I found a club near where I live and they have field target matches. It is not happening right now but will start soon. 

I would like to try if nothing to learn from other folks.So the question, what is the least I have to have to shoot a match.

I have watched vidieo of big matches but they seem to be from a different world. I'm just a poor redneck with a rifle and scope and a tin of pellets. I do sometime suffer from the fact I need to be around folks sometimes.

I will welcome advice. I can't ramsome the homeplace to shoot.

Thanks and God Bless

Bobby
Click to expand...

Hello Bobby...I see you are in NC...come out to any of the THAGC matches and we will be glad to work with you and let you shoot some of the guns we have. We have a club loaner gun for Hunter division. We have a match this Saturday, June 5th at Twin City Rifle Club in Pleasant Hill, NC. The course is just off I-95 at the NC/VA border. Email me if you need any information.
 
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