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Noob journey into FT obsession

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OHtard

OHtard

Member
Apr 16, 2022
28
40
Ohio, United States
Figured I would post my journey so far in FT.
To say it got off to a rocky start is an understatement. I picked up a maverick in 22, and a buddy was like “hey bring that thing out and try FT” So I turned the power down to get it legal, and met him at the local air gun club (NOA) and shot my first match with borrowed sticks and a 50yd zero. I ended up with a 28, and a problem. I was hooked hard and loved the game. Over the next 2 months I shot 6 matches with 3 different guns. My wife is not exactly thrilled with my new obsession, but I assured her my newest gun would be my last for a long time.
My scores stayed in the night 20’s in hunter, but I just couldn’t get the hang of it. A friend new I was looking to try a new gun and offered up a Thomas that was set up for open. I quickly searched the web and scored an open harness, and a bum bag. Then just like that I was shooting open. He brought the gun to a match, and I hit the practice range I was immediately shooting better than I ever had. I ended up with a 52 that day, and a deal was made! It has been 2 weeks, and I have been shooting everyday. I picked up a scope (March 10-60x) and am ready for my first match with it tomorrow, followed up by the GP in the fingerlakes next weekend. Can’t wait to see how it does.
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I’m glad to see you didn’t become discouraged and give it up after a slow start. I know many do. If it were easy, we’d be cleaning all the lanes.
I set a percentage of downed KZ goal for myself for both seated positions and for forced positions. This way, maybe if I achieve one goal but not the other, I’m not too disappointed.
A sage and well respected fellow FT shooter told me once after I experienced a disappointing finish at a GP, I should only focus on beating myself because I was my toughest competitor.
People live longer that look forward to their activities and happy with what they are doing. You’re getting some exercise, fresh air, the camaraderie, it all has value.
Good luck and have fun! We’ll be looking for your name at the top of the finishers page.
 
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davecole said:
I’m glad to see you didn’t become discouraged and give it up after a slow start. I know many do. If it were easy, we’d be cleaning all the lanes.
I set a percentage of downed KZ goal for myself for both seated positions and for forced positions. This way, maybe if I achieve one goal but not the other, I’m not too disappointed.
A sage and well respected fellow FT shooter told me once after I experienced a disappointing finish at a GP, I should only focus on beating myself because I was my toughest competitor.
People live longer that look forward to their activities and happy with what they are doing. You’re getting some exercise, fresh air, the camaraderie, it all has value.
Good luck and have fun! We’ll be looking for your name at the top of the finishers page.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I have a long history of shooting completions. IDPA,USPSA, 3 gun, and PRS. I Have been shooting archery for the last few years, and had missed guns. With the ammo prices, and availability, finding the pellet guns, have been great.
 
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oaks1450 said:
I was wondering how you “assured her”? I’ve had my eye on something lately and could use some new material. I just started shooting HFT this year myself and having a blast! I don even look at guns unless they are .177 now.
👍🏻
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Oh I had to sell off some of my toys from other hobbies. I like my impact in .22 a lot. 177 is great, but the thump of that 22 in a groundhog is pretty awesome.
 
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OHtard said:
Figured I would post my journey so far in FT.
To say it got off to a rocky start is an understatement. I picked up a maverick in 22, and a buddy was like “hey bring that thing out and try FT” So I turned the power down to get it legal, and met him at the local air gun club (NOA) and shot my first match with borrowed sticks and a 50yd zero. I ended up with a 28, and a problem. I was hooked hard and loved the game. Over the next 2 months I shot 6 matches with 3 different guns. My wife is not exactly thrilled with my new obsession, but I assured her my newest gun would be my last for a long time.
My scores stayed in the night 20’s in hunter, but I just couldn’t get the hang of it. A friend new I was looking to try a new gun and offered up a Thomas that was set up for open. I quickly searched the web and scored an open harness, and a bum bag. Then just like that I was shooting open. He brought the gun to a match, and I hit the practice range I was immediately shooting better than I ever had. I ended up with a 52 that day, and a deal was made! It has been 2 weeks, and I have been shooting everyday. I picked up a scope (March 10-60x) and am ready for my first match with it tomorrow, followed up by the GP in the fingerlakes next weekend. Can’t wait to see how it does.
View attachment 273981

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Nice setup they are a well made air rifle. My question is how and heck did you get it so quick. We all know Mike's time table is several months away. Also excellent shooting with it. The open class does need a few more shooters but the Hunter Class has been the most popular class for a few years now. Great place to learn the basics and plenty of competition. Plus that March Scope will spoil your rangefinding. I was 59 when I got hooked back in 2006. Always shot the Hunter PCP class off the bucket and bipod. Over the years we have advocated (Crying, Whining) for some changes and I believe that is one of the reasons why the class is so popular. Welcome, and I'm sure we will run into you soon.
Bill Day
 
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dayjd said:
Nice setup they are a well made air rifle. My question is how and heck did you get it so quick. We all know Mike's time table is several months away. Also excellent shooting with it. The open class does need a few more shooters but the Hunter Class has been the most popular class for a few years now. Great place to learn the basics and plenty of competition. Plus that March Scope will spoil your rangefinding. I was 59 when I got hooked back in 2006. Always shot the Hunter PCP class off the bucket and bipod. Over the years we have advocated (Crying, Whining) for some changes and I believe that is one of the reasons why the class is so popular. Welcome, and I'm sure we will run into you soon.
Bill Day
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I bought it used from a friend. It took some work, but I promised I would treat it well.
 
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dayjd said:
Nice setup they are a well made air rifle. My question is how and heck did you get it so quick. We all know Mike's time table is several months away. Also excellent shooting with it. The open class does need a few more shooters but the Hunter Class has been the most popular class for a few years now. Great place to learn the basics and plenty of competition. Plus that March Scope will spoil your rangefinding. I was 59 when I got hooked back in 2006. Always shot the Hunter PCP class off the bucket and bipod. Over the years we have advocated (Crying, Whining) for some changes and I believe that is one of the reasons why the class is so popular. Welcome, and I'm sure we will run into you soon.
Bill Day
Click to expand...


If you want a field target Thomas then reach out to @Motorhead As he is a dealer for Thomas and he only works on the FT versions and wait is probably MUCH shorter at this point compared to order directly from Mike.
 
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