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Wanting to dabble in hft

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madeintheuk

madeintheuk

Member
Apr 19, 2020
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Washington depot, Connecticut, United States
So I’ve decided I want to give hft a try, but knowing my attention span, and lack of knowledge I’d like to get some advice from you Pro’s. 
first of all, I’d like to buy a designated gun for it. But not wanting to break the bank buying it. I was looking at marauders, but again, I still think it’s a little much for my “beginners” budget. 
I have a nice springer already,a well as a couple of pcp’s but I think none of them are really ideal for field target duties being all of them are .22 and higher for caliber. I’m guessing .177 is the caliber of choice. 
i’m all ears for recommendations from you guys. Thanks in advance
 
I'd post a wanted to TRADE your 22 TX200 for a 177 TX200.

Also put a 177 barrel on your PP700 for Pistol HFT. What's it cost like S35-$55 from Airgunarcheryfun in Canada?

None of what you mentioned sound competitive enough for HFT plus the Gamo Urban is a 22 caliber. You want preferably a 177 or maybe 20 caliber. The Maximus and Fortitude and Chief are too light and their stocks aren't ergonomic for FT.

You in CT there's Hector Medina.

Nah WAY WAY WAT out of your budget to tune your TX200 and caliber swap with him. JUST SWAP IT FOR A 177.


 
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You DON'T want a 177 caliber FX Wildcat to compete in FT ANYWAY.

I do have 20 caliber Lothar Walther drop in FX OEM never promoted FX barrel conversion with 20 caliber probe though you will need a single shot tray though. Probably get yourself a 177 single shot tray and drill it out. Probably SMOKE ANY 177 SMOOTH TWIST FX ANYTHING.


 
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FWIW Hector is no long a Connecticut resident. He is now in Maryland.

Since you are in Connecticut check out CGAC. It is a Field Target club in the state. Attend a match and see what others are using and get your questions answered there.

CTAirGunners - Home (weebly.com)

There is also a new club forming at Rockville Fish and Game, also in Connecticut.

Brian
 
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I'd post a wanted to TRADE your 22 TX200 for a 177 TX200.

Also put a 177 barrel on your PP700 for Pistol HFT. What's it cost like S35-$55 from Airgunarcheryfun in Canada?

None of what you mentioned sound competitive enough for HFT plus the Gamo Urban is a 22 caliber. You want preferably a 177 or maybe 20 caliber. The Maximus and Fortitude and Chief are too light and their stocks aren't ergonomic for FT.

You in CT there's Hector Medina.

Nah WAY WAY WAT out of your budget to tune your TX200 and caliber swap with him. JUST SWAP IT FOR A 177.

Click to expand...

I don’t want to swap my tx200, I like it in .22. I have a pp750, and I don’t think barrels are interchangeable in that either. This is why I want to buy a designated hft gun. From what it sounds though, I should be spending more money. I guess for now, it’ll be out of my cards then. Thanks for the advice. 

FWIW Hector is no long a Connecticut resident. He is now in Maryland.

Since you are in Connecticut check out CGAC. It is a Field Target club in the state. Attend a match and see what others are using and get your questions answered there.

CTAirGunners - Home (weebly.com)

There is also a new club forming at Rockville Fish and Game, also in Connecticut.

Brian
Click to expand...

Thanks Brian. I’m guessing you’re a member there? I’ve looked at the website before, and am interested, but honestly it looks kind of intimidating. In the pictures, they all look to have very high priced field target guns. 
also, I knew Hector had moved after my last emails to him about taming a D460 for me. 
 
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Probably not the answer you want to read, but... Why not give it a try with your TX200 in 22 ?

  • Yeah, the caliber might not be optimum...
    • but you have it and it's already paid for (I assume)
    • you probably know which pellets works best in it
    • You can use your time to learn the game, instead of learning a new-gun and a new game
  • The difference between the .177 (4.5mm) and the .22 (5.56mm) is
    • 1mm in diameter
      • While that extra 1mm might increase the chance of a marginal hit
      • The extra weight of the .22 will increase the chance of the marginal hit knocking down the target...
    • the 177 as a "flatter" trajectory
  • If you have money to burn, maybe buy a better (game specifi) optic for the TX200
  • If you really like HFT and if you want to be more competitive... then by all mean, start shopping for something "new" in 177 
 
Upvote 0
Probably not the answer you want to read, but... Why not give it a try with your TX200 in 22 ?

  • Yeah, the caliber might not be optimum...
    • but you have it and it's already paid for (I assume)
    • you probably know which pellets works best in it
    • You can use your time to learn the game, instead of learning a new-gun and a new game
  • The difference between the .177 (4.5mm) and the .22 (5.56mm) is
    • 1mm in diameter
      • While that extra 1mm might increase the chance of a marginal hit
      • The extra weight of the .22 will increase the chance of the marginal hit knocking down the target...
    • the 177 as a "flatter" trajectory
  • If you have money to burn, maybe buy a better (game specifi) optic for the TX200
  • If you really like HFT and if you want to be more competitive... then by all mean, start shopping for something "new" in 177 
Click to expand...

I agree with Mike. For now just do the "dabble" and if you think you'll like the game then buy the gun of your choice. #1 is making sure your dope is good, and #2 is practicing ranging, especially past 40Y. Don't expect to range well past 40Y and it's entirely likely you'll finish your first match dead last but it's uphill from there and you'll have that experience to grow from.


 
Upvote 0
I'd post a wanted to TRADE your 22 TX200 for a 177 TX200.

Also put a 177 barrel on your PP700 for Pistol HFT. What's it cost like S35-$55 from Airgunarcheryfun in Canada?

None of what you mentioned sound competitive enough for HFT plus the Gamo Urban is a 22 caliber. You want preferably a 177 or maybe 20 caliber. The Maximus and Fortitude and Chief are too light and their stocks aren't ergonomic for FT.

You in CT there's Hector Medina.

Nah WAY WAY WAT out of your budget to tune your TX200 and caliber swap with him. JUST SWAP IT FOR A 177.

Click to expand...

I don’t want to swap my tx200, I like it in .22. I have a pp750, and I don’t think barrels are interchangeable in that either. This is why I want to buy a designated hft gun. From what it sounds though, I should be spending more money. I guess for now, it’ll be out of my cards then. Thanks for the advice. 

FWIW Hector is no long a Connecticut resident. He is now in Maryland.

Since you are in Connecticut check out CGAC. It is a Field Target club in the state. Attend a match and see what others are using and get your questions answered there.

CTAirGunners - Home (weebly.com)

There is also a new club forming at Rockville Fish and Game, also in Connecticut.

Brian
Click to expand...

Thanks Brian. I’m guessing you’re a member there? I’ve looked at the website before, and am interested, but honestly it looks kind of intimidating. In the pictures, they all look to have very high priced field target guns. 
also, I knew Hector had moved after my last emails to him about taming a D460 for me.
Click to expand...

I am not a member but frequently shoot there as many do. Really nice bunch of guys. Always willing to lend a hand and give advice. They also have a club gun (.177 Marauder) to lend out at the match as long as you give them a heads up so they can have it on hand if you plan on going. Leo is the head of the club. They encourage new prospects to come in and yes you can shoot for fun just to get your feet wet.



Brian
 
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Wow guys, thanks for all the advice. I think you’re all right. I’ll give the tx a go, and if I like it, I’ll save up for something much nicer. 
Brian, thanks for the advice about the club. I will definitely look into it soon. It’s always great to meet like minded people, and learn from them instead of on a forum. Lol
 
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Just run what you brung. The TX will be fine and a club is where you will be able to deside what's right for you.



John
Click to expand...

I agree with John and the others who made this point. To get started your TX will be fine, bring a stool/bucket to sit on and a bipod and you will be ready to go. No need to spend anything until you are sure you want to pursue the sport. Get some dope worked up on your TX to determine your holdovers at various distances from 10-55 yards and you will be a well equipped HFT shooter (I can't guarantee your results though 😁). 

Whatever you do please get out to a match, Leo and the CGAC club are a great group of people who will make sure you have a great experience and will answer any question you may have. I don't know why there is an intimidation factor in getting started in FT, but there is. I must have 10-20 people each year contact me about getting started in FT and of that number ultimately 2 or 3 will actually make it to a match and perhaps 1 or 2 will attend more than a match or two. Please overcome inertia and get out to a match! I can almost guarantee you will have a fun day and meet some great people.

Just do it!
Jim in Sacramento 
 
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I’m wanting to get started as well when I return stateside in June from being stationed in Bahrain for the last 2 1/2 years. Anyways, I agree with the others to use your TX200 since you have it. Although, if you really would rather a PCP, don’t want to spend a lot, I would think the Avenger in .177 would fit the bill. It’s only $300. Just another option I was thinking of. Either way, I hope you enjoy it, and pursue it further. I’m excited myself.

Keith
 
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gotta contradict Jim in Sacramento.... he said:

“ I can almost guarantee you will have a fun day and meet some great people.”

He’s correct you will meet some great people. Helpful and willing to assist in getting you set up and BACK for a another match. He said “almost guarentee” and thats wrong. You WILL have a great time.

IMO going to a match BEFORE you spend a lot on your setup is crucial. See if you even like the game, see the rigs the other shooters have....



All goes well, I’ll be back in the shooter’s box soon myself :)
 
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