FIELD TARGET BACKGROUND

Field Target (FT) is a precision shooting discipline utilizing air rifles and was originally intended to simulate small game hunting. The first FT match was held in the UK around 1980. Since then, the sport has grown into a precision shooting event with highly specialized rifles and equipment. In FT competition the objective is to hit a small “kill” zone hole in the target face plate that typically resembles a small animal. A successful shot strikes a metal paddle and tips the target face plate backwards indicating a hit. Targets are reset by pulling a string from the shooting position.

A FT match generally consists of 60 shots (2 shots on 30 targets), placed at unspecified distances between 10 and 55 yards from the firing line. Generally targets are placed at or near ground level, but more challenging FT courses have targets elevated high above the shooting position or down steep slopes. FT competitions adhere to a set of rules that cover safety, shooting positions and equipment restrictions. The US governing body for FT is the American Airgun Field Target Association, AAFTA, and these rules are published in their Handbook (www.AAFTA.org).