What Type of Shooting Should I Practice?

[DevilsLuck]

Field target sounds like it could be appealing. But I don't really know much about it. So what should I practice at home, to give me a feel for the expectation of competition?

[maraudinglizard]

This website can give you a pretty good idea of how it goes. Good luck.

http://www.anstonftc.co.uk/entering-hft-competition/

[Mr_Sis]

http://www.aafta.org/ Here is another site to reference rules and such. It is a blast I have met the best people shooting field target and really look forward to each match. Biggest thing is to just enjoy the day being able to shoot.

[Frank in Fairfield]

Field target sounds like it could be appealing. But I don't really know much about it. So what should I practice at home, to give me a feel for the expectation of competition?

I think the most important practice is repeatability.
I would suggest you send a PM to "NCED" (Ed in North Carolina). He has some very good targets for you to practice with. He can send them to you.

[DevilsLuck]

Is the .177 cal, mandatory for field target? Or, is it just most folks preference?

[Sfttailrdr46]

I think it is more about trajectory and pellet diameter smaller pellet fits through the target kill zone with more room to spare but there are those that use .20 or .22 as well. There is also a 12 FPE limit for field target and 20 FPE for HFT if I am not mistaken. Someone will jump in and correct me if the FPE numbers are incorrect .

[maraudinglizard]

I think it is more about trajectory and pellet diameter smaller pellet fits through the target kill zone with more room to spare but there are those that use .20 or .22 as well. There is also a 12 FPE limit for field target and 20 FPE for HFT if I am not mistaken. Someone will jump in and correct me if the FPE numbers are incorrect .

They are correct.

[Frank in Fairfield]

20fpe for all classes of USA field target except....WFTF Class and Pistol Field Target

World Field Target Federation regulations restrict their shooters to 12fpe.

USA Pistol Field Target is restricted 12fpe too as the pistol targets are 35 yards and less where as the rifle targets can be as far away as 55 yards.

Good luck.

[DevilsLuck]

So practicing at distances, over 55 yds is uneccesary?

[Mr_Sis]

You will not see a target over 55 yards at a FT event but you can practice over 55yards. I try and practice outside my comfort zones.

[Deckard1973]

Everything.
On season to off-season 5m pistol, and 10m rifle off hand.
Field target.
Join the NUAH club if you really understand the effects of the wind and drop as well as technique. 
There is a guy over on Air Gun Nation who is looking into starting a Air Rifle version of NRA High Power rifle but with reduced targets competition, i.e. standing, sitting, prone positions. 
Get outside of you comfort zone.

[DevilsLuck]

Everything.
On season to off-season 5m pistol, and 10m rifle off hand.
Field target.
Join the NUAH club if you really understand the effects of the wind and drop as well as technique. 
There is a guy over on Air Gun Nation who is looking into starting a Air Rifle version of NRA High Power rifle but with reduced targets competition, i.e. standing, sitting, prone positions. 
Get outside of you comfort zone.

Sounds like a plan! Thanks.

[grimeszee]

If you don't have 55 yards to practice with you can go to thagc.com and download the 100 x 3/8" bulls target and practice technique at 20 to 25 yards.

[robertr]

Practice with 1/8 "bulls at 20yrds, it will make the 3/8" easier.

[grimeszee]

I am shooting for the 3/8" with my springer's and 1/8" with the PCP's, I know it shouldn't matter but I have to have realistic goals to keep me excited with the accomplishment  and striving for that next level. When I get My shoulder surgery next month I can then start that road to recovery and increase the offhand skills.

[robertr]

 Good luck with the surgery Kevin. Yeah at 20 yards I shoot 1/8" bulls if I want smaller groups, need a fine reticle though, not much differance between the pcp and springer at 20.

[grimeszee]

Do you use a bench or bipod for your rest? I will be using a bipod from 20 yards and go to a bench at 30 yards in my back yard.

[robertr]

 It depends, when I am outside I will shoot off a bench, or my deck rail, sometimes just sitting on a patio chair off my knee. I would not mind having a bipod to use, seems like it would come in handy.