Airgun Field Target Shooting is an outdoor airgun target sport where competitors shoot metal silhouette targets. These targets are usually in the shape of small airgun quarry such as rabbits, squirrels and magpies and have a small ‘hit’ or ‘kill’ zone in the centre of the silhouette.

In Airgun Field Target Shooting, kill zones are typically 40-45mm in diameter, but can be as small as 25mm. If the competitor hits the kill zone, the paddle behind tips the faceplate backwards and whole target collapses, thus indicating a direct hit. The target is then reset by pulling it up by a nylon cord. Targets can be positioned between 8 and 55 yards from the firing point, and are often placed down banks, in trees or other elevated positions to add realism to the scenarios and test the technique of the competitors. Detailed rules for Field Target competition can be found here.

Since it’s emergence in the early 1980s, Airgun Field Target shooting has become an incredibly sophisticated sport. It is considered to be the ‘Formula One’ of airgun sport, with many technological developments made to improve the performance of field target rifles eventually making there way onto standard hunting and recreational airguns. It has one of the strongest community spirits in any shooting sport, and boasts a worldwide network of clubs and associations that actively promote responsible airgun sport.

The national representative body for  airgun field target shooting in the UK is the British Field Target Association (BFTA), who set the rules and airgun standards that are employed universally across the sport. The BFTA also organise ‘Grand Prix’ events during the summer, which culminate in an end of year finale - ’The Showdown’. This competition differs slightly from normal Field Target events, as it is effectively a pre-qualified matchplay tournament. Each round is shot head-to-head over a 10-lane course with 2 targets per lane. The last man standing is crowned Showdown Champion.

British Field Target Association (BFTA) members are graded according to their performance. The average percentage score over a six month period, from both national and regional events, is used to allocate one of 4 grades (AA, A, B & C). This ensures competitors are able to shoot against those of a similar standard. Prizes at shoots are often awarded by grade, so less experienced shooters still have a good chance of winning a trophy. This is one of the reasons airgun field target shooting remains so very popular.

There are two international airgun field target shooting Championships held each year. The European Field Target Championships is held each September at the Midland Game Fair, and is considered to be the most competitive event in the World, due to the high quality field. The World Championships is held at the end of the year, and rotates around different countries, depending on which country holds the Presidency of the World Field Target Federation. The 2011 World Championship will be held in Belgium in October 2011.

For more information on how to get involved in airgun field target shooting visit www.bfta.net.