Pistol for FT

For the beginner FT pistol shooter and many staying in the game ... Crosman 1720

For us really serious types many have chop rifle conversions modified to fit the limitations of the AAFTA rules.

 Optics we're limited to no greater than 12X ( No higher x turned down either )

There is a thread asking that same Q within the last month or less ... check it out.

After a text msg ....

It starts at the top with those with THOMAS Carbines, remove stock you have a legal pistol

Some have chopped down air tubes on M-rods and put in sub 15" barrels using the 1701/1720/p-rod trigger groups making a killer PFT rig

Personally shooting an older single shot BSA Scorpion with an Ultra air tube and chopped rifle stock  which after 3 different build is my favorite hands down.

Just understand the rule limits ... no more than 25" OAL, no greater than 3" fore end depth forward of trigger guard ( Bore to bottom ), no more than 15" total barrel length.

From there let your imagination run wild and get creative ... If an accurate rifle & under 12 FPE it may be a good converted rig for PFT

I second "a 1720T" for a great starter rig, with a 1" tube Hawke Vantage side wheel scope... or a UTG/Leapers 3-12x44 side focus... again you'll have a lot less elevation changes between 10 and 35 yards with the scope as low as possible... which mean less room for ranging error on those close and long shots. 

We have a couple 1720Ts with scopes dialed in and already to go, we could sell if you're interested.  It's hard to get a 1720T to shoot at 11.8fpe without sacrificing shot count (15 to 20 shots per fill), so most are tuned to about 9 or 10 fpe, and that is really the only disadvantage of competing with one... some might add weight, grips, and a long fore stock (keeping it under the 3" limit from center of barrel to lowest part).

If you want to step up to join in with the other "pifiles" and don't want to build your own, or spend 4k on a new Thomas carbine.... give Tim at Mac one a call.  I convinced LD to build 3 prototype USFT carbine pistols, and they all shoot lights out and are a super steady platform.  Mine has really upped my game, and that's why we have some 1720Ts for sale.

 USFT's are built like a tank.... and use a lower pressure tune (850 to 1,300 psi), and so, are more dependable in my opinion.... and any fill tank with at least 2,000 psi will have enough air to get you shooting... and the price is about half of a new Thomas.. but 4 times that of a good used 1720T with scope..

hope that helps..

Wayne

Ashland Air Rifle Range

If you want to be competitive at the lowest price point. Like Wayne mentioned, you can not beat a tuned pre-owned Crosman 1720T. The gun is capable of a ragged one hole group at 55 yards.

If you can break the bank and purchase a Thomas, more power to ya ( pun intended). This gun is tuned to shoot pellet sized groups at 55 yards Off a bench. My personal issue with Thomas rifles and pistols is the fill is up to 4500 psi, And it dumps so much air.

Now for just over half the price ( I hear about $2,300) you could get a USFT pistol or pifle. That fills to 1800 or so psi, and gets 80 shots from 1800 psi to 1100 psi. And this gun is capable of pellet sized groups at 55 on a bench rest.

All three guns will perform better than the shooter is capable of.

@wayne-burns

Never seen a USFT pistol. Very curious as to what it looks like. Any pictures would be appreciated??

Jerry

someone pointed me to a picture thanks....

Jerry

First off...don’t believe everyone you read.  

Recommend fill pressure for a Thomas is 3300psi....ish

A  newer 12 fpe Thomas with a 15” barrel that can be used in pistol class will get about 8-9 shots per 100 psi....so if you want to only fill it to 1800 psi, you will still have plenty of shots for a pistol match.  It’s actually quite efficient on air usage...so unless someone “tuned” it themselves it does not blow a lot of air.  They are more efficient than any other rifle I know of.  

Thomas Rifles cost 3750.00. It’s rare for someone to buy a Thomas to solely use as a pistol.  Most buy the rifle and remove the tail so they can ALSO use it in pistol class.  Pistols are 3250.00.  

The demands required for pistol class are low since the longest targets are at 35y.  Lots of guns are capable of performing well in this class because of that.  Historically....very few shooters have taken pistol seriously enough to worry about getting everything out of their equipment that they can...and most never practiced for it.  That seems to be changing, though.

Mike

A great many of us use the 1720. Very accurate pistol. It shoots better than I can. Reasonable price, and shot count.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. I’ve decided to buy a modified Steyr LP10. See you guys on a lane soon. Cheers!