We are trying to start an ultimate field target match in North Carolina. Other clubs are holding ultimate field target matches but only a few have rules and they are not the same. I would like to see a set of rules that we all can use and improve on as UTF becomes more popular. First is equipment Guns and accessories. Next is knock down targets for UFT are expensive, we have made some targets with HIT lights that go off when the paddle is hit and can be seen past 200 yards. These are about $10.
I don't want to see a set of iron clad rules and a governing body that controls UFT, but if it gets really popular it may come to that.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
Why don't you check out Ron Robinson's approach to his Extreme Field Target? No point in re inventing the High Power FT game AGAIN is it?
@lexair How far do you want to deviate from the norm? I've been to private shoots that had life size buffalo, deer, hog, rabbit. etc. at realistic hunting ranges. One shoot had life size running targets. Lots of work.
P.S. these were big bore shoots, quite a hoot!
I am not trying to reinvent Ultimate Field Target I only want to hold matches that people will come to. We can't call it Extreme Field Target because AOA has it trademarked. We are using targets on poles with different size kill zone. When the KZ is hit a light at the top of the pole goes off to confirm the hit.
Fair enough, I didn't know one could trademark a shooting sport, my bad. Best of luck getting this going. Are there power and or caliber restrictions?
I am not trying to reinvent Ultimate Field Target I only want to hold matches that people will come to. We can't call it Extreme Field Target because AOA has it trademarked. We are using targets on poles with different size kill zone. When the KZ is hit a light at the top of the pole goes off to confirm the hit.
Your idea of a en electric sensor to indicate a hit is interesting, targets with that function have been offered and I do not see why they cannot be used in Long Range/High Power FT game. I do find them somewhat "foreign" to the game. We, FT shooters, what things that fall, or move somehow. But that is JMHO.
IF you have not done so, look at Palmyra's rules:
https://www.palmyrasportsmens.com/LongRange-Field-Target
They have proven to be usable, simple, and reliable. And they still allow a number of features that would not be allowed in the AAFTA style current Class/Divisions.
Another idea for LR/HP FT I think we have not used to its fullest, is the self-healing knock-down targets:
https://throomtargets.com/collections/knockdown%E2%84%A2-targets
With the addition of a simple post and hook near the base by the side, where a string could be attached, you have a FT that can take a beating, is weatherproof, needs no painting, if the power exceeds 50 ft-lbs by much, it will get perforated, but it will self heal. Under 50 ft-lbs ME, the pellets just make dimples in the material.
There are a BUNCH of sizes and shapes, so there is a lot to pick from.
AND, they are not that expensive,
A good quality LR/HP FT target of the traditional build and mechanism, setup to withstand up to 80 ft-lbs ME (as Palmyra rules call for), will set you back $200 or so, even more if you want it made out of AR500.
So, for "testing the waters" and develop some sort of clientele/followers, the plastic versions seem like a good starting point.
Even one of these could have a place in a LR/HP FT match:
The bottom is about 3", the top is about 2" and it is VERY clear when you hit the center spinner. If you miss on the bottom, the outer section will react, but if you miss just by small amount on the top, nothing will move. So scoring a hit or a miss is dead easy.
Furthermore, set at 115 yards, it could be a "Risk/Reward" target, shoot the top and you get 2 points, shoot the bottom and you get 1 point.
I love the LR/HP game, it is an added dimension AND, because it is currently loosely regulated, there is room for creativity. Using targets that are used in OTHER shooting disciplines may encourage shooters from those to try FT.
😉
HTH, keep well, shoot straight and keep us posted!
HM
Artie,
The High Power matches I'm running in Binghamton, NY are using modified knockdown Gamo/Crosman targets. Swapped the faceplates out for 3/16" mild steel, reinforced the paddle and modified the linkage to allow some free movement. We're capping the power at the muzzle to 80fpe at the moment. After 3 seasons.....so far so good!!
If you have some 3/16" thick targets, I'd say test them out and modify them a bit as needed to be usable.
I've also attached a PDF of our current rules.
Greg
Excellent rules!
I was afraid your rules might disqualify my Avenge X, but it does clear the 6" bore to bottom of stock in front of the trigger-guard rule.
Your rules really show that you are "catering" to FT shooters.
One of the things we have discussed here, a bit South of you, is that we want to use LR/HP Ft to entice RF shooters and others to participate, and so the "targets" themselves are not only of the pellet through the hole style.
I would be interested to know if you have found a significant advantage for those shooters that opt to shoot slugs in your club.
While I , personally, think that 100 yards is still pelllet territory, I am sure there are other opinions to the contrary, LOL!
Conversations with the Arizona people and the Ohio crew convinced me that the real reason for restricting slugs was to limit the usage to factory made ammo (supposedly a "wider availability"). Though I do think that limits a bit the appeal to a certain sector of shooters that would be delighted to cast their own.
I have still not found a reliably sized pellet mold but I am sure we are not far away in time for that.
😉
Thanks for the rules, one more great input to consider for all.
Keep well and shoot straight!
HM
As I mused over the thread, I came up with another idea that should make the rubber targets a viable starting point:
Their usage COULD open the match to people shooting 22 RF (obviously in a class apart), as long as they use Standard / Subsonic ammo, they should still be able to shoot the match safely.
AND that would also serve as a benchmark to compare accuracies between the two "branches".
HTH, keep well and keep us posted!
HM
