INTRODUCTORY REMARK:

There are a series airgun shooting disciplines which are not or not well known in Europe and especially in Germany. In my opinion, some of them are a good addition for FTS so that I will present them here more or less comprehensively. Also in this case the choice is very subjective. The best addition to FTS seems for me to be the so-called "International Field Position" (IFP) competition which derives from the U. S. A.. Although it contains less "action" than FTS it demands a lot of skills from the shooter. It is a mixture of "precision hole punching" and FTS. A major advantage is that one is able to participate in groups of minimally 2 persons in international competitions without travel expenses. The "BR-50 International" is a special benchrest shooting with centerfire, rimfire and air rifles. According to an unofficial and personal information this discipline is currently only performed with .22- and air rifles. This shooting is relatively static but because of a tremendous time pressure extremely difficult (means challenging!). Its advantage is that it can be performed also in closed shooting ranges on 25 or 35 m distance "under the roof". This discipline is the origin of IFP.  "Airgun Silhouette Shooting" corresponds to the the "Metallic Silhouette Competition" with firearms which as a long tradition in Mexico and in the U. S. A. It is performed with a very short time limit on metal animal silhouettes. It is an ideal discipline for multi-shot carbon dioxide guns and I presented already on another page he possibilities of incorporation of this variation into FT competitions on club level. The last "discipline" I want to present here is "Action Shooting" with multi-shot carbon dioxide pistols and revolvers which demands a high amount of speed, reaction ability and precision. It the IDEAL short distance discipline for the private indoor shooting range. 

Everybody who has other airgun shooting novelties is requested to publish these here. An Email with an attachment as a *.txt, *.doc, *.rtf or *.html file is the best way to do that.   

1. International Field Position: The Ultimate Challenge

by Bob Zimmerman

CONCEPT

The International Field Position Match is an open competition, designed to provide a standard format for shoulder to shoulder Field Target style competition at club, national, and international levels, using a standard paper target with printed circles that represent the kill zones used in Standard Field Target Competition. The purpose is to allow competition at the highest levels without the expense of travel. Scores reported on this target and statistical data generated, will allow for comparisons of both shooters and equipment, on a weekly basis around the world. Matches will be scheduled in advance, have a minimum of two shooters and will be conducted on outdoor open air ranges. Scoring will be outward always to the shooters disadvantage. If a shot touches the outside edge of a scoring ring it receives the lower value. Unlike a split pellet hit that will sometimes trip the paddle, touching the outer ring is always the lower value.

The main differences of this match as compared with Field Target are a single known distance, use of a paper target, only two kill zones sizes and the use of one wind flag and two additional classes. The major advantage is the standard course of fire, for gathering statistics. It is assumed, that results of varying wind conditions will average out over time and that some local clubs will have a greater challenge due poor wind conditions. Wind Conditions will be reported as a comment to match results. Conditions will be rated from one to five with five the most difficult wind condition. This wind comment will not change the scores fired.

RULES SUMMARY

With minor exceptions as to a paper statistical match, the AAFTA guidelines will apply. The official target will be used in all competitions. An official match for record will require a minimum of two shooters in shoulder to shoulder competition. The match must be scheduled 5 days in advance with Statistical Officer. Multiple matches may be conducted, if scheduled in advance. 1 shot at each one inch circle will be fired . A total of 25 shots will be fired in 25 minutes at a distance of 30 yds, outdoors on an open range. One wind indicator per shooter may be placed any where between the firing line and the target. The 25 minute firing period may not be interrupted for any reason. If the firing period is interrupted then the match is canceled. A hit inside (not touching the outer edge) of the 1 inch circle will score 1 point and hit inside the  circle ( not touching the outer edge will score 2 points). Hits outside the 1 inch circle are scored 0. ALL RECORD TARGETS will be submitted to the Statistical Officer to verify that the toughest scoring is utilized by each club and that no target is given a higher value because it is close. All hits that are doubtful should be given the lowest score. Examples of records to be maintained. Perfect 5 shot grid.( All inside the  inch circle.) Multiples of Perfect five shot grids. Perfect Target (doubtful), High Target Score, High Season Average. All of these records as well as reporting of match scores, will be by gun classification. NO OVERALL WINNER WILL BE REPORTED. The four classifications will be OPEN, International Match Rifle(650 fps or less with a pellet less than 8.5 gr.) Under lever piston guns, Barrel Cocking piston guns. Using multiple relays competitors may compete in several classes and may use a different stat form as required. When there are not at least two shooters in each class. Classes will be combined in the fairest combination. Shooters lowest three scores will be dropped from average for year end awards.

A Statistical form will be submitted for each Competitor to specify the following; Rifle Make Model and Velocity, Scope make and model power, Pellet mfg. weight and caliber. Shooters Position ____, Jacket ____ Sling __ Strap ____ Other Aids Similar to Strap or Sling ___ Modifications to Factory Stock to Fit shooters position, knee rest, extensions that touch the shooters body except at shoulder and hand.. _____ Velcro or knee pads _____ Factory shipped action ______ Custom action (modified action by name) ________ Shooters description of wind condition.

These statistics do not affect scores or gun classifications, They will give other shooters an opportunity to see what works and to compare their scores with shooters using similar equipment. Points will be awarded based on a percentage of the winning score. The winner in each class will get 10 points. Others in the same gun classification will receive points by dividing their score by the winners score. Example winner shoots 40 and receives 10 points next highest score 30 will be awarded 7.5 points. These numbers will be used in statistics to be spelled out at a later date. Winners by classification will be reported by match, club series, club tournaments, regional tournaments, national tournaments and world tournaments. Team competitions will be welcome where the team shoots shoulder to shoulder with other team members.

All interested clubs and shooters please email your fax number and mailing address to Bob Zimmerman, for copies of the Target and abbreviated rules.

Statistical results will be reported by a combination of Fax and email and Web Site Posting (Field Target Forum of Delphi).

Thanks,

Bob Zimmerman

Acting Statistical Officer

VB-Remark: A sample of the target my be obtained in Europe from me as a *.doc file via email. It may be printed out with Office 97 and higher and it represents exactly the original with the exceptions that the score cells are filled with "practice" and that the scoring does not correspond with the written rules (100 instead of 1 and 200 instead of 2). The file cannot be altered in any way and the copyright is by the International Field Position Association. I hope to obtain the originals with the permission for distribution in Europe soon. 

2. BR-50 International

This discipline is described comprehensively in an original article by Bob Zimmerman on the American Airguns Webpage. Simply got directly to the BR-50 International page. In my opinion the real challenge of this shooting discipline is the wind while shooting in the open air. Every FT shooters knows very well how sensitive the pellets react even to a slight wind push which also will ruin possibly a perfect BR-50 International score. So, I think that BR-50 International is an excellent training for learning how to "rule the winds"

3. The Airgun Silhouette Competition:

Airgun Silhouette shooting is also comprehensively presented on the American Airgun Webpage. The corresponding original article is written by Brad Troyer and you an just jump directly to it.

As I mentioned already in an earlier page multi-shot air or carbon dioxide rifles are ideal for this discipline and the shooting time per bank may be drastically reduced when shooting with this weapons. The cheap Crosman 1077 Repeat Air is (especially if tuned up a little bit) the nearly ultimate rifle to play this game on shorter distances as used for air pistols. The FAC-free German 7.5 J version is shooting then precise enough after some tuning on 20 m distance to hit the ram but it is questionable if this will be easy in the standing position. In my opinion the silhouette shooting in the originally described form is one of the most difficult ones especially when performed with one-shot air rifles. There is, however, not the "challenge of the unknown distance" but, nevertheless, it is a big challenge at all. 

4. Action Shooting with Multi-Shot Carbon Dioxide Pistols and Revolvers:

In the last few years more and more pistols and revolvers operated with carbon dioxide capsules came into the market and the main manufacturer of those is the UMAREX company. The legendary Walther CP88 was the first model which soon was highly successful. It was followed by nearly original-true lookalikes of well known centerfire pistols and revolvers of the famous brands Beretta, Colt and Smith & Wesson. The centerfire handgun shooters quickly recognized that this weapons are a wholesale but excellent possibility for training at home because of the approximately same form,  weight and trigger characteristics than the original. In addition, the ammunition costs are negligible. With this guns a broad field is opened for hobby shooters and there are no limits for fantasy in the private indoor shooting range at home. 

The International Weapon Magazine VISIER produced in cooperation with the UMAREX company a video tape named "Action Shooting with Airguns" which presents an interesting overview about the production and quality control of the UMAREX guns and which demonstrates impressively the excellent training of two highly successful Bianchi Cup shooters with the carbon dixoide operated pistols and revolvers. Six shots in five seconds is an immense challenge but the weapons turned out to be reliable and precise enough to perform this successfully. Moreover, examples are shown how the "average shooter" may have a lot of fun with these guns (the "average shooter" is represented there by a pretty young lady!). This video tape is very informative and I can recommend it. If you purchase now the new UMAREX carbon dioxide-powered Walter CP99 in the introductory offer you receive the tape free. If you don't want the CP99 now the video tape is available from the VISIER publisher (Paul Parey Zeitschriftenverlag GmbH & Co KG, VISIER-Leserservice, Postfach 1363, D-56373 Nassau, Germany,  fax: 02604-978-770) for DM 34,50.

I myself possess the Walther CP88 as well in the normal as tin the match version (both with walnut grips, red dot sights and tuned a little bit for a smoother trigger) and I use both frequently and with fun. With these beautiful pistols it is possible to practice at home in a wholesale way and close to reality (what's that?). Moreover, concerning the possibilities of real "Action Shooting" there is much more possible. But watching what happens to harmless paintball shooters currently in Germany because they are marking each other with paint I shut up and stop writing, resp.. But at home one can let play the fantasy and do everything which is possible in he frame of a safe gun handling and shooting. There is also a German webpage about Action-Shooting.

There are, naturally, some more recommendable carbon dioxide-powered weapons of other manufacturers as, e. g,. Crosman, Diana, Gamo, RWS and Sig-Sauer. In this connection I have only a few "test experiences" and so I am not able to give competent comments. I had, however, astonishingly very good experiences with the Gamo R77 revolver which were much better as I believed when I saw the high amount of plastic components. This gun has an excellent precision and the trigger is (after a small treatment with valve polishing and molybdenium disulfide paste) "smooth like butter". The mechanism holding the rubber grip in place over he carbon dioxide capsule was soon damaged but it was quickly replaced by a little bit stronger one and now everything is o.k.. 

 

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