So you've summoned the courage to finally try Field Target well contrary to what you might think, we don't take it to serious, we don't run around with in Olympic style Shooting gear or have them funny 1 eyed glasses (dopler or whatever they're called). We're for the most part just normal blood thirsty folk, we shoot mostly in whatever seems comfortable and we shoot what we got. Some have nice rigs, some normal, some not so nice. We boast a very large Springer FT group. Springers often out number the PCP guys on most days, so its a well balanced group where you don't feel the presure to "upgrade" to the latest model of space gun. While we are probably one of the "older" clubs we're about having fun without pretext. We don't look at new shooters as competitors rather as long lost brothers; Inclusion and comraderie are the rules at Diablo. So grab your gun, gear and lets get started.
Set Up-
We try and all pitch in to help set up and take down the course. The thought is that before anyone can sight in or any shooting can occur, the targets need to be placed not only for safety reasons but also so it dosen't fall all on one person.
Upon your arrival announce yourself, and you'll be promptly rewarded with a target to place. There really isn't a bad placement, its just got to be shootable from one of the "positions" so don't worry be sadistic.
After the course has been set we normally warm-up/sight-in for a few minutes. Typically one of the wiley vets will sit ya down, see where you're at and try and get you started. If you've brung a knife to a gun fight we'll offer you a musket and a final meal.
You'll need to know where to aim when you're shooting at the radomly placed targets, you should try and shoot at targets at varying ranges to check your "aim points". Hint: For Diablo shooters focus on the 20-25 yard area, as the majority of targets are located at that range.
Before the match begins a shooters meeting is called. The shooters meeting is where the rules are reviewed, partners assigned, annoucements are made and questions answered. Then it's time to shoot Field Target.
Missing less than your opponent(s) - shooting the match
- At the National matches there is a 5 minute limit per lane. You get 1 minute per target and 1 minute for setup. The timer starts the moment your butt hits the cushion. At Diablo we're not that formal, just keep it moving. If it starts to get dark you might want to go a little faster.
- When setting up for a new lane. Pull the target strings to make sure you know the locations of the targets, that the targets are "set" and that the target cords are not tangled or pinched. Place your bumbag where you can shoot at both targets with a minimal amount of movement, if possible. Grab a seat and get comfortable.
- Cock and load your gun. If the pellet fits loosely or is a deformed pellet, announce that you're going to fire it into the ground. Fire it safely into the ground and reload again.
- Locate your target, adjust your objective for clarity, determine your range and adjust your elevation knob. (Or determine your hold over) Gauge the wind and decide how much drift to compensate for.
- Keep your index finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. When ready place your finger on the trigger. Place your finger in the same spot everytime.
- Relax. Breath. Breath again. Bring the trigger to the brink of the first stage, Take one or two deep breaths exhale half way and hold it. Concentrate on the target while slowly squeezing the trigger until it fires.
- After taking the shot, try to maintain your focus on the target for a second longer. This is called "follow through".
- Rinse and Repeat; 2 shots are taken at each target.
- Move on to your second target, take 2 more shots. There are typically 2 targets per lane so you would have a perfect score of 4 if you hit each target twice. In formal matches you will be instructed to shoot Left to Right or near to far. At Diablo we're not a bunch of rule hounds if you hit a target you were aiming at, well good, it counts. Would a rabbit care if you shot him out of sequence? Dead is dead. Its a dumb rule.
- To score your lane mark a "X" for each hit and a 0 for each miss. Your score card should have four "X"s, per lane.
After the match - clean up