April 12th Match at HaHA

[Atlas_cn]

I will join in May both at Port Colbrone as busy in April. In summer if got a chance I will go HAHA only to avoid mosquitoes...

[Rob27]

That is great news Dave! I have often wished that my wife was interested in shooting but never really thought through the budget impact!
Please pass on my apology for getting Tracy's name wrong.
I am delighted that you both were able to join us and that you enjoyed the day. The way that Tracy was knocking down those targets with an inexpensive rifle using iron sights and no mono-pod makes me think that you not only have a shooting partner, but a serious FT competitor in the making.
I look forward to seeing you both at Port Colborne.
Rob27

[CBS shooter]

Fantastic to hear about the success of this opening match. Can't wait to meet the new folks. thanks to Rob, Jeff for their hard work and everyone who helped to make this match a success. I so wish I could have shot with you all. cheers to all. And way to ROB G.

[Phantom Payne]

Re: April 12th Match at HaHA

#18 Post by CBS shooter » Tue Apr 15, 2025 1:37 pm
Fantastic to hear about the success of this opening match.

Thanks CBS shooter to your, and Rob27's, thoughtful and reasoned persuasions and welcoming attitudes I couldn't resist anymore. I may have two, possibly three, more people coming to events this year. I discovered the events and news here at CAF.

Well, one worldly, wise, and extraordinarily humble person offered a view, a penetrating perspective, a possibility, or even a prediction... about regularly reminding airgunners of the opportunity to participate in Field Target and the possible resulting growth of FT here: viewtopic.php?p=612615#p612615

It sounds to me like sub 500 fps participation was always available to airgunners wanting to particpate in FT, if so then I am thankful. I am also thankful that it is not a separate category. I can imagine that any committed, accomplished, and consequently impoverished FT participants that are steadily pushing their own boundaries would want or expect more than a ten yard target... yet keeping the group together, not separate, will meld the levels of experience that can and should elevate the entire group. Reading about a topic has validity however real-time presence of experienced airgunners willing to assist is invaluable and irreplacable.

Now that I've stated it's a good thing to continue to keep sub 500 fps included and would not change that... I also think there would be real and significant interest in any area designed around the sub 500 fps usage, especially for adults wanting to introduce 'very' young or timid shooters (and future champs!), and especially in Canada. Maybe even occasional (early and mid-season) 'training/education' sessions covering safety and technique.

FT shooters at the limits of the sport could have some fun re-trying sub 500 fps airguns, it might be satisfying to know they can still work within constraints, or it might remind them of why they migrated to another airgun territory but in any case both the shooter and the airgun factor in the outcome.

Some of us will remember a family member's barn, back door or garden airgun stashed conveniently as our first encounter with airgunning. Those people who remember or started there may rightly continue to appreciate 'the timeless old metal and wood' airguns and yet progressed to own products not even dreamt of only ten or fifteen years ago.

Sub 500 fps, PAL courses, FT growth, increased interest and awareness, continued growth, larger community, more votes . Begin at the beginning, any journey begins with the first step, it is possibly the most important step of all.

[Phantom Payne]

Impressive post by Rob27 to address people's concerns about coming out to try Field Target sport, no matter your experience or airgun:

viewtopic.php?p=603672#p603672

[Zombie Meatball]

Looks like it was a great day. Sorry I missed it. Down with a brutal head cold.

[Alex Armansky]

April 12th was my first time shooting FT and actually my time at a gun range EVER and it was such a great experience! The Optimus that Rob27 tuned and zeroed for me performed flawlessly and with my month-long garage practice, I am glad I was able to at least hit the targets most of the time, even though it was sub-500
It was really awesome to meet so many others that shared the same hobby. It was so much fun setting up the targets and watch them fall in the few times I did manage to hit the center. Can't wait for the upcoming matches!
I will be back for the Port C match on the 26th. Hoping to see you guys there!
-Arpan

[Uslanja]

Hi Alex! Glad you enjoyed yourself. My first shoot as well. Looking forward to formally meeting you! I wonder how many folks writing on here are going to PC? We all have a "handle" on here of sorts but no way to put a face to it. I guess we will just need to move about and deliberately introduce ourselves to each other. So.........I'll be working the crowd!

I think I might have recognized the Phantom Payne group at Hamilton and shame on me for not reaching out.

Looking forward to the 26'th!

Dave