Resources Getting into FT

Motorhead said:

Visit, handle and shoot some guns others are using at an FT event or three before deciding on a gun .... While forum suggestions may give a trend for what folks like or use, it will be mostly noise as many who post about FT or have comment Don't actually shoot Field Target !!

Don't shoot the messenger

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Motorhead said:

While forum suggestions may give a trend for what folks like or use, it will be mostly noise as many who post about FT or have comment Don't actually shoot Field Target !!

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Isn't that the truth...funny

True, but I don't make Kwakkestein bucks.

I think the focus was lost,

It’s supposed to be about what is needed to play the game.

My take was what someone who is interested would need to play the game at an entry level price.

Not everyone has $2000 to kick off a hobby

beerthief said:

First Texas is BIG . where are you ? quite a few air shooters in TEX and places to shot , maybe your near someone / someplace and competitions ( definition of near = a few hours drive ) rules link

Google Search

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In the OP’s case he is probably 30 miles from Arlington Sportsmans Club so he is plenty close. He can probably carpool with other shooters coming from that area.

Ignore all the above EXCEPT the posts that tell you to attend a match.
Rick B.

Familyguy91b2 said:

Is FT an expensive thing to get into? What items are must haves and nice to haves? I haven't shot competition airgun since high school.

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It isn't cheap, but nothing is these days. Plan on a minimum of $500 rifle and $500 scope. Plus a way to air up the gun assuming you are going PCP and don't have that yet. I still have a scuba tank, but portable compressors seem to be the way to go now. Stool, sticks, and carrier can be as cheap or extravagant as you like. If you are the buy once cry once type, then a $1500 rifle and $1000 scope seems to be where most end up in the game.

extradrygin2001 said:

I think the focus was lost,

It’s supposed to be about what is needed to play the game.

My take was what someone who is interested would need to play the game at an entry level price.

Not everyone has $2000 to kick off a hobby

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Started with and stayed with a G1 Marauder learning the game for several years. $350 gun Semi cheap Hawke $200 optics.

Garrettkq said:

But those are genuinely some of the best times ever!

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hey G...its not cheaper than a boat, you can get a 500 dollar boat with a 25 horse mercury on it, and go have fun on the lake. Or spend a million on a boat and flip it at the lake and total it. Our 8000-10,000 Thomas rifles with accessories are way more than most boats I see ripping around the lakes. haha. BC

BC said:

hey G...its not cheaper than a boat, you can get a 500 dollar boat with a 25 horse mercury on it, and go have fun on the lake. Or spend a million on a boat and flip it at the lake and total it. Our 8000-10,000 Thomas rifles with accessories are way more than most boats I see ripping around the lakes. haha. BC

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I guess the question is: Do you want to be competitive or not?

And what is the better deal: A short run production Thomas at under $4k or a mass produced DayState for over $4k?

The advice I give people is the get a used TX200 and decent scope. Yes that is a big investment but used takes some of the hit and you can always resell it. But learn to shoot a springer. It will teach you airguns, pellets, target shooting, trigger control, hold over and follow through.

So then if you feel like going with a 10000 dollar PCP and scope combo it is worth the investment.

This. ^^^

If just starting out I would suggest a Marauder. It’s a good rifle to start with and you will knock targets down. The problem is if you really like the sport and want to get in deeper. You can spend money on a Marauder and make it better. You just need to be careful as you may find you could have bought a better rifle cheaper than a Marauder after you spent a bunch of money upgrading over a year or two. Ideally you could find a used Marauder from a fellow FT shooter with a scope already on it that’s set up. Shoot that, learn the sport, shoot other people’s rifles at matches, ask questions, decide what you think you like, etc and start saving for your next rig. Heck you may decide, after shooting a Marauder in Hunter class for a year, you want to shoot WFTF or Open class and need a whole different rifle and set up.

Does the marauder come in .177? I looked at them and it was hard to get to the 20 ft lb range at .22

Iowa Airgunner said:

Does the marauder come in .177? I looked at them and it was hard to get to the 20 ft lb range at .22

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Yep....0.177 still available here and elsewhere...

The deal with the compressor can’t be beat.