Just now preparing for my first FT match this coming Sunday, so in no way qualified to make any statement on the trajectory of FT classifications from inception to what we have today.
That won't stop me from speculating about the future
. And I can provide a sample of 1 as to why Hunter is usually chosen by newcomers.
Seriously considered starting with Open. Have always been a turret clicker, so the idea of not having to learn holdovers was appealing. As was the ability to use much higher magnification for ranging, which (along with wind reading) will be the steepest learning curve. Do most of my shooting offhand, so the idea of no bipod/stick support didn't bother me.
In the end decided on Hunter for these reasons, in no particular order:
Aversion to some of the equipment
- The idea of wearing a harness is unappealing to say the least
- Not keen on highly specialized rifle add-ons like hooked buttpads or palm rests (had a Bogpod & suitable hunting stool already on hand, neither of which is specialized to field target nor attached to the rifle. Had to compromise with a scope parallax wheel, just too important).
Not at all a complaint about the use of these things in the appropriate classes, just not appealing to me for reasons even I can't explain.
Lack of competitors
- Looking through the results of matches that get posted here, easy to see that Open is dwindling. Used to shoot a lot of 3d archery, & it was a lot less interesting at the shoots where I was the only one with a longbow.
Physical requirements
- 48 & in decent shape, so this wasn't a consideration for the present, but could see it becoming one eventually. In 5 years or 25 years??? No way to know.
As for the future- seems ALL shooting sports are trending to longer ranges, speed elements, or both. The cynical side of me says this is because it's easier to sell new/more equipment as the ranges & speed requirements become more & more demanding, hence the "industry" is much more likely to support/sponsor such competitions. Very few know (or care) what rifles were used by those who won recent metallic silhouette competitions, but you'd best believe a LOT of purchases have been made based on what won at EBR or RMAC.
Not a criticism, more of a lamentation. Hell I just bought a Red Wolf, so have no business chastising anyone for buying whatever they think is the best for their pursuits. I do possess some self awareness too, and admit that my preferences are not necessarily mainstream- most folks do want longer range & speed elements, and more & more do welcome an equipment race. Know I sound like a broken record, but again, not a criticism- just a description of what one guy (thinks) he sees going on.
That won't stop me from speculating about the future
. And I can provide a sample of 1 as to why Hunter is usually chosen by newcomers. Seriously considered starting with Open. Have always been a turret clicker, so the idea of not having to learn holdovers was appealing. As was the ability to use much higher magnification for ranging, which (along with wind reading) will be the steepest learning curve. Do most of my shooting offhand, so the idea of no bipod/stick support didn't bother me.
In the end decided on Hunter for these reasons, in no particular order:
Aversion to some of the equipment
- The idea of wearing a harness is unappealing to say the least
- Not keen on highly specialized rifle add-ons like hooked buttpads or palm rests (had a Bogpod & suitable hunting stool already on hand, neither of which is specialized to field target nor attached to the rifle. Had to compromise with a scope parallax wheel, just too important).
Not at all a complaint about the use of these things in the appropriate classes, just not appealing to me for reasons even I can't explain.
Lack of competitors
- Looking through the results of matches that get posted here, easy to see that Open is dwindling. Used to shoot a lot of 3d archery, & it was a lot less interesting at the shoots where I was the only one with a longbow.
Physical requirements
- 48 & in decent shape, so this wasn't a consideration for the present, but could see it becoming one eventually. In 5 years or 25 years??? No way to know.
As for the future- seems ALL shooting sports are trending to longer ranges, speed elements, or both. The cynical side of me says this is because it's easier to sell new/more equipment as the ranges & speed requirements become more & more demanding, hence the "industry" is much more likely to support/sponsor such competitions. Very few know (or care) what rifles were used by those who won recent metallic silhouette competitions, but you'd best believe a LOT of purchases have been made based on what won at EBR or RMAC.
Not a criticism, more of a lamentation. Hell I just bought a Red Wolf, so have no business chastising anyone for buying whatever they think is the best for their pursuits. I do possess some self awareness too, and admit that my preferences are not necessarily mainstream- most folks do want longer range & speed elements, and more & more do welcome an equipment race. Know I sound like a broken record, but again, not a criticism- just a description of what one guy (thinks) he sees going on.
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It really is what makes it such a great sport.
(And before it gets testy, I shoot Open class guys).
