Hello,
I went to watch my first hunter field target match at OKC and had a great time. I met some great folks who didn't mind me bugging them with questions and following them around. I learned a lot about the sport. I don't have a gun for this type of shooting currently so the process has begun on researching what to get. I know PCP rifle is the safe way to go but i do like springers but pistol is really tugging at my heart strings. I would be the only one shooting with a pistol and I would shoot the course like it was setup and not limit my shots to 35yds. I know it much harder but I like harder. The reason is I shot handgun silhouette and have always favored handguns over long guns. Is the crosman 1701 working good for it?
I will be using athlon Agros scope 6-24 mil(had it setting around). I know it sucks to be the only one shooting a particular way(I was a trad shooter before it became cool-lol) but I like to challenge myself.
Thanks
Jon
Jon,
You are not alone in wanting to shoot pistol in rifle matches.
I have done so many times.
I speak from experience as winning a few Pistol FT matches over the years.
My first recommendation is to check with your local match director.
Discuss what the MD will allow you to shoot.
The rules posted earlier are a great basis for shooting a pistol in that class. HOWEVER, with the new rules that some clubs have adopted (Unlimited Class?), you may want to consider other choices. Read on to understand where this is going.....
The 1720T as mentioned by Ron is an excellent choice. It is the same as a 1701P, but with a longer barrel and a larger air chamber. It is very accurate, it is 177 and can be shot at 12fpe as per the PFT rules.
The Marauder pistol in .22 is also another choice, amongst many others that you will hear about. Think of it as a 1720T in .22.
There are many options available for you, from the budget choices that I mentioned to the more expensive ones that others have.
Most any pistol under 12fpe and a 12X scope will fit into the AAFTA Hunter Pistol rules.
There are just a few simple rules that the MD will enforce, first, you will be limited to 20fpe, that's set-in stone, so as not to destroy targets, and of course, safety. An MD may allow more than 12fpe under Unlimited rules, but its best to check first.
As for me I shoot both a 1720T 12fpe & 12X, and a modified Marauder pistol in rifle matches. The .22 marauder shoots between 12 and 20FPE, has a 12X scope on top.
12fpe is not an issue in a 55yard rifle match, the WFTF shooters have a 12fpe limit. The issue will be with your 12x scope. You will not be able to range well at rifle distances. It will be a challenge for you when you combine the two. Not impossible.
Extreme FT rules dictate 20fpe and 12X scopes. Distances are provided, so ranging is not an issue, Right?
If you have a tank to bring along with you, you can bump the power up a bit, just fill between each lane of two. Easy Peasy. Thats what many pistol shooters do. Even at 12fpe, a fill every two lanes is smart.
The local match director might allow you to put a bigger scope on top under Unlimite rules. You will have to ask.
Enjoy!
Best regards,
Paul in N.TX
Here's hoping there are three-man squads; if so, shooting won't be the only competition going on.
Served up some humble pie 
that the Neanderthal ate up. I bet a Sasquatch such as yourself ( the Texas, very intellectually challenged, very smelly variety ), would love some humble pie as well. Come get a Tenacious helping baby boy. Bring your daddy Jeff C. to help, you’ll need it 
