how to hold for Field Pistol

Sparky, pistol FT shooters use rifle scopes (12X limit) and the taco hold. Hunter Class allows bipods (and seats/buckets), Open Class does not. So most Open shooters rest their pistols on their knee(s). 

I too have been waiting for a reply to this post. I wonder if anyone can explain exactly what the taco hold is please. I have looked on line and there are differing explanations of the hold. For example one person describes it as cupping the base of the grip whereas another holds the top of the barrel with their non trigger hand. Many thanks.

I would say taco, one handed or two; open, red dot or long eye relief scope if you want to shoot a pistol. Otherwise it's off the knee or on sticks when shooting mini field target. I won't call it pistol ft because very few of the guns would meet the defenition of a pistol in Any other arena.

Richardo, I could not locate any taco hold photos in my collection or online, so I just spent a half-hour trying to describe the taco hold in writing. But despite my super-human writing skills, I could tell it would probably do little more than create more questions or confusion. 

At that point I remembered at the 2015 Texas State FT Championships a spectating buddy took a photo of me shooting my first of 4 offhand shots in the pistol match. That lane being very close to the end of the match for me and having a perfect score to that point, unfortunately after loading my gun I glanced back to see him pointing his cell-phone camera at me! By then the damage was done whether or not I asked him not to, so I didn't... until after missing the shot! Though I still won the title, that was the ONLY shot I missed in the PFT match; ruining my chances (and hopes) of the second of only three perfect PFT scores I've managed. Suffice to say I let him know it in no uncertain terms later. 

Anyway, I just called him to ask if that photo came out okay, and could he forward it to me? He's driving home from his 50th high-school reunion now, but thinks he can find and send it tonight or tomorrow. Assuming so, I'll post it here because, as I just found out from personal experience, when it comes to describing the taco hold I think the adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is spot-on true. And in this particular case for me, poignantly so!

John, I agree with your opinion that what passes for a 'pistol' in PFT isn't really! But FWIW, had I prevailed when serving on the PFT Rules Committee there would be at least one class for real pistols. Unfortunately the committee consisted of 5 individuals from around the U.S. who were PFT Match Directors at their home clubs in those early days of pistol FT. Some of those clubs (out west) had been shooting PFT with what amounts to FT rifles and scope with pistol grips, and they lobbied hard for LIBERAL equipment parameters like no limit on barrel length, scope magnification, or gizmos. I lobbied hard for such things as 10" barrel limits, 4X scope limits, no gadgets, etc. You wouldn't believe how contentious those debates became; but suffice to say the PFT rules we now have are as close to a 'reasonable' compromise as possible. For example, had I not been there fighting hard for some semblance of PISTOL in 'pistol' FT rules, we'd all have to be shooting something like this to be competitive at the highest levels.



BTW and FWIW, the owner of this rig was also on the PFT Rules Committee; but being less liberal, was on my side of the equipment debates.

So after realizing I wouldn't have a freestyle position PFT photo even after (if) my buddy sends the offhand photo mentioned above, I used the excuse to get out and familiarize myself with the delay feature on my digital camera and an antique tri-pod I've had for years but never used. Both worked great. This isn't a proper photo of the taco hold; rather my Hunter Class freestyle position (Hunter Class allowing the use of bi-pods). Hopefully the offhand photo to come (above) captures the intricacies of the taco hold in all its glory.

WARNING- hideously fugly model! 



Open Class not allowing the use of bi-pods, for Open Class I simply move the pistol back about 4" on my knee, and grasp the HPA bottle with my left hand... oh, and PRAY! 

I should also point out my highly-sophisticated, high-tech PFT shooting-shirt, jeans, sneakers, socks, and hair-do. None of these accessories might be described as exactly 'stylish'; but given the contorted PFT shooting position, all serve an important equipment and technique requisite to PFT success... COMFORT!

Here's that offhand taco hold photo my buddy sent-

 

AirNGasman. Thank you very much for your reply about the Taco and Hunter Class holds. As you say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Again, many thanks. Much appreciated. R.

Havent personally seem stix used and the rules have changed since I last shot off the ground. Often at regular local shoots the match directer might allow you to have a good time shooting how you liked. Points match shoots are by the book so if that's where your headed do figure out whats comfy for you and stick to it.

comfy



pretty sure this is still fine



2 moa red dot

Jim from PrecisionAir with a now not allowed (?) set up that shot great



taco-ish hold



Just go shoot safely and have a great time. Maybe someone will tell tails of "The 100 FT Excuses" , brought tears to me eyes.



John

Thank you all for this thread. On the TACO hold, the hand on the scope. I assume it’s done to stabilize the gun and the grip on the scope is not a death grip. But, for how long do you hold this positions? For one shot?? 

How are people holding their pistols. Shooting off sticks, long ye relief scopes, taco hold ?



thanks

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"Field Pistol" is an IHMSA category. Shot all standing. Though it is never shot with air pistols. The closest IHMSA air pistol categories are "S" (standing) and "US" (unlimited standing). The "taco hold" is popular.

If you are really asking about AAFTA Pistol Field Target, then it is mostly a sitting game. PFT matches are rare unless in conjunction with an AAFTA GP rifle match. Only 4 to 8 of the 40+ shots must be taken while standing. So the majority of the match is shot on the ground:

For the sitting shots, variations of the "deadman" position is another stable sitting position for pistols (as used at West Coast GP by high scoring pistol shooter):

Jim from PrecisionAir with a now not allowed (?) set up that shot great

...

John

Click to expand...

That looks legal to me for PFT. What is the issue?

I always liked the sidewinder position. First encountered it in metallic silhouette 400 meters with handguns. Gotta be careful wit a magnum revolver though, the cylinder to barrel flash will burn and cut you like a knife! We used a thick strip of leather on the leg, and the top cuff of our boots to rest the barrel on.



I believe your listing Comfy as a version of it. ;<)



KnifeMaker

Interesting thread, thanks for the info.

" That looks legal to me for PFT. What is the issue? "

And I could be wrong as I never shot pistol class so am not 100% on the rules.

That's Jim's pistol and was just fine when he used it ( shot like gang busters) but I was told the next year "No side mounted scopes" , might just be something someone said but I've not seen a side mounted scope used since. It worked VERY well in the seated FT position. Pretty sure folks were still arguing about "hangy tanks" back then also.





John