Introduction to Field Target
Airgun Field target shooting first became popular in the early eighties. It’s a discipline of shooting targets outside, as opposed to the popular indoor 10 and 25 meter disciplines, and hence the reason it became known as “field target”.
There are two types of rifle used, Springer (spring powered) PCP (pre charged pneumatic, compressed air up to 300bar) and the calibers are .177 .20 and .22 with .177 being most popular due to its flatter trajectory and faster velocity (handles the elements a lot better also).
Our targets are of the metal knock down variety, shaped in silhouettes of animals. Within the silhouette is a disc, referred to as the “kill zone”. A strike on the kill zone results in the target falling and a point is scored. A course consists of either 30 or 40 targets, placed within lanes, normally consisting of two targets to a lane. For field target three standard sizes of kill zones are used on the targets, one being 15mm known as a ‘micro’, one being 25mm, known as a ‘mini’, and the other being 40mm which is full size.
The targets are placed between ranges of 10 yards to 55 yards, and can be on the ground or elevated within trees. The range of the target is not given to the shooter, and they must estimate this by eye or using the telescopic sights parallax feature. The shooter will then calculate the required amount of hold over or under, windage, and take the shot. You only get one shot per target before moving on to the next lane.
Marlboro Air Gunners participate in shoots in CT and MA, so you get the opportunity to shoot at other people's clubs. We practice at Marlborough Fish and game and hope to grow the sport within the club by hopefully hosting a match there in the near future with aim of making it a regular thing.
Popular Airgun Field Target Guns
STARTER • Under $500
-Air Venturi Avenger
-Benjamin Marauder
-Beeman R9
-Air Arms S/T200
STANDARD• $500 - $3000
-BSA R10, R12, Silver or Goldstar
-Air Arms: S4s, S5s, HFT500, TX200
-Weihrauch HW97K, HW100
-Walther LGV/LGU
-RAW TM1000
-Daystate Huntsman, Wolverine, or Redwolf
PRO • over $3000
-Air Arms XTi50
-Thomas
-Feinwekbau
-Steyr
-Anshütz
-Mac1
Field Target in the Northeast
*Northeast MATCH CALENDAR*
CLICK HERE For the Minuteman Field Target League calendar, a comprehensive list of northeast field target clubs and match dates.
new england field target league
CLICK HERE The six airgun shooting clubs in New England have joined their efforts to promote the airgun hobby of Field Target by hosting field target matches throughout New England. The matches are held on the grounds of the individual clubs throughout the season.
This webpage includes a list of clubs, league rules and requirements, and reports of league standings along with other information we hope you will find informative and interesting. Please feel free to use the information on the site, and for some real fun, come to one of our matches!
2025 MATCHES in MARLBORO Mass
֍ June 8, 2025
֍ Sept 14, 2025
1. Match Registration 9-10:00 am.
2. Match Fee is $15 - $20 non-members, $10 - 15 members depending on Match or Tournament.
3. Sight-in range opens at 9:00 am.
4. Safety meeting at 10:00 am.
5. Match begins immediately after safety meeting.
Our club was created to provide airgunners with similar interests the opportunity to explore the world of airgunning in a safe and friendly environment. Field Target is the premier way to make connections with other people that enjoy airgun shooting. The Colonial Airgunners appreciate all who attend our match to conduct themselves in a friendly and courteous manner. Marlboro Fish & Game club rules apply while on the club property. A safety officer will be on the range during sight in. Range rules are posted in the covered sight in line. Rules and liability release forms will be provided at match registration.
AMERICAN AIRGUN FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION - (AAFTA)
Introduction
The 'Colonial Airgunners' is a registered member club of the American Airgun Field Target Association.
AAFTA is an association of member clubs that support the sport of Field Target in America. Its main goal is to promote Field Target shooting clubs in the United States. In accordance with its By-Laws, AAFTA is responsible for establishing a set of Rules and Guidelines so that participants may compete in regional and national matches in a manner fair to all. AAFTA is also responsible for the maintenance and distribution of these rules to its affiliated clubs in the interest of creating a standard among all of its members. AAFTA also assists affiliated clubs in conducting regional and national competitions governed by these same set of Rules and guidelines. Through its every act and deed, AAFTA strives to further the sport of field target as a gentlemanly sport in its conduct, safety, fairness and participation by all members. Through doing that, AAFTA promotes shooting as a healthy recreational activity to the general public.
ALL ABOUT FIELD TARGET MATCHES
CLICK HERE Field target matches are fun and challenging. At the match you have the chance to test your shooting skills against other shooters. One of the best parts of field target is the chance you have to visit with other shooters. You meet new people and make a lot of friends as you attend more and more matches. You will meet some of the nicest people at field target matches. There are only suggestions in the AAFTA handbook on how a field target course should be set up; because of this, field target matches will vary from club-to-club and match-to-match. These variations keeps field target fresh and vibrant for the shooter (and the match director).
AAFTA HANDBOOK
CLICK HERE The American Airgun Field Target Association handbook with course planner, rule book, shooter results, charts, calculators, printable targets, and more.
Check
Match/Range checklist
- Gun(s) & scope (extra battery)
- Parallax wheel
- Lens cloth/brush
- Chronograph (extra batteries)
- Bipod/tripod
- Bucket, bum bag, or other seat (see AAFTA rules)
- Single loader, shot try, magazines
- Pellets
- Pellet pouch
- Prefill guns with air
- Buddy bottle or compressor
- Fill probe or fitting
- Water & snacks
- Face cloth, rag, wet naps, tissues
- Pen, pencil, marker
- Hearing protection
- Eye protection
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Ibuprofen, Tylenol
- Targets
- Tools (hammer, and adjustable wrench for targets)
- Staple gun
- Masking Tape
- Tape measure - 100 yards
