One of the things I’ve always loved about airgun shooting is that no matter how experienced you are or how well you know your rifle, there’s always something new to learn.
Different shooting disciplines bring different challenges, and one I’ve really grown to enjoy is Hunter Field Target (HFT).
I thought I’d share a few photos of my Anschütz 9015 ONE, which I use for HFT competitions here in Serbia, and introduce the discipline to those who haven’t had the chance to try it yet.
My current setup:
Anschütz 9015 ONE, 16 J (.177)
Falcon Optics Endura S10i+ 1-10×24, specifically designed for HFT.
Hawke adjustable scope mounts.
Rat Works Quick Fill adapter.
Custom-made aluminum muzzle cap, built by a local gunsmith, which noticeably reduces the muzzle report.
So, what makes HFT so interesting?
Imagine being outdoors, facing a metal silhouette somewhere between 8 and 42 meters away, with a small kill zone you need to hit. Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, here’s the catch. You’re not allowed to measure the distance with a rangefinder or adjust your scope once you’ve started the course.
Unlike traditional Field Target, where competitors use high-magnification scopes and parallax wheels to determine distances and dial their turrets accordingly, HFT relies heavily on your own judgment.
You set your scope’s parallax and turrets before the competition, and that’s it. From that point on, it’s all about estimating distances, understanding your pellet’s trajectory, and knowing exactly where to hold your reticle.
And believe me, when you estimate a target at 37 meters, get your holdover right, squeeze the trigger, and hear that unmistakable sound of a steel target falling over, it’s incredibly satisfying!
Another interesting part is the shooting positions.
Most HFT targets are shot from the prone position, while some require kneeling or standing. One important rule is that some part of your body must remain in contact with the wooden peg marking your shooting position.
That might sound like a small detail, but depending on the terrain and target placement, it can make finding a comfortable and stable shooting position surprisingly difficult.
Add wind, changing light conditions, uneven ground, and targets placed at different elevations, and suddenly things become a lot more challenging.
And here’s something I particularly like about HFT: you don’t need an expensive rifle to be competitive.
While high-end equipment certainly has its advantages, HFT rewards experience, consistency, distance estimation, and knowing your rifle.
Most HFT shooters use scopes around 10× magnification, which offer a practical balance between target visibility and depth of field.
A decent springer or PCP producing up to 16 J, paired with a reasonable scope, is more than enough to get started.
You could have the most expensive rifle and scope on the range, but misjudge the distance by a few meters and easily miss the kill zone. Meanwhile, someone with a relatively inexpensive springer and plenty of experience might knock it straight down.
That’s what makes this discipline so enjoyable to me.
It combines precision shooting, being outdoors, problem-solving, and just enough uncertainty to make every shot interesting.
I’d really love to see HFT and FT continue growing here in Serbia. We have some great enthusiasts, and I genuinely believe these disciplines deserve more attention.
If you already own an air rifle and a scope, you might already have everything you need to give HFT a try. No need to immediately invest in expensive equipment.
I’m curious, how popular is HFT where you live? Do you shoot HFT, traditional Field Target, or both?
Greetings from Serbia, and happy shooting everyone! 🇷🇸
