SOUTH WEST ENGLAND FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION
Hunter Field Target Class – March 2020 Onwards
1) AIRGUNS
(Regional Rules & Guidance Notes)
Rule 1 Airguns
Rule 2 Sights
Rule 3 Ammunition
Rule 4 Classes
Rule 5 Entry Times
Rule 6 Range Officers & Chief Marshal
Rule 7 Targets
Rule 8 Course of Fire
Rule 9 Marshalling & Pairs
Rule 10 Scoring
Rule 11 Shooting
Rule 12 Timing
Rule 13 Penalties
Rule 14 Leaving the Firing Line
Rule 15 Range Conduct
Rule 16 Insurance & Rules
Rule 17 Intoxicating Substances
Note: if the HFT course includes firing points and / or targets that are also used by the FT
course, and the shooter intends to shoot both FT and HFT, then the HFT course must be
shot first.
Competitors may use any air rifle that abides by the relevant categories as defined within
the current legislation. It is the responsibility of the individual person in possession at the
time to ensure that their rifle complies with all statutory limits.
There will be no limitation on the design of the rifle. The rifle may be fitted with a fully
adjustable stock or incorporate such home-made or other after-market modifications as
deemed suitable by its owner. A single rifle sling, separate or otherwise, and/or a butt
hook are permitted as a means of steadying the aim.
The use of bi-pods, mono-pods or crossed sticks (or other devices that touch the ground)
for supporting the rifle while taking a shot is only allowed in the Open class. However, bipods may be used in all categories for resting the rifle (with the muzzle facing in a safe
direction) when not in use.
Where multi-shot magazine fed rifles are used, the magazine must be removed from the
rifle between lanes. Rifles that are fitted with non-detachable magazines should only be
SWEFTA HFT Rules 1 of 8 Version 4 – (01/03/2020)
loaded with sufficient pellets to complete a lane.
Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.
Any form of sighting system may be used, however telescopic sights can either have a
fixed magnification of 12x maximum or if a zoom type scope is used it must have its
magnification set at or below 12x for each target.
The use of a laser attached to a telescopic sight is not permitted.
The use of separate electronic laser range finders is not allowed.
All parallax, magnification and turret adjustments for each target must be made unsighted,
i.e. without looking through the scope and before raising the scope to the eye. Once the
rifle is mounted, no changes of any kind may be made to the scope. If the safety whistle
blows after mounting and before the shot is taken, the scope cannot be altered in the
period before the “All Clear!”
Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.
Any design of pellet that is completely made of lead or lead alloy may be used.
Pellets made from other materials excluding steel may be used provided that there is no
risk from rebounds, ricochets or fragments returning to the firing line. Due to the high risk
from rebounds and ricochets steel ammunition must not be used.
SWEFTA operates three classes in HFT; PCP class, PISTON class and OPEN class.
Newcomers to SWEFTA must be cleared by an official of their own club before they can
take part in a competition.
4a) PCP CLASS.
The PCP class is divided into to three grades, AA, A and B. Existing shooters are placed
in a grade at the start of the season by the Scores and Grading secretary. Grading rules
are detailed in a separate grading document. Shooters may elect to shoot in a higher
grade, if they do, they will remain in that grade until the end of the season.
All new shooters will be placed in B grade. After they have completed three league
shoots their grade will be re-assessed by the Scores and Grading secretary and the
Competition secretary, and a grade confirmed for the remainder of the season. If the
person moves from B grade to A grade at this time, their scores to date will move with
them.
Scores from the PCP class will be eligible for the club championship table. In the graded
class, all standing and kneeling targets must be taken in the specified position.
The use of bi-pods, mono-pods or crossed sticks for supporting the rifle while taking a shot
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2) SIGHTS
3) AMMUNITION
4) CLASSES
is strictly forbidden in this class. However, a bi-pod may be used for resting the rifle (with
the muzzle facing in a safe direction) when not in use.
4b) PISTON CLASS.
This class includes all piston operated air rifles, including sliding action, and contra piston
systems. There are no grades in the piston class.
Scores from the Piston class will be eligible for the club championship table. In the Piston
class, all standing and kneeling targets must be taken in the specified position.
The use of bi-pods, mono-pods or crossed sticks for supporting the rifle while taking a shot
is strictly forbidden in this class. However, a bi-pod may be used for resting the rifle (with
the muzzle facing in a safe direction) when not in use.
4c) OPEN CLASS.
This class allows the use of bi-pods, mono-pods and cross sticks as a means of
supporting the rifle when taking a shot and a folding stool for the shooter to sit on only. In
the Open class, there are no compulsory standing or kneeling targets and all targets can
be taken in any of the defined legal positions, prone, seated, kneeling and standing. No
other positions are permitted.
4d) SHOOTING MORE THAN ONE CLASS.
Shooters can enter more than one class at an event. Scores from all classes are eligible
for the club championship, but only one score can be used towards the club championship,
and this will be the higher of the two scores.
No league shoots shall commence before 09.00am. It is intended that shoots will run on a
shotgun start basis, with pairs commencing at each lane simultaneously. Late arrivals will
be fed in as circumstances permit. Priority will be given to those pairs already on the
course.
Last entry into any competition will be accepted at 12.00 noon. Scorecards must be
submitted back to the organisers by 3.30pm to be considered valid for the day’s
competition. Any cards submitted after that time will be void.
Event organisers (clubs or region) are expected to and will provide Range Officers (ROs)
and a Chief Marshal (CM) to ensure safe and efficient running of the event. The ROs
should be clearly identifiable by the use of armbands or high-visibility vests.
In the event of target related problems or any other down range problem the ROs will
signal a cease-fire by a single blast on a whistle, horn or similar audible device. Any ROs
may request assistance from any person on the firing line to ensure rapid clearance of any
problem encountered. When the problem has been rectified, the firing line will be
reactivated by a double blast of a whistle or other audible device.
ROs shall ensure that rules are observed and the CM shall have absolute discretion in
attending to any matter not specifically encompassed by these rules (or the guidance
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5) ENTRY TIMES
6) RANGE OFFICERS & CHIEF MARSHAL.
notes).
Reactive targets shall be used. In this context the term reactive means that following a
successful hit the target will give some visible indication, whereby a change in target
profile, movement of the target or fall of the target occurs.
The trip plate shall be of a contrasting colour to the faceplate (course builders should allow
for shooters affected by colour blindness or other visual impairment).
The faceplate will be of a highly contrasting colour to the trip plate, preferably white or
yellow. If the target is in a dark location the faceplate shall be light and the kill-zone dark.
The minimum distance for any target (for safety reasons) shall be 10 yards (9.1 metres)
and the maximum target distance shall be 55 yards (50.3 metres).
Standard target apertures shall not be less than 1½ inches (38mm) nor exceed 1¾ inches
(45 mm) in diameter.
The course may also contain targets with reduced diameter apertures, provided that
the total number of such targets does not exceed 40% of the total number of targets
in the course (e.g. 16 in a 40 target course) with the following restrictions:
a) Target apertures between 1 inch (25.4mm) and less than 1½ inches (38mm) may
be used on freestyle targets to a maximum distance of 45 yards (41.1 metres).
b) Target apertures between ½ inch (12.7mm) and less than 1 inch (25.4mm) may be
used on freestyle targets to a maximum distance of 25 yards (22.9 metres).
c) Apertures smaller than ½ inch (12.7mm) are prohibited.
d) The number of ½ inch apertures shall be less than the number of 1 inch apertures.
e) All targets shall be clearly indicated and shot in numerical order.
Where targets are included that the course setter has laid in such a way that they will be
shot either standing or kneeling, these targets must not be set at distances beyond 40
yards using a standard target aperture for standing targets and 45 yards using a standard
target aperture for kneeling targets.
Kneeling or standing targets using target apertures between 1 inch (25.4mm) and less
than 1½ inches (38mm) may be set to a maximum distance of 15 yards.
No 1/2 inch (12.7mm) aperture targets to be used on positional shots.
A full course of fire shall consist of not less than 25 targets. A full course of fire must be
completed for a score to be deemed valid excepting any circumstance under Rule 14
(Leaving the firing line).
All shots must be taken from within a designated firing area. The use of any natural or
artificial objects present within the firing area as a rifle rest is allowed except when
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7) TARGETS
8) COURSE OF FIRE
shooting compulsory positional targets. These must be shot in the defined position without
any form of external support.
When taking all shots, some part of the shooter’s body, must touch ‘the PEG’. This may
be a separate white peg hammered into the ground, or a white mark on a post, tree, etc.
In either case the white peg/mark must be completely free of any strings, nails, cleats or
any other item that may impact or damage a rifle should the competitor choose to use
either side of the peg while shooting that lane.
The minimum white peg dimensions shall be 12 inch high and either 1½ inch diameter or
square.
The rifle may touch the peg but it does not have to, the rifle alone touching the peg is not
sufficient.
The peg designates the firing line. The muzzle of the rifle must be over the firing line and
the shooters trigger finger must be behind it.
In the event of a target being shot out of sequence, the competitor shall forfeit the omitted
target, being credited with a ‘miss’ and resume shooting at the target immediately following
it.
Out of sequence shots involving targets on another lane require the above procedure to be
followed. In this case the target shot out of sequence shall be shot as normal upon
reaching that lane.
Shots taken at any one lane should not exceed the total number of targets in that lane with
the following exceptions:
a) Rectification of faulty targets.
b) Unsighted shots with the knowledge of the partner or RO.
c) In a shoot off situation.
d) Any target found to be defective shall be repaired / replaced and re-shot. However,
if upon examination, the trip plate has moved to a point where it has to be reset, the
target shall be scored as a hit.
e) Regardless of any circumstances such as forgetting to load a pellet, not shutting the
loading bolt or if the trigger is pulled before aiming at the target, if the gun goes off
(air released) the shot is considered as having been taken and will be scored
accordingly. If this does happen, the competitor should make sure the pellet has left
the gun by dry firing safely into the ground over the Firing Line with the consent of
their shooting partner.
The use of any electronic device, including phones, tablets, laptops or other similar device
to run ballistic, windage, elevation, range finding or other related applications or
programmes is not permitted.
The normal marshalling system shall be the “buddy” type where partners score each other.
Normally this will be based on pairs, however, should circumstances dictate, groups of
three can be allowed. It is the buddy who decides if the shot was a hit, miss or plate.
Competitors are expected to find different partners from match to match. Partners shall be
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9) MARSHALLING & PAIRS
from different clubs, except for the following:
a) A first time competitor may shoot with a member of their own club. However, both
score cards must be marked “New Shooter”.
b) A junior is partnered by a parent or guardian to fulfil the legal requirement of
supervision by an appropriate person of over 21 years of age. Supervision of
shooters who are under 18 years of age will be in accordance with current legal
requirements (a shooting partner in competition does not necessarily constitute
supervision of a shooter under 14 years of age) see Rule 2.1.1 of the Shooting and
Grading Rules.
Exceptions to the above must be cleared by the CM.
The same pairs must not shoot together more than twice in a season. If pairs choose to
shoot together more than twice both will be awarded a score of 0 for that competition and
each repeat occurrence during that season.
Only a member of the shooting group is permitted to record scores on a scorecard. Under
no circumstance is a shooter allowed to score his/her own scorecard. If an error is entered
on any scorecard the shooting partner who made the mistake must seek a marshal or third
party from another match who will amend this error for you and sign the card.
Shooters who do not have a pre-arranged partner for the event should be prepared for the
Competition Secretary or stats. office on the day to allocate a partner.
Scoring shall be on the basis of:
a) 2 points Target reacts and requires resetting.
b) 1 point Target silhouette is hit but does not fall.
c) 0 points Miss.
If there is no audible or visible reaction from the target a miss shall be scored. Any
challenge to the above must be made prior to leaving the target. Any dispute not resolved
at that time shall be referred to the RO or CM whose decision shall be final.
Any target found to be defective shall be repaired / replaced and re-shot. However, if upon
examination, the trip plate has moved to a point where it has to be reset, the target shall
be scored as a hit.
It is compulsory to hand in scorecards, regardless of whether the full course of fire has
been completed or not. The only exceptions to this are if for medical reasons, the
competitor is no longer able to continue, or if, due to mechanical breakdown, it is no longer
possible for a competitor’s rifle to be discharged. Shooters not handing in their cards will
receive no score.
Cards when handed in must be marked in ink, not pencil. Any mistakes, such as marking
the wrong target or the wrong card, shall be corrected in such a way that the original
mistake is still clear to be seen, but leaving no doubt as to the correct marking. Alterations
should be witnessed by RO or a third party from another match signing adjacent to the
correction.
Defaced cards, or cards that prevent proper audit of corrections will be treated as not
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10) SCORING
handed in and will receive no score.
Upon completion of the course one of your shooting partners should sign your scorecard,
this is to signify that they have checked the card & agree with its scoring, the shooter
should always check that their own scorecard is correctly filled in & signed before handing
it in as they are the one who will be penalised for any irregularities.
If a competitor hands in a scorecard that is incomplete, unreadable or has any alterations
not counter signed by an RO or third party their score will be amended or the competitor
disqualified.
SWEFTA organisers reserve the right to amend and adjust any shooters scorecard at any
time during the series if infringements of the rules or evidence of cheating is subsequently
discovered during or after the scheduled events.
There are no compulsory shooting positions in HFT and all targets can be shot from any
position, standing, kneeling, seated or prone.
The use of a seat (bean bag) is allowed; the maximum height for any form of seating is 6
inches (150 mm), including any backrest. The seat may be used as an aid to sitting or
kneeling shots. Bean bags cannot be used to gain extra support for shooter or rifle.
Variations on this rule may be applied to at the discretion of the event organiser in
recognition of a competitor’s disability, providing that no unfair advantage is gained.
The use of a mat when the shooter is using the prone position is allowed. When taking a
prone shot, the only part of the rifle which may be touching the ground is the bottom edge
of the butt pad, no other device, stock or butt pad extension may rest on the ground or
mat.
Any type of clothing, glove or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter
or any other competitors.
There are no formal timing devices provided in SWEFTA competition as no one is routinely
timed, however, 3 minutes is deemed as a reasonable amount of time from addressing the
Firing Line for a lane with two targets. A further minute would be added for each additional
target in that lane.
If any competitor believes someone is delaying the shoot by repeatedly taking too much
time, they should in the first instance time them with a personal device. If they are found to
be taking more than 3 minutes, they should be politely reminded of rule 12. Alternatively,
or if no personal device is available or they persist, an RO or the CM may be approached
who may remind the competitor and time them in a subsequent lane if they believe it
appropriate.
Only during an officially timed lane by an RO or the CM may any target not taken within
the time be recorded as a 0.
SWEFTA HFT Rules 7 of 8 Version 4 – (01/03/2020)
11) SHOOTING
12) TIMING
12a) DELAYING THE SHOOT
13) PENALTIES
14) LEAVING THE FIRING LINE
15) RANGE CONDUCT
16) INSURANCE & RULES
17) INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES
The penalty for unsafe practice or any form of cheating is disqualification, with the club or
regional association reserving the right to take further action.
The competitors may leave the firing line under the following conditions:
a) Voluntary abandonment of the shoot, in which case their score to that point will be
presented as a valid result.
b) To affect a repair to equipment which has been rendered unsafe or incapable of
firing a shot by whatever means. This does not include zero shift of optical
equipment or poorly zeroed systems, an exception to this being should a rifle take a
fall or severe knock on the firing line (e.g. by failure of sling or similar). The CM or
RO can allow a competitor to replace the faulty part or equipment, but no visit to the
zeroing range is allowed, unless permission is given by the CM or RO.
c) Any other occurrence, which is deemed valid by the CM or RO (e.g. extreme)
weather conditions that may cause a safety hazard).
Competitors must be aware of muzzle sweep. The muzzle/barrel must be kept pointing
down to the ground at all times; this includes moving in and out of the Firing Line. Guns
will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged at a recognised Firing Line.
Guns will always be kept unloaded and un-cocked when not in use.
In the event of a ‘cease-fire’ order; guns will be discharged into the ground a minimum of
10 yards forward of the Firing Line, the muzzles dropped and actions left in the open
position.
Targets must not be sighted during a cease-fire.
The host club shall display a current and valid Certificate of Insurance and also a current
copy of the regional rules.
The possession and/or consumption of any intoxicating substance (alcohol or illegal drugs)
on the Firing Line is strictly prohibited. If the organiser, RO or CM discover that any
competitor is believed to have consumed and/or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal
drugs, will be asked to leave the Firing Line/club premises.
The club and/or region reserve the right to pursue further action following any such
misconduct