SWEFTA Hunter Field Target Rules – Purbeck Field Target Club

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION
Hunter Field Target Class – January 2026 Onward
(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
Rule 18 Guidance Notes.

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.

1) AIRGUNS
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 legal 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 subject to the following restrictions: The fore end depth is
limited to 150mm / 6” from the center of the barrel to the bottom of the fore stock. Any
adjustable fore end must remain fixed in one position throughout the course of fire. A single
rifle sling, separate or otherwise is permitted as a means of steadying the aim.

Any rifle / shooter unable to comply with the above can compete in Open class.
The use of any form of wind indicating device, mechanical or electronic is not permitted.
Neither is the use of any form of butt hook, adjustable or fixed.

The use of tripods, 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 and Big Gun
classes. However, bi-pods 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 loaded
with sufficient pellets to complete a lane.

Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.

2) SIGHTS
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 finder is not allowed.

Turret elevation and windage adjustments can be made once only for the entire course of
targets. This can be done either prior to the commencement of shooting or unsighted, in
preparation for the first target being shot.

All parallax and magnification 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.

3) AMMUNITION
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.

4) CLASSES
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 subdivided into three grades, AA, A and B. Existing shooters are placed in a
grade at the start of the season by the Scores 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 to PCP class will be Ungraded. After they have completed three league
shoots their scores will be assessed by the Scores Secretary and the Competition Secretary,
and a grade confirmed for the remainder of the season. Scores achieved in the ungraded
period will migrate with them to their allocated grade.

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 tripods, 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.

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.

4c) OPEN CLASS.
This class allows the use of rifles that don’t meet the “Airgun” rules and or the use of tripods,
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.

Standing or seated shooters using tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods or cross sticks as a means of
supporting the rifle while taking a shot may either:

a) Position the rifle as required using the chosen support, with some part of the
shooter’s body touching ‘the PEG’

b) Not physically touch ‘the PEG’, but where reasonably practicable position the rifle
centered over the peg with the support legs symmetrically positioned around it whilst
maintaining the muzzle in front of the firing line and the trigger finger behind it.

Note: if a shot is taken using natural support (without the use of tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods
or cross sticks) then some part of the shooter’s body must touch ‘the PEG’.

Prone shooters using tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods or cross sticks as a means of supporting
the rifle while taking a shot are still expected to touch ‘the PEG’ with some part of the body.
In Open class, there are no compulsory standing or kneeling targets.

4d) LARGE CALIBER CLASS.
This will be a fun class only with no certificates or badges awarded and no end of year trophy.

This class is restricted to any 12 ft lb PCP or Piston rifle of .22 caliber or greater. This class
allows the use of tripods, 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.

Standing or seated shooters using tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods or cross sticks as a means of
supporting the rifle while taking a shot may either:

Position the rifle as required using the chosen support, with some part of the shooter’s
body touching ‘the PEG’

Not physically touch ‘the PEG’, but where reasonably practicable position the rifle
centered over the peg with the support legs symmetrically positioned around it whilst
maintaining the muzzle in front of the firing line and the trigger finger behind it.

Note: if a shot is taken using natural support (without the use of tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods
or cross sticks) then some part of the shooter’s body must touch ‘the PEG’.

Prone shooters using tripods, bi-pods, mono-pods or cross sticks as a means of supporting
the rifle while taking a shot are still expected to touch ‘the PEG’ with some part of the body.

4e) SHOOTING MORE THAN ONE CLASS.
Shooters can enter more than one class at an event, but competitors who enter the PCP and
Piston classes can have their score allowed for grading and team positions for one class only;
this must be nominated when booking in, and shot first.

Competitors who enters the Open class and another class must shoot the Open class
second. Only their first score will be valid for grading and team positions. The second-round
score counts for the day only.

5) ENTRY TIMES
No league shoots shall commence before 09.30am. 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 12.30 noon. Scorecards must be
submitted back to the organisers by 16.00pm to be considered valid for the day’s competition.
Any cards submitted after that time will be void.

6) RANGE OFFICERS & CHIEF MARSHAL.
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 an airhorn. 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 on an airhorn.
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 notes).

7) TARGETS
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 35 yards (32 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 set in such a way that they will be shot either standing or kneeling, the
following restrictions apply:

Standing targets:
a) Standard aperture maximum distance 40 yards.
b) Apertures between 1 inch (25.4mm) and less than 1½ inches (38mm) maximum distance of 15 yards.

Kneeling targets:
a) Standard aperture maximum distance 45 yards.
b) Apertures between 1 inch (25.4mm) and less than 1½ inches (38mm) maximum distance of 15 yards.
No 1⁄2 inch (12.7mm) aperture targets to be used on positional shots.

8) COURSE OF FIRE
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 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 not exceed the total number of targets in that lane with the following exceptions:
a) Rectification of faulty targets.

b) Shots with the knowledge of the partner or RO. (e.g. to safely change position in a
lane or to check if the rifle had already been loaded or to make a loaded rifle safe
because of a ‘cease-fire’ order). In all cases the gun must be discharged safely into
the ground and unsighted approximately 10 metres in-front of the Firing Line.

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 programs is not
permitted.

Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.

9) MARSHALLING & PAIRS
The normal marshaling 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.

New shooters, shooters without a grade or shooters with less than 3 league shoots experience
must partner a shooter with a grade or an Open or Piston shooter with a minimum of 3
league shoots experience. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.

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 a third party
from another group who will amend this error for you and sign the card.

Shooters who do not have a pre-arranged partner or need an experienced shooter for the
event should be willing for the Competition Secretary, Chief Marshal or the Stats. Office on
the day to allocate a partner.

10) SCORING
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. It is the person
scoring the card who will decide if the shot was a hit, miss or plate. 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 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.

11) SHOOTING
There are no compulsory shooting positions in HFT.

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.

The wearing of Olympic style shooting jackets is not permitted. Any other type of clothing,
glove or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or any other competitors.

12) TIMING
There is no formal timing in SWEFTA HFT.

12a) DELAYING THE SHOOT
If any competitor believes someone is delaying the shoot by repeatedly taking too much time,
they should bring it to the attention of either the RO or the CM. The RO or CM will time the
offending group and if found to be slow they will warn the competitors and if necessary time
the group in all subsequent lanes.

Note: 3 minutes is deemed a reasonable amount of time from addressing the Firing Line for a
lane containing two targets. A further minute will be added for each additional target in a lane
to a maximum of 5 minutes for a 4 target lane.

Only during an officially timed lane by an RO or the CM may any target not taken within the
time period be recorded as a 0.

13) PENALTIES
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.

14) LEAVING THE FIRING LINE
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).

15) RANGE CONDUCT
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.

If a mobile phone is carried on the course then it must be set to silent.

16) INSURANCE & RULES
The host club shall display a current and valid Certificate of Insurance and also a current copy
of the regional rules.

17) INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES
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.

18) Guidance Notes for Course Builders.
The following needs to be considered when designing a course of fire:

a) The course will be shot by the tall, short, right and left handed shooters. The course of
fire needs to be fair to all.

b) The age and athleticism of competitors. The age profile at most events is high and
mobility low. The course of fire needs to be accessible to all.

c) Stick shooters need to be able to see all targets from the Peg. The Stick rules require
the shooter to have their rifle positioned over the Peg with the muzzle in-front of the
firing line and the trigger finger behind it.

d) Safety. The danger presented by a shooter with a loaded gun balancing to touch the
peg whilst reaching around an obstruction must be considered when designing a lane
to negate any such risk.

e) The time taken to shoot a lane. A shooter facing a 4 target lane has potentially 5
minutes to complete it. Ideally it should be possible to shoot all targets in a lane
without the need for continued changes in the shooting position.

f) Compulsory positional targets. The Swefta HFT rules don’t support compulsory
positions. However, some clubs are building structures to obscure targets in an effort
to force shooters to adopt either a standing or kneeling position. This is acceptable in
PCP and Piston classes but to keep the course fair to all the obstruction needs to
affect everyone the same. Example, a tall shooter may be able to take a target sitting
when a shorter person may have to take it kneeling. The 2 shooters aren’t shooting
the same course.

g) Compulsory prone targets should be avoided, unless the event organiser supplies a
suitable mat or clean dry surface to lay on.

h) Obstructions and target backboards. These should be made from materials with a
contrasting sound to that of the targets faceplate. There should be no confusion about

Location