First HFT rifle

[lensman57]

Just to expand a little on what AG said about the top end target rifles being used in HFT. The main reason is the amount of adjustability you get built into these rifles as standard, they aren't 'tailor made' and most come with every adjustable bit you'll need. I also just want to say that A.G's comment of 'FT guns are being used in HFT, the likes of Steyr, FWB, FTP900 and Walther' isn't totally correct as most of those rifles were originally 10m jobbies. I have owned a LOT of different rifles over the years and the 6 best grouping (at 55 yards) were.

No1. AA MPR FT that i bought for a club member and tried out first. Stunning to shoot and would consistantly group sub 10mm at 55 yards
No2. Daystate Platinum that i shot for the Daystate HFT team, stunning grouping rifle but oddly would miss when used on a HFT course??
No3. My FT Steyr LG100, 14 years old and will group consistantly sub 15mm
No4. My HFT Steyr LG100, 15 years old and groups as above.
No5. AA MPR FT, grouped sub 15mm at 55 yards
No6. AA S400 GML, was a dream to shoot, grouped well and put one or two trophies on the shelf. I only sold it to get a bit more adjustability with the Steyr.

In HFT or FT it's not always the best grouping rifle you want...of course it's one of the primary starting points but other things to take into account are.

How good is it in the wind
How easily does it come into the shoulder/balance/weight for standers
How easily does it come into the shoulder/balance/weight for kneelers
How does it fit for the supported shots

From the above you would assume i'd have gone for a custom stocked MPR but for me, The Steyr ticks more HFT/FT boxes and there's nothing i can't do if there's a problem/servicing.

Sorry Chris. You are right and I stand corrected. I somehow gave the impression that using such rifles will give an unfair advantage to the shooter which clearly is not the case. Besdides the stock adjustability issue an accurate rifle is an accurate rifle and it is the shooter that is the determining factor. I am however, concerned that a new person wishing to start in HFT, may get the wrong inpression that to be able to do the sport one needs a £2500.00 rig which is not the case. I don't know about other regions but in the NW the sport is not progressing in popularity so it could get all the help it gets.

A.G

[Rabaks]

I have used an AA FTP900 for HFT but it was way too heavy for my liking. "Downgraded" to an HFT500 and never looked back. Superb rifle. I also tried my AA TX200 at HFT but found it was too front heavy. Put about a kilo of lead in the butt and although it is heavier it is perfectly balanced and good for HFT.

[ChrisC]

Sorry Chris. You are right and I stand corrected. I somehow gave the impression that using such rifles will give an unfair advantage to the shooter which clearly is not the case. Besdides the stock adjustability issue an accurate rifle is an accurate rifle and it is the shooter that is the determining factor. I am however, concerned that a new person wishing to start in HFT, may get the wrong inpression that to be able to do the sport one needs a £2500.00 rig which is not the case. I don't know about other regions but in the NW the sport is not progressing in popularity so it could get all the help it gets.

A.G

No worries at all as you're pretty much bang on with the advice you give. Funnily enough I was at a mate's wedding reception last sat and reminisced about an article he wrote in one of the mags about cheaper rifles being good enough for HFT. I brought along a S200 that did have a poor trigger fitted with a 10 mag MTC Viper. We had a zero with it, filled it with air and went around a HFT comp. IIRC I finished first with a 57 and Kieran finished second with a 56. Like you said, if the rifle is accurate enough and you know your way around a HFT course then a sub £400 rig can do the business.

A lot of the top HFT shooters do shoot the top end of target rifles but that's because they've worked their way through the ranks and learnt through trial and error what they personally need....and they can afford to purchase those rigs. I think one of the most expensive HFT rifle/scope combinations i've seen came close to 4.5k but the owner never won the open or the worlds. He just loved the set up and could afford it.

There's something to be admired about a shooter that brings along a cheaper rig, boinger or .22 and makes the top boys sweat.

[Crossfixer]

Again thank you for all your advise very helpful.
In the for sale section there is a HW100kt carbine for sale that looks interesting lots of extras and custom stock do you think that would suit HFT and a bit of hunting vermin ?
Have just got permission on 2500 acre's 😀

[lensman57]

Again thank you for all your advise very helpful.
In the for sale section there is a HW100kt carbine for sale that looks interesting lots of extras and custom stock do you think that would suit HFT and a bit of hunting vermin ?
Have just got permission on 2500 acre's 😀

What? Joking aren't you? I think £900.00 for that gun plus all the bits and pieces is a fair price. The stock alone is worth £350.00~£400.00.

A.G

[Crossfixer]

Was'nt asking if it was a good price, I'm asking if it would suit my needs !

[ChrisC]

Was'nt asking if it was a good price, I'm asking if it would suit my needs !

I think AG was trying to say what a decent buy that set up is It would absolutely be cock on as a HFT/hunting rig and was my choice when rook shooting over the last few years. My mate cleared a HFT course with a HW100.

Just verify how much test the bottle has and whether it's 300bar and if you have the chance try and get the seller to let you shoot a full fill through the rifle to make sure it groups well.

[Craig-P]

If you've just landed 2500 acres, you'll be wanting to add a powder burner at some point...

[lensman57]

I think AG was trying to say what a decent buy that set up is It would absolutely be cock on as a HFT/hunting rig and was my choice when rook shooting over the last few years. My mate cleared a HFT course with a HW100.

Just verify how much test the bottle has and whether it's 300bar and if you have the chance try and get the seller to let you shoot a full fill through the rifle to make sure it groups well.

Great advice as usual.

A.G