Quote Originally Posted by ChrisC View Post
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