Airgun Competitions in the UK: What You Need to Know

By Published On: 14 August 2023Categories: Air Gun

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, airgun competitions offer a valuable opportunity to socialise and showcase your skills. Air pistol and rifle competitions have become a growing passion for many in the UK, from friendly contests held at local clubs to international arenas like the Olympics.

If you’re interested in competing in an airgun competition, read on. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of air gun competition shooting, delving into the rules, distances, targets used, and more. We’ll also explore the importance of choosing the best competition air rifle or pistol for your needs.

What Types of Air Gun Competition Are There?

The beauty of airgun competitions in the UK is the vast array of options available to shooting enthusiasts, catering to all ability levels and interests. This allows individuals to hone their skills, moving up to higher grades as they master different aspects of shooting.

Each type of competition carries unique rules and parameters, reflecting the diversity of airgun shooting sports. Some events take place in controlled indoor environments, focusing on precision and consistency in target shooting. Field competitions take place outdoors, introducing varying elements like wind, lighting, and terrain.

Bell Target Competitions

One of the oldest types of air gun shooting competition involves shooters aiming to hit a steel bell target (which rings when hit). Bell target competitions are typically team competitions, with 8 shooters on each side using .177 calibre weapons. The specific rules vary from club to club, but traditionally, targets are placed at a distance of 6 or 7 yards.

Bell target shooting is an ideal competitive sport for beginner air gun enthusiasts. Due to the short range, scopes are unnecessary, and both springers and PCP air rifles can be used.

Paper Target Competitions

In paper target shooting competitions, airgun shooters aim at paper targets, which typically feature the classic bull’s-eye design. Different competitions may employ different sizes of target, and allow different numbers of shots, providing a challenging experience for shooters of all levels.

The most common air rifle competition distances are 10 metres and 25 metres. Competitions may take indoors or outdoors, and either air rifles or air pistols may be used (often .177 calibre or .22 calibre).

At higher-level competitions, such as the British Open Air Gun Championships and Olympic events, electronic targets may be used instead of traditional single-use paper versions.

Field Target Competitions

The field target air rifle competition is unique in its outdoor setting and dynamic layout. These contests take place in open fields or woodland areas, and use metal ‘knock-down’ targets traditionally shaped like animals (though simpler shapes may also be used). The targets are set up at varying distances and heights over an 8-55 yard range.

Shooters are not made aware of the target’s distance, and must take into account windage and elevation as well as finding the range. This makes field target competitions an engaging test of adaptability and marksmanship. If you’re interested, you’ll need a good telescopic sight – check out our buyer’s guide to air rifle scopes here.

Hunter Field Target Competitions

Hunter field target (HFT) air gun competitions are a relatively modern variation on traditional field target competitions, designed for those who specialise in hunting as opposed to target shooting. HFT competitions typically feature 30 targets at distances of 8 to 45 yards – again, the precise distances are unknown to competitors.

Unlike standard field target competitions, many HFT air rifle competition targets are shot from the prone position. Additionally, HFT air rifle competition rules typically forbid shooters from adjusting their scopes.

Getting Started with Competitive Airgun Shooting

The first step towards competing in an airgun shooting competition (UK) is to find a good local airgun club or airgun centre. Competition schedules may vary depending on the club, with some holding regular informal matches while others focus on more serious annual events.

Once you’ve found a club to join, it’s important to invest in an appropriate competition airgun. The right air rifle or air pistol for you will depend largely on the type of competition you want to enter. However, .177 air rifles and pistols are generally considered best for target shooting, offering superior velocity and higher accuracy with a smaller impact range.

If you want to win, accuracy and power are of the utmost importance, so spare no expense – you’ll need to choose a well-made weapon from a trusted brand. The Wolfman’s guide to the best air rifles of 2023 is a great place to start.

The Wolfman: Your One-Stop Shop for Airguns and Accessories in the UK

If you’re a UK air gun enthusiast looking for air rifles, air pistols or shooting supplies, The Wolfman is your one-stop shop. We’re proud to stock a fantastic selection of match-quality air guns, ammunition and accessories from some of the most well-known reliable brands in the industry. We only sell products that we’d happily use ourselves, and strive to offer unbeatable customer service.

Head to The Wolfman online store today to browse our incredible range of air weapons and shooting essentials, and enjoy free UK delivery on all orders. If you have any questions about our products or site, don’t hesitate to contact us.

About the Author: The Wolfman Store

After over 30 years experience in the Airgun trade, The Wolfman Store are delighted to announce our new website, enabling us to supply direct to the shooting community for the first time. Combining a vast stock of established favourites with exciting products new to the UK, The Wolfman Store will be striving to provide unparalleled service at the most competitive prices.

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