5 of the best field target air rifles

Field target shooting has transformed from the early days, and with it the hardware being used. Top tournaments see targets set out to 55 yards, and with a 12ft/lb airgun, that sets up a good few inches on the trajectory at the upper limit, even using the lighter and flatter .177 calibre. Massive scopes with high magnification are the order of the day, and it’s the high magnification that enables the parallax range-finding system built into the optics. Top exponents can determine the distance of a target regularly, to within a yard or so, and with many clad in stiff leather shooting jackets, carrying target gloves and other padding, there’s a real gladiatorial feel to the proceedings.

I’ve often likened field target shooting to golf, but it’s very similar in the respect that we are out in a lovely countryside setting, be that through a wood or sprawling over fields, so it’s just a nice place to be. Throw in a competition course of 40-50 targets, and we have ourselves an exciting challenge in often beautiful surroundings.

The latest metal reactive silhouette targets, normally cut into animal shapes, will fall when the pellet goes through the hole (kill zone) in the front plate, and seeing a 55-yarder fold up, having given it a few inches of wind, is an immensely satisfying experience, especially when it matters in the heat of a tournament.

Are field target air rifles expensive?

Like most sports out there, field target shooting can be enjoyed on a basic level by everyone, using any legal airgun that falls below the 12ft/lb power limit, and many shooters compete with intermediate or budget grade hardware, and absolutely love every minute. Field target shooting has a shooter grading system after all, so we only shoot against others of similar ability.

However, for those shooters who dream of lifting the silverware and pushing performance to the limit, the shortlist of viable rifles capable of delivering top-class results begins to drop somewhat. This article highlights five of the current top runners that are sold as out-and-out field target shooting rifles, and while their respective list prices may cause a nervous twitch here and there, it really is all about detail at the top end of the market.

Effectively, we are paying for a level of sophistication and refinement that simply isn’t possible on more basic models. Whether the RRPs are justified is always up for debate, but there’s no doubting the pedigree of each on my list here.

Daystate was absent from the field target shooting world for a few years, but the introduction of its mouthwatering Red Wolf Grand Prix shows intent from this most innovative of manufacturers. The Red Wolf action is here which means the electronic MCT power delivery system. MCT stands for Mapped Compensated Technology, and this sees a digital microprocessor and solenoid-powered air valve, monitor and control every microsecond of the firing cycle. Digital regulation in other words. There’s slick side-lever operation, a sensitive electronic trigger and an LCD display to relay all the data. Everything is mounted in that stunning chassis style stock, which Daystate commissioned through custom outfit PRS. It’s a bold and classy piece of design offering full adjustment to the cheekpiece, butt section and length of pull.

Weight: 10.8lbs
Pros: The electronic power plant has a unique feel and many devotees. Dramatic looks and feel
Cons: The electronics will be a turn off for some. The front Hamster has no vertical adjustment
RRP: £3,500 (guide)

Air Arms remains one of the most successful brands on the field target shooting circuit, and the XTI-50 is a no holds barred, fully adjustable masterpiece, designed with every conceivable on-board feature in a production rifle.

This time we get a laminate stock complete with an amazing array of adjustment. A multi-component butt hook assembly and cheekpiece, both set on ball joints, gets things off to an amazing start. Then we have the front hamster assembly, which allows the shooter to press one button and control the angle and extension. The result is astonishing — ideal against high tree targets.

As for the action, it’s all about refinement, with a precision regulator, stabiliser system and fully adjustable match trigger. Looking at the muzzle brake/ air stripper, it’s a lovely piece of design, where the shooter can adjust the internal cone against a scale, and effect turbulence against the pellet. Cleverly, Air Arms also offers this model as “Action Only”, so shooters can go their own way for a custom stock.

Weight: 10.4lbs
Pros: Finishing 1st and 4th in the Grand Prix listings in its first year says it all
Cons: Fussy design; the stabiliser system gets mixed feedback on the circuit
RRP: From £2,299

The 9015 One Field Target is another super refined competition machine aimed at the serious competitor and connoisseur. It’s also possibly the most expensive production airgun currently available, so it’s fair to expect something special. Again, the demands of an field target shooting course, with targets often placed down a hillside or up a steep slope, are well catered for here, given the multi-adjustable forend raiser.

There’s a utilitarian look for sure, but the practicality behind having a central chassis, with multiple elements branching off, will not be lost on seasoned competition shooters. Modular design sees separate cheek, pistol grip and forend assemblies, and a bewildering level of adjustment awaits.

Further attention to detail that sets Anschütz apart comes with the articulation of the chassis itself, allowing for cast bias. Up front, a thick fully floating barrel brings confidence, whilst the slick side-lever is also worthy of praise. Anschütz is renowned for one of the very best trigger designs on the market, and the level of precision here is exquisite. Overall, build quality and refinement are hard to ignore.

Weight: 9.25lbs
Pros: One of the best triggers fitted to an airgun
Cons: A little utilitarian in its styling; high cost
RRP: From £4,310 (guide)

Steyr is an Austrian brand and has numerous competition wins to its name, including World FT titles. So what makes them so popular? Well, speak to many top shooters on the competition circuit, and it’s the combination of high quality barrel and trigger, yet a simple design, which makes them easier to work on and service than many rivals. The Challenge FT is the latest incarnation, and again, we get a modular, design-central chassis, with adjustable elements branching off.

Field target shooters often customise these guns, adding a custom cheekpiece section, forend and pistol grip, and with the factory elements rather basic mouldings, the design lends itself perfectly. As it stands, there’s full adjustment to the grip and cheekpiece, so the shooter’s head position can effectively be tweaked. Looking at the forend raiser, the design was recently upgraded, so plenty of angle and movement is afforded. Same with that excellent butt hook assembly.

Again, one of the best precision two-stage triggers features here, offering top-class, match grade performance. Add in a smooth side-lever, and satisfyingly efficient breech configuration, and it’s no surprise these super accurate airguns remain at the top table.

Weight: 10.5lbs
Pros: Proven pedigree; great trigger; easy to work on
Cons: Basic factory stock elements
RRP: £3,500 (guide)

German brand Walther is another famous name that features on the field target shooting competition circuit, and the LG400 Alutec Field Target has several top shots among its fanbase. The clue is in the name, as they say, and, similar to Steyr, an aluminium chassis sits at the heart of this design.

Features include a full-length carbon fibre shroud, removable cylinder and a smart air stripper designed to remove unstable air flow as the pellet leaves the barrel. The action is regulated, and the side-lever is easy to operate and adjustable for angle. As for the stock elements, the shaped pistol grip and cheekpiece sections are formed from what Walther terms “Protouch”, and are actually coated textured wood.

Everything is fully adjustable via the sliding rods and threaded finger wheels. It’s all well thought out, and in practice, allows the shooter to arrive at a fully supported position free from strain. Different pistol grip sizes are also available, so the LG400 Alutec FT has plenty to recommend it. A cheaper wood stocked version is also available.

Weight: 10.2lbs
Pros: Recognised quality
Cons: Walther has introduced its LG500 indoor target model to replace 400 derivatives, so a full- powered field target shooting version is likely at some point
RRP: £3,020 (guide)