Josh Townsend: An interview with the talented junior HFT champion

Josh Townsend has only been shooting in HFT competitions for the last six years, but he has still managed to amass an impressive trophy collection in that time. In this interview, the 15-year-old from Oxfordshire shares his remarkable journey with Airgun World.

Airgun World (AW): How did you get into airgun shooting, and what was the attraction of HFT?

Josh Townsend (JT): I got into airguns through my dad. We wanted somewhere we could go together on weekends. That’s when we found North Oxon FTC, which
I joined when I was nine years old.

It was there, and through talking to people and taking part in the annual Hunter Field Target competition, that I got the shooting bug.

The club hosts FT and HFT competitions, but I just seemed to prefer HFT because of the different shooting positions.

I quite liked that you’re estimating the range and making decisions yourself. In HFT, pulling the trigger is the final piece of quite a complicated puzzle.

AW: Who are the mentors or role models who have helped to shape you as an HFT shooter?

JT: I’d say Neil Robinson, who is a long-term member of North Oxon FTC. He’s given me the most help, tips and support, and is genuinely interested in how I’m doing.

He’s shown me different techniques for reading the wind and range-finding using parallax on the scope.

One thing that always sticks in my mind is: always pull the string to check the wind. That’s something I do automatically now.

My dad, of course, also plays a big role — he drives me to competitions, motivates me when I need it, and calms me down when necessary.

My nan is also very supportive. I call her after every competition I have entered, and she’s always keen to know how I’ve done. She really cheers me on.

AW: How do you stay calm and focused during big competitions?

JT: I concentrate on each target as its own. I don’t think about the next one, even if it looks tricky — just focus on the one I’m shooting and stay in the moment.

I try not to let my mind wander to what’s coming up, like an unsupported stander, for example. That way, I’m not overthinking or worrying.

AW: What kit do you use for HFT and why have you chosen it?

JT: I shoot a Steyr LG 110, use an AIM mat, a kneeling bag and an Optisan CP riflescope.

The scope was actually won in the raffle by my dad at the 2023 Worlds, and I like it because it has a larger objective lens than my previous one, so it lets in more light.

I also like the crosshair design, so I’ve stuck with it.

AW: Which competition win or personal achievement means the most to you?

JT: One of my best moments was at Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 UKAHFT series, where I scored 59 out of 60 at Meon and the very next day at Bisley, I shot another 59 out of 60.

Even though I was in juniors, I was right up there with the top open class scores both days. That consistency meant a lot.

AW: What’s the hardest thing about HFT shooting, and how do you overcome it?

JT: Not getting annoyed when you miss a target. Missing your first target can really affect your mood and throw you off.

You have to train yourself to move on quickly — focus only on the shot you’re taking now, not the one you missed.

Sometimes the targets you least expect to miss catch you out. For example, a 15mm target at 20 yards — in my head that’s going down every time, but if it
doesn’t, it’s frustrating.

AW: Do you have any competitive role models?

JT: There’s a group of shooters in the open class who are always at the top, and if I’m close to them — or beat them — I know I’ve had a good day.

Neil Palmer, one of the top shoots in UKAHFT, is one I try to aim for when getting my scores. He’s a previous world champion and is always consistently near the top wherever he competes.

AW: What’s the best piece of advice you could give to young people wanting to start commpetitive airgun shooting?

JT: Don’t be afraid to enter the bigger competitions. If you’re part of a target shooting club, just go for it.

You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose and you’ll probably have a great time in the process.

Some people at my club never enter competitions, and I think that’s a shame — it’s not scary, and it’s the best way to get into it, just like I did.

AW: Where do you hope your shooting will take you in the next few years?

JT: My big goal is to become overall World Champion. That’s aiming as high as I can, really.

I practise every Sunday — usually at a competition — and also shoot on Tuesday evenings at North Oxfordshire Bell Target Club, which is great for practising
standing shots.

AW: What hobbies or activities help you stay balanced?

JT: I do metalworking on a small lathe which I enjoy. I’ve made spring guide kits for air rifles for people in my club, along with other bits and
pieces such as barrel weights.

It’s nice to be able to combine a hobby with helping others in the sport.