John Farbrother – OpticsWarehouse – has this month been crowned the 2018 BFTA and WFTC Springer Champion!
We caught up with John for a quick chat to discuss this incredible achievement.
How does it feel to be both BFTA and WFTC Springer Champion?
It feels great! Not something that I was expecting, obviously you set yourself goals to achieve and this year my goals were Top 3 in the BFTA Grand Prix series and Top 5 at the WFTC so this year came as a very big shock to win both of these great events.
How did you get into Air Rifle Shooting?
That started a long time ago with a combination of events. It all started with my parents belonging to West London rangers along with my godfather Basil Meacher. My Father and Basil had a very competitive streak at club level, which has obviously rubbed off on me. They taught me the basics of shooting at a young age that has led where I am today.
I think the most influential person for me – in terms of competing at a high level and countrywide – was Nick Jenkinson. At around 7 years old he gave me one of his trophys when we were visiting on holiday and told me that I would win my own in years to come. I still have it to this day!
What is your current set up?
Air Arms TX200 Mk2, chrome plated action
Mark Laurence Hand Made FT Stock
Peter Jacob Slim Butt Pad/Hook
AJP riser rail
Delta Striker 5-50×56 DLS-3 scope
What is the hardest part about shooting competitions?
For me the hardest part is to keep your concentration together throughout the shoot and if you miss a target to forget about the one you have missed and move on to the next lane as a fresh start.
Which competition was more challenging the BFTA or WFTC?
That is a difficult one to answer as they both have their own challenges. The BFTA shoots are over an 8 shoot calendar with 6 counting shoots. This means you are able to drop two of your not-so-good scores if you complete every shoot of the season. However, you need to be consistent throughout the year to achieve a top place now that the Worlds are over a much shorter time frame; 3 days (150 targets) but with no dropped scores – there is no margin for error. So, for this reason I would have to say it is the WFTC competition that was most challenging.
Did you find it to be an advantage or disadvantage that the last round of the BFTA and the WFTC were only a few days apart?
If I’m honest I was quite worried about the competitions being so close together; if something went wrong with the gun or I had a bad shoot it would have been in my head for the WFTC. Luckily I had a very good shoot at Far Coley and it was a nice confidence booster for the Worlds.
How do you prepare for competitions?
Practice is the only way to prepare. I don’t get much range time at my club Buckley Wood as i’m normally too busy having a chat or helping out the members but I try to get to as many competitions as possible. For me, the best way to practice is to compete.
What was it like when you knew you had won the World Field Target Championships?
I was over the moon to have won! It didn’t really sink in at first as there was a lot of different emotions going on and as I said it was not expected. There are many shooters at the WFTC that are more than capable to win a competition of this level.
What do you enjoy most about shooting in competitions?
The most enjoyable part of competitions for me is the social side of things. Since being in the sport I have made many great friends from all over the country.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to shoot in springer class?
The best advice I can give is to practice with the kit you have. The most important part of shooting a springer is the hold, do not grip the gun, you want to let the gun do what it wants to do with regards to recoil. Next would be trigger control and weight of the gun, a heavier springer is easier to shoot but it must be well balanced and a manageable weight.
How do you feel about next year’s WFTC taking place in England?
I am very excited about WFTC coming back to England. It’s looking to be a great event that has come back to the home of Field Target Shooting. From what I have heard the venue is going to be spectacular. It’s certainly going to be an event to remember.