Field Target

Field Target (FT) is a discipline of shooting targets outdoors in a woodland or open field as opposed to the popular indoor 10m and 25m disciplines.

The targets are of the metal knockdown variety and within the silhouette is a disc, referred to as the “hit zone”. Hit the disc and the Shooter receives 1 point. For FT three standard diameters of hit zones are used on the targets, 15mm, 25mm, and the other being 40-45mm, which is full size. The targets are placed between ranges of 8 to 55 yards and can be on the ground or elevated within trees.

Parallax

This is probably the most important factor for a Field Target (FT) Scope as this will allow you to accurately range find your target. What you will be looking for is a Scope that snaps in and out of focus quite sharply.

Secondly, you will want a side focusing Scope as this will allow you to attach a bigger side wheel and put your own range markings on it. Most scopes designed for FT either have a bigger side wheel with them or have them available to purchase.

Magnification

In order to be able to range find with the parallax of your Scope you will need high magnification. The minimum you will want is something like 8-32x found on the Hawke Sidewinder, however, many FT competitors use even higher magnifications like 5-50x.

Turrets/Adjustment

As you will be dialling a lot it is usually more convenient to have exposed turrets. This will allow you to easily and quickly make adjustments as you need them. As for MOA or MIL/MRAD, this is entirely down to your personal preference. The best thing to do is pick what you are most comfortable with.

Reticle

When it comes to reticles there are many choices and different styles. The way you shoot will affect the type of reticle you will want. If you intend to dial in every shot you make then a more simple reticle will probably suit as you won't need multiple markings. If you want to use your reticle for judging holdovers then you will need one with many different markings like a ‘Christmas Tree’ style reticle.