There’s still time to sign-up for the 2024 FLFT – the Finger Lakes Field Target Grand Prix. This annual event is held in the beautiful surroundings of upstate new York, close to the world-famous Finger Lakes wine-growing area.
So I asked Match Director Eric Brewer for some more information on this year’s event.
Below. Eric competes too, usually shooting a piston air rifle.
Hard Air Magazine: When and Where Is The 2024 FLFT?
Eric Brewer: The event is held at Rochester Brooks Gun Club at 962 Honeoye Falls 6 Rd, Rush, NY 14543. The local airport is Rochester NY (ROC) for those flying-in.
Hard Air Magazine: Can You Give Us A Brief History of the Event?
Eric Brewer: The club was started in 2014 by Sean McDaniel and in 2015 we were approached by Crosman to take over running their Grand Prix. At that time, we developed the woods course to provide a more diverse shooting environment for shooters.
We ran the Crosman event until 2020 when Covid happened and Crosman never came back to Field Target again. Sean also decided to leave the area so I elected to continue the Grand Prix as Finger Lakes Field Target and I have been running it since then.
Hard Air Magazine: What’s Special About This Shoot?
Eric Brewer: We offer a great mix of shooting conditions where in the open field we have wind that can add to the challenge of every shot. At this location we have cross winds, head winds and tail winds that seam to change all the time.
We also have a challenging woods course where targets are placed at positions that test the shooters ability to accurately judge the distance and location while still being able to clearly see the full kill zone of the target.
Hard Air Magazine: Why Should People Come?
Eric Brewer: This is a fun and exciting shoot that is set up to allow the average shooter to come have fun as well as challenge the better shooters out there.
The winners will receive plaques for their efforts! And we have a great raffle, as you’ll read next…
Hard Air Magazine: What Companies Are Sponsoring The Event?
Eric Brewer: Currently we have Hard Air Magazine, Athlon Optics, Crosman Airguns, Paul’s Custom Targets and Airguns of Arizona as sponsors. So far, these great sponsors have generously committed to provide the event T-shirts and raffle prizes valued at well over $2,000.00.
People don’t stand a chance of wining those valuable raffle prizes if they don’t turn up, compete and buy a ticket!
Hard Air Magazine: What are Previous High Scores?
Eric Brewer: High scores the last two years have been up to 112 out of 120 and happen to be from the same man, Paul Cray, a veteran worlds shooter.
Below. Paul, right, receives his prize from Eric at the 2023 FLFT Grand Prix.
Hard Air Magazine: Why Are Two Courses a Good Thing?
Eric Brewer: Two separate and unique courses are a great thing. It allows a change of environment that allows a little more excitement. The field course allows the shooter to deal with changing wind conditions and the woods course allows for different shadow conditions.
Hard Air Magazine: What Are the Challenges of the Woods Course?
Eric Brewer: The woods course gives the shooter the challenge of seeing the target through the light and dark conditions depending on target placement.
Hard Air Magazine: What are the Challenges of the Field Course?
Eric Brewer: The field course challenges the shooter in the wind and the heat mirage coming off the field.
Hard Air Magazine: What Troyer Factor will the 2024 Event Have?
Eric Brewer: The Troyer factor is a measure of how difficult a course is so that they can be compared other courses. In the past I have had Troyer ratings around a 32-34 and I would expect this year’s event to be about the same.
Hard Air Magazine: What Are The Benefits Of Shooting In A FT Grand Prix?
Eric Brewer: Grand Prix usually are set to a little higher Troyer rating for a greater challenge. They also allow the shooter to compete with shooters that they may not know from their local club level events.
Hard Air Magazine: What Well-Known Shooters Are Attending The 2024 FLFT?
Eric Brewer: Lauren Parsons, Chas DiCapua and Paul Cray are all World Field Target shooters and will be there.
Below. Chas was a winner at the 2023 FLFT in 2023, too!
Crosman employees John Solpietro, Daryl Van Why, Shawn Pragle and Ethan Butterfield will be there from the Benjaman shooting team, too.
Below. That’s Crosman/Benjamin Designer John Solpietro shooting at the FLFT.
To sign-up for this years’ event, visit the FLFT web page. Have fun!!!
The post There’s Still Time To Sign-Up For The 2024 FLFT Grand Prix appeared first on Hard Air Magazine.