Misfits HFT shoots to UKAHFT course guidelines and rules, so visiting shooters know what format to expect. This page is a practical Misfits summary of the key safety and etiquette points we expect everyone to follow on the day.
UKAHFT reference: ukahft.org
Safety is the top priority at Misfits HFT. Everyone on site shares responsibility for keeping the shoot safe. If you are unsure about any safety procedure, stop and ask a club official or marshal. No one will ever mind being asked a safety question.
Rifles must never be pointed in an unsafe direction. A muzzle must never be pointed at another person — even momentarily.
Marshals control cease fires and their instructions must be followed immediately. Please be courteous and help keep everyone safe — if you see something unsafe, politely speak up or alert a marshal.
During a cease fire, no one goes forward of the firing line until instructed that it is safe to do so.
When you are not shooting on a lane, muzzles must be pointed down at the ground/floor — not just at a slight downward angle.
When rifles are placed down between lanes, they must be positioned so the muzzle is pointing over the firing line, in a place where no person could walk in front of the muzzle.
Rifles must never be rested, carried, or leaned in a way that allows the muzzle to sweep across people, walkways, or gathering areas. When moving between lanes, stay aware of where your muzzle is pointing.
Magazine-fed rifles are allowed, but they come with additional safety considerations. Single-shot rifles are preferred because they are simpler to make safe. If you’re not sure how to make your rifle safe between lanes, ask a club official or marshal for advice.
All rifles must comply with UK airgun law. Rifles are not routinely chronographed at Misfits club events, but a rifle may be asked to undergo a chronograph check if there is reason to suspect it could be over the legal power limit.
Any rifle found to be over the legal limit will not be permitted to shoot.
Shooters under 18 must be supervised and comply with all legal requirements. Additional guidance may be given to ensure safety and enjoyment for junior shooters.
HFT etiquette is often compared to golf etiquette — the sport is friendly and social, but consideration for others is essential. Talking is allowed and encouraged, but please be mindful of shooters who are about to take, or are taking, a shot.
Please don’t rush other shooters. If the lane in front of you is not clear, wait on your current lane before moving forward. Shooters are allowed up to 2 minutes per shot, but please avoid unnecessary delays once you have finished shooting.
If you have more than one empty lane ahead of you, you may be moving too slowly — be mindful of the group behind you. Likewise, if a queue is forming behind you and lanes ahead are empty, look at what you can do to help the group flow smoothly.
No one likes to feel rushed, but people also don’t enjoy waiting unnecessarily — being aware of others helps everyone enjoy the shoot.
It’s not good etiquette to discuss target distances, wind calls, or shot decisions during the lane — these decisions are part of the challenge and are for each shooter to make independently.
At informal club shoots, a subtle hint for a new shooter can be acceptable, but keep it minimal and preferably offer it after everyone has finished the lane.
It’s good etiquette to make other shooters aware if there is foliage obstructing a target, or if there’s a risk of aiming at a target from the wrong lane. Sometimes multiple targets can be visible from a lane — quietly preventing a mistake is better than letting one happen.
If something does not feel right — stop. Don’t rush, and don’t guess.
Examples include:
Make the rifle safe as best you can, keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction, and call a marshal or club official immediately. There is no embarrassment in asking for help — safety always comes before continuing the shoot.