The 2025 SOFT AAFTA Grand Prix
AirGun Oregon Range in Ashland, Oregon
Proudly Sponsored by
JSB Predator International · AirGun Oregon · Athlon Optics · Dead Lead Air · Jefferson State Air Rifles USA · Swamp Donkey Tuning
A Celebration of Field Target
The 2025 SOFT AAFTA Grand Prix was more than a competition. It was a showcase of precision marksmanship, brilliant course design, and a community that loves the sport.
Friday welcomed shooters with a 40 shot 36 Troyer pistol match on a brand new course, sharpening focus for what lay ahead.
The Course & The Crew
At the heart of this Grand Prix was a brand new rifle course that set a new benchmark for field target.
Wayne Burns and Randy Ebersole poured in countless hours cutting lanes, shaping shooting positions, and preparing the range with a keen eye for balance and flow.
When setup day arrived, Jacob Wade Sumner, working under Waynes training and tutelage, handled target placement and final layout, turning careful planning into a polished course.
Meanwhile, Jerome Evans brought the event to life online, handling social media and filming so the story of the weekend could reach far beyond the range.
The result was stunning. 51 shots per day, three targets per lane, one shot each, 102 shots total at 36 Troyer before multipliers. Shooters stepped onto the course knowing they were about to enjoy something special at the AirGun Oregon Range.
Weekend Atmosphere
Friday was sunny and beautiful with light winds, ideal for the new pistol course and a relaxed start to the Grand Prix.
Saturday began with a soft rain that settled the dust but also brought tricky shifting winds once the skies cleared. Competitors had to read the breeze carefully on every lane.
Sunday delivered clear skies and steady light winds, punctuated by occasional shifts and gusts that kept shooters alert.
After Saturdays rifle session, everyone gathered for Dominos lunch at the range, trading stories and talking gear. Sunday concluded with tacos prepared by Jacob, followed by a warm award ceremony where prizes from the sponsors were handed out and future plans and ideas for the club and upcoming events were shared, the perfect finish to a memorable weekend.
Scores
Pistol Friday
| Class | Competitor | Score |
|---|
| Hunter Pistol | Wayne Burns | 39 |
| Jason Blackburn | 33 |
| Randy Ebersole | 32 |
| Sam Russo | 29 |
| Paul Burdeaux | 26 |
| Limited Pistol | Joe Hayward | 21 |
| Chris Merritt | 7 |
Story:
The pistol match introduced its own brand new course, designed to complement the rifle lanes while giving shooters a fresh challenge. Wayne Burns topped Hunter Pistol using LD Custom USFT #1 with an Athlon Heras 4-20×50 MOA, shooting JSB 10.34 at 710 fps, holding a narrow lead. Jason Blackburn followed closely with his Weihrauch HW44 paired with an Athlon Heras 4-20×50, shooting JSB 10.3 at 695 fps, keeping the pressure on. Randy Ebersole secured third using LD Custom USFT #4 with an Athlon Heras 4-20×50 MOA, firing Air Arms 10.34 at 715 fps, staying steady for the podium. In Limited Pistol, Joe Hayward led with RAW TM1000, March scope, and 10.34 pellets at 710 fps, while Chris Merritt kept his 1720T with a See-Through optic and Air Arms 10.35 at 650 fps consistent to round out the standings.
Rifle Saturday and Sunday
Hunter PCP
| Shooter | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total |
|---|
| Randy Ebersole | 49 | 45 | 94 |
| Bill Galloway | 43 | 46 | 89 |
| Wayne Burns | 46 | 43 | 89 |
| Kevin Hirsch | 37 | 32 | 69 |
| Paul Burdeaux | 32 | 37 | 69 |
| Sam Russo | 28 | 32 | 60 |
| Alain Herriott | 30 | 27 | 57 |
| Darren Taylor | 11 | 38 | 49 |
| Jason Larson | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Story:
Hunter PCP was the largest field, with every lane packed and every shot hard earned. Randy Ebersole led the class using LD Custom USFT #146 with an Athlon Heras SPR 6-24×56 MOA, shooting Air Arms 10.34 at 915 fps, setting a pace no one could quite match. Bill Galloway stayed close behind with his Daystate Redwolf paired with an Athlon Heras, firing JSB 10.34 at 864 fps, closing in but never quite overtaking. Wayne Burns tied for third using LD Custom USFT #169 with an Athlon Heras SPR 6-24×56 MOA, sending JSB 10.34 at 890 fps, holding his ground under pressure. Kevin Hirsch and Paul Burdeaux battled in the middle of the pack, with Sam Russo steady just behind them. Alain Herriott kept focus on the lanes, while Darren Taylor, after a cautious start, surged on Sunday with his Walther LG300 Dominator and Falcon T50, shooting Air Arms 8.4 at 778 fps, finishing strong. Jason Larson rounded out the field.
WFTF PCP
| Shooter | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total |
|---|
| Bill Corder | 40 | 35 | 75 |
| Joe Hayward | 39 | 33 | 72 |
| Pat Callihan | 13 | 16 | 29 |
Story:
WFTF PCP delivered a duel across both days. Bill Corder claimed the win using Thomas rifle with a Nightforce 4-32, shooting JSB 8.4 at 790 fps, holding an edge from the start. Joe Hayward kept close with his Thomas rifle and March scope, sending 8.4 pellets at 800 fps, pushing to overtake but staying just behind. Pat Callihan finished third on Steyr LG110 with Sightron 10-50, shooting JSB 8.4 at 778 fps.
WFTF Piston
| Shooter | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total |
|---|
| Jason Blackburn | 30 | 26 | 56 |
Story:
Jason Blackburn carried the flag for WFTF Piston using Air Arms TX200HC with an Athlon Heras 15-60×56, shooting JSB 8.4 at 780 fps. He stayed composed with the springer, keeping a steady rhythm across both days to claim the class.
Open PCP
| Shooter | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total |
|---|
| Kelly Hawe | 46 | 49 | 95 |
| J W | 44 | 45 | 89 |
| Chris Merritt | 37 | 37 | 74 |
Story:
Open PCP became a chess match over two days. Kelly Hawe led with Daystate Redwolf LPR and Leupold Competition 40×, firing JSB 10.34 at 880 fps, staying sharp through the finish. J W held steady using Thomas FT #293 with a Sightron 10-50×65, firing JSB 14.34 at 810 fps, while Chris Merritt relied on USFT Custom with Nikko SOX scope, shooting Air Arms 10.35 at 900 fps to complete the podium.
Freestyle
| Shooter | Day 1 | Day 2 | Total |
|---|
| Larry Durham | 31 | 31 | 62 |
Story:
Freestyle brought creativity to the line. Larry Durham stayed consistent using USFT Custom with an Arken 6-24, firing JSB 10.34 at 915 fps, repeating 31 on both days.
Overall High Score Battle
The overall high score came down to Hunter PCP and Open PCP. Randy Ebersole pushed hard in Hunter PCP, holding the lead after Day 1 and staying close on Day 2, while Kelly Hawe maintained steady shooting across both days in Open PCP. Kelly’s calm Sunday run earned 95, just one ahead of Randy’s 94.
Scoring System Review
This Grand Prix used a new scoring format, and early impressions showed both its pros and cons. After reviewing the results and considering where targets might have been too difficult or too easy, no single target or section stood out as a consistent problem.
For the top shooters, Kelly Hawe finished at 93.14 percent, Randy Ebersole at 92.16 percent, and Bill Galloway and Wayne Burns tied at 87.25 percent. The system proved challenging but fair at the highest level. Average shooters may find the format a bit demanding, as shown by the overall average of 66.82 percent when all scores were included. Removing the two lowest totals raised the average to 73.27 percent, suggesting that while the course was tough, strong performances were possible across the field.
Closing Thanks
The 2025 SOFT AAFTA Grand Prix proved how inspired course design, teamwork, and a supportive shooting community create unforgettable experiences.
Gratitude to all competitors, helpers, and especially to the crew whose work shaped this event:
Wayne Burns · Randy Ebersole · Jacob Wade Sumner (Course under Waynes training) · Jerome Evans (Social Media and Filming)
And to the sponsors who keep field target thriving:
JSB Predator International · AirGun Oregon · Athlon Optics · Dead Lead Air · Jefferson State Air Rifles USA · Swamp Donkey Tuning
We look forward to seeing everyone again at AirGun Oregon Range in Ashland, the Disneyland of airguns.
Match Director / Host
2025 SOFT AAFTA Grand Prix
Jacob W Sumner
We look forward to seeing everyone again at AirGun Oregon Range in Ashland, the Disneyland of airguns.
Match Director / Host
2025 SOFT AAFTA Grand Prix
Jacob W Sumner
