Team Benjamin members are, L to R: Daryl Van Why, Ethan Butterfield, John Solpietro, Shawn Pragle.

BLOOMFIELD, NY - Benjamin Airguns, a pioneer in premium airguns with a rich history dating back to 1882, has employees who not only make and sell high-quality air rifles, but they also competitively shoot them too.

Shawn Pragle, Daryl Van Why, John Solpietro and Ethan Butterfield make up “Team Benjamin” and frequently compete in the hunter class of American Airgun Field Target Association matches. In the final AAFTA National standings for 2023, Team Benjamin shooters all finished in the Top 60 shooters nationwide:

·Pragle 40th

·Van Why 43rd

·Solpietro 51st

·Butterfield 57th

Field Target shooters use precision air guns to fire at small metal targets placed up to 55 yards away. Competitors use a variety of shooting positions and shoot under time. Matches are held outdoors, forcing shooters to contend with wind, weather and changing light conditions.

The targets sometimes represent small game or pest animals. Hitting the small circular kill zone flip-up plate ranging from 3/8" to 2" in diameter gives a maximum score on each target.

“Team Benjamin's success reinforces our legacy of high-performance airguns,” said Joe Brown, Velocity Vice President for Marketing and Product Development. “We have passionate employees who design, build, and win with our air rifles, giving us a unique edge that has fueled nearly 150 years of innovation.”

Hunter class is the most popular division of AAFTA competition. It limits scopes to 16x maximum magnification but allows shooting sticks or monopods not attached to the rifle. Hunter class shooters can also use a seat with no back or arm rests up to 16 inches tall to replicate the shooting aids a rifle hunter might typically take into the field.

Team Benjamin shoots a variety of .177 caliber guns using both Benjamin and Crosman products.

Both Solpietro and Pragle use tuned and modified Benjamin Marauders with side-lever Crosman Challenger breeches installed. Van Why’s rifle is a tuned Benjamin Marauder. Butterfield shoots a tuned Crosman Challenger.

All four Team Benjamin shooters rely on 10.5gr Benjamin Match Grade Pellets.

About Benjamin Airguns:

Established in 1882, Benjamin Airguns has remained at the forefront of airgun innovation for over 141 years. Based in the USA, the company takes pride in producing top-quality air rifles and pellets, beloved by shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike. With an unwavering commitment to precision and craftsmanship, Benjamin Airguns continues to shape the future of airgun shooting.