They are simple single-shot, hand-fed cadet rifles and were originally designed to be used by military marksmen firing in civilian competitions.
A harmonisation setting is also provided for firing at specially designed targets.
The more common leaf sight, allowing adjustment for elevation only, is simpler to use and more robust, but the standard of accuracy that can be achieved with this sight is lower than can be achieved with the Parker Hale PH5D sight, which allows for windage adjustment as well as elevation, in 1/4 minute of angle clicks.
It is also more delicate than the leaf-sight and not generally found in cadet service.
[2] In 2016 it was announced that a modified version of the Savage Arms FVT had been chosen for this role,[3] entering service as the "L144 A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle (CSBTR)".