I have had a number of emails recently in connection with the BCRA's acceptance of the new "Factory Sporter" classification for F-Class. I though that it might be worth posting here so that competition-curious shooters could haver a look.
I want to break it down into very simple terms:
The "Spirit and Intent" language says it all. This is a class where those who are new to competitive shooting can come out and give it a whirl with WHAT THEY ALREADY OWN! No pressure to go out and drop 2 grand on a Nightforce scope, or a custom barrel.
It means that those with Savage 10FP's, SPS tactical's 700 5r's, Winchester model 70's and Tikka T-3's can come out and have a go at F-Class shooting. You will NOT be trying to compete against PGW Timberwoves and TRG's (fantastic rifles...too heavy).
Savage F-Class rifles will also be considered F-Open or FTR class.
Stock Stevens 200 YES! Stevens and an after-market barrel: FTR or Open Class!
We have allowed after market stocks and modified factory triggers, but the gun MUST be an UNMODIFIED factory action, unmodified barrel and factory trigger!
here it is...
BCRA F-Class Factory Sporter Rules and Criteria
1) The spirit and intent of the F-SP class is to provide an entry-level classification for newer shooters to participate in BCRA sanctioned matches utilizing firearms and accessories readily available and thus most likely to be owned by shooters wishing to enter the sport of F-class shooting.
2) Equipment:
a) Rifles are to be cenerfire bolt-action types and are to utilize unmodified factory actions and barrels. Factory barrels will be identified by the presence of original factory engraving, etching or stamping of the company name of the firearm being used (i.e.: “Remington, Savage, Tikka etc.) on the actual barrel.
b) Triggers are to be original factory equipment. Trigger pull weight may be adjusted below factory settings, but is to be no less than ½ kg (1.1 pounds). After market triggers are not permitted.
c) Stocks: Custom stocks MAY be used, however the rifle action, trigger and barrel must not be altered from original factory specifications except in accordance with 2B above.
d) No single-shot factory purpose built target type rifles are permitted, with the exception of Ruger #1 rifles or Thompson Center “Encore” centerfire rifles. Examples of excluded firearms include, but are not limited to:
i) Savage F-Class and F-TR Rifles
ii) Savage Palma Rifles
iii) Remington XR100 or 40X Rangemaster rifles
iv) ALL custom shop rifles such as Remington 40X rifles
v) As factory specs are continually changing, the Match Director shall have the final say as to acceptable firearms, using the “Spirit and Intent” guidelines.
e) Total rifle weight, including scope, bipod and all attachments (Defined as anything that recoils with the rifle) must NOT exceed 5.45Kg (12 lbs)
f) Front pedestal (Benchrest) rests, bags, or bipods are permitted.
g) Rear bags are permitted.
h) No device attached to the rifle may touch the ground during firing, with the exception of a front bipod.
i) No devices that combine rear and front support (cradles) are permitted.
j) “Harris” style bipods are permitted as are “Ski-pod” type bipods, providing they do not exceed the 12 pound limit.
k) Any sight is permitted
l) Slings are permitted.
m) Magazines are permitted, but no more than 1 round may be loaded into the firearm at any time. Rifles are to be used as “Single-shot”. Magazines must be removed to make the rifle safe.
n) Maximum calibre shall not exceed .338 Lapua Magnum, OR the maximum size permitted by the range license on which the match is to be shot. The Match Director has discretion in terms of limiting the calibre/cartridges allowable for F-SP class
2) Ammunition:
Factory or hand-loaded ammunition is permitted. All ammunition must be SAFE and must not demonstrate signs of excessive pressure in the firearm in which they are used. The match director or his/her designate may disqualify any shooter for use of ammunition deemed unsafe. The decision as to what constitutes unsafe ammunition falls on the Match Director or his/her designated authority.
Cartridges and calibers used must conform to the original factory specifications for the firearm in use. “Wildcats” (I.E. Ackley-ized or “improved” cartridges) are not approved for use in the F-SP class. All rifles used MUST have chambers and barrels produced at the original factory of manufacture. Set-back or re-chambered factory barrels are not permitted.
3) Match Director Discretion
The Spirit and intent of the F-SP class is defined in the introduction, however the MATCH DIRECTOR retains the right to exclude any firearm or shooter that is felt to contradict the spirit and intent of the F –SP class.
4) Courses of fire
The F-SP class will fire no more than 10 rounds for score plus allocated sighters per relay. Aggregate scores will account for the total number of shots fired in the F-SP class. Time limits will coincide with F-Class Open shooters (i.e. the total time allocated for F-Open to complete their course of fire, regardless of rounds)
5) Targets:
Targets used in F-PS shall be the ICFRA TR targets. F-Class centers shall NOT be used. Scoring shall be the same as the scoring for Target Rifle (TR)
I want to break it down into very simple terms:
The "Spirit and Intent" language says it all. This is a class where those who are new to competitive shooting can come out and give it a whirl with WHAT THEY ALREADY OWN! No pressure to go out and drop 2 grand on a Nightforce scope, or a custom barrel.
It means that those with Savage 10FP's, SPS tactical's 700 5r's, Winchester model 70's and Tikka T-3's can come out and have a go at F-Class shooting. You will NOT be trying to compete against PGW Timberwoves and TRG's (fantastic rifles...too heavy).
Savage F-Class rifles will also be considered F-Open or FTR class.
Stock Stevens 200 YES! Stevens and an after-market barrel: FTR or Open Class!
We have allowed after market stocks and modified factory triggers, but the gun MUST be an UNMODIFIED factory action, unmodified barrel and factory trigger!
here it is...
BCRA F-Class Factory Sporter Rules and Criteria
1) The spirit and intent of the F-SP class is to provide an entry-level classification for newer shooters to participate in BCRA sanctioned matches utilizing firearms and accessories readily available and thus most likely to be owned by shooters wishing to enter the sport of F-class shooting.
2) Equipment:
a) Rifles are to be cenerfire bolt-action types and are to utilize unmodified factory actions and barrels. Factory barrels will be identified by the presence of original factory engraving, etching or stamping of the company name of the firearm being used (i.e.: “Remington, Savage, Tikka etc.) on the actual barrel.
b) Triggers are to be original factory equipment. Trigger pull weight may be adjusted below factory settings, but is to be no less than ½ kg (1.1 pounds). After market triggers are not permitted.
c) Stocks: Custom stocks MAY be used, however the rifle action, trigger and barrel must not be altered from original factory specifications except in accordance with 2B above.
d) No single-shot factory purpose built target type rifles are permitted, with the exception of Ruger #1 rifles or Thompson Center “Encore” centerfire rifles. Examples of excluded firearms include, but are not limited to:
i) Savage F-Class and F-TR Rifles
ii) Savage Palma Rifles
iii) Remington XR100 or 40X Rangemaster rifles
iv) ALL custom shop rifles such as Remington 40X rifles
v) As factory specs are continually changing, the Match Director shall have the final say as to acceptable firearms, using the “Spirit and Intent” guidelines.
e) Total rifle weight, including scope, bipod and all attachments (Defined as anything that recoils with the rifle) must NOT exceed 5.45Kg (12 lbs)
f) Front pedestal (Benchrest) rests, bags, or bipods are permitted.
g) Rear bags are permitted.
h) No device attached to the rifle may touch the ground during firing, with the exception of a front bipod.
i) No devices that combine rear and front support (cradles) are permitted.
j) “Harris” style bipods are permitted as are “Ski-pod” type bipods, providing they do not exceed the 12 pound limit.
k) Any sight is permitted
l) Slings are permitted.
m) Magazines are permitted, but no more than 1 round may be loaded into the firearm at any time. Rifles are to be used as “Single-shot”. Magazines must be removed to make the rifle safe.
n) Maximum calibre shall not exceed .338 Lapua Magnum, OR the maximum size permitted by the range license on which the match is to be shot. The Match Director has discretion in terms of limiting the calibre/cartridges allowable for F-SP class
2) Ammunition:
Factory or hand-loaded ammunition is permitted. All ammunition must be SAFE and must not demonstrate signs of excessive pressure in the firearm in which they are used. The match director or his/her designate may disqualify any shooter for use of ammunition deemed unsafe. The decision as to what constitutes unsafe ammunition falls on the Match Director or his/her designated authority.
Cartridges and calibers used must conform to the original factory specifications for the firearm in use. “Wildcats” (I.E. Ackley-ized or “improved” cartridges) are not approved for use in the F-SP class. All rifles used MUST have chambers and barrels produced at the original factory of manufacture. Set-back or re-chambered factory barrels are not permitted.
3) Match Director Discretion
The Spirit and intent of the F-SP class is defined in the introduction, however the MATCH DIRECTOR retains the right to exclude any firearm or shooter that is felt to contradict the spirit and intent of the F –SP class.
4) Courses of fire
The F-SP class will fire no more than 10 rounds for score plus allocated sighters per relay. Aggregate scores will account for the total number of shots fired in the F-SP class. Time limits will coincide with F-Class Open shooters (i.e. the total time allocated for F-Open to complete their course of fire, regardless of rounds)
5) Targets:
Targets used in F-PS shall be the ICFRA TR targets. F-Class centers shall NOT be used. Scoring shall be the same as the scoring for Target Rifle (TR)
I love my Savage LRPV .223 1:7 with 80gr SMK's and a 1.5lb trigger. 
