A question on behalf of a prospective new shooter

Brutus

Brutus

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West of most places....and in Alberta
A friend asked me what is the most frugal bottom-line start would be, for here in Canada, for one to begin high power F-Class shooting?

My quote would be a little off, just because I lucked into a nice second-hand TR, and spent some cash on a new Kowa spotting scope.

Anyone remember, and are willing to share, what thier own start up cost was, with an Enfield M1917 or a rebarreled Mauser,
(a good scope of course as well) and accessories for??

Feel free to PM me with your answer, if you wish to do so.

Cheers........
 
Well I bought a action from the man below and my build changed so I don't know how much it will cost now. I would hazzard to guess in the ballpark of 6000. I went all top of the line though you could build a competive rifle for much less.

Action 1200
Barrel 450
stock 1200
optics 2200
mounts ???
Ski pod 425
Gunsmith work ???
 
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Jayph, I hope you are building with a custom action in that price range. We build custom F rifles on Barnard actions for about $3000 (no sights). World class everything!
 
My starter rig:

Rem XR-100 off the shelf $1000
Smith work (Action, Stock, Rail, etc) - $350 ($425 if barrel needed chambering)
Used smith barrel already threaded and chambered - $200 (A new unchambered would be $450)
Jewell HVR Trigger - $170 (They run $240-$350)
Rempel Bipod - $400
Adjustable Tubb Butt Plate - $160

If I needed a stock for the action it would have been $550-$~ but I liked the factory Thumbhole stock.

I am again shooting this exact configuration after having the barrel set back and re-installed for the winter.
 
In Ontario we have F(M) the M being Manufactured, off the self rifle. The jury is still out on if the Savage F/TR fits that class as it is a purpose built rifle.
A quick look at WSS web page shows a Savage MODEL 12BVSS & 112BVSS that would be suited for F(M) for $769.95 add a scope, ring, bipod and you're in for less than $1500.
Then of course there is reloading equipment, press, scale, dies, brass, powder and bullets and a host of other relaoding tools. You will need a gun case, something to lay on, plastic ammo boxes, hearing protection the list goes on and on. Plan on about $2500 for a new factory rifle and all brand new goodies. If you went used or previously enjoyed you might get in for about 60-75% of that $2500.

F Class is still cheaper to get into than target rifle where you need a shooting jacket, sling, glove and spotting scope with a stand, hand stops etc. And a good set of iron sights with all the bells and whistles costs more that some scopes.
 
12F-Class-Target-Rifle.jpg



I would start with the Savage F-class in 6mmBR for approx $1300.

Bushnell 4200 6-24x scope $550 with EGW 20moa base for $50, Burris rings $40
Harris Bench model tilting bipod $80

And your going to need to reload real soon, so spend $1000 on reloading supplies like Press, chargemaster, case prep center etc.

Then you should be ready to punch paper at 1000yds like a pro.

Grand total $3000 (varies with quality of parts of course.)

I went through the exact thing last year, new long range gun and started reloading all simultaneously. Its a big step because of the up front setup cost, but its worth it.
 
A factory Savage in a useable cartridge like 223 for F/F or F/M. The 12FV once bedded and a bit of stock reinforcement is the least expensive rig that can hold the 10 ring. $600ish

Harris bipod S or you can make a front rest out of whatever you feel is stable. $125 or whatever you make

Base - good ole Weavers $10. Rings- Burris Signature Zee with inserts (shim the scope as needed). $47.50 + $17.50 for the shim kit(1") or $84 (30mm and includes shims)

Scope - used Elite 4200 24 or 32X variable. $400 to $700

Reloading gear would be the Lee anniversary breech lock set with Lee collet neck die, Redding body die and a Forster seater. Around $250

Load some 75gr Bergers or Amax over Varget in Rem or Win (a bit of prep needed) cases lit by a CCI450 primer.

That is as inexpensive a set up that has a chance to shoot a clean score with a decent X count.....when you learn how to dope the wind.

Don't look down on a factory Savage. Many very big US shooting titles have been won in 2008 by factory savages. At least one US 'world' record was set by a factory savage and hornady bullets - see the Hornady website for details.

Spotting scope not needed as you have a scope with very good optics.

Absolute bare bones, $1500 to 2000 will get you shooting with a decent platform. The more used you can find, the less money you will spend.

Jerry

PS if you follow my link at the bottom of my sig. You can see the rig I compete with in F (open). about 1/2 the cost of many custom rifles that I am competing and occasionally beating.
 
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Did MY intro day two summers ago with a Ruger 220 swift at about $1500. Started Last season for my first full season with a Custom XR 100 (6br) around $5000 ish.
 
Well, since the gun is going to be the cheapest part of the whole F-class experience, the choices are broad. I would have to say that the Savage F-Class rifles that they make are the best way to get started. Few factory sporting rifles are going to be competitive and it is hard to learn from a gun that isn't capable of puttng bullets EXACTLY where you wanted them to go.

Otherwise...There is the piece-meal custom route. Assembling bits and pieces (and waiting for them) is tedious, finding a gunsmith that can do your work this year and knowing what to ask for can all be very daunting.

Get a gun, get a good piece of glass, and learn how to shoot and how to reload. I would suggest hooking up with a mentor where you are and I'm sure you will find the experience a valuable one.
 
Of course, you can always tell your friend to just grab one of the rifles he has in his cupboard or one he can borrow, the one he thinks he shoots the best, and some ammo from wherever, and go get started shooting F class as soon as he can. If I have any measure of the F Class fraternity, he will pretty soon be inundated with help and advice and who knows, he may even enjoy himself along the way.

Not having a dedicated F Class rifle is NOT a good reason to stay away. Go join in with whatever. After all, you gotta be in it to enjoy it!
 
What if I only have an SKS and a 10/22? lol. Thanks for the posting Brutus. (Where have you been by the way??) Where to shoot F class in the Fraser Valley too?? Thanks for all the advice. I think I am going to look for a reasonably priced .223. Anyone got a cheap gun for me???? lol
 
There is a CIL 950T in EE right now. a 308. This is the action i started with and still use. All it needs is a scope and a harris bi-pod (the swivel model).

I don'y use a spotting scope on the mound. Just use the rifle scope, one less thng to carry.
 
Valashnikov said:
What if I only have an SKS and a 10/22? lol. Thanks for the posting Brutus. (Where have you been by the way??) Where to shoot F class in the Fraser Valley too?? Thanks for all the advice. I think I am going to look for a reasonably priced .223. Anyone got a cheap gun for me???? lol
Click to expand...

Mission Rod and Gun Club hosts F-Class matches and the first match open to F-Shooters is April 18th!

If you are interested in learning more, we are having an F-Class introductory clinic on April 5th in Kamloops. If you do not have a gun, it is perfectly acceptable to share a rifle with someone else if you want to attend with a friend, you just need ammo for both shooters.

Cheers,

Ian
 
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