I'm planning on competing with the SPRA next year and am trying to decide which class to shoot in. I have a 308 so I can shoot either. If anybody shoots in both classes, do you use the same rifle or 2 different one. Any input would be great!
Anybody shoot F/O and F/TR?
- Thread starter frank223
- Start date
If 308 is the only caliber you have then in shoot in FTR. Shooting FO with a 308 you will be at a ballistic disadvantage compared to all the 6mm, 6.5 and 7mm cartridges. Not saying it can't be done but you be getting a lot more 4s and 3s in the same wind compared to the other calibers. When I first started in F-class I built two rifles one 223 and 6BR however after shooting a few matches decided I couldn't keep up with the arms race in FO so I shoot only FTR to stretch my equipment life and dollar.
Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions at the SPRA shoots, there are great people in this sport and a whole lot of knowledge. Remember to say hi and shake someones hand.
Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions at the SPRA shoots, there are great people in this sport and a whole lot of knowledge. Remember to say hi and shake someones hand.
rnbra-shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
It doesn't end up working out that way. In any class of competitive shooting, it takes an accurate-enough rifle, combined with a top level of skill/luck (either will do, but both combined are even better!!!), in order to win a match.
F-Open rifles are able to outperform F-TR rifles, grouping-wise, under windy conditions.
So for two equally-skilled shooters, one firing an F-Open rifle and one firing the F-TR rifle, the F-Open shooter will win more often (as a result of his equipment's performance edge).
But that's not how competitions are conducted. The score of of an F-Open shooter is compared against all the other scores fired by F-Open shooters. The fact that due to an equipment performance advantage he may have fired a score higher than what any F-TR shooter was able to fire that day is irrelevant.... for there are other F-Open shooters nipping at his heels. He must use his skill/luck/etc to get a higher score that the other F-Open shooters, over whom he does not enjoy an equipment performance advantage.
Whoever is able to win a rifle match, whether he is firing an F-Open rifle, an F-TR rifle, a TR rifle, etc, most likely won because he was the best shooter on the day and match in question.
I shoot both - 6mmBR and .308 - and what Daniel says is 100% correct. I will add that in my opinion the standard of shooters in FO is universally high and so to win/place is very tough whereas you may sometimes get luckier in a F/TR match if you run across a field composed of more new shooters.
Bile....
It's been suggested that it's an "equipment race" in both divisions , but like in any hi performance sport "good reliable consistent"
equipment is a must.(not necessarily the latest fan dangle gadget)
However it takes skill in either division to top the field of competitors and no division is harder or easier than another.
It's challenging at the best of times
Frank...get ahold of Keith from the SPRA (Kodiak on here) for some help when he gets back from US Nats.
Have fun ,learn lots.
Gord
It's been suggested that it's an "equipment race" in both divisions , but like in any hi performance sport "good reliable consistent"
equipment is a must.(not necessarily the latest fan dangle gadget)
However it takes skill in either division to top the field of competitors and no division is harder or easier than another.
It's challenging at the best of times
Frank...get ahold of Keith from the SPRA (Kodiak on here) for some help when he gets back from US Nats.
Have fun ,learn lots.
Gord
I should really clarify what "arms race" means to me, it is just keeping up with the maintenance of the equipment (especially barrel wear) and reloading components.
last season the club was selling memberships for $5.00 , shoot Brian an email ( I think his address is on the SPRA web site )see if you can still get in on it. most matches are usually about even for FTR and FO shooters with 8 to 10 in each class, most FO guys bring 2 or 3 guns to a shoot so if there's something you want to try before you build , the opportunity is there.
I'm a member of the SPRA and the memberships are still $5.00 for the first year. Come out to one of the gun show's this winter there should be a table set from the SPRA for some info. If not just come out for the May long weekend for new shooter orientation.
I shoot FTR also and I agree that using a .308 in FO you would probably struggle at being competitive, and also shooting both in competition would probably be difficult as well as you would be rushed between relays.
The other guys are right come out ask questions and get to know the shooters everyone is very nice and more then willing to help you out and give you pointers.
If you do not mind me asking what are you shooting for a rifle and are you hand loading your rounds or using factory?
I shoot FTR also and I agree that using a .308 in FO you would probably struggle at being competitive, and also shooting both in competition would probably be difficult as well as you would be rushed between relays.
The other guys are right come out ask questions and get to know the shooters everyone is very nice and more then willing to help you out and give you pointers.
If you do not mind me asking what are you shooting for a rifle and are you hand loading your rounds or using factory?
I do plan on coming out in May to give it a try. I have a Rem 700, 26" barrel, 12 twist. I've worked up a nice load for Hdy 168 bthp an amax's. I just bought a Wby Vanguard 308, 22", 10 twist that I'm gonna try Berger 215 hybrids. I can shoot out to around 1000 yds, so I'm gonna try to do some more load development, and practice.
