BC F-Class: Formal adoption of a Factory/Sporter Class

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Obtunded

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I thought I would toss this one out for a few to read here. The BCRA AGM is this weekend and I have submitted a written motion calling for the formal adoption of "F-Sporter/Factory" class.

Some background...

BCRA (rightfully-so) has adopted the ICFRA spec targets for its competitions. KTSA has followed suit. (Not sure where MRGC sits on this yet). The short range target is extremely challenging at a mere .4 MOA.

ICFRA has decided not to adopt an F-F (Farky) class, and the previous F-Restricted will revert (in name only ) to F-TR.

What this means is that F-Class has an open class and a 308/223 class open to any bullet weight, but success in each of these classes will require highly accurate equipment. Highly accurate equipment requires a committment of significant money and dedication to the sport, and franky some shooters - especially those in other disciplines - may not want to dedicate a rifle suystem specifically to shooting the occasional F-Class match, particularly if they aren't even sure they want to continue with it.

What is lacking is a sanctioned entry-level class where newcomers can enjoy the sport using their factory Remington, Savage, Tikka etc. rifle, and be truly successful, in other words, actually have a chance to win in a class where they are on an equal footing equipment-wise.

These shooters will shoot at the double-sized TR target, so they should be capable of success within the technical limitations of an unmodified factory rifle shooting good ammunition.

The technical definition has been paraphrased and condensed here, but essentiall, the rifles consist of:

Any factory bolt action repeater with an unmodifed action, the original factory barrel (as identified by the presence of the factory stamp on the barrel itself), a factory trigger (that MAY be adjusted to any safe weight) but in any stock. Any sight is acceptable, any front rest/bipod, and rear bags may be used. No part of the rifle with the exception of a front bipod may touch the ground during firing, and no devices that connect the front and back of a rifle (shooting cradles) may be used. total weight will be restricted to 12 pounds including all attachments.

This weight restriction will exclude some of the questionable "factory" rifles such as the TRG, the AI, PGW and other purpose-built sniper weapon systems.

Any centerfire factory chambering up to 338 Lapua (within the acceptable ammo allowed on the range used) but no muzzle brakes or compensators may be used.

Exclusions include any purpose built singe shot factory "target rifle" such as the XR100, the Savage F-TR and F-Class rifles, and any custom shop rifles (ie: 40X) Exceptions to the single shot rule include Ruger #1 and TC Encore rifles; these may be used.

There is a "Spirit and intent" clause in the proposed rules that stipulates that the purpose of this class is to create an entry level class. It is intended to attract new shooters, and not all exceptions can be included in one definition, so ultimately the decision as to an acceptable rifle is up to the match director using the "Sprit and Intent" guidelines.

Now, in the last year there was interest in a "Tactical" class. I fully supported the idea, but when it came to holding a match that incorporated a tactical class and giving 6 months of advanced notice and regular publicity here, I got no entries at all. I guess this was one of those ideas that looked better on paper.

I feel that the factory class will provide tactical shooters the opportunity they were looking for. If they are using custom barrels, actions, and equipment then this would represent a rifle with capabilities consistent with either the open or FTR classes. If their equipment is factory, then they can still compete in F-SP class and do well.

Something to ponder....
 
Damn, I guess I shouldn't pull the barrel off my Stevens then. This way I could enter into two classes. Hell maybe I'll just buy another one. ;)

What will be the distance for the factory class? As per usual?
 
if adopted, it would be the distance shot on the range on which the match is held. F-SP would be limited to 10 shot strings. Some strings for FO and FTR are 15.
 
I like the concept except for the choice of targets the new class will shoot on. Why not just have them fire on the ICFRA F Class target instead of the ICFRA TR Target. Is there a fear the scores would not be rewarding enough on the ICFRA F Class target? My thought being when it is time to move up to the next level with a custom rifle their scores will go down because they are also changing to a tougher target.

The Savage F/TR and F Class rifles are an off the shelf item and should be allowed. However the Remigton 40X is really a custom shop item so they should be in the Open class.
PGW, TRG and AI could be classed as "Purpose built sniper rifle" and lumped into the open class.
 
Maynard, why would you suggest moving a PGW, TRG and AI in .308 to F(O)?

Putting those rifles in F (T/R) is the right place alongside blueprinted Rem 700's, Barnards, Stillers and all the rest of the custom or semi custom .308 actions. If their owner has rechambered them to something else then by all means move them on over to F(O).

Obtunded,

Where would you place my 30 yr old factory original Sportco Model 44 single shot .308 with cheap Bushnell scope? What happens when I shoot the barrel out and cannot get a "factory" replacement since Sportco is long gone. (Insert any other brand of rifle in place of Sportco and ask yourself the same question again)

Why would my Sportco go into F(T/R) when a Rem 700 Police or TiKKA tactical will go in F(Sporter)? You are opening a huge can of worms by subjectively putting some rifles in a sporter class and others into F(T/R).

Why not create a greenhorn / newbie class instead. If you've got a .302/.223 you get to shoot your first season in greenhorn. then move over to F(T/R) the next year. If you start with an Open gun then youstart in Open. I can't imagine that you're going to get many true newbie type guys show up with 6Br rifles.
 
The PGW, TRG and AI should be lumped into a "Tactical Class" but then you start to have the problem of every shooter having their own class.

Even though the Savage F-TR and F Class rifles are purpose built rifles, they are also off the shelf.
 
Bearing in mind this is a proposal, and it is for BC only, this likely wont affect you all anyway.

As to the Sportco: It is a purpose built single shot target gun. No go. Re-barreled, it will be an even more accurate and customized purpose built gun. it goes into FTR... Sorry. Spirit and intent. Same with the Savage F-Class. These are built to shoot in the full F-Class.

As to the targets. I want TR targets because they are larger, do not require high-power or top end optics to see. Since ICFRA simply made F-Class targets by putting a sticker in the middel of a TR target, it is not big technical obstacle. You could use an F-Class target and ignore the V-Bull ring, but I don't really care how it's done. The short range ICFRA target really sucks. The TR version of that target would be much better and obliterate much less quickly.

As to TRG's AI's etc., these are built to a higher degree of precision than a Stevens 200. The weight restriction eliminates this style of rifle and it could be used in FTR or open whwere it should be able to keep up with purpose built guns. If they can't, why do they cost more than a custom?

Again: The intent of this class is to provide a venue for all of the competition-curious shooters a chance to compete with the inexpensive factory equipment. The serious shooters will rapidly move on to a more accurate gun and a more challenging level, but the newcomers, the people on tight budgets and those that may not want to spend big bucks on a full-on custom rifle can still enjoy their sport and do well.

As it stands now, the new shooters we see that actually come out to a match fall into two categories: Those that are hooked right away and immediately see why Stevens 200's are not really a precision rifle... they go out and upgrade fairly quickly, and then there are those that never show up again because these matches did nothing to make them feel very happy about their rifle or their own shooting ability.

I want these guys and gals to come out with what they have BEFORE they blow a whole bunch on an expensive gun and find out that they either don't like the sport, or they spent their money in the wrong places.

In short, I want this to be an entry-level class with criteria that wll be equal at all BCRA matches throughout BC.
 
Obtunded said:
Again: The intent of this class is to provide a venue for all of the competition-curious shooters a chance to compete with the inexpensive factory equipment. The serious shooters will rapidly move on to a more accurate gun and a more challenging level, but the newcomers, the people on tight budgets and those that may not want to spend big bucks on a full-on custom rifle can still enjoy their sport and do well.

I want these guys and gals to come out with what they have BEFORE they blow a whole bunch on an expensive gun and find out that they either don't like the sport, or they spent their money in the wrong places.

In short, I want this to be an entry-level class with criteria that wll be equal at all BCRA matches throughout BC.
Click to expand...
Now I am interested. :)
 
I like everything except I believe that rests should also be limited to entry level bipod or sling. I don't like the idea of sled style bipods in this class as they are not entry level...

Great idea though Ian!
 
How much do you suppose shooters will want to use a rear bag? (personally I would not want to shoot without a rear bag, I find it very hard to shoot F-Class well without one, but......)

*If* you could define the class to *exclude* the use of a rear bag, that does a couple of things:

1 - it gets rid of the need for someone to have a certain piece of perhaps-not-entry-level equipment

2 - by making it so much more difficult to shoot, it levels out a great deal of any advantage that might be had by someone with an "overly accurate" rifle, i.e. it places much more emphasis on the shooter's rifle holding skill, and it de-emphasizes the absolute need to have a rifle capably of F-Open levels of accuracy

3 - item (2) also means that if someone shows up with a $400 bipod, you can let them shoot, with you and everybody else realizing that they really aren't gaining an unfair advantage over someone with a $75 Harris.

4 - item (2) means that you actually don't need to worry very much if someone somehow "sneaks in" a rifle that doesn't meet the spirit of what you intend.

5 - you permit any calibre, which is good. Item (2) also cuts out a fair bit of the advantage that might be "bought" by bringing a particularly high performance cartridge (6.5-.284, 7mm Rem Mag etc) to the line.

Another question, is it your intention to permit or to exclude .338 Lapua? I can't tell from how your proposal is worder; either way would be fine with me, and a 12# weight limit renders a lot of scenarios moot anyhow.

One last question - would it be within the spirit of the rules to re-crown a factory barrel? Pushing the envelope a bit more (perhaps this would be too far, but I am just asking), what about re-chambering (and possibly setting back) a factory barrel, possibly changing the chambering too?


Good ideas BTW. I hope you make it fly.
 
Well done BCRC. There is certainly an urgent need to cater for the people trying out our sport. I guess the similarities between your proposal and the ORA Factory F Class are obvious so perhaps as the author the ORA rules I can share a little of the thinking behind those.

The key requirement was to create somewhere for those who attend to participate without significant financial outlay. This was to remove the a significant hurdle to commencing participation. It was always envisaged that Factory class would be a stepping stone for many and a long term home for a few.

Removing the need to go shopping meant a 'run what you've got or can get easily' approach and that in turn leads us to rifles that the average person can get or will have purchased a while back from local suppliers. That plays to the concept that people will more likely have purchased something they can see and feel than something remote in a catalogue. This is unlikely to be anything spectacularly accurate, but equally could be in one of many calibres that fall within range templates.

In order to try to level the playing field some 'rules' were needed and there was no desire to exclude a calibre. There was a desire to dissaude pot hunters.

The rules hinge on the spirit of 'take it off the dealers shelf and go shoot it' and hence preclude the replacement of anything (I note BC's softer stance on stocks and have some understanding of that) but do encourage getting the best out of what the manufacturer produced, allowing bedding, tuning and crowning for example. It was felt essential that the 'improvements' allowed should not be expensive to achieve or tip the balance toward custom performance.

All was well for the first year with a variety of Remingtons, Tikka, Savages etc finding their way onto the range. Then Mr Savage went and 'upped his game' with the FTR and one or two 'specialist' rifles like the TRG started to appear. Clearly, they have the edge IN EXPERIENCED HANDS. However, the decision was made in Ontario to stick with the 'mass produced - it's in' approach which I think has resulted in a number of shooters competing in Factory class with Savages or similar. However, it has not attracted the larger crowds of 'hunting gun' owners to the range, so maybe just maybe Obtunded has got it right in moving certain rifles up a class. Maybe that will bring in more participants. I just hope he does not ban my Ruger Varmint in 6.5 Creedmore when I finally get over to the west coast.

I would very strongly encourage any rifle owner to leverage Factory F Class as a chance to go see what you and your favourite hunting rifle can do. You will meet a great bunch of folks and doubtless learn from their enthusiasm.

Oh yes, Bipod - seen a great one made out of a paint can. The guys wife even made a padded top. Back Bag - rice in a sock. Who says this games expensive.
 
Sounds like a good idea Ian. I do agree with Dan on the no rear bag rule. I also agree with humptyjumped about the $400 ski pods. I think keeping them out will make things easier. They are proven to give an accuracy advantage and for those that don't or can't have one, they are at a disadvantage again.

Hope the guys appreciate your efforts,
Cheers,
Rob
 
Thanks for the feedback!

My Rempel pod weighs 4.5 pounds. That would have to be one light gun and scope combo that will slide under the 12 pound restriction. I frankly don't see banning these items as either necessary or practical. A front BR rest is likely batter still and I will allow these too. There are many cheap Caldwells on the shelves of the local gun store and these are perfectly acceptable in my mind. In a long range match, it will be the new shooter's ability to catch on and adjust for wind that will make or break his success.

As to the rear bag, an interesting idea, but I want these shooters to have every chance of success. Any rest, rear bags and a bigger target. If those "Mossberg Night Train" shooters start cranking out the 75-15's, then we may have to refine it to add more complexity, but I would like to refine the rules based on results.

On the issue of accurate rifles like the TRG, FTR etc.

I have learned on many many occasions that lending a very accurate custom 6BR to a new shooter on a calm day puts him capable of finishing in the top 5. This last weekend, the top V-Count was achieved by a BRAND new shooter using a custom gun I loaned and loaded for him. At the APRA Palma shoot, I was thrilled to see a new shooter in first place using another gun of mine, after the first 800M string. The gun makes more difference than many people think, and I feel the "sprit and intent" of the factory class will be undermined by allowing these mass produced match-capable rifles.
 
I think if you get this class going you will even see experienced shooters wanting to shoot it. One of the things that has deters me from F-Class and has me shooting TR is how much of the scoring relies on the quality of the firearm.

Best of luck!
 
humptyjumped said:
I think if you get this class going you will even see experienced shooters wanting to shoot it. One of the things that has deters me from F-Class and has me shooting TR is how much of the scoring relies on the quality of the firearm.
Click to expand...

...Thanks!

That is a problem made worse by the use of the .4 MOA ICFRA short range target. Without a really top quality firearm, you will never win in the existing F-Classes.

Who wants to show up and find out the 1500 bucks they dropped on their new Savage or Remington Tactical still leaves them out of the game?

I suspect this class will actually attract a number of shooters from other disciplines... we'll see. I said the same thing about the tactical class and it was a bust.
 
Ian;

After having participated in "The Running of the V-Bulls" shoot and watching a few of the new shooters having fun with their "off-the-shelf" rifles, I feel this is a necessary element to attract new shooters. Don't get too hung up on feeling that you need to develop the "rules" to cover every scenario right off the bat. Just get a program started and it will evolve with time.

And again, you developed and ran a great match this past weekend!!

Brian
 
Obtunded said:
I have learned on many many occasions that lending a very accurate custom 6BR to a new shooter on a calm day puts him capable of finishing in the top 5.
Click to expand...

I would have to agree with this statement. I liken it to golf clubs, the pricier clubs will provide more confidence. Having a knowledge that your errors could be corrected by your equipement, boosts the bottom line.
 
"Who wants to show up and find out the 1500 bucks they dropped on their new Savage or Remington Tactical still leaves them out of the game?"

Ian, while my earlier post was a bit tongue in cheek, your statement does address my concern about your proposal.

I'm in the demographic that you are looking for in your entry level class; essentially a new (rifle) shooter who's not interested in hunting but enjoys trying to put the bullets in the same hole at 100 and 200m. I spent a little more for my rifle , that factory Savage 10-BAS, because I thought it might help me achieve that goal. And in fact the rifle is good enough that I think that with a few thousand more rounds of practice I'll be good enough to be able to do it regularly. ( Just in time for a new barrel, heh )

So, do I think either I or my rifle could compete in F-class? Hardly. Do I think I'd have fun in your proposed newbie class? Absolutely. But, since my rifle weighs about 16 pounds dressed up in it's scope and bipod because the stock is all aluminum, it appears I'm stuck between the rock and the hard place. Can't make it in F-class and too portly for the entry level.

I think I understand what you're trying to achieve, but I would respectfully suggest that if you want to attract new blood to the sport, you might consider the less rules the better approach. I don't think folks in an entry level class are going to be as concerned, at least initially, with stocking their shelves with trophys as they are with just having fun competing and learning the skills . I know that that is what would attract me, plus the opportunity to shoot at some longer ranges with like minded people.

Anyway, thanks for your efforts, whatever you decide.
 
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