entry level

[Stewie333]

Has anyone even witnessed someone show up at an f-class shoot with a really entry level rifle and scope. Say a Stevens in .308 with a set of mid priced rings and sub $300 scope, just so they can try it without a huge investment. I'm curious, because I see a lot of people with very expensive stuff on this forum. I would expect to get my a$$ handed to me by these guys who have taken the time and money to put together these rifles. But at the same time I don't like the idea of someone smirking at what a very new beginner may be shooting.

Regards

Stewie

 

[2bad4u2]

Has anyone even witnessed someone show up at an f-class shoot with a really entry level rifle and scope. Say a Stevens in .308 with a set of mid priced rings and sub $300 scope, just so they can try it without a huge investment. I'm curious, because I see a lot of people with very expensive stuff on this forum. I would expect to get my a$$ handed to me by these guys who have taken the time and money to put together these rifles. But at the same time I don't like the idea of someone smirking at what a very new beginner may be shooting.

Regards

Stewie

Forget the Stevens, it's a hunting rifle. As such, it's short, pencil thin barrel will heat up far too quickly and will likely throw rounds all over the paper. It's poor trigger pull will not be condusive to great accuracy and it's light, flimsy, sporter weight stock will not ride sandbags or rests well and is generally not suited to what you have in mind.

If you're interested in a Savage and want to have a rifle and cartridge that will be a great starter F-Class rig, why not go with a 12BVSS in .243 Winchester? The stock is comfortable, heavy, and will be much better suited to F-Class shooting. Using the lighter recoiling .243 Win. with high BC 6mm bullets will help you be competitive (relatively speaking in terms of ballistics) with other shooters on the line. The heavy varmint fluted barrel will be generally more accurate than the Stevens you spoke of. BVSS's are around the $800 mark.

If you can afford only a moderately priced scope, try the Meuller Tac II scope. It has generous elevation for a 1" scope, target windage and elevation knobs, and is reportedly much clearer optically than the often suggested Bushnell 3200 10x mil-dot scope. Expect to pay around $375-$400 for the Meuller.

Save your money and buy something that'll give you at least something decent to learn the "game" with. Otherwise, you'll not only be wasting your money but your time as well. If new isn't in the cards right now, there's lots of decent used gear to be found. Some of it can be sourced right through here on the EE.

 

[Obtunded]

Entering an F Class match for your first time with a Stevens and a cheap scope is fine! You may not take home any shiny stuff, but I DO guarantee you will get encouragement and great advice from the guys who have already walked in your shoes. One would have to be pretty immature and insecure to shun a new shooter on the basis of their eqipment.

There are plenty of people that show up for these matches at the club level that simply enjoy getting together for talking and shooting.

Ask DonP about winning his very first F-class match in Mission using a 30-06 hunting rifle and a tasco scope; he showed up to use the range and an F-class match was being held. He got invited to join in....

 

[Stewie333]

2bad4u2

Sorry, you missed my point. I know a Stevens isn't compeditive, I just wanted to know if anyone has seen it tried. It just seems to me that guys read about compeditive shooting and figure why bother? I can't compete with these guys and their gear so I won't try at all. Sorry if I wasn't clear, I guess I am just making a rant of sorts.

Cheers

Stewie

 

[Leeper]

Although my rifles are custom rifles, they are what I might call common custom. All are factory actions. One stock is glass (McMillan) the others laminated. My most expensive scope cost me 375.00. All the rifles are competitive. I continue to shoot these "practical" rifles just to show that it is possible to be competitive with an outfit which costs about the same as some competitor's scope and mounts.
With a Stevens hunting rifle, I think you could do fairly well out to and including 600 meters. The long ranges, where the matches are 15 or 20 shots, would likely overheat the light barrel a bit. As well, a relatively light rifle will abuse you a bit after 50 rounds or so. If nothing else, you can get a real good idea of your outfit's capability. Regards, Bill.

 

[maynard]

Has anyone even witnessed someone show up at an f-class shoot with a really entry level rifle and scope. Say a Stevens in .308 with a set of mid priced rings and sub $300 scope, just so they can try it without a huge investment. I'm curious, because I see a lot of people with very expensive stuff on this forum. I would expect to get my a$$ handed to me by these guys who have taken the time and money to put together these rifles. But at the same time I don't like the idea of someone smirking at what a very new beginner may be shooting.

Regards

Stewie

That is what the factory F Class, F(M) class is all about. Having said that I would not suggest going out a buying a hunting rifle for competition. If you already have this rifle, give it a try.
Don't worry about shooting against the big guns, they have their own class, F(O) Open.
With the F(M) class you will be shooting with guys with the same level of equipment. The F(M) class is designed for entry level, not for experienced F Class shooters out to win a pot.

 

[Mystic Precision]

You most certainly could have fun with a Stevens. Better choice would be a Savage 12FV for a few dollars more. A 12FV in 223 or 308 bedded properly with ammo it likes IS competitive in F(TR), the 243 in F(O). Stock fit is not ideal but you can add checkpieces and recoil pads to make it work. A rifle would set you back about $600.

For the Stevens, the only cal you could use is the 223 simply because the barrel would overheat with any other cal. You shoot at least 15 rds per relay (max around 25rds). Sporter barrels do not like getting this hot. The trigger can be made lighter but not ideal.

For S&G's and to give it a try, work up an accurate load with 75gr Amax and come on out. The Elite 3200 10X would be a great inexpensive first scope. The Nikon Buckmaster SF 4X14 or 6X18 a bit more money but more utility and mag.

Jerry

 

[rkaine]

I have to agree with mysticplayer, I have a Savage 12FVSS .223 and last year shot it with a Bushnell 3200 10X40, no mods to the rifle, and Hornady 75 GR A-Max handloads - and was able to score 47/48 out of 50 at 800 yards. I have since modified the trigger, and while the stock is often talked about as not the best, it works on a budget!

I would not hesitate to try it, and you won't get your a$$ handed to you - go out to an ORA intro day, you can try a couple of different rifles there as well.

 

[windborne11]

Has anyone even witnessed someone show up at an f-class shoot with a really entry level rifle and scope. Say a Stevens in .308 with a set of mid priced rings and sub $300 scope, just so they can try it without a huge investment. I'm curious, because I see a lot of people with very expensive stuff on this forum. I would expect to get my a$$ handed to me by these guys who have taken the time and money to put together these rifles. But at the same time I don't like the idea of someone smirking at what a very new beginner may be shooting.

Regards

Stewie

You could go to an ORA shoot down at Kingston. I think that the max range at Kingston is 600 yds, which is about as far as you would want to shoot at. Even then it will not be easy, but believe me, every other shooter there started out with similiar equiptment, so no body will laugh at you.
They may suggest you try some different equiptment however. If you have not already got the rifle, I would suggest a Savage in .223.

 

[jake2]

Good day,
Show up and shoot with whatever you have, providing it is safe, ask questions and have fun. Don't be intimidated by either other competitors equipment or attitude if you encounter any. I've seen too many people just go out and blindly buy the latest and greatest and it not be the sport for them.
Remember not everyone on a golf course is carrying Ping clubs and they are out there having fun.
Personally I would get more satisfaction in winning with less than I would showing up with a 6.5 X 284 and have everyone think I won because of my equipment not my skill.

Hope this helps
jake2