f-class

jkajfes

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F-Class target shooting has acquired quite a reputation for consuming novice shooters and the occasional die hard winner whole with it’s hostile behavior and obscure wind/mirage syntax. The reputation is not entirely undeserved as most of us die hards still face some pretty tough decisions when making wind calls. F-class came about from something called Palma via mounting a scope on a target rifle.

Add to this fact that F-Class is sort of an underprivileged class. It is constantly being rewritten and developed by shooters bored with historically sound target shooting. (That in and of itself should explain a lot about it’s eccentricities.)

F-Class has acquired a reputation as something that can only be done (more aptly won) by target shooters who learned to build rifles from scratch (age thankfully not being a prerequisite).

If this was totally true my artsy-fartsy background would have prevented me from ever touching the class. There are two basic premises that would have saved me a lot of angst in learning to shoot f-class.

First, it does not make sense. Period none.

Contrary to popular belief, not all f-class shooters are a humourless and dry bunch that are in danger of spontaneous combustion. I’ve found a few, and not only ones I regularly party with on the line that are good for laughing out loud while trying to learn how to read the wind.

Some day it might be interesting to write a book about shooting F-Class. Something like The Underground Guide to F-Class or F-Class for the Impatient. I wonder how hard it would be to find a publisher? I can just picture folks sitting down with their favourite cappuccino or a Mountain Dew.

When you reach the point in F-class where you’re convinced you’ve made a serious vocational error and should consider farming instead... your next five veebulls in a row will quickly change your mind.

The best way to learn F-class is by doing, so dive in! And don’t worry about hitting your head on the bottom. It’s plenty deep in here.

jk
 
Good post John. I will read your book on F Class shooting if you read mine on barrel cleaning:p
Some things that need to be mentioned is that you do not need a .300WM or a .338LM to win F Class. These calibers are not welcome on every range, so before you buy or build do some research. While many of the top F(O)shooters are shooting some type of 6.5, it really comes down to the nut behind the butt that wins at the end of the day/weekend/week. That being said, it doesn't matter how good you are, your .30-.30 won't keep up when you get to the 1000 yard line.
While F(O) is still a bit of an equipment race and some of the calibers used can be barrel burners, the other F Classes F(F) and F(M) have something anyone can get into for about $1500 of less.
While TR and F Class all shoot in the same competitions most of the time, they do not compete agaist each other. TR has 4 classes depending on the shooters ability, and F Class has 3 classes depending on the caliber and or manufacture of the rifle. No your Remington 40X is not a factory gun:(
Now most F Class shooters will tolerate us TR shooters and vice versa, I think the F class has more camaraderie. While the compeition in F Class seems fierce, the F class guys never pass up the opportunity to laugh at each others misfortunes. As far as being a "humourless and dry bunch" , I think not.
 
Hi Guys
In the post above, it was mentioned(sp) that you guys have books published.
Where can one get these?
thanks
hs
 
Sorry hs, John's comment was about "some day" writing a book about F Class shooting. John is no slouch behind the trigger and his results can be found on the DCRA web page (look at the 2006 DCRA F CLASS TOURNAMENT) or on the ORA web page under "results".
My comments about the book on barrel cleaning was just a dig at John that has been going on for a few years. To make a long story short, I convinced John not to clean his rifle one weekend at a long range match. Although he was not totally convinced at the time, he did buckle under the pressure and didn't clean. The results were a perfect 75.15V at both 700m and 800m the following day and winning the Grand Agg for the weekend.
 
In BC, to a person, the F-class crowd is made up of friendly, jovial light-hearted people, who show no outward signs that they are competing in a serious way (although they are!). They readily share with newcomers, they never criticize and they certainly never mock a shooter or his equipment.

I never felt so welcome and accepted by a crowd I'd never met before. In my first-ever match, one fellow insisted I shoot the second day with his back-up custom gun when he saw I was painfully wallowing in the inadequacies of a factory gun with a novice load. He gave me a few pearls on judging mirage and I was on my way. That instant success got me so totally and hopelessly hooked, I have never looked back. It also revealed I was a better shot than my previous results had demonstrated.

To those who may feel intimidated or shy about trying an F-class match, come out to BC and try one of the club matches in Kamloops or Mission. These are all great people who are willing to share. Look for the guys with the whitest and the least hair... Oh my god, these guys are a veritable encyclopedia. It is indeed a culture where our elders are respected and revered.
 
Obtunded... some day I'm going to make it out there for a shoot... I keep seeing all those wonderful pictures you guys post.. you have nice ranges out there...
that's how I got hooked several years back a friend was testing out a new rig in the morning at short range... then they moved back to 1000 for the afternoon and he let me shoot it. All I could think of on the drive home was I gotta get me in this game...
I started out with Remington's and I'm still using two of them, a number of things have changed but Tom's comments especially the figure he quoted 1500 can get you toe to toe with some of the best...

mpwolf... it still freaks me out... when I skip cleaning... still trying to get used to it or the twitch I get when I don't do it... it's Maynard's doin...

Peterdobson... they're wiZards with wands.... just unbelievable or is that unbeatable in team matches... man can they shoot eh... the coaching is something else... how they can all agree on a call and get a shot off in the same time is something to watch....
 
Don't worry John that twitchy thing will go away after a few years, I have been told rum is the answer.

F(M) class is pretty straight forward. Get a factory rifle, bed it, recrown it, throw some glass on top and a bi-pod under it. Load up some ammo and go shoot it.
F(F) is a .308 or .223 as custom as you want up to the maximum weight, bullet weights the same for TR class, some glass, ammo and you are off to the races.
F(O) is a whole other kettle of fish. The sky is the limit and the only thing holding you back is the saftey template for the range.

Here is where we need Norm and Jerry to jump in. Lets try to stay on the inexpensive side (read cheap). What does it cost to build a competitive F(O) rifle. Norm just built an F(O) gun on a Stevens action, and we know it can shoot. Lets start with just and action that you had kicking around.
Ready, Set, Build It.

On the other end of the spectrum starting with nothing but a fist full of cash see how much you can end up spending for a top notch F(O) rifle.
 
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Look for the guys with the whitest and the least hair... Oh my god, these guys are a veritable encyclopedia.

Uh....I fall into the "and the least hair" category and I don't know ####....so don't ask me :D

On the other end of the spectrum starting with nothing but a fist full of cash see how much you can end up spending for a top notch F(O) rifle.

That's how I did it when I was trying to go the "cheap" way :( Not that mine is "Top Notch" but it serves me well for the experience I have. Total spent was under $2500 IIRC including the glass thats on it now.

If it wasn't for Obtunded talking me into coming out for Wednesday night practice I would never have "found" this sport. Thanks Buddy!!!!
 
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I tried my first match this year. I was teamed up with two veterans from Kamloops. I felt welcome by everyone and thoroughly enjoyed myself even though the match had some hitches. Looking forward to next time.
 
So how the heck can we move away from the bullet weight limits of F(F)? All of the other rules are reasonable, but having to limit to 156gr in .308 (80gr in .223??) seems to be a serious artificial impediment for wind and other range conditions. My preference is for 175gr SMK, but I'm sure that others have their sweet loads as well.

Ontario may have the 'luxury' of having enuf folk for a F(M) class, but how are the other regions coming along? I'd prefer to see F(F) reclassed as F(TR) for Tactical Rifle - keep all of the other considerations and remove the bullet weight restriction. Comments/flames?
 
I have, from the time I first started shooting "F" class, used rifles which are (a) based on common components, (b) very conventional in design, (c) relatively inexpensive to build. My first rifle was based on a 180 dollar M70 action and was absolutely competitive and still is.
Another rifle was based on a surplus P14 action. My total parts cost on this rifle was only 550 dollars (including the scope!). This rifle is close to being my most accurate "F" class rifle.
My point is that the whole "equipment race" viewpoint is simply BS. One may indulge himself in the acquisition of expensive equipment if he wishes to do so but it is not necessary nor does it guarantee success. Regards, Bill.
 
Bill, would you agree on requirements:
true action
good barrel and bedding
properly worked-up handloads
repeatable scope?

Regards,

Peter
 
Peter,
Just ad a decent bipod or front rest, a rear bag and a desire and patience to
learn and I think you'd be all set.
Oh and don't forget the sunscreen and hat.
 
So how the heck can we move away from the bullet weight limits of F(F)? All of the other rules are reasonable, but having to limit to 156gr in .308 (80gr in .223??) seems to be a serious artificial impediment for wind and other range conditions. My preference is for 175gr SMK, but I'm sure that others have their sweet loads as well.

Ontario may have the 'luxury' of having enuf folk for a F(M) class, but how are the other regions coming along? I'd prefer to see F(F) reclassed as F(TR) for Tactical Rifle - keep all of the other considerations and remove the bullet weight restriction. Comments/flames?

F(F) class was the only class at one time. It was brought in to allow older TR shooters that could no longer see iron sights, to still shoot. TR has bullet weight limits so it was as simple as putting a scope on your target rifle and shooting. If you want to shoot 175 grain bullets out of your .308 or 90gr bullets in your .223 there is nothing stopping you, but you are now shooting F(O).

F(M) is still in the growing stages. Why this was brought in was to allow new shooter to shoot rifles they may already have. Or be able to purchase something without going the custom route. The advantage of F(M) is that when this new shooter decides it is time to move up to F(F) or F(O) they already have a base rifle/action to start with. I should also point out that there is no bullet weight restriction on F(M) class rifles but it has to be a stock chamber and barrel.

As far as what other regions are doing about the F(M) class it is up the them to promote it or not. Remember we want to encourage people to come out and shoot, not turn them away because they don't have a $5000 rifle.
 
I realize you can come out and compete, have fun, and although not win, at least participate with any F(M) class rig. But is there a benchmark that says you should be at least able to shoot "X" MOA at 100 yds to at least be in the running? I mean, I cannot imagine a 3 MOA shooter would be anything but dead last every time.

I cannot bug hole at 100yds, but through load development I am getting to sub MOA at 100yds. Is this reasonable?

And is there a preferred ORA event for a new F(M) class shooter to start with in '08?
 
I realize you can come out and compete, have fun, and although not win, at least participate with any F(M) class rig. But is there a benchmark that says you should be at least able to shoot "X" MOA at 100 yds to at least be in the running? I mean, I cannot imagine a 3 MOA shooter would be anything but dead last every time.

I cannot bug hole at 100yds, but through load development I am getting to sub MOA at 100yds. Is this reasonable?

And is there a preferred ORA event for a new F(M) class shooter to start with in '08?

If you're a new shooter, why are you worried about being competitive? So what if you're not? Go out and shoot some matches and see what it's all about. More importantly, try to have fun doing so!

Naturally, as you become more proficient in the use of your rifle, your experience level & knowledge will increase to the point that one day you will be able to "run with the big dogs".

Starting out with a factory rifle is the best way to go. Buy some great glass and have some good hand loads for the rifle. May even wish to bed the rifle if the rules permit doing do. By the time you wear out your barrel, you'll be ready to move on to a custom if that's what you want.

Have fun!
 
I have, from the time I first started shooting "F" class, used rifles which are (a) based on common components, (b) very conventional in design, (c) relatively inexpensive to build. My first rifle was based on a 180 dollar M70 action and was absolutely competitive and still is.
Another rifle was based on a surplus P14 action. My total parts cost on this rifle was only 550 dollars (including the scope!). This rifle is close to being my most accurate "F" class rifle.
My point is that the whole "equipment race" viewpoint is simply BS. One may indulge himself in the acquisition of expensive equipment if he wishes to do so but it is not necessary nor does it guarantee success. Regards, Bill.

Bill, I don't want to get into a pissing match here, but how much of the work did you do yourself on your $550 F Class rifle. Not everyone can do their own work so I think we need to keep this on the mechanically challenged level.;)

Way back when F Class F(F) started a Harris bi-pod was all that was needed. Then a rear bag was allowed. Then the next thing you know someone brings out a home made front rest, then comes the Bald Eagle, Farley's, Sinclair's and what have you. Gotta keep up with the Jones's you know.
Scopes went from 12X then to 36X now bumped up to 50X:eek:Can't say that is not an equipment race.
Somewhere along the way F(F) expanded into F(O) so guys didn't have to restrict themselves to caliber and bullet weight. This soon opened up to what the best caliber was and is still ongoing.
I do agree that best gear on the line does not guarantee success. However it is human nature to think that if you had something better than the guy that just won the match, that would be you taking home the tin.
 
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