No need for a super expensive F-Class gun either. This year we are opening up the F-Class matches to the "Sportsman Division". The rules are as follows:
This class is restricted to mass-produced rifles of any calibre (like Open Class) that can be purchased readily at many gun shops and that have not been customized to improve ballistic performance. Factory Class is for people shooting ‘out-of-the-box’ rifles; Remington, Winchester, Ruger, Savage, Tikka, Browning, Sako or similar, using the original manufacturers parts. Some ‘adjustments’ are permitted, but not the replacement of parts.
The rules governing F(Sportsman) qualified rifles have been devised to create a low cost class for competitors and in the recognition that the majority of mass-produced rifles are not capable of accuracy equal to the sophisticated Open Class rifles. The rifle must be ‘as manufactured’ and available in quantity, as described in the manufacturers catalogue (i.e. mass produced). This excludes specialist TR guns or Bench Rest actions, wildcat calibres and custom built guns. There is no restriction on the type of rifle that can be used; bolt action, falling block, lever action or semi-automatic rifles are acceptable.
These rules are interpreted to mean that a Factory Class rifle:
- Must have the original manufacturers barrel.
- Must have the original trigger (which can be adjusted or tuned).
- Must have the original stock (which can be reshaped).
- Must have the original chamber (no re-working or improving).
- Can be any calibre (subject to range rules).
- Can be bedded and floated in the original stock.
- The barrel can be re-crowned.
- Can have any type of sight system.
- As in F(O) class, any type of front and rear rests may be used.
- Factory or hand loaded ammunition may be used
