Name your game!

I

Ian Robertson

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
16   0   0
Location
Nepean ON
We constantly see people asking for guns for a specific game, like Target Rifle for example, when these names are very specific for certain games. We can name TR, SR, BR light, BR heavy, BR RF, FTR, FO, Course, 3P, Match Rifle, Silhouette RF, Silhouette CF, Match Rifle UK, etc............ Some of these games are world wide, some are Commonwealth and some are USA based, and I don't suggest I know them all or have named them properly.

When someone says a "Target Rifle" in Canada, that means a 6.5kg 308win or 223rem, 300m to 900m bolt action rifle with iron sights and shot with a coat and sling normally for formal competition, nothing else.

Should we spell all this out so we have a common terminology so when someone wants a new "target rifle" we hopefully know what he/she is talking about and maybe don't have to ask?
 
A lot of people wanting to start in target shooting may or may not know the number of disciplines associated with the term "Target Rifle" and if they don't they will most probably not know the term actually refers to the specific discipline of what you described. I certainly didn't when I got suckered.....ermmm.....introduced to the sport of F-Open.

I think a "glossary" of terms stickied to this forum could be helpful for those not in the know.
 
Ian,
great post. As one of the less well informed I have trouble applying a definition to many of the acronyms that get posted. I think a sticky containing definitions along with a small picture of a typical example of the type would be great.

EDIT: Someone should write an Observers Book Of Target Rifles
 
You forgot ultimate "I am new to the sport"....

"I would like to buy a fairly goof sniper rifle for under a thousand with scope... what would you suggest?"

However it is a fair point, so I will help....


F-Class

Rifle shot prone at bullseye targets from 300 to 1000 meters, using any sight (scopes are universally used however) a front bipod or rest and a rear bag

Two classes:

F-Open: Any caliber up to 338 Lapua OR the maximum stipulated by the match director.
rifles may weigh up to 10 kg (22 pounds) including everything that recoils with the rifle
rifles are used single shot, targets are marked by target markers after each shot. 10 - 20 shot strings are common
If used with a front rest, forestock must not exceed 76mm, no maximum if used with bipod
any safe trigger

FTR: 223 or 308 or their NATO eqivalents. No bullet weight restriction
rifle maximum weight is 8.25 kg
may be used with front bipod only, no BR style rests rear bag ok.
any safe trigger

Realistically, both should be capable of .3 MOA to be competetive, however in F-Open sub quarter minute rifles dominate.

BC Has adopted a 3rd sporter class with much more generous target dimensions to make the accuracy requirements more in line with factory equipment.

I thought it might be worth putting this post up again as it does say a fair amount about F-Class...

Ian Hames
F-Class Director BC Rifle Association
Western Regional F-Class Coordinator, Dominion of Canada Rifle Association
Captain, F-Class Teams Canada, World F-Class Championships, Raton NM 2013
 
Last edited:
good idea! maybe we should define them and and make it a sticky along with ideas about basic rifle setups for each discipline. That would possibly help out as that there doesn't seem to be a day that goes by without someone wanting to know "what's the best ....."
 
A list describing each game and the gun needed would be useful to lots. They could sort of pick and choose which game they are interested in and even if they are not competition minded it would get them going the right direction for them.
 
Copy and paste the numerous "Whats the best Sniper rifle for $1000 or less" and the "What is better a Rem 700 SPS Varmint or a Savage 12 VLP" threads into a single thread.
 
Maybe make a mandatory 'Must Read' at the top of each different forum that activates something that will not allow a poster to post in said forum until it has been read. The 'Must Read' will be proactive in answering all of the FAQ basic ?'s, explain the different basic terminology inherent to a specific forum ie: Precision Rifles forum 'Must Read' might include info about the different types of target shooting, what a precision rifle is or is not, don't ask about sniper rifles etc. etc.
Include a warning that if they post up new threads that are outlined in the 'Must Read' they face a Time Out or warning.
It would really clean up alot of forums that are clogged with similar repeat ?'s and maybe stop alot of the thread hijacking where people don't understand what the thread is all about since they don't know some of the basics that the more experienced take for granted.
Just my $.02
 
Maybe it would work better if the "Precision Rifle" section was divided into two categories.
One called "Precision Competition Rifle" and the other "Precision Varmint Rifle".
Thou the accuracy expectations may be similar, Competition shooting contains a whole bunch of "Buzz words" not used by the average long range Gopher shooter.

Just a thought :)
 
sako6br said:
Maybe it would work better if the "Precision Rifle" section was divided into two categories.
One called "Precision Competition Rifle" and the other "Precision Varmint Rifle".
Thou the accuracy expectations may be similar, Competition shooting contains a whole bunch of "Buzz words" not used by the average long range Gopher shooter.

Just a thought :)
Click to expand...
One of the problems with jargon is that it is a barrier, and sucks. Hopefully threads like this can solve some of this.

I have been shooting for eons, and still have no real idea how to go about buying a "Target Rifle". I tried.
 
Good idea Ian.
One would hope that any individual seeking to participate in any given sport would spend the time and research the equipment needed.
It would be a large project for someone though, to properly identify ALL the shooting sports,research current rules and regulations and keep it up to date.
Also there is the the "crossover" areas where a particular style of rifle could be used successfully in multiple sports.
Maybe as a project for this site would be a Master File where posted as a "reference"
someone from each sport could post a description of sorts and current equipment used.

I understand that terminology clearly defined ,makes life so much easier for a new participant and for you as a provider of rifles and world famous stocks.

The Shooters Master Reference would be a large and ongoing project,but I think a valuable tool if it could be put together .

Am looking forward to seeing your new updated website with pictures of ALL your new stocks.
Gord O
 
Awesome idea Ian. I would love to know more about what is out there. Basically, when I get to the bench rest stuff in your list, I have no idea what the rest of them are. Except for the F-classes I guess.

For a stab a Service Rifle(assuming that is what you meant by SR, and speaking from a Calgary perspective)

It is not a precision discipline. It is an accuracy discipline.

It is 500m-100m standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone. No supports, no non-GI slings. ~120 rnds per match. 36 of these are indicated slow fire. The remainder are shot rapidly(10 rnds in less then 30 secs), or at popups(target is exposed for 3 seconds).

A few of them are run(very slowly really), shoot, run shoot type deals.

Bring whatever rifle you think you will do best under these conditions. Ask as many questions as you like, borrow as much gear as you like, and leave with a smile.

If you can make the majority of your shots fall within 1MOA radius from the target center, you will likely win. You'll certainly have me asking questions.

As far as I can find, this is the style of organized competition that is most useful to a hunter, though many hunting rifles will have problems with the round count.

Some additional information can be found here:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374702
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41862
 
I'm assuming the suggestion of the schooling of terms comes from a previous post of an older gent looking for a target rifle.
As someone who comes from a background of hunters not people that shoot targets (viewed as a waste of good ammo, you can't eat em) I understand his asking for info on a target rifle, not as in a "TR" rifle but as a rifle not intended for shooting critters.
And as mentioned newer shooters take time to learn and research the terms and definitions of the shooting disciplines, this site is part of that learning.

I think that a glossery (sp)of terms would be helpfull but not enforced, a little understanding of people being new needs to be applied. All of us were new at one time.

As experienced shooters with our custom barrels, stocks, triggers and our big dollar scopes and equipment we get viewed as eliteist and snobby to newer or more budget minded shooters because of how we comment or view things.

I just think we should be there to offer help not enforce it.
Like a previous post before precision is what you make of it. One guy will expect 1/4 min. groups while another is happy with 1.5 " groups and both consider themselves to be precise.

my 2 cents

M.
 
What you seem to be eliminating is the crowd that does not participate in sanctioned competitions, but still own and are interested in a precision rifle. Whether they want a sniper styled rifle as they are "tacticool" or someone who just likes to try shooting rocks at 1500 meters like myself. I would think that guys like that comprise a significant portion of the members here and a good portion of the sales in these types of firearms.

I just joined this site not long ago, I didn't even know how much industry there is in Canada. I live very close to the Montana border and have gotten most of my supplies out of the US. I have learned a few things from this site, but I take it that several posters here would like this section to be a "competition only" section. It's funny as I know many sportsman that have no idea what they can get in Canada, and what competitions clubs even exist. I would suggest not segregating out guys like me from reading and posting in the "precision rifle" section.

Guess I will just go back to other forums that are actually friendly to new members who really have no idea of the competitions that go on in this country. Maybe you (organizers of these events) should do some advertising in places other than rifle related forums.
 
LongBomber said:
What you seem to be eliminating is the crowd that does not participate in sanctioned competitions, but still own and are interested in a precision rifle. Whether they want a sniper styled rifle as they are "tacticool" or someone who just likes to try shooting rocks at 1500 meters like myself. I would think that guys like that comprise a significant portion of the members here and a good portion of the sales in these types of firearms.

I just joined this site not long ago, I didn't even know how much industry there is in Canada. I live very close to the Montana border and have gotten most of my supplies out of the US. I have learned a few things from this site, but I take it that several posters here would like this section to be a "competition only" section. It's funny as I know many sportsman that have no idea what they can get in Canada, and what competitions clubs even exist. I would suggest not segregating out guys like me from reading and posting in the "precision rifle" section.

Guess I will just go back to other forums that are actually friendly to new members who really have no idea of the competitions that go on in this country. Maybe you (organizers of these events) should do some advertising in places other than rifle related forums.
Click to expand...

I think you missed the point of Ian's post, LongBomber
This is not a competition forum, but a precision rifle forum, but it does not mean you need to compete to ask questions or get advice, be it for informal silouette shooting, or 1,000yard+ rocks!:)
The main point of it is that if you are trying to set up a rifle for a specific task ( or distance) , then it would be easier to help you.
I no longer compete in target rifle competition, but sure like busting rocks with my palma gun !:D
If someone asks me about setting one up, I can tell them what they need for the rifle to meet the class rules, but if I am talking about a Palma rifle and they are talking about a tac match rifle, then things will get confusing!
I think that is what Ian was talking about , not specific competitions, we have a forum for that.:)
Cat
 
catnthehatt said:
I think you missed the point of Ian's post, LongBommer
This is not a competition forum, but a precision rifle forum, but it does not mean you need to compete to ask questions or get advice, be it for inforaml silouette shooting, or 1,000yard+ rocks!:)
The main point of it is that if you are trying to set up a rifle for a specific task ( or distance) , then it would be easier to help you.
I no longer compete in target rifle competition, but sure like busting rocks with my palma gun !:D
If someone asks me about setting one up, I can tell them what they need for the rifle to meet the class rules, but if I am talking about a Palma rifle and they are talking about a tac match rifle, then things will get confusing!
I think that is what Ian was talking about , not specific competitions, we have a forum for that.:)
Cat
Click to expand...

Exactly.
If folks use the same language, communication is easier. A stickied glossary is an excellent idea.
 
At this point I have no plans to get involved in any formal competition shooting and personally don,t think it's fair that I should have to memorize a new language in order to ask a seasoned competition shooter for some advice. I would however not be apposed to an idea where formal competition shooters are marked with a symbol of some kind under their user name and when someone post a question, who does not have one, the responding member will see that this poster may not know the lingo and can reply in a relevant tone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom