Tactical rifles in F-class events.

Shooter ----/

Shooter ----/

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Hey all.

Just thought I'd throw this out to the masses to see who has given this a go. Post your experiences here for others to see.

To start off, I've been using a rifle that I'd say is more "tactical" than "competition like" at the North Star range at Nokomis, Sask. In the truest sense of the word "tactical" maybe not, as my rifle does sport a long barrel but other than that, it looks much like fellow CGN'ers post of their tactical/precision builds. One of the other gentlemen I shoot with also started this year and uses an out of the box Rem 700 and a Harris bipod.

My rifle consist of "off the shelf" items that can be found all over the place here in Canada:
Rem700 that has been been "accurized" (only firing pin spring changed)
Benchmark barrel
MDT HS3 chassis
Magpul PRS butt stock
LRA bipod
EGW 20moa rail
Sightron SIIISS scope
Trigger Tech trigger

Rifle is chambered in 308 Winchester, so as long as I stay under 18.18 lbs with bipod, I shoot in the FTR class. I didn't have to buy any fancy equipment. Rifle, bipod, rear bag and shooting mat is all that I use. I believe you can also use just a sandbag with no bipod.

To say I'm having a lot of fun with this group of guys from the SPRA and other provinces would be an understatement. Everyone has been helpful, friendly and supportive when I've had a bad relay. After going through this first season, I've come to respect this discipline more than before and am looking forward to another season and maybe going to a more competition style stock.

In the end I just really want to encourage others that like to shoot long distances, to go give it a try. I was nervous the first few times out but you will find the other shooters will come by and ask you how your doing. They are always willing to answer questions and sometimes you can get secrets for accuracy from them. You will have fun, you will learn stuff , maybe you might win a medal for your efforts and I'm sure you will come away with respect for how difficult but fun it really is.
 
Starting F class can be very simple and you are not alone. For the first two years I used a stock VSSF with a Bushnell fixed 10x on it with a rear bag and a Harris bipod.

At that time it was all I could afford but at least I was out there having a good time shooting.
 
Toolman said:
Starting F class can be very simple and you are not alone. For the first two years I used a stock VSSF with a Bushnell fixed 10x on it with a rear bag and a Harris bipod.

At that time it was all I could afford but at least I was out there having a good time shooting.
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Are you still competing? If so what class now?
 
We always have fun out there and its always good to see new people out. Doesnt matter what you bring to shoot. If you really enjoy it and what to get more competive you will slowly upgrade your equipment or if it works it works.
 
For FTR, the only real parts that separate a FTR and tactical rifle is the bipod and the load tuning. If the rifle fits you well and you can shooting consistently, that is all that matters.

I don't see any difference in mechanical accuracy with a properly assembled rifle in either sport... we certainly build them to the same levels of performance.

From there, you look at the bipod and rear bag. FTR bipods are simply more stable and more consistent. The bunny ear rear bags with stiff walls are again, more stable and more consistent. Just use these rests on any quality and accurate tactical rifle and it will work.

I even have AICS sized single shot followers making single loading simple and fast.

Don't get hung up on scope mag either. I have competed very successfully with 24X and many F class shooters will dial back on mag on a heavy soupy mirage day.... you are already there.

The biggest difference is in the chamber and the load tuning possible. We single feed, usually have very long throats and seat bullets way out there. That gives us the chance to add more fuel to get more speed with heavy bullets. But there is nothing wrong with shooting a Berger 185gr BT's over Varget in a mag length cartridge.... very competitive all the way to 1000yds. you might need to take more care in your loading to get all the accuracy and consistency needed... but that will help either sport.

The real world difference in velocity from a 26" to 30" barrel really isn't going to save you if you miss a wind call. We have had PGW rifles win at the Westerns in original dress.

Accurate is accurate... what it looks like is really secondary.

Come out and play. Best way to learn the limits of your gear and to confirm how the loads and your shooting is going. That can only build confidence when that tactical rifle is put in the field.

Jerry
 
Shelldrake said:
Muzzle brakes are common for the tactical/precsion rifle, and are not allowed in F Class.
That's the biggy for for me.
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Ballast up to 18lbs for 308... 22lbs for everything else. That might ease some of the kick...

I saw a really neat trick while in the US... shooter had a "tacky" rifle, clamped a hunk of steel rod in scope rings to make max weight. Used the bottom forend pic rail.... how's that for simple and effective.

Jerry
 
We have a gentleman regularly competing using a 300wsm with no brake. I've never fired it so I can't comment on how it feels but he says it doesn't bother him.

Also to add, at the SPRA Drillers match brakes were allowed for day two in the ultra longs. Only one shooter was using one but many of us decided next year that we are also going to bring out the "Boomers".
 
Having that muzzle brake next to me last weekend was interesting. I can see why they aren't allowed usually in fclass. Some serious concusion off that 338lapua. Still a fun weekend no matter what shooting in some crazy winds at 1200yards.
 
mudpro said:
Having that muzzle brake next to me last weekend was interesting. I can see why they aren't allowed usually in fclass. Some serious concusion off that 338lapua. Still a fun weekend no matter what shooting in some crazy winds at 1200yards.
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I'm glad I had a 1 man buffer between him and myself! Though it was kicking up debris onto my score sheet and ammo box.
Overall was a good shoot. Too bad Saturday turned out to be a wash for me.
 
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