Tell Me Something About "F" Class.

[TennesseeNuc]

Hi All,
One of the newest NRA highpower class is the F class.  From what I understand it is fairley unlimited.  It is fired from the prone position and one can use a rest or bipod and/or sling, with iron sights or scope.
How many rounds are usually fired in a match, and what kind of scores are common with this type of competition?
It seems that some traditional competition shooters have some disdain for this type of shooting, but it might be interesting.
Any here have any experience with this type of competition?
Best,
TnNuc

[Green3845]

The original intention was to get older HP shooters who's vision had deteriorated back into HP. It has grown far beyond that, as many people other than former HP shooters have the equipment to compete in F Class.

Basically, think of it as prone benchrest at 600 yards, or farther.

Scoped rifles, .35 cal. or less, front and rear rests. Shots are loaded and fired individually.

Most matches are shot in 20 shot strings, with 2 sighters. The most common F class matches are 60 shot matches, three 20 shot strings.

[TennesseeNuc]

Thanks Green,
I may just have to give it a try.  I don't see or bend as well as I used to.
Best,
TnNuc

[Bad Bob]

Ime over 60 and have shot a lot of competition and recently shot a 600 yd F Class match and must say it was a real pleasure.  Used a 75 gr. bullet and shot a 174 out of 200.  Some of the guys had the new 90 gr. from Sierra and they seemed to like it.  My scope is a leupold 6X18 with AO, fine plex and target knobs.  Rifle is a 24" heavy bbl Wilson upper with a jwell trigger .  There was 2 strings of 20 rounds but I only shot 20.  I used a bench bipod but realize I need a shooting mat.  Should have a shooting jacket but don't think its required.  Think you can actually show up in shorts and T's...Anyway it was real fun and think most older people would enjoy it. Ime sure I have a lot to learn and this is where the others are eager to share info.  Thats my 2 cents...Ime hooked......

[chucky52]

What are the required specs for F class rifles?

[Skunk]

Chucky52,

Here are the required specs for F class rifles:

3.4 F-Class Rifle -

(a) F-Class Open Rifle (F-O) - A rifle restricted to a bore diameter no larger than .35 caliber. (Attention is
directed to safety fan limitations of various ranges. Individual ranges may further restrict ammunition). “Rail
guns” and positive mechanical methods of returning to the precise point of aim for the prior shot are not
permitted. Any safe, manually operated trigger is permitted. Any sighting system is permitted, but it must be
including in the rifle’s overall weight.

The provisions of Rules 3.16 and 3.16.1 apply to this definition.

(1) The rifle’s overall weight, including all attachments such as sights and bipod, must not exceed 10
kilograms (approximately 22 pounds). An “attachment” also includes any external object, other that the
competitor and apparel, which recoils or partially recoils with the rifle, or which is clamped, held, or
joined in any way to the rifle for each shot, or which even slightly raises with the lifting of the rifle from its
rest(s).

(2) The width of the rifle’s forend shall not exceed 76mm (approximately 3 inches).

(3) The rifle must be fired in the prone position from the shoulder of the competitor using rifle rests as
defined in Rule 3.4.1(a).

(b) F-Class Target (F-T/R) - A rifle restricted to the chambers of unmodified .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO or
unmodified .223 Remington/5/56mm x 45 NATO cartridge cases. The rifle must be fired off a bipod, rigidly
attached to the rifle’s forend, and/or a sling. Any bipod, meeting the definition of a bipod, may be used but its
weight must be included in the rifle’s overall weight. Any safe, manually operated trigger is permitted. Any
sighting system is permitted , but it must be included in the rifle’s overall weight.

The provisions of Rules 3.16 and 3.16.1 apply to the definition.

(1) The rifle’s overall weight, including all attachments such as sights, sling and bipod, must not exceed 8.25
kilograms (approximately 18.15 pounds). An “attachment” also includes any external object, other than
the competitor and apparel, which recoils or partially recoils with the rifle, or which is clamped, held, or
joined in any way to the rifle for each shot, or which even slightly raises with the lifting of the rifle from its
rest/firing point.

(2) The rifle must be fired in the prone position from the shoulder of the competitor using rifle rests as
defined 3.4.1(b).

Here is the link for the rules & Regulations of the entire NRA International Fullbore Prone Rifle class, in which is the F Class:

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/rules/fullbore_07.pdf

Finally, here is the link for all of the NRA's Competitive Shooting Programs:

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/

Your welcome, 

Skunk

[chucky52]

That's good info; but, what do F Class shooter's really bring to the matches? Custom, Savage, Weatherby???