Author Topic: F-class Handi-class? (Read 1289 times)

ibgp3 · « **on:** January 07, 2012, 02:46:22 AM »

I read recently about a new long range shooting class.
The concept was an F-class with a dollar limit on equipment. (Somewhere under $1000.00)
When I read it I thought that they might as well call it a Handi-class.

When I went back to look at specifics I couldn't find the article,
...........and several searches later I still haven't found it.

Is there anyone here who keeps up with this kind of thing?

moorepower · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:08:14 AM »

Would likely be a Stevens 200 with a barrel screwed on, trigger and stock. There are guys with this combo, that have won matches now.

Default_Required · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:59:27 AM »

Moore , that is exactly where my thoughts went when I read the original post. Some seriously impressive things can be done with those Stevens 200 ( old style Savage platform) and some choice parts ...

keith44 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2012, 05:12:17 AM »

I'd like to see an F-class type shoot with an all Handi (8lb weight limit) type rule. It'd be real interesting once you go passed 600 yards...

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2012, 05:57:13 AM »

Much as I love my Handi's they would not fare well IMHO.They are just too picky about the forearm position/ placement for bench rest shooting.
As moorepower stated the out of the box savages are shooting very well. Add a better stock,Barrel,and optics and still be under the limit.
I just bought a Savage Axis 223 on sale at Big 5 for $249.Out of the box it shot under a 1/2" with it's factory trigger.

trotterlg · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2012, 06:55:57 AM »

I'm afraid the Handi would be far out classed by any bolt gun it was set against. They are fun but sure not a bench gun. Larry

dave29 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2012, 07:08:24 AM »

Quote from: moorepower on January 07, 2012, 03:08:14 AM

Would likely be a Stevens 200 with a barrel screwed on, trigger and stock. There are guys with this combo, that have won matches now.

Exactly what i was thinking when I saw $1000.

moorepower · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2012, 07:30:54 AM »

What folks have to remember, is that these guns, "F" class" will put 5, 5 shot groups, shot in order into 1/2" groups or less. Alot of them will shoot 1" 5 shot groups at 300 yds.

keith44 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2012, 08:24:29 AM »

A co-worker shoots national level, he lost a match with a 3" x 5" 1,000 meter group.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2012, 04:32:24 AM »

Look what you guys got me into

ratdog · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2012, 08:45:20 AM »

looks like a nice set up what calibur and what make is this one of your secrets. we would like to know what we are blamed for.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 15, 2012, 09:47:32 AM »

I went looking for an Axis to try out what you guys said, when I found this one for less than the cost of the components to build an Axis , ...well, you know...

From the listing:
Savage 10 Tactical .308
Choate "ultimate varmint" stock
18" bull barrel
Rifle Basix trigger set at 2 pounds
Permanently attached weaver picitanny 20 MOA base
Weaver 30 mm rings
Vortex scope
This is an incredibly accurate rifle. All work was done by Prime Chance, custom gunsmith in san angelo tx.

I think I might visit the range on the way home.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2012, 04:36:22 AM »

OK, there is no doubt that it is easier to shoot small groups with the Savage.
......with factory ammo and a new-to-me rifle I got better groups than I have yet with a Handi.
....but not better groups than others have reported.

If I get a Handi set up right and shooting little groups, can I expect it to keep on,
...or should I expect things to drift out of "focus"?

Reality, not fun stories, please.
.....There is a big difference between sight in today and shoot "minute of deer " tomorrow,
........versus shooting 60 rounds in competition.

keith44 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2012, 05:36:16 AM »

if you are serious, I really do not think a Handi has the barrel for much beyond 400 yards.

Yes you will have drift to factor in, both wind drift, thermal drift, and rotational drift. The thermal and wind drifts will change with conditions, the spin or rotational drift will be linear and more noticable at longer ranges.

You really just have to shoot at distance, perhaps with a coach, to learn the game

ibgp3 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:09:31 AM »

It's been years, but I used to win money shooting IHMSA rams @ 500 meters with an iron sighted pistol.
......but then."There is a big difference between sight in today and shoot "minute of ~~deer~~ ram " tomorrow, versus shooting 60 rounds in competition."

I guess I'll try F-class

ibgp3 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2012, 01:50:52 PM »

The Savage 10 in a choate varmint stock makes the Handi in a choate look dainty.
I would carry the Handi around, the Savage is not so much heavy as it is bulky; it needs wheels.

I would really like to figure out how to tune a Handi up and make it competitive.

moorepower · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2012, 09:21:12 AM »

The first thing to do is a 4 oz. or less trigger.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2012, 01:12:15 AM »

Thanks, trigger, check.

One thing I don't find on this site is: neck sizing.
I found a couple of articles on the web that say that break-open rifles don't group well with neck sized brass.

The articles were not about Handi's.

Anyone confirm or counter this for Handi's?

keith44 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2012, 05:18:53 AM »

All of my Handi's are straight wall chambered with rimmed cartridges (except my K-Hornet) All respond well to partial re-sizing and indexing, but I am only after 1 to 1.5 MOA. You'll need more like .5 MOA.

ibgp3 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2012, 07:08:30 AM »

These guys thought the shoulder of a bottle-necked cartridge put a stress on the breech.
They bumped the shoulder back slightly and got much better groups.

I repeat, this was not in Handi's, I'm wondering if anyone neck sizes for Handi's and disagrees; or agrees.