Looking to compete for fun, need some guidance.

[libertyman777]

Okay, so I've been perusing the internet for a while now, looking at different games, etc. I don't have any unrealistic expectations but I would like to participate in some type of long range competition.

Many years ago I was an active duty Marine so I have some range time. Our qualification was known distance shooting that is very similar to the EIC/Service Rifle matches. We shot irons back then and they are running the 4.5x optics now but that would be an advantage to me as my 51 year old eyes could use the help. I've built several AR's and would feel very comfortable building an upper and working with this platform.

There's also F-Class. FT/R would be more along the lines I'm interested in. I reload both 5.56 and .308 and have lot's of components, dies, etc.

And finally there is the Precision Rifle Series. That looks like fun too.

Funds are an issue. I'll have somewhere in the neighborhood of $1800. I have a bipod (Harris S with notched legs and very aggressive feet) and a good set of 30mm rings.

At $1800 I have plenty of $$ for an upper and a Vortex PST or similar optic.

As for FT/R, Savage has some viable options. Many are priced right on GunBroker. Most are in the laminate stocks and would need bedding I assume but I've seen some pretty good deals come along.

The temptation is to try and find a rifle that can be utilized in both the FT/R matches and a PRS match. I would say that the optics, namely the reticles and magnification might be the limiting factors.

From what I've read, folks that have tried this before have found most of the reticles that are suitable for banging steel are not suited for F-Class shooting. Reticles too thick. I've looked at some Vortex Optics scopes, comparing them to the Golden Eagle's reticle. Seems that about the best I can find are some that have MOA reticles with the fine areas of the reticles between the .1" range down to .06" whereas the Golden Eagle is at .016". These are also limited to 24-25x on the top end.

So my questions are:

1. Does it really matter? I can do a Howa Barreled Action in a KRG Bravo stock for about $850 or so, leaving $1000 for glass. Look for a used Vortex Razor Gen 1 or a used Athlon BTR. Shoot the one F-Class match and one PRS match a year I might be able to make, maybe two.

2. See if I can pick up a Savage 12 BVSS or the FT/R rifle on the cheap. I've seen them very reasonable. And then wait for a used Golden Eagle and play F-TR a bit more seriously .

3. Just shoot Service Rifle. I know I'll like it, I'm familiar with it. I live near Talladega so I have access to the F-Class and SR matches.

I welcome all opinions and questions.

 

[KeithF]

Look on the guns classifieds on this site. There’s a good selection of good used rifles at fair prices there. As far as using 1 rifle for both PRS and FTR, a chassis or A5 type stock would probably be best. The 308 is certainly capable, but is at a dissadvantage in PRS. But, as you stated, it’s for fun.

 

[KeithF]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/ftr-223.3964561/#post-37387829
Rifles like this pop up all the time. A used Gen 1 Vortex viper 6-24 should sell around $500-600 on this site. Good luck.

 

[swd]

Find out when they're shooting a match and go down and watch and talk to people. An F guy might even get you behind his rifle after he finishes his string if the MD is ok with it.

 

[libertyman777]

Look on the guns classifieds on this site. There’s a good selection of good used rifles at fair prices there. As far as using 1 rifle for both PRS and FTR, a chassis or A5 type stock would probably be best. The 308 is certainly capable, but is at a dissadvantage in PRS. But, as you stated, it’s for fun.

They have a class like FTR. It's called Tactical (I think) and is limited to .223 with 77 grain projectiles and .308 with 178 grain. There is a speed limit too.

 

[KeithF]

FTR is 223 and 308 only, but no other limitations that I know of. As long as there’s no “improvements” to the case dimensions, you shoot what you wish. There’s a rifle weight limitation of 18.15 lbs including bipod.

 

[Puzzaz01]

As swd stated above, go to a match, ask questions and look around. It's amazing how willing to help this group of guys and gals are. I think you'll learn more behind the firing line than you could ever imagine.

Darrin

 

[DR1586]

Buy a service rifle, get started Shooting across the course. Keep your gear basic until you get back up to speed, then upgrade as your scores improve. You’re not old enough yet for F-Class. You got a solid 30 years before you’re old enough for belly benchrest.

 

[JCUtah]

There is tactical prone. You can do a search and find a few posts about this newer comp the NRA has.

Equipment is an AR. Caliber is anything between and includes 223-308. 15 power scope. Folding bipod. Pretty basic and supposed to be off the shelf friendly.

The target is the same as the sling guys. All prone midrage.

 

[GSS]

Buy a service rifle, get started Shooting across the course. Keep your gear basic until you get back up to speed, then upgrade as your scores improve. You’re not old enough yet for F-Class. You got a solid 30 years before you’re old enough for belly benchrest.

Plus 1.... Save the belly stuff for when you are too old for Service Rifle

 

[kzin]

if you go with option 1 you may also be able to configure for Match Rifle and shoot XTC.

You could also get the proper targets and shoot practice matches at your home range for further determination of what you most want to do.

 

[Delfuego]

Service rifle is so boring....
I would go to a local match and shoot some steel. I bet there will be varmint/sniper match and likely a PRS type too in your area.
It's lots of fun.

 

[Twdmar]

Service rifle is the way to go. You'll learn position but also how to read wind. Uppers are cheap, as are reloading components. The work has already been done in load development, i.e. standard loads that just seem to always work. You can get by with a $200 or less spotting scope, $100 coat, $60 sling, a few mags and you're set. You can probably even borrow gear for a while too. Check the national match forum for used gear.

 

[libertyman777]

FTR is 223 and 308 only, but no other limitations that I know of. As long as there’s no “improvements” to the case dimensions, you shoot what you wish. There’s a rifle weight limitation of 18.15 lbs including bipod.

I don’t think you can shoot solids can you?

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I was about your age when I discovered F-class in 2006. I was VERY familiar with the AR platform and had several. I elected to use my AR knowledge and familiarity to start in F-TR. What I found is that you need a longer barrel than anything that a regular AR would have. Since this is not Service Rifle, you are not limited to 20 inches. I took one of my uppers and had it fitted with a 26 inch Krieger VARMATCH barrel with their tight chamber with a long leade in 1:7.7 twist.


Then I took one of my lowers and rebuilt it as follows: Magpul PRS stock, Geissele Hi-Speed trigger, Chrome Silicon action spring, heavy buffer, through-the-triggerguard bolt release and a Tubb pistol grip (no palmshelf, ever). I also got a Bob sled for the magazine.


For the bipod, I bought a Gen 2 Sinclair F-TR bipod, which is no longer made, but Sinclair has the Gen 3 and there are many other great F-TR bipods arounds. I bought a rear bag and went shooting.


The bullet I found worked best for me was the 80gr JLK, but the 80 SMK was very good also. Since that time, Berger has released some 80s and 82s, I think. So there’s quite a bit out there. You might look at 90grainers also, but you’ll need a faster twist on the barrel.


I worked through several low-price scopes and the last one on that AR was, and still is, a Weaver T-36X40. I made High Master at mid-range with that setup. I also shot it at 1000 yards, but could never get past Sharpshooter. So, about 10 years ago I switched to .308 but at that point, I wasn’t competing for fun, I wanted to get more serious.


The AR is a dream to shoot in F-TR; there is no recoil, the cases pop out and pile up next to me (properly tuned ejector,) all I do is load the next round. It was to the point where I would not even break cheekweld during a string. Load the cartridge, push the bolt release next to the triggerguard, shoot, load the next cartridge, push the bolt release, shoot….


Since this was an AR, I could do most of the work myself, piece by piece and spread the cost out.


I’m happy to share more info if you want to look at going that way.

 

[libertyman777]

There is tactical prone. You can do a search and find a few posts about this newer comp the NRA has.

Equipment is an AR. Caliber is anything between and includes 223-308. 15 power scope. Folding bipod. Pretty basic and supposed to be off the shelf friendly.

The target is the same as the sling guys. All prone midrage.

I took your advice and did some reading on this. It looks great!! But where do they shoot these matches?

 

[Erud]

I took your advice and did some reading on this. It looks great!! But where do they shoot these matches?

They are generally fired concurrently with Mid Range Prone matches. Any club hosting MRP should let you shoot as a separate class right along with the Sling and F-Class shooters. That said, if you decide to pursue Service Rifle shooting, it would probably make more sense to just shoot your SR with a sling at MRP matches though.

 

[libertyman777]

Thanks so much for the input gentleman. As it stands right now Service Rifle seems the way to go for what I want to accomplish. Many matches are shot near me, I can try other things out with an upper swap and .223 is economical.

 

[GSS]

Thanks so much for the input gentleman. As it stands right now Service Rifle seems the way to go for what I want to accomplish. Many matches are shot near me, I can try other things out with an upper swap and .223 is economical.

Great Decision..

Are there many 600 yard ranges in reasonable travel distance from you or will you be shooting reduced courses?

Highly recommend hooking up with a Master / Highmaster class Service Rifle shooter at the club / range you will be shooting at the most for some 1 on 1 coaching to get you off more on the right path. Bad habits self learned early in the game can be hard to unlearn.

For a complete upper or parts to build your own these are considered the top 3 sources by many.
( In no particular order )

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/

http://www.compasslake.com/

https://www.keystoneaccuracy.com/

Getting an upper or barrel from any one of them will be a Great Start.

Here's one easy button option for an upper In Stock and on sale now
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh...4-service-rifle-optic-upper-post-ban-1-7.html

Free float tube is a must either quad rail or A2 Style
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh.../service-rifle-forend-kit-and-float-tube.html

If you decide to start with Iron sights get a flat top upper in case you decide to go scope in the future.
I legged out at 50 yrs old in 2009 with Irons but shoot Vortex PST scopes now.
Currently only sold new under the Ranger name by Midway. On sale right now at $308 each with free shipping
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...inated-tmcq-reticle-matte-with-target-turrets

This is probably the most popular trigger these days
https://geissele.com/hi-speed-national-match-trigger-set.html

If you want to save a few bucks in that area getting started the $100 Rock River NM 2 Stage triggers aren't horrible. https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1339

I & Many prefer the Gen 1 UBR Adjustable Stocks also on sale now
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/lower-parts/buttstock-parts/magpul-ar-15-ubr-stock-1357.html

Some prefer to stick with a Standard A2 Stock

Any questions fire away, there is help here...
George

 

[libertyman777]

Great Decision..

Are there many 600 yard ranges in reasonable travel distance from you or will you be shooting reduced courses?

Highly recommend hooking up with a Master / Highmaster class Service Rifle shooter at the club / range you will be shooting at the most for some 1 on 1 coaching to get you off more on the right path. Bad habits self learned early in the game can be hard to unlearn.

For a complete upper or parts to build your own these are considered the top 3 sources by many.
( In no particular order )

https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/

http://www.compasslake.com/

https://www.keystoneaccuracy.com/

Getting an upper or barrel from any one of them will be a Great Start.

Here's one easy button option for an upper In Stock and on sale now
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh...4-service-rifle-optic-upper-post-ban-1-7.html

Free float tube is a must either quad rail or A2 Style
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sh.../service-rifle-forend-kit-and-float-tube.html

If you decide to start with Iron sights get a flat top upper in case you decide to go scope in the future.
I legged out at 50 yrs old in 2009 with Irons but shoot Vortex PST scopes now.
Currently only sold new under the Ranger name by Midway. On sale right now at $308 each with free shipping
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...inated-tmcq-reticle-matte-with-target-turrets

This is probably the most popular trigger these days
https://geissele.com/hi-speed-national-match-trigger-set.html

If you want to save a few bucks in that area getting started the $100 Rock River NM 2 Stage triggers aren't horrible. https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1339

I & Many prefer the Gen 1 UBR Adjustable Stocks also on sale now
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/shop/lower-parts/buttstock-parts/magpul-ar-15-ubr-stock-1357.html

Some prefer to stick with a Standard A2 Stock

Any questions fire away, there is help here...
George

Thanks George. I live 30 minutes of Talladega, a couple hours north of Ft Benning. I am wondering why there aren't very many matches posted. There is a match called the 800 Aggregate scheduled for 1/26/19 that I won't be able ready for. There is an EIC match at Ft. Benning in March that I should be ready for. I'll certainly get some coaching. It doesn't look like they have the matches posted for 2019. If they have a monthly match, I'll need to shoot on Saturdays. I can do a couple of Sundays a year for a big match but hopefully they will have monthly opportunities on Saturday. If not, I'll have to rethink this because if I only get to shoot twice a year, I may as well go to the PRS. Does anyone know?

I have a lower with an A2 stock and a RRA 2 stage in it now and was thinking about upgrading to the Geissle and the UBR. Question, why the Gen 1 over the Gen 2?

I was thinking about building an upper. I have a couple of stripped uppers. Maybe a Midwest Industries upper https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/MI-CRT12-625-p/mi-crt12.625.htm

I enjoy tinkering around with AR's.