Introduction to F-Class Smallbore (F-SBR)

[doclu60]

Ken,
I have reviewed some things on the link you provided and I have some questions. From what I read, if you have an Unlimited RFBR rifle that the forearm measures no more than 2.992 wide and meets the weight requirements for Open class, this would be a legal rifle (single feed) correct?

Also, I found pics of the 3 different targets used in F-SBR, A-51, A-50 and A-33. Two have 4 bulls and the 100yd target only has 2 bulls. Are more than one target hung during the relay or do you have to continue to change them out after each card is shot? That's a lot of walking on the 100yd section of the match! I believe if I read the scoring rules correctly you are shooting for score and the target is scored best edge. One shot per bull?

Do most clubs shooting this have a hard surface to set up on like I have seen in the pictures? It looks interesting, kinda like RFBR laying on your belly, but I am sure there is more to it than that!

Sincerely, Scott

 

[Mark Self]

Scott, the A33 100 yard target does have only 2 targets that get 10 rounds each plus your sighters...Most shoots will have 3 or 4 100 yard matches.. Yes it's score best edge.

 

[1813benny]

Ken,
I have reviewed some things on the link you provided and I have some questions. From what I read, if you have an Unlimited RFBR rifle that the forearm measures no more than 2.992 wide and meets the weight requirements for Open class, this would be a legal rifle (single feed) correct?

Also, I found pics of the 3 different targets used in F-SBR, A-51, A-50 and A-33. Two have 4 bulls and the 100yd target only has 2 bulls. Are more than one target hung during the relay or do you have to continue to change them out after each card is shot? That's a lot of walking on the 100yd section of the match! I believe if I read the scoring rules correctly you are shooting for score and the target is scored best edge. One shot per bull?

Do most clubs shooting this have a hard surface to set up on like I have seen in the pictures? It looks interesting, kinda like RFBR laying on your belly, but I am sure there is more to it than that!

Sincerely, Scott

Scott
You are correct regarding the rifle. It would be F-SBR legal.

Regarding targets, for 50y and 50m, you shoot 5 shots per record bull. At 100y, you shoot 10 shots per bull. In all instances, you shoot 20 record shots per stage and sighting shots are unlimited but are also fired in the 20 min time limit. Scoring is best edge.

As F-SBR is as much of an extension to smallbore prone as it is to centerfire F-Class. Smallbore competition ranges are typically covered and have concrete or blacktop firing lines. In 38 years of smallbore competition, the only grass firing line I ever shot on was at Camp Perry.

Hope this info helps!
Best Regards
Ken

 

[Hi-NV Shooter]

Oh boy, I hear a wheels are turning. Scott you're not too far away from Cardinal.

Lee

 

[1813benny]

To All:
FYI, the ASSA nationals have been temporarily moved for 2020 to Bristol, IN. Dates have also been pushed to later in July.

https://www.americansmallbore.com/championship-calendar.html

best regards
Ken

 

[doclu60]

Scott
You are correct regarding the rifle. It would be F-SBR legal.

Regarding targets, for 50y and 50m, you shoot 5 shots per record bull. At 100y, you shoot 10 shots per bull. In all instances, you shoot 20 record shots per stage and sighting shots are unlimited but are also fired in the 20 min time limit. Scoring is best edge.

As F-SBR is as much of an extension to smallbore prone as it is to centerfire F-Class. Smallbore competition ranges are typically covered and have concrete or blacktop firing lines. In 38 years of smallbore competition, the only grass firing line I ever shot on was at Camp Perry.

Hope this info helps!
Best Regards
Ken

Ken,
Thanks for your quick reply. I hope your testing went well at Cardinal.

The course of fire is pretty weird to me, no disrespect implied to your game. I now have a clearer idea about some things I read in the rules. I would have never thought a match shot for score had multiple shots fired on the same bull, but, your bulls are pretty large compared to what I am used to. Doesn't imply putting them in the middle is any less important though.

Now I'm really intrigued. Fact is, I'm a stone cold RFBR guy, but I do travel a lot when we aren't having a pandemic. An add on during a trip is always nice. The information you have provided is very much appreciated. It's different than what I am used to, but not so much that I won't explore the schedule to see if I can try one of these matches.

My Unlimited rifles would make the lighter weight class easy, but I'm not going to buy a pricey bipod to shoot the lower class, nor mare one of my stocks to properly attach one. So Open class would be best for me shooting my IR50/50 rest set up, which according to the rules I read, would be legal.

Again, thanks so much for your information, it was very helpful!

Stay safe brother, Scott

 

[doclu60]

Oh boy, I hear a wheels are turning. Scott you're not too far away from Cardinal.

Lee

Hey Lee, hope your match went well today. Yes, the wheels are spinning, but not at a high RPM....yet.

I need to do some playing around with this discipline before I try something in competition. I have very little experience at 100yds with a .22 and laying on my belly will be new as well! I am certain the 'belly' thing will be very different than shooting from a bench on my padded drummers throne. Not having a proper flag spread, meaning what I am used to, will be different as well. My practice club is very flat out to 50, but then there's a berm. I will see if any of the 100yd line can be seen when flat on my belly from the firing line. I think the right side of the line may provide an opportunity.

Always good to hear from you my friend!
Later....Scott

 

[Tim Slater]

Ken,

Out of interest, do US Smallbore matches use backers behind the targets?

 

[1813benny]

Ken,

Out of interest, do US Smallbore matches use backers behind the targets?

Tim
Yes, backers are used.

Best Regards,
Ken

 

[Tim Slater]

Tim
Yes, backers are used.

Best Regards,
Ken

Hi Ken,

Ta. I thought you'd use backers, but had a sudden moment of doubt.

Tim

P. S the PowerPoint guide was clear and informative.

 

[Hi-NV Shooter]

Hey Lee, hope your match went well today. Yes, the wheels are spinning, but not at a high RPM....yet.

I need to do some playing around with this discipline before I try something in competition. I have very little experience at 100yds with a .22 and laying on my belly will be new as well! I am certain the 'belly' thing will be very different than shooting from a bench on my padded drummers throne. Not having a proper flag spread, meaning what I am used to, will be different as well. My practice club is very flat out to 50, but then there's a berm. I will see if any of the 100yd line can be seen when flat on my belly from the firing line. I think the right side of the line may provide an opportunity.

Always good to hear from you my friend!
Later....Scott

Scott,

Match was yesterday, was fun with some really swirly wind. 100yd. 221 was my best (228 was wining CF score at 100), 242-10x for 50 shooting my factory 1413.
I found out no small bore F-class where I am at. just as well, I tried at home trying to mimic a prone with rifle and 2-piece rest. too much discomfort.

Lee

 

[doclu60]

Scott,

Match was yesterday, was fun with some really swirly wind. 100yd. 221 was my best (228 was wining CF score at 100), 242-10x for 50 shooting my factory 1413.
I found out no small bore F-class where I am at. just as well, I tried at home trying to mimic a prone with rifle and 2-piece rest. too much discomfort.

Lee

Lee,
I hear you brother. Not the same as you with the neck, but a little concerned about my hip. Busy this week and travel Thursday, so no time to try it out until next week. I don't have any of the targets, but you know my mind set, the guy with the most in the middle usually wins. I'll just shoot the ARA target at 50 and a 3" Shoot-N-See at 100. Should tell me what I need to know. I'll even force myself not to run my normal flag set up. I have some ribbon stakes I use for centerfire testing. I'll just put a few of those out as per what Ken posted.

Stay safe my friend....Scott

 

[HuskerP7M8]

Busy this week and travel Thursday, so no time to try it out until next week.....Scott

Hey Scott,

I bet I know where you're travelling to Thursday.

Better bring your A game because there will be several shooters there who will challenge you. LOL

See yuh Friday,
Landy

 

[doclu60]

Hey Scott,

I bet I know where you're travelling to Thursday.

Better bring your A game because there will be several shooters there who will challenge you. LOL

See yuh Friday,
Landy

Morning Landy,

Yep, I am aware of what I'm walking into. Being the first time at that club, and though a small number of shooters, there's going to be a lot of talent there. Should be interesting. Will be great to see everyone!

Safe travels my friend......Scott

 

[1813benny]

Fellow Competitors,

Registration is currently open for the 2020 ASSA National Smallbore Championships which will be conducted at the Chief Wa-Ke-De range in Bristol, IN. Prone & F-SBR are from 24-28 July with 3 position events 29-31 July.

For prone and F-SBR, there is an option to participate for 2 days instead of the full four (4) day course of fire. While not eligible for the overall national title, ASSA does award cash prizes for each individual match and daily aggregates.

In addition, for prone there is also the option to participate in the Any-Any class, which allows the use of optics for the entire match. Again, the Any-Any category would not be eligible for the overall national title, ASSA awards cash prizes for each individual match and daily aggregates.

(Note: last year, ASSA awarded in excess of $5,000 CASH at our prone/F-SBR championships - not including donated items from our sponsors!)

Another option is to come and visit for part of the match, meet some of your fellow competitors and get first hand input on the various aspects of the sport. I am CERTAIN that Iggy and Dave will be happy to answer any questions you may have. There is NOTHING like first hand experience to augment what may be learned here on line.

For anyone interested in the match, here is a link to the entry portal which also has a link to the overall match program.

https://www.americansmallbore.com/championship-calendar.html

Best Regards,
Ken
ASSA Secretary / Treasurer
www.americansmallbore.com