Difference between f-class and benchrest rifles?

[cavedweller60]

Hey all, I am relatively new to competitive rifle shooting. I have shot quite a few service rifle matches and a few F-tactical matches and, I have an "f-class" Savage in 6BR.

I am looking to get more seriously into f-class shooting and would like to get a larger caliber for long range shooting. I have been watching the classifieds and am slightly confused so, I figured I would ask here.

What is the different between an "f-class" rifle and a "benchrest" rifle. In many cases, they look nearly identical, come chambered in the same calibers and are built on similar actions, so, what is the difference? Is it stock geometry, weight, barrel length....?

 

[SDDasher]

Maybe Speedy Gonzalez will respond as I believe he builds/shoots both. I know in F Open we are limited to just a smidge over twenty two pounds on the rifle all in. I’m not sure on the benchrest rifle.

 

[memilanuk]

What is the different between an "f-class" rifle and a "benchrest" rifle.

The bipod

 

[Lynn313]

Following……starting to get long in the tooth for PRS & NRL

 

[Rank Amateur]

What is the different between an "f-class" rifle and a "benchrest" rifle. In many cases, they look nearly identical, come chambered in the same calibers and are built on similar actions, so, what is the difference? Is it stock geometry, weight, barrel length....?

I’m NOT an expert, but thought I’d start a response that others can add to (or correct me on).

I’m going to presume when you refer to a “benchrest” rifle, you are not talking about the most common types used for short range benchrest competition? If you are referring to these, I think they are generally quite different in appearance to F-Class rifles. A primary reason is that benchrest rifles are shot from a rest/bags on a bench, while F-Class is a prone discipline (yes, I know that many F-Class shooters are able to shoot from a bench if/when they are unable to shoot prone due to physical limitations). Another difference is range, in that most benchrest is shot at 100 and 200 yds, while F-Class is typically shot at 600 or 1,000 yds. The longer range typically suggests longer barrels and heavier bullets to maintain speed and deal with wind at longer ranges. Classical benchrest competition (for group) consists of 5 shots for record with the goal of creating the smallest possible impact point deviation between hits on target (smallest group). F-Class, on the other hand often consists of 20 rounds for record plus sighters all shot within 22 minutes (there are various formats/lengths of string, etc.). F-Class shooting creates a lot of heat in the barrel, and often suggests heavier barrels to absorb that heat without loosing precision.

Short range benchrest rifles tend to be much shorter than F-Class rigs. Due to range, benchresters also historically employ short, flat-based bullets designed for short range precision. Short range benchrest rifles have also tended toward small, lightly-recoiling rounds (benchrest cartridges such as 6BR, or 6PPC for group competition, and perhaps 30BR for varmint-for-score matches), as precision is the ultimate goal. The goal of precision has also advised shorter, more rigid barrels for benchrest. Current trends in F-Class are moving toward larger cartridges (like .284WIN, 7PRCW, and even magnums like 300WIN MAG). Yes, 6BR (and its hot-rod varients like BRA, BRX, Dasher) are popular, and may be more precise than their bigger relatives, but as long range wind effects are so fundamental to F-Class, most competitors are leaning toward larger, higher BC bullets. The special category of F-Class called F-T/R is limited to .223Rem or .308Win, but those cartridges tend to be loaded with heavier/longer bullets (than found in tactical applications) to take advantage of higher BCs.

If “benchrest” in your question is actually referring to long-range benchrest, then some of the considerations above don’t apply, and long-range benchrest rifles are visually more like F-Class rigs. The strings of fire in long-range benchrest are still much shorter than F-Class.

I think you can find specifics of rifle design/limitation in various rule books, and pictures on this forum.

OK guys, jump on in...

 

[cavedweller60]

I’m NOT an expert, but thought I’d start a response that others can add to (or correct me on).

I’m going to presume when you refer to a “benchrest” rifle, you are not talking about the most common types used for short range benchrest competition? If you are referring to these, I think they are generally quite different in appearance to F-Class rifles. A primary reason is that benchrest rifles are shot from a rest/bags on a bench, while F-Class is a prone discipline (yes, I know that many F-Class shooters are able to shoot from a bench if/when they are unable to shoot prone due to physical limitations). Another difference is range, in that most benchrest is shot at 100 and 200 yds, while F-Class is typically shot at 600 or 1,000 yds. The longer range typically suggests longer barrels and heavier bullets to maintain speed and deal with wind at longer ranges. Classical benchrest competition (for group) consists of 5 shots for record with the goal of creating the smallest possible impact point deviation between hits on target (smallest group). F-Class, on the other hand often consists of 20 rounds for record plus sighters all shot within 22 minutes (there are various formats/lengths of string, etc.). F-Class shooting creates a lot of heat in the barrel, and often suggests heavier barrels to absorb that heat without loosing precision.

Short range benchrest rifles tend to be much shorter than F-Class rigs. Due to range, benchresters also historically employ short, flat-based bullets designed for short range precision. Short range benchrest rifles have also tended toward small, lightly-recoiling rounds (benchrest cartridges such as 6BR, or 6PPC for group competition, and perhaps 30BR for varmint-for-score matches), as precision is the ultimate goal. The goal of precision has also advised shorter, more rigid barrels for benchrest. Current trends in F-Class are moving toward larger cartridges (like .284WIN, 7PRCW, and even magnums like 300WIN MAG). Yes, 6BR (and its hot-rod varients like BRA, BRX, Dasher) are popular, and may be more precise than their bigger relatives, but as long range wind effects are so fundamental to F-Class, most competitors are leaning toward larger, higher BC bullets. The special category of F-Class called F-T/R is limited to .223Rem or .308Win, but those cartridges tend to be loaded with heavier/longer bullets (than found in tactical applications) to take advantage of higher BCs.

If “benchrest” in your question is actually referring to long-range benchrest, then some of the considerations above don’t apply, and long-range benchrest rifles are visually more like F-Class rigs. The strings of fire in long-range benchrest are still much shorter than F-Class.

I think you can find specifics of rifle design/limitation in various rule books, and pictures on this forum.

OK guys, jump on in...

First, thanks for the replies. I should have been more specific....I am speaking of long range benchrest vs F-class rifles. In looking at them...visually...many appear nearly identical and use similar components.

In perusing classifieds, I am not sure if they are interchangeable for either discipline (provided they make weight) or, if there is some major difference that precludes, or at least makes one less desirable for a given discipline. I am primarily interested in F-class but, I seem to see more "benchrest" rifles on the market.

 

[Rank Amateur]

OK. Again guys, help me out. Long range benchrest guns are divided into light guns and heavy guns, just like in short-range benchrest. Both are required to have barrels of at least 18 inches and must be chambered in a round smaller than 40 Cal. Light guns are limited to 17 lbs (everything attached to the rifle is included), while there is no weight limit for heavy guns. Muzzle brakes are allowed (as long as they don’t direct gasses backward). Benchrest rigs are shot from rests/bags (not bipods), and there is no limitation on stock dimensions (I.E., things like 5-inch-wide forearms are fine).

You’re probably aware, but F-T/R rifles are limited to ca. 18.18 lbs (8.25 kilos) including a bipod (which is required for F-T/R). Open class rifles are limited to ca. 22 lbs (10 kilos). Open class rifles are shot from front rests/bags (like benchrest), but forearms are limited to 3 inch width. Cartridges are limited to 35 caliber or smaller, and no muzzle brakes are permitted in F-Class.

So, long-range benchrest rifles and F-Open rifles may be similar to each other except for weight limits, muzzle brakes, and stock dimensions. The differences between bench and prone shooting may advise differences in stock design and LOP (for example) to accommodate the differences between prone and the relatively upright posture of bench shooting.

 

[Walt Krafft]

The bipod

Only for FTR. F Open rifles use the same rests as benchrest rifles.

 

[mike mccormick]

I think the biggest difference between the two is the usage. BR guns shoot 5 rds for group size. F Open fires 20 rds for score

 

[cavedweller60]

I think the biggest difference between the two is the usage. BR guns shoot 5 rds for group size. F Open fires 20 rds for score

So, is an high performing, purpose built LR BR gun equally as optimal for F-class and, vice versa?

 

[memilanuk]

use the same rests as benchrest rifles.

And therein lies my point

 

[memilanuk]

So, is an high performing, purpose built LR BR gun equally as optimal for F-class and, vice versa?

Probably not. 20 shot strings shot waiting on the target (whether physical or electronic) to display the shot, vs 5, maybe 10 rds machine-gunned down range lends towards different approaches and gun handling techniques.

 

[cavedweller60]

Probably not. 20 shot strings shot waiting on the target (whether physical or electronic) to display the shot, vs 5, maybe 10 rds machine-gunned down range lends towards different approaches and gun handling techniques.

Ignoring the differences in technique, is a great BR gun also a great F-class gun? The fact that BR is routinely shot in rapid succession to catch (hopefully) optimal and equal conditions, doesn't change the inherent accuracy of the gun. There might be differences in bolt force, throw angle, etc, but, a gun that can put 5 shots in 1 MOA at a 1000 in 15 seconds can also do it over 3 minutes.

So, we are back at my original question, what are the specific features that make a BR gun a BR gun or, an F-class gun an F-class gun?

 

[One Eye Pete]

As memilanuk said above benchrest rifles are built to take advantage of rapidly sending 5 to 10 rounds down range to take advantage of a favorable wind condition. Therefore in many cases they are built with a dual port action such as a right bolt, left load, right eject. This allows for quicker manual loading. In F-class you have to “wait for the target” so rapid loading and firing isn’t as important. Most F-Open rifles use a single port action. Other differences are the width of the forend. F-Open guns are limited to 3 in forends. I believe that long range benchrest guns can have up to a 4 in forend. Long range benchrest guns also favor lighter cartridges such as 6mm dashers or 6mm BRAs. The F-Open guns favor 7mm cartridges such as the 284 win or 7-6.5PRCW. The weight limitations are somewhat different and there are also subtle differences in the barrel lengths and contours used.
I suppose you could compete with a benchrest gun in F-Open or vice versa provided you complied with the weight and forend restrictions for a given class but you would be putting yourself at somewhat of a disadvantage.

 

[Chaotik]

I no longer shoot F class due to physical limitations, but have used my F class rifles (with their F class stocks) to shoot Long Range Benchrest Competitions. I don't consider it ideal, but that is just my personal preference. I would rather shoot benchrest with a stock that has a 4" front a rear 2" rudder, which is what most of the guys that I have seen win matches are using.

 

[cavedweller60]

Ok, I'm starting to get to the point I understand. There really aren't many differences with the action, trigger, barrel combinations, it is more the fact that the IDEAL "benchrest" rifle would have specific features to make loading and firing quicker and possibly, a wider stock.

Would it be fair to say that it would be less of a disadvantage to shoot a "benchrest" gun (obviously with a 3" forearm) in f-class matches than it would be to do the opposite?

 

[memilanuk]

Depends. Is the wind blowing?

6 BRA/Dashers seem to rule the roost right now in LRBR (from what I gather), even @ 1k. You see very few - if any of either in F-Open past 600yds.

On the flip side... how many 7mm short mags do you see on the line in LRBR? I honestly have no idea, but I'm guessing the answer is 'not many' - correct me if I'm wrong.

So... all BS'ing aside...

Most of that matters only if you really want it to. You can have a gun that is perfectly *legal* for either venue. Might even be reasonably competitive at the loca or regional level. But if your aspirations go beyond that, you may find it better to get a purpose-built tool for the task at hand.

Until then get out there and have fun.

 

[Curmudgeon]

You are correct, many components are shared between benchrest and f class rifles. Ask yourself if you want to compete and be scored for final standing. Benchrest 600 and 1000 yard competition can be two different rifles. Many components make a benchrest score. Weight of the rifle is also a consideration. Group size and score as well as aggregate totals determine final standing. F class is score only and sometimes x count. If you build an f class rifle to 22 pounds you won’t be able to score in light gun benchrest. It might score well against heavy guns but your score will be incomplete. Heavy benchrest guns might weigh 50 pounds and have a muzzle brake. You could build a 17 pound light gun to shoot light and heavy as well as f class , remember stock width and no brake for f class. So your observation about many benchrest rifles remains correct. Look at the weight and stock dimension to help identify the bench gun. Actions stocks triggers barrels rests might look similar but conform to specific rules that are all written down. A scope is also included in final weight. Since you mention 600 and 1000 yards there is less to consider. You have to decide if you want one two or three new rifles to compete. Rests and bags are not part of final weight. I’m sure to have forgotten something so keep asking. Cheers

 

[Alex Wheeler]

You can build a rifle legal in both but it will not be ideal for either.
F-open vs LR-BR.
In F you have 22 pound limit, in BR its 17 for light gun. In F, generaly you will build the weight into the gun, so heavier actions, recoil systems, adjustable cheeks, and stocks. Its not just a light rifle with a heavier barrel. In F the barrels are longer and heavier too, the stocks are designed for this. The stock rules are different, you are only allowed 3" wide in F but you can have as much side contact as you want. In BR your can only have 1/2" of side contact but no width limit. So you will see most BR stocks wider than 3", so not legal in F. In BR you can run the more accurate but less ballistically inclined cartridges because the rate of fire is faster. You can also run muzzle brakes in BR but not F. So that allows even faster shooting. Because of this you will see most running a dual port or drop port. In F, I prefer a right port since I only want to break position with one arm. Theres also so personal preferences, the RAD recoil system and adjustable cheeks are popular in F but not desirable in BR.
A used BR rifle with a 3" stock would be legal but wouldnt be the best option for you in F class.

 

[HTSmith]

"You can build a rifle legal in both but it will not be ideal for either." I think Mr. Wheeler has it right, but I bought a used F open rifle with a Panda action in 6 dasher that will hold its on at 600 yd F and since it weighs a smidge less than 17 lb is legal for BR. So from my perspective it's just more opportunities to shoot.