F Class Bipod Base Size

[zanemoseley]

I just got a Rempel bipod and want to make a plate to go on the ground. I work at a cabinet shop so I plan to make it from plywood then put some lead inserts in it to weigh it down. I just want to make sure I don't make it too big but don't know where to find the regulations.

 

[mac86951]

I just got a Rempel bipod and want to make a plate to go on the ground. I work at a cabinet shop so I plan to make it from plywood then put some lead inserts in it to weigh it down. I just want to make sure I don't make it too big but don't know where to find the regulations.

It's in the NRA rulebook, sorry I don't have a link, someone else may.

-Mac

 

[zanemoseley]

I think I found it:

Separate flat boards and or plates not exceeding the dimensions of the individual rests by two inches on a given side may also be placed under the front rest and rear bag. In the case of a bipod, the board or plate may be as wide as necessary to accommodate the bipod at its widest point, but not be more than 12” front to rear. It is not permitted to provide tracks for the guidance of bipod feet. No levelling screws or protrusions are allowed on these boards or plates. They must be fl at on the top and bottom.

So If I understand it correctly if you had a bipod that was 20" wide at its lowest/widest position you could have a 22" x 12" board/plate. Or does it mean you get 2" on the left and 2" on the right side for a total of 24"?

 

[mac86951]

I think I found it:

Separate flat boards and or plates not exceeding the dimensions of the individual rests by two inches on a given side may also be placed under the front rest and rear bag. In the case of a bipod, the board or plate may be as wide as necessary to accommodate the bipod at its widest point, but not be more than 12” front to rear. It is not permitted to provide tracks for the guidance of bipod feet. No levelling screws or protrusions are allowed on these boards or plates. They must be fl at on the top and bottom.

So If I understand it correctly if you had a bipod that was 20" wide at its lowest/widest position you could have a 22" x 12" board/plate. Or does it mean you get 2" on the left and 2" on the right side for a total of 24"?

Something like that. I seem to recall that at some version 24"x12" was maximum, and 1/2" thick. I'm sure that's been revised lately, and for local matches I don't think you'll find many who are concerned about your bipod rest plate size.

-Mac

 

[Mozella]

...... snip...........Or does it mean you get 2" on the left and 2" on the right side for a total of 24"?

I don't know what the rule makers meant to say, but using "on a given side" is a poor choice of words to make their point. Since the left side is a "given side" as is the right side, you can make your board 24" wide if your bipod is 20" wide. Of course, there is absolutely NO guarantee that a given match director will read the rule the same way. Not everyone stays awake in English class.

You seem to assume that the feet are the "widest part". I would guess most people would agree, but that isn't necessarily the case. What if I have a bipod with feet 24" apart but I tape on an athwartships (to borrow a nautical term meaning at right angles to the fore and aft direction) 48" long arrow shaft so that it doesn't touch anything other than the bipod. In that case, the widest part of the bipod would be 48", right? Does that mean my bipod mod would allow a base 52" wide? I hardly think that was the intent of the rule, but you get the point.


How about a rule which says (in part), "The base or plate may not be larger than 12 inches in the fore-and-aft direction and it may not exceed the overall width of the bipod, where it makes contact with the base or plate, by more than 4 inches".

Suggestion: Make your bipod base out of wood and bring a saw to your next match.

 

[Archer]

I asked this same question last year and had the following response from Taildrag15x (an NRA referee )...don't confuse the measurements for the F-Open benchrest style rests with bipod measurements...max measurements for a bipod is 24x12x1/2...wood, metal, or plastic, it doesn't matter what the material...


To quote the Book..."(2) The use of any form of a table is prohibited. Separate flat boards or plates not exceeding the dimensions of the individual rests by two inches are allowed to be placed under the front and/or rear rests. In the case of a bipod, the board may not exceed the width of 24"nor depth of 12" and thickness of 1/2"."

 

[boltman223]

I asked this same question last year and had the following response from Taildrag15x (an NRA referee )...don't confuse the measurements for the F-Open benchrest style rests with bipod measurements...max measurements for a bipod is 24x12x1/2...wood, metal, or plastic, it doesn't matter what the material...


To quote the Book..."(2) The use of any form of a table is prohibited. Separate flat boards or plates not exceeding the dimensions of the individual rests by two inches are allowed to be placed under the front and/or rear rests. In the case of a bipod, the board may not exceed the width of 24"nor depth of 12" and thickness of 1/2"."

the rules stats wood or plates. Wood is wood, but what is "plates"? Metal? Is carpet considered a plate? You look at a metal suppliers descriptions and you will find plate steel. When you go to buy carpet, I've never seen plate carpet in a catalog.

I think that there is a desrepincy with saying " it doesn't matter the material ". The rule book does say-

(5)Any number or type of objects may be placed beneath the bipod or rear support, to compensate for
variations in height or slope of the firing point.


I think the NRA needs to be more specific on a few rules for F-TR especially since a lot of people are traveling around there country to shoot. I have emailed them on few things and I got a completely ambiguous answer also.

 

[mac86951]

the rules stats wood or plates. Wood is wood, but what is "plates"? Metal? Is carpet considered a plate? You look at a metal suppliers descriptions and you will find plate steel. When you go to buy carpet, I've never seen plate carpet in a catalog.

I think that there is a desrepincy with saying " it doesn't matter the material ". The rule book does say-

(5)Any number or type of objects may be placed beneath the bipod or rear support, to compensate for
variations in height or slope of the firing point.


I think the NRA needs to be more specific on a few rules for F-TR especially since a lot of people are traveling around there country to shoot. I have emailed them on few things and I got a completely ambiguous answer also.

Aaah rules. At some level always up to interpretation, all versions of which are legal until a rules clarification is issued.

They say 1/2" thick, but also don't say about material covering other than to call it a plate. Interpret as you will, but expect a clarification once someone determines a possible advantage.

 

[memilanuk]

Huh. No mention of thickness in the conventional HP rulebook, but there is in the International Fullbore rulebook. Guess whether it matters depends on which venue you are shooting.

And then just for fun, take a look at the ICFRA rule F2.9 - just in case you plan on shooting @ the FCWC next year...