F-Class is not the enemy

[323]

I think you'll find at SWN (and a majority matches) that most F Class shooters (no matter their level) are approachable and helpful so long as they aren't getting ready to shoot and/or just finished shooting and are reflecting/cleaning up their gear. And to be fair, same with the sling shooters.

As with any discipline, the questions you ask will often reflect the level of answer you get. You can expect there's a lot going on at any time and everyone is busy so there's always going to be a bit of 'I can't explain everything to you right now' so at matches it's usually more prudent to pick single items you'd like a little help with. But as a matter of general camaraderie I love the F Class people because unless they're discussing something personal amongst themselves they'll usually welcome anyone to join in, talk and learn.

You'll also get even more face time with everyone at this match because of pulling targets and that's when you can have some really cool conversations in-between shooters.

Edit: With a match like SWN there's nearly 400 competitors and everyone there will have a different skill set when it comes to communication, and they're all human so be patient when trying to talk to people. Say hi to enough of them and you'll find people that fit your style of communication. Some of the most generous, kind and helpful shooters I know tend to come off a little quick or short with their answers but you have to understand that just might be how they communicate, it's not personal. And if you're asking for help don't forget, please and thank you are always great too.

As mentioned I shot at perry where there can be 1k plus shooters for the president 100 and about the same at the EIC match. I’m not trying to be best buddies with them but when you say how’s its going or just general conversation don’t give the look of I’m inconvenience you. I don’t ask many questions but again general conversation. Maybe that’s what it is maybe the sling guys have had bad interactions with f class guys and vice versa. Truth be told we have more people come up to us asking us questions about Alaska we all wear shirts saying where shirts with our club name on them.

 

[Bob3700]

I think you'll find at SWN (and a majority matches) that most F Class shooters (no matter their level) are approachable and helpful so long as they aren't getting ready to shoot and/or just finished shooting and are reflecting/cleaning up their gear. And to be fair, same with the sling shooters.

As with any discipline, the questions you ask will often reflect the level of answer you get. You can expect there's a lot going on at any time and everyone is busy so there's always going to be a bit of 'I can't explain everything to you right now' so at matches it's usually more prudent to pick single items you'd like a little help with. But as a matter of general camaraderie I love the F Class people because unless they're discussing something personal amongst themselves they'll usually welcome anyone to join in, talk and learn.

You'll also get even more face time with everyone at this match because of pulling targets and that's when you can have some really cool conversations in-between shooters.

Edit: With a match like SWN there's nearly 400 competitors and everyone there will have a different skill set when it comes to communication, and they're all human so be patient when trying to talk to people. Say hi to enough of them and you'll find people that fit your style of communication. Some of the most generous, kind and helpful shooters I know tend to come off a little quick or short with their answers but you have to understand that just might be how they communicate, it's not personal. And if you're asking for help don't forget, please and thank you are always great too.

When it comes to expanding ur shooting/ reloading knowledge/ability u can ask the high skill competitor questions. The words u get in the answer u may not fully understand. U could ask Tiger Woods about golf and the words he will give u may be THE answer but beyond ur experience level. Having someone actually watch ur shooting n giving thoughts/ changes to try is the ultimate mentoring. That is hard to achieve.
One of the best ways to improve ur performance is to get into a group of good shooters. The info that is shared within the group causes “ All ships to rise”. Good shooters are always trying different/new things to hopefully improve their match performance. Get in on that if u can.

 

[tvaught]

What a great post Tod.

 

[Park ranger]

I didn’t read the whole thread, but (we) sling shooters picked on the AR-15’s like crazy when the M-14 ruled the day. About 2 years after Army beat the USMC in rattle battle everyone shot AR’s. It’s just friendly banter.

I shoot sling, AR tac, F class, smallbore,…. It’s all fun.

 

[Jeff Porter]

As mentioned I shot at perry where there can be 1k plus shooters for the president 100 and about the same at the EIC match. I’m not trying to be best buddies with them but when you say how’s its going or just general conversation don’t give the look of I’m inconvenience you. I don’t ask many questions but again general conversation. Maybe that’s what it is maybe the sling guys have had bad interactions with f class guys and vice versa. Truth be told we have more people come up to us asking us questions about Alaska we all wear shirts saying where shirts with our club name on them.

I have not found your observation to be the case when I was shooting service rifle. I have asked and gotten information from the best shooters in the game…. BUT…. I don’t ask them questions during P100 or NTI matches. Those are the Daytona/ World Series level national finals and you only get one shot per year. Most of the shooters on the line for those two matches are very focused on those 80 shots all season. Not the best time or place for a meet and greet. The rest of the week is a lot more relaxed.

 

[DannyK]

Well said Tod, Here in Australia it seems much the same, Im going into my 4th year in shooting (F-open) and there seems to be some type of toxic culture between the sling shooters and f-open, we commonly get heckeled for doing load development or the usual smart arse comments (hurry up and get yr gear off the mound cheater) We commonly get frowned upon by taking time to set up and take our gear off the mound, Ive been told to hurry up several times during competition even though Im on and off the mound in under half the time im allowed to shoot my string.. I just keep smiling!

 

[coorslight]

My friends and I got into F-Cass 10 years ago, I am now 68 wish I had earlier. from the beginning everyone was helpful and welcoming, years later a few of the sling shooters came over to the dark side. I have always thought of sling shooters to be of exceptional talent, just remember when you switch to FTR or F-open that X ring gets a little more challenging.