I’ve grown weary of derogatory posts aimed at F-Class. My first instinct is to respond in kind, with a pointed remark about sling shooters. But I have friends who shoot sling, people I respect, and I would never want to offend them with a lazy, generalized comment about their discipline. So instead, I move on and, at least in my own mind, take the high road by not responding at all.
Thinking about it more, I’ve wondered why some sling shooters feel such animosity toward F-Class that they’re compelled to post publicly about it. I suspect the primary cause is, a new shooter can get behind a well-built Fclass rifle on a supported mechanical rest and do very well in mild conditions, whereas mastering sling shooting requires years of practice to perfect an unsupported position. Combine that with the growth of F-Class and the perceived decline of sling participation, and basic human nature takes over. Some feel the need to defend their tribe, their passion, against what they see as a threat.
But to what end? F-Class shooters aren’t stopping anyone from shooting sling. If sling is your thing, that’s great, it’s a noble, historic discipline that deserves respect. It’s just not for everyone.
I started competitive shooting later in life, in F-Class. I quickly respected the skill and practice required to shoot sling, and after a couple seasons I built a sling rifle. My thinking was, I’m not getting any younger, and if I didn’t try it then, I probably never would. I practiced, spent time at home working on position, and shot a few matches. I’m not naturally flexible, and it was challenging, but I enjoyed it and the challenge. I have no doubt that if I stuck with it, I’d improve, become more competitive, and find a level of enjoyment similar to what I get from F-Class.
I chose F-Class because it’s a better fit for me. The pursuit of mechanical precision in the rifle, the obsessive refinement of ammunition, the development of rifle handling (contrary to some opinions), the practice, the competition, the camaraderie, and the challenge of making wind calls under difficult conditions all combine to make it a rewarding sport for me and many others. And the participation numbers reflect that. If it were truly “easy,” would we consistently see the same names at the top at national-level matches?
So, what’s the point of all this? This post isn’t going to change human nature, or eliminate short-sighted, tribal reactions. But maybe it will give a few people pause. Inflammatory comments don’t elevate anyone’s discipline, they only deepen divisions. Even when we choose not to respond in kind, those comments still land as an attack on something I care deeply about.
Respectfully,
Tod Hendricks
