F Class shooting - General info questions

[cmc308]

Good day, I am looking to re-start long range shooting activities that have been dormant for more than 12 years. I am taking the jumping off point that I have retained nothing of my old knowledge, thus I am again a rookie looking for guidance. I am aware that I will require re-establishment of conditioning and techniques, as well as what I think I may know, or understand about the rules of events, which I have only read online. I have only ever experimented independently with long range shooting and have never participated in a sanctioned event. I truly am a rookie looking for guidance. Those things said, please be gentle with me and my questions where necessary. My questions to F Class shooters:


The difference between F-T/R, and F-Open -
1. Does F-T/R event require a stock, off the shelf rifle?

Forum Boss: No -- there is a weight limit, and .308 Win or .223 Rem cartridge restriction, and you shoot from a bipod. Custom is fine. That said, some local clubs may have a separate "factory class" for their F-Class matches. F-TR has an 8.25 kg (18.188 lb) total weight limit. Anything attached to the rifle is included, so both the scope and bipod are part of the 8.25 kg weight limit.

2. Do I understand correctly that "modifications" generally constitutes a rifle built by a gunsmith?
3. Please help me understand modification's and how it does or does not apply to each class
4. 308 is my preferred choice due to past familiarity with the caliber, general understanding of performance as a result, and still possessing some equipment thereof

I realize my questions are very broad. Please forgive me if I am reading into this too much. More questions to come, as well as disclosures on my past equipment choices if it matters. Anxious to listen and learn. Located in Houston, Texas. Looking for clubs or ranges to practice and learn mid-range and long-range shooting.

 

[sdean]

Good day, I am looking to re-start long range shooting activities that have been dormant for more than 12 years. I am taking the jumping off point that I have retained nothing of my old knowledge, thus I am again a rookie looking for guidance. I am aware that I will require re-establishment of conditioning and techniques, as well as what I think I may know, or understand about the rules of events, which I have only read online. I have only ever experimented independently with long range shooting and have never participated in a sanctioned event. I truly am a rookie looking for guidance. Those things said, please be gentle with me and my questions where necessary. My questions to F Class shooters:


The difference between F-T/R, and F-Open -
1. Does F-T/R event require a stock, off the shelf rifle?

Forum Boss: No -- there is a weight limit, and .308 Win or .223 Rem cartridge restriction, and you shoot from a bipod. Custom is fine. That said, some local clubs may have a separate "factory class" for their F-Class matches. F-TR has an 8.25 kg (18.188 lb) total weight limit. Anything attached to the rifle is included, so both the scope and bipod are part of the 8.25 kg weight limit.

2. Do I understand correctly that "modifications" generally constitutes a rifle built by a gunsmith?
3. Please help me understand modification's and how it does or does not apply to each class
4. 308 is my preferred choice due to past familiarity with the caliber, general understanding of performance as a result, and still possessing some equipment thereof

I realize my questions are very broad. Please forgive me if I am reading into this too much. More questions to come, as well as disclosures on my past equipment choices if it matters. Anxious to listen and learn. Located in Houston, Texas. Looking for clubs or ranges to practice and learn mid-range and long-range shooting.

Look up Bayou Rifle Club south of Houston and go attend a match. You will probably get more advise than you ever wanted.

 

[dthomas]

Do as sdean said. They have their long range matches on the first sunday of the month. If you want to use a 308 you will want to shoot off of a bipod so you can compete in ftr. You can use a full custom rifle, you will need one if you want to be competitive. If you go to observe a match you will see the equipment used.

 

[cmc308]

Look up Bayou Rifle Club south of Houston and go attend a match. You will probably get more advise than you ever wanted.

I looked Bayou Rifle Club.... Tried to register as a member and there appears to be some issues with the website, or maybe they are full on registrations. Do you know if they allow "walk-ups" to enter and observe? The last time I was at that range was in the mid 90's. I looked for contacts info on the website and did not see any contacts. I will keep trying.

 

[cmc308]

Do as sdean said. They have their long range matches on the first sunday of the month. If you want to use a 308 you will want to shoot off of a bipod so you can compete in ftr. You can use a full custom rifle, you will need one if you want to be competitive. If you go to observe a match you will see the equipment used.

Understood. Will do. Is that the only range around the area that has these types of shooting events?

 

[dthomas]

Golden triangle in Beumont has 600 yard f class matches the 4th saturday of the month. I have shot their a few times and will be their this month but most shoot f open there that i have seen.

 

[cmc308]

Golden triangle in Beumont has 600 yard f class matches the 4th saturday of the month. I have shot their a few times and will be their this month but most shoot f open there that i have seen.

Thank you. I will look into the membership there as well.

 

[dthomas]

I looked Bayou Rifle Club.... Tried to register as a member and there appears to be some issues with the website, or maybe they are full on registrations. Do you know if they allow "walk-ups" to enter and observe? The last time I was at that range was in the mid 90's. I looked for contacts info on the website and did not see any contacts. I will keep trying.

You do not have to be a member to attend matches. All of the other ranges that i have shot matches at are the same way, They are open to the public for matches.