F Classification question

[trhodes]

Just received my first classification card for F mid range. I shot both in open and t/r matches but only used t/r equipment...'cause that's what I got to shoot. The card doesn't specify open or t/r . Some matches around here (Colorado) only offer open -not t/r.

So my question is (or observation is) - seems like I'm giving up some advantage (equipment-wise) when I shoot open class with t/r gear. Seems like I need to get open gear if I have to shoot open.

Being new to this ( first year) I'd like to hear some thoughts from experienced competitors.

Thanks for any input on this.

 

[ShootDots]

I have never shot F-T/R >>However, it is my opinion that it is considerably more difficult to shoot than F-Open. You compound that difficulty by using F-T/R equipment for F-Open. You are ballistically at a GREAT disadvantage, and at another disadvantage with the use of a bi-pod, instead of a good front rest.. If you want to be competitive at either of the disciplines, BUILD the best you can afford for each discipline... OR you won't be as competitive as the guy who does... Look at it this way.. I like to golf, however, I am TERRIBLE on my best day! Give me a set of Callaways and I will still be extremely bad. Give Tiger Woods a set of Wal-Mart clubs and he will beat most anyone>>>except the Pros he would be up against! Now give him the Callaways and he can now compete on even turf with the others on the Pro Tour. Does this make sense?

 

[vtmarmot]

I shoot both classes, but despite having acquired good equipment, I've still got a lot of work to do on technique. I think that F/TR shooters can stay close with F-Open out to 600 yards, but beyond that it gets much more difficult. Also a .223 or .308 is going to have a hard time staying with a 6.5/.284 in windy conditions, but the calmer it is, the closer they get. Sure, a bipod requires more attention to technique than a benchrest style front rest, but with practice, you shouldn't be at much of a disadvantage. You're only competing against others in your own class anyhow, so shoot what gives you satisfaction. If they don't have a F/TR class at a given range, then shoot against the open folks and learn to beat them. That would be really satisfying.

 

[Steve Blair]

I made Long Range Master shooting F-TR and Long Range High Master shooting F-Open. My F-TR scores have beaten a lot of F-Open shooters, but certainly not the best shooters. If you have two excellent shooters, at the top of their game, one in F-TR and one F-Open, the F-TR shooter will likely not win. I have seen an F-TR shooter beat all the F-Open shooters at a single stage or match, more than once. I have been that shooter and have seen others do it. At 2012 F-Class Nationals in Raton, I won Match 5 in F-Open with 150-10X at 1000. A clean like that is always great to shoot and what competitor doesn't like winning a medal? Jim Crofts shot a 150-11X in the same match with his F-TR rifle. My score was a good one and enough to win. His F-TR score was outstanding and a new national record by 5X. Over the course of the entire Nationals, I shot 1276-45X, enough for eighth in F-Open. Jim shot an excellent 1272-47X, good enough to win the F-TR championship. By contrast, the very steady David Bailey shot 1283-59 to take the championship in F-Open. [br]
So, the moral of the story is that an F-TR shooter can beat the F-Open shooters with an outstanding effort but ballistics will reign in the long agg.

 

[trhodes]

Thanks for all the responses. And encouragement. I know the main limitation in my shooting isn't my gear- I have a lot of skills to build before that is the case.

Steve Blair - wow, thanks. That helps a lot.

 

[Jefferson]

sorry good old Stevey is wrong,

keep your equipment as you are not giving up anything,

and oh by the way let me know where you are shooting at so I can come with my f-open gear just to be able to beat someone,


just kidding of course

enjoy the journey it will be fun

Jefferson

 

[338 Mollett]

I have to agree with Steve on this one!Given the same moa barrel in a vacuum then applied in a match there are too many unexplained condition changes to keep up with a higher bc bullet at higher velocities.

 

[Killshot]

Just received my first classification card for F mid range. I shot both in open and t/r matches but only used t/r equipment...'cause that's what I got to shoot. The card doesn't specify open or t/r .

The NRA doesn't have separate classifications in F-Class, the score requirements (for Master, High-Master) are the same for Open and TR.

Bummer you got bumped into Open but it happens. Solution; get more TR shooters to sign-up, usually need 3 to make a class.

 

[trhodes]

Bummer you got bumped into Open but it happens. Solution; get more TR shooters to sign-up, usually need 3 to make a class.

I thought t/r would be a bigger class around here, but not so. Based on Steve Blair's, input I'm OK with continuing with t/r gear and doing what I can. I'm really shooting for my own score anyway and I have placed higher than a of the few Open guys.