Fortis Ultralite Rear Rest W/Bag

[DE-F-Open]

ATTENTION AMERICAN F-CLASS COMPETITORS:

I was recently informed that a British company called Alacritas Innovations is currently marketing a new device called the Fortis Ultralite Rear Rest W/Bag for use in F-Class competition. It appears that this product sells within the UK for approximately 350 Pounds Sterling per unit. It is a very interesting product.

It is unknown whether this device is available to the American shooter or even being advertised in the American market. I sincerely hope that no American F-Class competitor has invested in one of these devices for use in American F-Class competition.

Please be advised that the Fortis Ultralite Rear Rest W/Bag is an adjustable rear rest and is NOT - repeat NOT - permitted under our American NRA F-Class Rules.

It should be noted that it has been alleged that I.C.F.R.A has approved the use of this product for International F-Class competition. However, I have seen nothing official to that effect.

Also please note that GBFCA members in Great Briton appear to have been notified that this device WILL NOT be allowed in their F-Class competitions in Great Briton.

Again - the Fortis Ultralite Rear Rest w/Bag is NOT approved for use in American F-Class competition.

I hope that you will find this information to be helpful.

See you in Phoenix -

John Sigler
Chairman, NRA F-Class High Power Rifle Committee.

 

[Timberyote]

May I ask why?

 

[DE-F-Open]

May I ask why?

Yes, of course you may ask "why?" - and thank you for asking.

Simply put, the answer to your question of "why?" is the same as the reason why the Brits have chosen to deny the use of this device - that being that it is "not in keeping with the spirit of competition," - and because it runs counter to the words, spirit, and intent of our current F-Class Rules.

As the Brits said in their announcement to their members, and as the advertising by the manufacturer clearly states, this device is a fully adjustable mechanical device. The "bag" (such that it is) does not simply rest upon the top of the device but is an integral part of the mechanical device.

Rather than quoting each of the rules which are germane to our discussion I will simply list some of them and encourage you to read them and others not specifically listed, and consider them together, as a single integrated unit, as they are intended to be read and applied. Please see Rules 3.4.1(a) (4), (6), and (8); and Rules 3.4.1 (b) (4) and (5).

These rules when read together as a single unit envision a traditional rear bag placed on the ground and the use of boards or other items placed under the bag "to compensate for variations in height of the slope of the firing point or to reduce rolling." Also please note the repeated negative reference to "mechanical devices." These rules simply do not envision the competitive use of a device such as the one currently under discussion.

Additionally, I suggest that you consider Rule 3.18 which says in pertinent part that "All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting and which are not mentioned in these rules, or which are contrary to the spirit of these rules and regulations, are forbidden." Rule 3.18 is the key to understanding "why".

The key to interpreting F-Class Rules is to remember where we came from. Think of F-Class as the "child" of High Power and Fullbore - mostly Fullbore. We are not, and should never be allowed to become, another version of Benchrest. Benchrest is good, but it isn't who we are. Benchrest is not our heritage - High Power and Fullbore are our heritage and we should remain as close to them as we possibly can while still being ourselves - F-Class High Power Rifle.

So, having said all that, the short answer to your question of "Why?" is simply - Because this device violates the wording, spirit and intent of the Rules and runs counter to the spirit of F-Class competition.

Again, thank you for asking. I hope that this explanation of the committee's reasoning will assist you in understanding "why".

Respectfully,

John Sigler

 

[Timberyote]

Thank you, John, for the answer.

I only asked because I'm not an F Class shooter just curious.

Again thank you.

 

[Sandstorm]

@Timberyote ​

You may consider coming out to a Match sometime and seeing if its something you may want to explore.
Its a bunch of great folk having a blast trying to hit a target that's too small and too far away...as they say.
Thats exactly what I did several years back and now its a obsession of sorts....lol... and a hell of a lot a fun.

 

[Warren Dean]

Yes, of course you may ask "why?" - and thank you for asking.

Simply put, the answer to your question of "why?" is the same as the reason why the Brits have chosen to deny the use of this device - that being that it is "not in keeping with the spirit of competition," - and because it runs counter to the words, spirit, and intent of our current F-Class Rules.

As the Brits said in their announcement to their members, and as the advertising by the manufacturer clearly states, this device is a fully adjustable mechanical device. The "bag" (such that it is) does not simply rest upon the top of the device but is an integral part of the mechanical device.

Rather than quoting each of the rules which are germane to our discussion I will simply list some of them and encourage you to read them and others not specifically listed, and consider them together, as a single integrated unit, as they are intended to be read and applied. Please see Rules 3.4.1(a) (4), (6), and (8); and Rules 3.4.1 (b) (4) and (5).

These rules when read together as a single unit envision a traditional rear bag placed on the ground and the use of boards or other items placed under the bag "to compensate for variations in height of the slope of the firing point or to reduce rolling." Also please note the repeated negative reference to "mechanical devices." These rules simply do not envision the competitive use of a device such as the one currently under discussion.

Additionally, I suggest that you consider Rule 3.18 which says in pertinent part that "All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting and which are not mentioned in these rules, or which are contrary to the spirit of these rules and regulations, are forbidden." Rule 3.18 is the key to understanding "why".

The key to interpreting F-Class Rules is to remember where we came from. Think of F-Class as the "child" of High Power and Fullbore - mostly Fullbore. We are not, and should never be allowed to become, another version of Benchrest. Benchrest is good, but it isn't who we are. Benchrest is not our heritage - High Power and Fullbore are our heritage and we should remain as close to them as we possibly can while still being ourselves - F-Class High Power Rifle.

So, having said all that, the short answer to your question of "Why?" is simply - Because this device violates the wording, spirit and intent of the Rules and runs counter to the spirit of F-Class competition.

Again, thank you for asking. I hope that this explanation of the committee's reasoning will assist you in understanding "why".

Respectfully,

John Sigler

Well put, John.

 

[Timberyote]

@Timberyote ​

You may consider coming out to a Match sometime and seeing if its something you may want to explore.
Its a bunch of great folk having a blast trying to hit a target that's too small and too far away...as they say.
Thats exactly what I did several years back and now its a obsession of sorts....lol... and a hell of a lot a fun.

I doubt it because there are 5 ranges in Ontario, all military.
1 is 1 1/2hrs away, the next is 3, then 5, then 6, and finally 8.

 

[corning]

I doubt it because there are 5 ranges in Ontario, all military.
1 is 1 1/2hrs away, the next is 3, then 5, then 6, and finally 8.

F-Class | DCRA

www.dcra.ca

A lot of their shooting is done at the Connaught Ranges in Ottawa. Those ranges will challenge you. F-TR is next on my agenda.

 

[Timberyote]

F-Class | DCRA

www.dcra.ca

A lot of their shooting is done at the Connaught Ranges in Ottawa. Those ranges will challenge you. F-TR is next on my agenda.

Thanks, I know Connaught very well. I shot there when I was in the Army first time was 1970, shot PPC matches there, shot with the RCMP.