How would you set up a PRS/F Class rifle?

[Sraw]

Im going to be building my first "custom" rifle soon. It will likely be a 6br, though the more I read about the 6 BRA the more I like the idea...

This will spend 90% of its time punching paper at 300 yards for fun but I would like to use is as rifle to try out (not win nationals) PRS and mid range F Class style matches.

For the trigger I plan on using a Jewel HVR or possibly the new Giessele trigger.

I have a vortex 6-24 FFP that I would use in prs and have thought about picking up a Golden Eagle for F Class though I'm sure the one I have will work...

What I'm looking for is your guys' opinion on barrel length, contour, and stock.

I was thinking 26 or 28 inch criterion bull contour weighing approximately 6 lbs.

I'd like to stay more traditional looking with the stock and avoid chassis if possible and try to stay under $500 for it.

I know it won't be optimum for either, just looking to have fun.

 

[Nowhere Man]

If losing is fun, go for it. I'd look at setting up a rifle for one sport and adding another in the future when funds become available.

 

[300_whisper]

I don’t think F class and PRS mix. It’s common knowledge that PRS guys are trying to get consistent 1MOA accuracy and from there focus on different scenarios and shooting positions. F class you’re definitely more focused on getting tiny groups at far distances. I would pick one discipline and stick with it. I’m actually getting into PRS now.

 

[ttfreestyle]

Build a rifle specific for the task is my two cents. Anytime you set up a dual purpose rifle you compromise. Good luck with your build.

 

[Damfino]

I agree with the above. But having said that, I also like versatility. Accordingly, I have built a 6.5X47L on an Atlas repeater action, Jewell HVR trigger, McMillan A5. The Krieger barrel is 26 inches and threaded for a brake. I've shot it in MR F-classes matches and it's done well. Not as well as my Panda F-class in .284 or 6 Dasher, but consistently in the mid-190s. I think it would do okay in the PRS style matches I hope to do someday. I also think this rifle may also do well in prone matches I think about participating in with the understanding that it is a compromise and I need to manage my expectations. Every decision has a certain amount of trade-offs and your cartridge and optics choices, as well as your loading techniques are just some of the other key factors to be considered. If, as you say, fun is your bottom line I would recommend versatility and see if that leads you in a more specialized direction. Specialized equipment improves the odds for higher scores, although it's not always a guarantee for competitive success. But, as we all know, shooting well is always more fun than shooting poorly.

 

[Sraw]

This rifles purpose is to shoot better than my ar at 300 yards. If I can get consistent inch-inch and a half groups at 300 I will be more than happy.

My only other bolt rifle is a stock Savage 111 TH in 30-06.

If ithis new rifle can also get me aquatinted with the two sports great.

Once I decide I like one or both I can build a rifle for that purpose.

I want to do it this way so I don't build a prs rifle and find I enjoy f class more or vice versa.

As far as losing for fun, I've competed in many action pistol competitions with no hope of winning. I did it with the sole intention to do the best I could with what I had and to have fun.

 

[Rich S]

Have you condidered a barreled action and 2 stocks? 1 for F class and 1 for PRS. Cost a bit more but likely can be competitve in both.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Maybe get 2 stocks fitted? A chassis for prs and an f class stock to ride the bags?

 

[Sraw]

Have you

Maybe get 2 stocks fitted? A chassis for prs and an f class stock to ride the bags?

a barreled action and 2 stocks? 1 for F class and 1 for PRS. Cost a bit more but likely can be competitve in both.

I hadn't considered that, I was hoping there would be a nice middle ground stock but I am definitely willing to go that route. Any recommendations? With the original budget in mind?

 

[rardoin]

I did, more or less, what you describe. I started in competition after purchasing a Ruger PR for fun distance shooting but got bit by the bug after attending a F-class shoot as a spectator. The same range/club also holds a 'Field Precision Rifle' match that is like 600yd F-class format but shot with magazine fed, limited magnification, bipod (Harrris style) prone shooting. I made a skid plate to attach to the front of the handguard to serve as a front rest bag riding surface and used the same rifle in both F-class and PRS matches. I was able to be competitive some days but was able to get a mid range HM with the rig. It would be easy to do what you desire with a chassis but not as simple with a conventional stock.....but doable if you get creative.

 

[kzin]

google 'bag rider' and some variations

lots of options out there for different chassis systems

A simple hunter style stock and front bipod/sling stud would get you a decent f-tr style setup. You could shoot open that way or maybe be more competitive if PRS has a 223/308 class.

 

[people]

http://www.gotxring.com/

I would check these out. You can get bag riding stuff if you want it.

 

[Sheldon N]

I say build what you want and enjoy it, and just accept any mild limitations when you try out PRS or F-Class. A 6BR or 6BRA or Dasher will do well in either PRS or Midrange F-Class so you're on the right track.

Heavy barrel is good for PRS. I like between Heavy Palma and MTU, 26" for PRS is by far the most common. You will want a muzzle brake for sure, but will need to remove for F-Class.

I will say that an MPA BA Competition chassis is awesome for PRS shooting, and could easily do well in F-Class because it has a dead flat/straight forend and they offer a nice bag-rider attachment for the rear. Probably more $$ than you want to spend but just throwing it out as an option.

 

[300_whisper]

You could always run a McMillian A5. Not sure how it would work in F class, but I know they are popular for PRS. I’m using an A5 for PRS for my Rem 700 .260. The fore end is wide and there’s a nice flat spot on the rear of the stock to ride the bags. This is a random google image I found of an A5 for reference.

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

You could always run a McMillian A5. Not sure how it would work in F class, but I know they are popular for PRS. I’m using an A5 for PRS for my Rem 700 .260. The fore end is wide and there’s a nice flat spot on the rear of the stock to ride the bags. This is a random google image I found of an A5 for reference.


View attachment 1037468

Exactly what I would do, allot of guys that shoot with us use them without any problems of the ground. Your prbably going to be shooting of n atlas/harris type bipod anyway or do you want to go ftr type bipod wich you can still use on the A5 or do you wanne look the part and get something like a seb machined rest.

 

[Zero333]

Build a PRS rifle and shoot the odd 600 yard f-class match with it. If winning is not your concern and having fun is the priority.

26" barrel

For multi-purpose, a PRS rifle is more versatile than a F-class rifle.

 

[JayBeeYou]

I am the process of building a rifle for the exact same purpose, with the only different idea being it will be a starter rifle for my 11 year old daughter in f class and a backup rifle for me in tactical. I am trying to keep this as cheap as possible while still being a competitive rifle.

Caliber: 308 I shoot FTR and will work my kid into it. I also shoot 308 on the tactical side, I know many better calibers but I run 308 pretty much exclusively.

Action: remington AAC that was my guiding rifle that got donated.

Trigger: Jewell at 1 pound that was was sitting in a drawer after blown primers. Sent back for rebuild.

Stock: XLR element that rifle was already in will be setup for my daughter due to unlimited adjustment, I will let her pick out colors for paint job that makes her happy. For tactical side I got lucky as hell and a hunter tipped me a manners T2FA with surgeon bottom metal. The barreled action will be switched to that when I am using rifle.

Barrel: 27" Krieger 1/10 with .095 throat, no neck turn. Idea is that 155's for my daughter should be light on recoil and give up little at midrange FTR. Should be good for mag loaded juggernauts for my use. Threaded for my suppressor so her first few shoots she can get comfortable with it, and I will run can when I run it.

Bipod: Sinclair for her and Harris for me.

Gunsmithing is being done by Speedy.

 

[steve123]

This rifles purpose is to shoot better than my ar at 300 yards. If I can get consistent inch-inch and a half groups at 300 I will be more than happy.

My only other bolt rifle is a stock Savage 111 TH in 30-06.

If ithis new rifle can also get me aquatinted with the two sports great.

Once I decide I like one or both I can build a rifle for that purpose.

I want to do it this way so I don't build a prs rifle and find I enjoy f class more or vice versa.

As far as losing for fun, I've competed in many action pistol competitions with no hope of winning. I did it with the sole intention to do the best I could with what I had and to have fun.

Just build what you want and come have fun. Choose wisely so you don't regret it later.

It takes years sometimes to get any competition figured out enough to start winning. If you just keep at it you'll learn as you go in all kinds of ways then the day will come when it's your time to win.

An accurate rifle is all you need, from there adjustments can be made to configure it for the different comps. One thing is for sure, you don't want to bring a single shot to a PRS style match.

Years ago I saw an article of a known past winning shooter win a big 600Y BR match with a MAK tube gun kit screwed and glued/IIRC onto a M700 trued action. Yes he used bag riders for that discipline. What I'm getting at is that rifle strayed away from what was considered a politically correct BR rifle but he excelled with it. It's the same set up of what my old go-to tactical rifle was, but in 6x47l, using a Harris bipod and triad bag instead of the bag riders. At the time I did lot's of winning with it.

So if I could win a Field Course long range series, and he could win a long range BR match, I have no doubt the same platform configured to suit F-class would be capable of winning in that discipline too.

I think it just comes down to picking a multi purpose stock that can be configured to work for the mentioned rifle matches.

 

[Sraw]

Does anyone here have any opinions on the greyboe renegade?

 

[300_whisper]

Does anyone here have any opinions on the greyboe renegade?

I’m pretty sure it’s mcmillans son who branches out on his own. It’s the same design and materials as an A3.