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Looking to get into F-Class - Rules question - Flash Hider

MikeMcCasland

MikeMcCasland

Team Texas F-T/R
Gents,

I'm looking to get into shooting some F-Class matches, and got wind of some that are hosted near New Bransfules, TX. I've looked at the NRA rule book, and it's clear that muzzle brakes/compensators aren't allowed, but would I be allowed to run with a "flash hider". It's basically just a QD suppressor mount; I obviously won't be trying to compete with a can on the rifle. :)

These allowed, or do they have to come off?
 
MikeMcCasland said:
Gents,

I'm looking to get into shooting some F-Class matches, and got wind of some that are hosted near New Bransfules, TX. I've looked at the NRA rule book, and it's clear that muzzle brakes/compensators aren't allowed, but would I be allowed to run with a "flash hider". It's basically just a QD suppressor mount; I obviously won't be trying to compete with a can on the rifle. :)

These allowed, or do they have to come off?
Click to expand...

No, you won’t be allowed that if it’s a nra match. A bare muzzle due to people beside you shooting on the ground.
 
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The reason it isn't allowed is because a lot of the times you are shooting a foot off the ground and right next to your competitor, blasting them with dirt. Now in BR, I believe it is legal because you're sitting at a bench and your blast wouldn't kick up trash, just an annoyance.... lol.

Darrin
 
Immike said:
No, you won’t be allowed that if it’s a nra match. A bare muzzle due to people beside you shooting on the ground.
Click to expand...

Ugh. I was afraid of that. I was hoping since it wasn't redirecting gases anywhere/disturbing others it'd be fine, but I get it. Hopefully it doesn't jack with load dev/tuning and it's a non-issue.

Thanks for the quick response!
 
Puzzaz01 said:
The reason it isn't allowed is because a lot of the times you are shooting a foot off the ground and right next to your competitor, blasting them with dirt. Now in BR, I believe it is legal because you're sitting at a bench and your blast wouldn't kick up trash, just an annoyance.... lol.

Darrin
Click to expand...

Appreciate the response Darrin! I suppose I could try to enter BR, but there's no way I'm agg'ing below .4 with my setup. :)
 
MikeMcCasland said:
Appreciate the response Darrin! I suppose I could try to enter BR, but there's no way I'm agg'ing below .4 with my setup. :)
Click to expand...
The matches at CTSA will usually accommodate shooters wanting to try F Class with gear that does not meet NRA requirements. The match director allows them to compete in a "challenge class" where NRA classification scores are not turned in. Such rifles are fired at the end of line separate so as to not disturb TR and Open shooters. It's a very well run match, good pits and targets and tricky winds to keep it interesting.
 
JayBeeYou said:
The matches at CTSA will usually accommodate shooters wanting to try F Class with gear that does not meet NRA requirements. The match director allows them to compete in a "challenge class" where NRA classification scores are not turned in. Such rifles are fired at the end of line separate so as to not disturb TR and Open shooters. It's a very well run match, good pits and targets and tricky winds to keep it interesting.
Click to expand...

Great info. I'll probably reach out to inquire about it. I really appreciate it.
 
MikeMcCasland said:
Gents,

I'm looking to get into shooting some F-Class matches, and got wind of some that are hosted near New Bransfules, TX. I've looked at the NRA rule book, and it's clear that muzzle brakes/compensators aren't allowed, but would I be allowed to run with a "flash hider". It's basically just a QD suppressor mount; I obviously won't be trying to compete with a can on the rifle. :)

These allowed, or do they have to come off?
Click to expand...

There is a provisional class named AR-Tactical that is shot on the larger Palma target during F-Class matches. This particular class does allow flash suppressors on the AR platform. Read the specifics in Section 23 of the rule book.
 
Rule 3.1.(b), 4th bullet point, specifically allows flash suppressors for Service Rifle, and I'm not seeing anything in the F-Class equipment rules that requires a bare muzzle. They do state that 3.16.1 applies to F-Class as well, but that's for "Compensators and Muzzle Brakes". As several States and Springfield Armory will tell you, that's not the same thing as a "Flash Suppressor". As someone who has been on the line with a California-compliant M1A to my left (muzzle brake), and a grandfathered M1A to my right (flash suppressor), I'll tell you it's not the same thing, either!

I'd suggest reaching out to the match director and asking specifically. If you can provide documentation from the manufacturer that it's not redirecting any muzzle blast, I'm having a hard time seeing why you shouldn't be allowed to shoot. Of course, if it comes off easily it might not be worth the hassle.

Good luck!
 
A flash hider is not the same as the “compensator or muzzle brake” specifically prohibited in rule 3.16. By rule, there is no reason you can’t use one in f-class competition. That doesn’t mean that the match director or other competitors at the match you go to will understand the difference, so be ready to possibly argue your case, take it off, or be DQ’d.
 
There's no rule prohibiting flash hiders; only muzzle brakes, compensator, and suppressors are banned. Something like a three prong QD suppressor mount flash hider is perfectly legal in NRA F-class competition. The same rule (3.16.1) is used for F-class and Service Rifle, so anything legal for SR is also legal for F.
 
In the matches I run, I have a special shooting position at the far end of the line set up just for shooters with brakes. I have two metal 50 gallon drums with top and bottom cut out that are welded together into a tube. They have to shoot from inside the tube..... LOL


But seriously, I won't turn a shooter away - I am not running registered matches, just a league. I will find some way to allow them to shoot. I keep a piece of plywood in the supply shed in case I need to make a wall between them and other shooters, or group them together if there's more than one. I have had shooters show me caps that they got to cover the brake. No Idea it they are commercially available or custom.

The point is, contact the MD before hand and talk to them. Better than driving hours to the match and get sent away. I had that happen to me the first time I tried to shoot full distance XCourse match after a 2 1/2 hour drive - I just couldn't find the range. I WILL NOT do that to another shooter.
 
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I agree with Erud and Jacob A....only suppressors/brakes banned. 'Bare muzzle' rule would eliminate tuners; I and many others run tuners and a non-issue at national matches. As long as it is not redirecting gasses you should be fine by the rules.
 
It's debatable. A brake and a flash hider don't have the same consequences as far as blasting your fellow shooters. There is no requirement for a bare muzzle - it's a negative rule, not a positive one if I recall correctly.

Pragmatically, if you show up at a local match with a brake, they'll probably just squad you at the end of the line and tell you that it's not technically allowed. If you're breaking a rule anyhow, it's probably better to just put the can on it. We have guys show up with cans all the time. Technically, they're not allowed. Practically, when you show up with a suppressor on a rifle, there's a good chance that rifle isn't optimal for F class for other reasons, so you're not going to win anyhow.

Long story short, ask the match director and see if you can work something out. I'd be shocked if you were turned away.
 
I built a couple of rifles with Yankee Hill flash hiders. Early on at NRA matches some people thought they were muzzle brakes. I emailed NRA rules and asked for clarification regarding my use of this flash hider. They responded that it was legal. I now carry that email to show compliance if questioned.
 
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