New to F-Class in NWA

[Newton]

Hi all,

It's my first post on here, but I've been trying to absorb all I can from just lurking around. I've finally come to the conclusion that I want to try my hand at f-class. I know will have a lot to learn, and to be honest it will be a while before I even get to shoot in a competition(still have not built my gun yet). However, I figure I can at least start by getting to know the basics and I plan to at least go to some matches just to watch.

I originally signed up on this forum so I could ask about where to go, but I did find the handy spreadsheet and realize that I am about a 3-hour drive to any match. Maybe one day a club will begin in my neck of the woods and distance won't be an issue. On that note, is it 'normal' for guys to drive a long distance just to participate in a match? I know my wife is gonna call me crazy when I tell her what I want to do.

One thing I have not been able to find out is how to begin. Do you just show up? I have read that there are different classifications and such for different shooter levels. I am a complete newbie. I have never competed in any match or anything like it. I only have gotten together with friends to shoot, but most of the time I am just shooting by myself at my house.

I think the main reason to want to try some competitive shooting is just to stretch my gun legs(my home range only gets out to 250 yards), plus it makes me feel better about building a gun that I normally would not use.

Anyways, just looking for some pointers and such for those who have never been to a competition and what to expect. Most information I have read so far is all about those who are already participating.

I also have some questions to poke around with you all about my gun, but I'll do that in the appropriate forum.

Thanks for hearing me out. I feel like a homeless guy walking into a high-class business meeting. While I always strive for the best accuracy out of my guns, I have always just purchased/shot standard hunting guns. So I have zero experience with precision type shooting.

 

[rardoin]

I travel close to 1 1/2hr for the nearest match (600yds). The next closest match is almost 3hr (600/1000 yds) and I have three other 600, 600/1000yd ranges in 3 1/2 - 4hr drive. However, for a large match, such as a big regional/national I will drive (or even fly) quite a distance if needed. I have it bad for certain...and Tylenol won't affect this fever! I began by just showing up without a gun to a close match and observed on the line/in the pits and the next match showed up ready to embarrass myself. Jump in with both feet...the water is fine!

 

[Drolds72]

Yep, pretty much show up, pay your entree fee and get squadded. You will be Unclassified until you get your first 120 shots for record fired. Whichever range is hosting the match, should have a match program available on the internet with all the details:match program, fees, cut off times, locations, amenities etc.... But for sure bring your rifle and gear! Min of 66 rounds for 3 matches. A few more if they have a fouling/blowoff period before starting. Get there early and make sure the match director knows it is your first time. If you can't get a 600 yard zero before you go, just make sure its dead on at 100, folks will help you with the come ups, prob between 11 and 13 minutes for just about anything you will shoot at 600 yards. You will be assigned a relay, and target. Its pretty standard for a match to run 3 relays, so if you are not shooting, you will be scoring, or pulling targets in the pits. Ideally, you will be on 2nd relay, scoring for the 1st relay shooting. You will hear all the range commands and see how guys get set up and manage their time. In the pits, there will be some commands, but otherwise its straight foward. Above all, there will be an abundance of help available from other shooters- ask questions if not sure! When its your turn to shoot, make sure your scorer knows you are at distance for the first time, and have him watch for the splash with his spotter. If you are not on paper, he can walk you in pretty easy- safety is paramount, and you want all your shots to go thru the target carrier- some ranges will be vigilant about this. (you will get used to the shots going over your head in the pits pretty quickly, safest spot to be-but dont forget hearing protection down there as well). What else.... You will see some guys carting around an insane amount of very cool looking and expensive gear. Run what you brung until you figure out where you are lacking. Classifieds here usually have a decent enough offering of used stuff. (a full rifle build ordered now, might not be ready till next season). Do you know if you will be F-Open or FTR? But go shoot, have fun and be prepared to go down a deep rabbit hole!

 

[okshooter]

I assume by NWA, you mean northwest Arkansas. If that's the case, there are a pile of good shooters in your area, including the reigning long range national champ down near Van Buren. I don't know if it's on the list and I'm not sure if they are NRA sanctioned or not, but Old Forte Gun Club between Alma and Van Buren has a monthly 300 yard shoot and several of the guys that go to this match come to Tulsa almost every month. I just stepped down as match director in Tulsa, but my successor, Mark Carr, is a great guy. If you are interested in attending, I would suggest you call him and he can tell you all about what to expect, what to bring, and how to get in. If you can't find info about Old Forte, just post on here, I know there are at least a few guys that shoot there that are one here regularly.

Good Luck,

Keith

 

[RDA72927]

Newton,

I'm assuming NWA is Northwest Arkansas. If so, Old Fort Gun Club of Fort Smith has a 300 yard F-Class match every 4th Saturday of the month. You can check out Red Castle of Tulsa, they have 600 yard matches.

I shoot at Fort Smith (the range is really VanBuren/Barling) unless I'm out of town shooting. Send me a note if there is anything I can help with..

Robert

 

[Rope2horns]

@Newton there will be a 600yrd fclass match this Saturday 5-11-19 at Red Castle Gun club in Sand Springs Oklahoma...this is where most of us Arkies (not all) shoot 600...If you are interested in shooting and only have a factory rifle bring it..they have a factory class... or if you just want to spectate, shoot me a message. Chances are others and myself will have extra ammo left over if you want to send some rounds down range......PS we like to eat hamburgers after the match regardless of the scores.

 

[jr600yd]

What to bring, aside from your gear bring some munchies and water. Depending on conditions it can be a long day and you’ll get hungry and thirsty.

 

[okshooter]

Man Norm, you just had to remind me of all the Ron's burgers I've been missing didn't you. I am getting to come home this weekend, but Pam and I are heading to Alma to see the girls. Tell everyone I said hi and ask Tracy to eat a sausage cheeseburger for me. Hope to see everyone someday soon.

 

[Rope2horns]

Man Norm, you just had to remind me of all the Ron's burgers I've been missing didn't you. I am getting to come home this weekend, but Pam and I are heading to Alma to see the girls. Tell everyone I said hi and ask Tracy to eat a sausage cheeseburger for me. Hope to see everyone someday soon.

We got ya covered bud...hope we see yall soon.

 

[Newton]

Thanks guys. You are correct, Northwest Arkansas. Specifically up North of Rogers.

I had heard/researched the Old Fort Club, sent them an email inquiring, but never heard back.

The Red Castle was at the top of the list for places to go, with the one near Houston MO being second. They are both about the same distance, looks like Red Castle is about 10 miles shorter.

I won't be able to make it anywhere this month, shooting or not, lots going on with the family. Next month I already have the second Saturday booked, so who knows when I will be able to come. However, that was why I wanted to get on here and just see how to go about it. I knew it would be next year before I could really get into it, but I wanted to make some contacts and get some info so when I can get involved I'll have the information.

I'll give you all a shout when it looks like I'll be able to come. I hate to just show up to things unannounced. I know it might be ok for some, but I like to know that others know I am coming.

It would be awesome to get my feet wet at the Old Fort matches, about half the drive time and seeing how I have never shot much over 250yd the 300yd doesn't sound too bad to begin with my factory guns. But, honestly, it would be nice to just even be a spectator and see how it all goes down.

Thanks again

 

[Ned Ludd]

Attending a match or two as a spectator will certainly give you a better feel for the mechanics of an F-Class match. You can talk to some of the shooters and get some good feedback, although I would recommend waiting until the match is over when they're not focused on shooting and can devote more attention to the conversation.

Prior to the first F-Class match I ever attended, I had actually spoken with several of the competitors when shooting/practicing at the range, so I already had a pretty good idea of what a match entailed. For that reason, I just showed up and participated rather than attend a match or two as a spectator.

One other thing I would point out is about "expectations". Don't be too concerned for your first few matches how you're going to finish. I went to my first match with the intention of winning, but the expectation of placing dead last. I figured anywhere in between and I'd be just fine . Also, don't be too concerned whether you have all the toys and gear that some of the other shooters might show up with. As long as you have the absolute minimum items necessary to actually shoot (i.e. shooting mat, range box/gear bag, rifle bipod/front rest, sufficient ammo to shoot the match + sighters, watch/timer, and maybe a cooler for food/drinks, you'll do fine. In fact, observing what everyone else brings is a good way to decide whether you want (or need) a particular piece of non-essential gear, and might also provide some insight on whether a particular brand of something is a good buy. You'll learn a lot, even in only a match or two, and can better decide at that point what you might like to add to equipment list.

Good luck with everything- I think you'll be happy when you participate. You'll meet lots of good people that share the same interest and it's a lot of fun. Especially don't forget the "have fun" part, even on a bad day - it's why we do this.

 

[okshooter]

You won't find a better group of guys (and gals JJ) then at Old Fort. I've only shot there once, but quite a few of the folks that shoot there travel to Tulsa just about every month and I think one or two Okies go over there pretty regularly. My grandkids live in Alma and I keep planning to take my oldest granddaughter over there to let her have a go at it, but just haven't been able to make it happen yet. Norm probably knows who to talk to there, but, if not, let me know and I'll find out for you. If I remember right, they just leave the gate open so you could just show up. At Red Castle, our range is on Zink Ranch which has an electric gate at the entrance. If you aren't a member, with a gate card, you will have to get in touch with Mark ahead of time to get the gate code.

Good luck and look forward to meeting you if I ever get home long enough to make a match.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

@Dos XX

 

[Dos XX]

@Dos XX

Come to Red Castle Saturday. We typically have a masseuse on hand for all new shooters. A nice sports massage really gets you in the groove. After the match, we hand out participation trophies and have some tofu and nice refreshing organic juice.

Seriously, though. There are several us NWA'ers that shoot the F Class. Show up at Red Castle Saturday with your factory rifle and some ammo. I have a spare rear bag and shooting mat. Everything else can come later. If you need a bipod or rest, tell us about your rifle and stock. We may can come up with something.

 

[rardoin]

Seriously, though. There are several us NWA'ers that shoot the F Class. Show up at Red Castle Saturday with your factory rifle and some ammo. I have a spare rear bag and shooting mat. Everything else can come later. If you need a bipod or rest, tell us about your rifle and stock. We may can come up with something.

^^^ Personalities like this are what attracted me to this sport and keep me involved!

 

[Rope2horns]

@Newton Red Castle shoots (600yards) every second Saturday of March, April, May, June,..July/August is summer break.. September, October, November. Like Keith said you will need a gate code to get in. This is a great range with great folks and stiff competition. The range itself keeps everyone in check..if you can shoot consistent HM scores at Red Castle you can be competitive just about anywhere you go to shoot mid-range. You will learn more about shooting Fclass in three matches than you will learn shooting all year at Old Fort IMO.

Old Fort gun club shoots (300yards) every 4th Saturday of the month, year round I believe. On match days the gate will be open. If you don't feel comfortable shooting 600yrds yet, Old Fort would be a great place to get your feet wet. They don't have pits or electronic targets...so usually they have a couple of sight in periods before the match so everyone is on paper. Once the match starts it will be two sighters and 20 rounds for record,,replace targets and score after each relay...Great folks and a nice little range to get started on your Fclass journey.

If you have any questions about anything please feel free to shoot me a PM.

 

[Newton]

Thanks for the invites guys. Very hard not to take you all up right now, but I honestly cannot make anything this month for sure - there is a slight chance I might be able to do the last weekend.

I am really glad I decided to at least get on here and see about it all. Makes me all the more excited to get involved. I have always loved to shoot but never have been around anyone that liked to shoot as much as I did. So to hear you all be open and sharing like this really is nice.

As far as my equipment goes, not that I do not think my guns could reach 300yd-600yd and beyond, but they are seriously not meant for that kind of work. Awesome hunting rifles I believe, I have taken some game with them, and they are perfect for toting around in the mountains, but not suited to target/precision work. I literally have to hang some weight off the stock and rest my hand on the scope just to keep the things from jumping around and throwing shots. On top of that, they have pencil barrels that are good for about 3 shots, but then take several mins to cool between consecutive ones otherwise I am all over the place. It takes me about 30 mins at my house just to do load development on 10 rounds.

So not that I don't think I would have fun poking around out there, but I am a competitive person at the same time, and I literally think I would feel like I was shooting a pellet rifle in comparison to the type of factory guns that would be there. I think it would just take the fun out of it. I would rather just watch until I get something put together that I feel can at least compete.

I do have one older Rem 700 in .223 that might work, but I really do not think it would be good at all at 600yd. It doesn't like anything over 55gr that I am aware of. I might just bring it down to the Fort next month and try it at 300yd.

One thing is for sure, you all have me itching to get busy on my build.

 

[Ringostar]

If you show up at a match to observe, don’t be scared to ask questions. Most shooters are proud of their equipment, and willing to show you there set up. Some may even let you take a few shots to see what you think. You also have to decide if your interested in TR or Open class.

 

[Downeast]

This is my first post as well and I've been pondering the same thing as Newton. A buddy and I are planning to go to Camp Lejuene, NC this weekend to check out their F-Class matches (Coastal Carolina Rifle Club) Just looking to see how it is done, hopefully meet some nice people, and to check out the rifles and gear.
Here in NC I have heard of only two F-Class matches, both affiliated with military bases. There may be more, I'm not sure?

 

[MikeMcCasland]

This is my first post as well and I've been pondering the same thing as Newton. A buddy and I are planning to go to Camp Lejuene, NC this weekend to check out their F-Class matches (Coastal Carolina Rifle Club) Just looking to see how it is done, hopefully meet some nice people, and to check out the rifles and gear.
Here in NC I have heard of only two F-Class matches, both affiliated with military bases. There may be more, I'm not sure?

Bring everything you'd need to shoot a match; F-Class isn't much of a spectator sport, and there's a very good chance you'll be encouraged to shoot.