New to f-class

[smittygs22]

Hey all. I'm gonna take the plunge and start competing this year, and I have a question. Could I be competitive in the open class with a tactical based rifle, or would I be getting smoked week in/week out against the full-on benchrest rigs? I know there has to be a few brave souls out there that take on the open crowd with their f/tr rigs.

Thanks for any input!
Smitty

 

[260Remshtr]

It depends on the other shooters you're shooting with. I started the game last year with a 98 mauser action which I had put a Bartlein barrel on and shot ok...good enough for the local gig....when I started going to shoots out of state, and gained more knowledge of the workings of F-Class, I had to bite the bullet and build a new rifle to be competitive. With the new rifle I could clearly see the difference.

 

[smittygs22]

What did you build up?

 

[Keith Glasscock]

From what I see in match scores, you could do well up to the national level. It all really depends on the nut behind the trigger. If you can put up a consistent performance with a decent barrel and well tuend ammo, you would win your fair share of matches.

On the other hand, it would probably be easier with a custom rig.

Better yet, switch out that barrel for a 308 and come over to the dark side (F/TR). You would be competitive equipment wise right out of the gate.

 

[260Remshtr]

I bought a Rem 700 LA and built a .260 rem with a long throat so I can pull bullets out of the case farther. I used a 30" bartlein barrel and a Brux Barrel's stock--the rifle sometime in the next year or so will have a Brux barrel on it. It has a 10x50x60Sightron SIII on it and total weight is 21.6 lbs. I had Ryan Pierce do the work for me, as he is not only a great smith but also one helluva shooter.

I agree with Busdriver, F-Class is a lot about the nut behind the trigger, the rifle being custom built for you just makes it easier. As I said, I started with a 98 Mauser but I learned quick that those around me had already laid out the money for rifles (or built their own) and I had better do the same or get left on the bottom. Busdriver is also right about tuned ammo...it makes all the difference in the world to know your load well.

 

[smittygs22]

Alrighty. The reason I was asking is, the barrel for my .308 is absolute junk right now, and my other tactical would put me in the open class (.284). F/tr is more appealing to me as far as the equipment goes. I have shot the same Remington for the last 15 years, it fits me like a glove, and I've got a few REALLY good loads for it. So, it looks as though a barrel is in order for f/tr. Thanks 260!

Busdriver, why do you call f/tr "the dark side"?

Smitty

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Running joke - we do the same thing as the open shooters do, just with the "weaker" cartridges.

 

[Steve Blair]

I shoot both F-T/R and F-Open and T/R is definitely more challenging to post high scores. The cartridges give up a lot in ballistics, there is the issue of bipod dynamics and the rifles are lighter. I started shooting a Savage in T/R, switched to Open and am having a new T/R rifle built. They are different games but, if you can shoot well in T/R, with the right equipment, you will do well in Open. I don't think the reverse is necessarily true.

 

[smittygs22]

I would agree with the ballistics disadvantage in t/r, tough to get those two cartridges to perform well at 1k. I don't have any issues with bipods, I've shot with those for years, but I've never used the front rests that the open crowd uses.

I was just wondering if there are any shooters out there that shoot open with tac based rigs, rather than full open rigs.


Smitty

 

[Taildrag15X]

I've used my Rem. 700 .223 F/TR in Open Class, the only difference was what class I marked on the score card, shot from the bi-bod, I held my own.

It worked better when I got the weight up to 22 lbs. by using a Choate Varmint stock, #9 shot and a front rest.

 

[Steve Blair]

I was just wondering if there are any shooters out there that shoot open with tac based rigs, rather than full open rigs.

I shot my 26" .308 tactical rifle and Harris bipod in a 3X1000 match loading Berger 155.5 FULLBORE at ~2990. It shot well and was F-T/R match winner. Next match, I switched back to the 30" Savage with Sinclair bipod and 210 Bergers and was blown around a little less.

 

[smittygs22]

Good to know.

Thanks everyone!

Smitty

 

[lal357]

i shot my savage lrpv 223 last year in open class didnt do to bad this year i did some parts swapping around and biult a savage 223 with a mCgowen 1-8 barrel for f t/r class that my son is going to shoot in open class (300yds) got the trigger breaking nicely at 8oz. thinki he will do well with it .

 

[lal357]

and i have no problem shooting my lrpv savage i rebarreled to a shilen select match 3008 in open class.

 

[smittygs22]

So, if you shoot open with a t/r rig, are you off a bipod, or do you switch out to an open front rest?

Smitty

 

[Taildrag15X]

So, if you shoot open with a t/r rig, are you off a bipod, or do you switch out to an open front rest?

Smitty

I switch out my stock to make the F-Open weight limit of 22 lbs. and use a Front Rest, windage top and super feet, I could just stay at 18.1 lbs (F/TR weight limit) with the bipod, but it would be handy capping the rifle, altough it does usually hold it's own against the Open Class scores.

 

[Ringostar]

You have 2 choices. Rebarrel the 308 with a longer barrel, and shoot T/R. Or shoot the 284 in open class. If the 308 needs a barrel anyway, then I would go that route. Get a good bipod. Then get shooting. You will learn alot by shooting the matches, and conversing with other competitors. Most of all, have fun and learn to read the wind ! Yesterday we had mid 50 temps, and were shooting softballs, tennis balls, small water bottles, and for a real challenge wiffle golf balls all from the 1000 yd line. Today were getting dumped on by snow. Good Luck !

 

[smittygs22]

I think I'll be going t/r this season since Im just getting into this. Then I might shoot both t/r and open next year. I shoot at Colorado Rifle Club, and the wind is a constant member here. You can almost set your watch by when it starts up each day. I think I've only been there like 3 times where there was no wind. So, I'll learn to embrace it, since the wind will always be a factor.

Thanks for all the info everyone!

Smitty

 

[KT]

The wind will make you better. I find that it's the hardest part of F class. I dont' think you can go wrong either way with what ever rifle you pick.

I just had another rifle built, I guess it's kind of a tactical rig. It's a pierce action, 30inch rock creek, 7.9 contour, on AICS AX chassis in 6.5x47.

I will let you know how it goes. I also had the guys mount a 3 inch wide plate on it so it will run on the rest.

KT