Rifle Specifications - Bench Rest and F Class

[rkittine]

Sorry that I am so uninformed, but I have just waded through 123 pages of the Bench Rest Rules and tried to find the correct F Class Rules, but I am confused.

I was told a Savage Model 12 with a Bench Rest Stock could be shot in both Bench Rest and F Class, but their F Class Stock could not be used in a sanctioned Bench Rest Class. I have just gone through Unlimited, Heavy Varmint, Varmint, Light Sport and Hunter Classes and most specifications had to do with the overall weight of the rifle. There was some mention of width of the stock and whether the action and barrel could be removed (Hunter Class Bench Rest). There was also mention of sites or scopes, but I could not find anything very definitive as to what was allowed and what was not.

I want to build a rifle in 6.5x47 that if I get "Bit Buy The Bug" I would maybe want to shoot in competition. Where is the best place to find out what and what not to do? I notice that some stocks have fixed combs and some have adjustable. Not sure what is legal.

Thanks for helping out this dummy.

Ciao - Bob

 

[AndyTaber]

Your choice of the 6.5x47 cartridge kind of indicates the distance you are considering for competition is in the 600-1000 yard range rather than 100-200 yard short range benchrest. If that is the case than this may be easier.

The style of stock for both F/Open and 600-1000 yard Benchrest are the same. The difference would be in the total weight allowed for your rifle. The F-Class rifle has a max weight of 22 lbs and the Benchrest light gun is 17 pounds. If you built or bought a rifle that weighs near to 17 pounds you could easily shoot both styles of competition.

 

[rkittine]

Thank you for the clarification. I picked the caliber after talking to a number of people on this site, on BenchRest.com 6mmBr and a number of rifle builders. Seems like it will perform fine at the 100-300 yard ranges (my home clubs) and also at the 600 yard to 1,000 yard (300m) ranges I have access to. Also is expected to give better barrel life then say a 6.5x284.

I was able to find out about total weight. Assume this includes the scope. Any limitations on the scope? Stock Design? if the weight stays in line?

Does anyone have a link to the F Class Rules? When I google it I get directed to the NRA site and then had trouble finding what I was looking for.

Thanks Again, Bob

 

[AndyTaber]

I still haven't figured out how to post a link using my IPad. F-class rules are a subset of NRA Highpower rules. The matches are run at the same time, so all of that information applies to both. The only difference is the rifle, bipod, rests, etc. I did a search for F-Class rules and the second choice was NRA Highpower with the F-Class section.

 

[Tim Singleton]

http://centralalabamagunclub.com/main/files/5613/2632/3413/F-Class-Rifle-Rules.pdf

 

[lawman29]

Also, link to NRA rule books: http://competitions.nra.org/official-nra-rule-books.aspx

 

[XTR]

An F-Open gun is limited to 22lbs and the limit stated above for light gun BR class is 17 lbs (I'll take that as accurate, I don't shoot BR). If that's the case then I think your biggest concern going between the rule sets will be weight.


For reference, I have a Savage F class rifle that I converted to a mid range F-TR rifle, but to make weight at 18 lbs with a 28" heavy contour barrel and a NF 32BR + a 1lb bipod I had to take a lot of material off of the stock. I don't remember how much but it was a fair bit over 17 lbs.

You will have to pick your barrel contour to make sure you make weight shooting BR. You may want to have some kind of removable weight that you can add back for shooting F-Open.

 

[Tim Singleton]

I was told a Savage Model 12 with a Bench Rest Stock could be shot in both Bench Rest and F Class, but their F Class Stock could not be used in a sanctioned Bench Rest Class. I have just gone through Unlimited, Heavy Varmint, Varmint, Light Sport and Hunter Classes and most specifications had to do with the overall weight of the rifle. There was some mention of width of the stock and whether the action and barrel could be removed (Hunter Class Bench Rest). There was also mention of sites or scopes, but I could not find anything very definitive as to what was allowed and what was not.
Ciao - Bob

What you were told in the above would apply to 100-200 short range benchrest. Going from memory here so verify.
There is a diagram in the NBRSA and IBS for the stock geometry. The butt stock of the rifle is angled up from bottom rear. Drawing an imaginary line the angle must intersect the bore of the barrel 18" in front of the action.
If you will not be shooting short range BR then I would think the Fclass stock would be the choice. Long range BR does not have the same butt stock geometry rule. You can shoot Fclass and Long range BR with the same rifle as long as it weighs 17 lbs for BR. 5 lbs is a lot to give up in competition, if Fclass will be your focus

Tim

Short range 100-200 LV and HV rifle stock rules

 

[rkittine]

Thanks Tim,

I do not plan on competing except against myself, but I have been warned about "getting bitten by the bug" so I am just trying to keep my options open. I did see the straight butt stock on the F Class Savage and the Angled on the Bench Rest Model. At the Maidstone Gun Club in East Hampton where I am a member, we only have 50, 100 and 200 yard high power rifle. During certain dates, I can shoot 300 yards at Calverton, which is not far from me. Winter nights I use the indoor range with the .17 HMR and .22LR Rifles I have or shoot pistols.

Weekdays it is usually Skeet with an occasional round of Trap, 5 Stand, Bunker or Sporting Clays.

I am meeting with three gun builders over the next three weeks and I am sure they will have input that will help. I want to get a rifle started so I will have it for Spring shooting.

Will start to play with my Heavy Barrel .22-250 Remington 700 for now to get some shooting experience.

Bob

 

[AndyTaber]

Just a further clarification. in 600-1000 yard benchrest, rifles are either light gun (max 17 pounds) or heavy gun (weight unlimited). If you show up with a 22 pound guns you could be shooting against rifles weighing in the 60-80 pound range. If that doesn't bother you, then go for it. Just don't let anything stop you from competing because it does inspire you to get better. I have been at this going on 5 years and I'm finally working my way up the list at matches.