What should be the rules for "Factory" class ?

[jamesdmock]

Our club shoots 300 and 600 yard score matches in 2 classes, Factory and Custom. Some have questioned the rules for "factory" class. These are unregistered matches and I know that we are free to write our own rules, but I would like for there to be no hurt feelings. I don't shoot factory class so this is for those who do.
Should any of the following be allowed?
1) Trigger replacement 2) Glass or pillar bedding 3) Set back of barrel and rechamber 4) Recrown muzzle or 5) Add weight to stock.
None of these are currently allowed and it may be best that way, but others think that we are seeking ultimate accuracy and those things listed should be allowed. Good shooting and happy new year....James

 

[JFrank]

We have similar classes at our non sanctioned matches.
1- Factory = no mods
2- modified
3- target/ AR/sniper
4- custom
This is all based on the honor system.

 

[hrlincoln]

Our club is similar...we shoot unregistered 100/200yd IBS score matches. Our Factory class allows 1), 2), and 4).

 

[rjtfroggy]

Factory class should be just that- AS IT CAME FROM FACTORY.
Anything else IS custom.

 

[dnellans]

precision rifle series changes their rules a little bit this year in production, which basically now reads as “anything you can bolt on is ok”. intent is to let people “customize” their gun for personality but nothing to accurize it. intent is to keep costs low.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Our club shoots 300 and 600 yard score matches in 2 classes, Factory and Custom. Some have questioned the rules for "factory" class. These are unregistered matches and I know that we are free to write our own rules, but I would like for there to be no hurt feelings. I don't shoot factory class so this is for those who do.
Should any of the following be allowed?
1) Trigger replacement 2) Glass or pillar bedding 3) Set back of barrel and rechamber 4) Recrown muzzle or 5) Add weight to stock.
None of these are currently allowed and it may be best that way, but others think that we are seeking ultimate accuracy and those things listed should be allowed. Good shooting and happy new year....James

Factory class rules is always a big debate. From a safety stand point triggers should be allowed to be replaced and modifying factory triggers should be discouraged. Gun goes off when bolt is closed or safe does not work should be grounds for disqualification immediately. Glass bedding is OK because average guy can do it without special tools or training. Anything requiring machine shop type action should not be allowed. Any changes to weight or shape of stock should not be allowed. I have been involved in this debate for close to 55 yrs of competitive shooting. Flat bottom bench rest style factory stocked rifles should be a separate class.

 

[WyleWD]

Factory class can be one of (if not THE most) expensive classes to get into if you're not careful on how you set up the rules. If I was starting over or a new shooter, I'd go straight to a Modified class, or custom class, and bypass factory all together. That being said I believe that the UBR definitions of allowable equipment are the best I've seen. JME. here's a link. WD http://ultimatebenchrest.com/rule-book/equipment

 

[Terry]

I would like "Factory" class to be like NHRA Super Stock used to be. You would have a Factory rifle that you can blueprint, time, and true.

The only non-factory parts would be base, rings, and scope.

 

[BronzeArcher]

My peeps and I have won lots of factory/production class matches with factory Savages that would qualify for any of the above rule sets - only thing added was the scope and tuned hand loads. Won a number of matches with these rifles also in events without any factory/custom distinction. We're not looking to exclude others based on more restrictive rules - we're just looking to come and compete with our factory Savages. But if you do have any distinction between factory and custom, all the out of the box Savages should be on the factory side. The accuracy is extraordinary, but the barrels are rough, the triggers are nothing special, and the costs are much more modest than most custom guns.

 

[Nature Boy]

My peeps and I have won lots of factory/production class matches with factory Savages that would qualify for any of the above rule sets - only thing added was the scope and tuned hand loads. Won a number of matches with these rifles also in events without any factory/custom distinction. We're not looking to exclude others based on more restrictive rules - we're just looking to come and compete with our factory Savages. But if you do have any distinction between factory and custom, all the out of the box Savages should be on the factory side. The accuracy is extraordinary, but the barrels are rough, the triggers are nothing special, and the costs are much more modest than most custom guns.

It seems to me that defining a factory class would be easier if you specified the factory that made the rifle, like your Savage example. If the purpose is to limit expense then Savage fills that goal too.

You could go as far as to pick the model that works the best for that particular sport, like the Savage F/TR or their BVSS.

Rules would be simple. Nothing but what came out of the box when you bought it + optics.

Call it Savage Class and they would probably sponsor it.

If this is already a thing then just call me ignorant

 

[sdean]

First you need to define what a factory is? Cooper?

 

[JFrank]

We also have a separate club with a 1-hunter class, their rules specify .650 barrel diameter 10x scopes
Anything over and still Factory is 2-Varmint
3- AR class
4-custom anything altered (except they don't allow f Class butt stock)
But do allow 3inch forearm
Go figure

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

ANY rule that is not easily policed and enforced is not a good rule, imho. So, unless clubs and shooters are ready to start taking guns apart to check bedding, triggers, etc, then I believe those things have to be allowed. Jmho, though.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I have thought a lot about a factory/sporter class a lot. A lot of guys have custom hunting rifles and I wanted them to be able to shoot. So my thought process was to limit only things that actually give true Benchrest rifles their advantage.

No flat bottom stocks
Must feed from a magazine
Shot from a sand bag or bipod, not a mechanical rest with owl ear type bag
Some realistic weight limit
You could limit barrel contour if you want it more of a hunting rifle class

Obviously I was not looking to exclude aftermarket parts as they are so common and I would say that a factory savage 6br with the factory 3" wide BR stock and heavy barrel has some advantages over a custom built hunting rifle with a #3 contour barrel and sporter stock.

 

[foxguy]

Cooper Rifles - advertises their rifles as a "Custom Rifle", guaranteeing 1/2" @ 100 yards.

I'm interested in what most clubs would classify the Cooper Rifle? or a Cooper in a Non-Factory Stock?
Factory? Custom?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Cooper Rifles - advertises their rifles as a "Custom Rifle", guaranteeing 1/2" @ 100 yards.

I'm interested in what most clubs would classify the Cooper Rifle? or a Cooper in a Non-Factory Stock?
Factory? Custom?

I would let a cooper in- ive never seen one meet that guarantee except a jackson squirrel rifle at 50yds.

James my opinion is if its factory then it needs to be factory. If its a remington it needs a remington trigger. Let em tune the inside but it better look like and function like a factory trigger. If they can blueprint the action without being able to see it then go ahead. If they can rechamber a factory barrel with the markings still factory aligned and all there thats good. If they can crown that factory barrel and make it look factory go ahead. For me thats all cheating but id allow it. If i did more than adjust the trigger and bed it i couldnt in good conscience shoot it in a factory class but i have built quite a few “range sleepers” that do well.

 

[Dakota_Mike]

I would like to see a sporter/Hunter class added to the 600/1000 matches. Something similar to what Alex posted so that we can try to bring in some of the guys that have PRS or long range hunting rifles.
Something along the line of:
- folding bipod only for front rest
- limit weight 17? So that they can also shoot lg
- scope max Either 25x or 32x
- must have magazine - single loading ok
- change the rules slightly so there is no DQ for cross fires or missed shots, just penalties

Keep the rules simple and easy to enforce.

 

[Erk]

My buddy has a Cooper in 220 Swift with 8 twist.He specified barrel brand and specs. I do not consider this a factory rifle. It is not a heavy barrel but a light varmit. We have both shot sub half inch groups at 200 yards with this gun shooting 80 grain bullets. Is it factory? Ed k

 

[One Shot One Thrill]

Keep it as simple as possible.
Factory should mean anybody can buy one and it must be untouched. No Factory customs.
Once you start down the slippery slopes or rules you will have to write a book to explain them. There will always be those that will push the boundaries and those with their own agenda. Have fun and if you want to win shoot better!

 

[JEFFPPC]

I would let a cooper in- ive never seen one meet that guarantee except a jackson squirrel rifle at 50yds.

James my opinion is if its factory then it needs to be factory. If its a remington it needs a remington trigger. Let em tune the inside but it better look like and function like a factory trigger. If they can blueprint the action without being able to see it then go ahead. If they can rechamber a factory barrel with the markings still factory aligned and all there thats good. If they can crown that factory barrel and make it look factory go ahead. For me thats all cheating but id allow it. If i did more than adjust the trigger and bed it i couldnt in good conscience shoot it in a factory class but i have built quite a few “range sleepers” that do well.

Dusty, you one of the few on here I follow. With that being said your ideas on what should be in factory class outside of promoting unsafe triggers leads me to LMAO. You must have some stock car genes in you.