F-Class
is the fastest growing long-range shooting sport in the world, and it
is sure to continue growing as more and more people become familiar
with its unique advantages and challenges.
F-Class was
started in Canada. It was started as a fun class. In the beginning,
it was mostly old time shooters, who put a scope and bipod on their
rifle and shot along with the rest of the TR shooters. Mr.
Farquharson came up with the idea of F-Class to enable he and other
older long-range shooters to continue shooting along side of the
people they had been competing with for most of their lives.
Farquharson was a Canadian who shot what in most of the world is
known as Fullbore Rifle. Fullbore (known as long-range or Palma
shooting here in the States) is shot prone with a sling and iron
sights, using a .308 Winchester and a bullet weight of no more than
156 grains.
Farquharson figured, that older shooters would be
able to continue long-range shooting longer if their eyesight and
bodies could be augmented by allowing them to use a scope and a rest
to shoot. He convinced the Canadian NRA (the DCRA) to approve his
idea and F-Class was named after him. F-Class migrated to the rest of
the British Commonwealth and also to Germany, France, the Netherlands
and the USA.
In F-Class there are two shooting categories,
Open and F/TR. in Open class, in addition to a scope and rest you are
also allowed to shoot most any caliber you want. In open class
shooting with a tripod front rest and a rear bag is allowed as well.
The other category in F-class is for F/TR. F/TR rules at this years
national championship, are: 308/223 only, weight limit of 18.15 lbs.
(includes anything attached to the rifle), shot off a bi-pod (no rail
gun or return to battery set up). Of course this is relatively new
and some changes and or additions are likely when the new rules come
out.
Tactical competitors can tune up by shooting F-Class, in
fact law enforcement or other "designated marksman" are
encouraged to participate. Benchrest wind flags are not allowed so
reading mirage, hold off and other real world tactical considerations
come into play. Each individual shot is scored so you cannot just
machine gun off your rounds when a favorable condition presents
itself. Those with physical limitations often find that shooting
prone from a bi-pod or rest extends their ability to shoot and
compete.
Have fun and pay attention to that wind!
For more information about our local matches contact Mal Menzies at 789-9025.