"F"Class...Benchrest....whats it all about then?

[targetman]

Now, I do not want to start an argument nor am I knocking any discipline....but.....

I have always been very much into the whole Bisley/Target Rifle scene, both in .303" and 7.62, and that is still my preference but as I get older and my eyesight steadily worse I have started to look around at other disciplines and I wonder just what they are all about.

For instance is the skill in shooting benchrest all about the handloads?

With "F" Class, I agreed with Col Farquarson's original concept of a scoped Target Rifle and a front rest. Which is in many ways similar to our Match Rifle....but that seems to have been left far behind with rifles and scopes costing a fortune, with a rest at front and rear to eliminate the variables and it seems to me to be a "deepest pocket wins" sort of sport. Similar I suppose to the difference in Classic Car racing and British Touring Cars.....or F1 I guess.

I appreciate that wind judgement is still a required skill but is that the only skill now required?

As I say, I am not knocking it and not looking for an argument but I would like to hear others opinions on the subject sign92

[spud]

F1 spot on and long may it continue

[johngarnett]

Targetman,

As I understand it there are two classes, Open, where anything goes to the depth of your wallet within some constraints of weight and F-TR where you are restricted to .223 or 7.62 and a bipod fixed to the rifle, again, within a weight limit. This, I see as more wallet friendly.

I know there are those far more qualified to speak, but that is my basic interpretation. I have been converting my spare TR ready for the day when vision and body start to reject the standard TR game.

Try the F class UK site?

JohnG :cornwall:

[Dangermouse]

I would say that you have almost inadvertently found the answer your self.

One of the attractions of F Class to many is that you are not locked in to a set of very strict rules re what you can and can not use. As a result what works gets used and what does not gets left behind, but in doing this some see it as a "arms race" but it is more a case of people being prepared to develop new ideas to try and get a head of the next guy.
Some Will argue that by working in this manner the sport is always developing and thus moving what is known re ballistics and rifle building etc ahead.
As a consequence of making equipment that is far more accurate than what has ever been seen before, people now need accompanying equipment that will let them utilise those advances.
I saw this personally when I upgraded from my old 18x Falcon scope to a 32x Sightron. All of a sudden not only was I able to see the V Bull but I was able to chose where in the V Bull to aim, where as previously all I could see was the V bull covered by my cross hairs.

I believe there is an important place in our sport for this discipline but it is important to anyone entering it to fully understand what it is about and that it is not just Target rifle with a scope on - which many of us agree there is also a place for,

DM

[Gun Pimp]

Now, I do not want to start an argument nor am I knocking any discipline....but.....

I have always been very much into the whole Bisley/Target Rifle scene, both in .303" and 7.62, and that is still my preference but as I get older and my eyesight steadily worse I have started to look around at other disciplines and I wonder just what they are all about.

For instance is the skill in shooting benchrest all about the handloads?

Absolutely not - certainly no more than in other disciplines. Most of the rifle shooting disciplines come down to one thing - the wind! And benchrest is no different. But, I suppose that you could say that benchrest is about accuracy rather than marksmanship.

Whereas an F Class, Match Rifle or Target Rifle shooter will attempt to read the wind for each shot, the benchrester will seek out a 'condition' and try to get his five shots off before the wind condition changes. Good shooters will get five well-aimed shots off in about 12 seconds - and attempt to get 'em all down the hole made by the first shot, rather than attempting to hit the bull.

All though we all crave small 'groups' it's really all about beating the guy next to you - just like Match Rifle etc.

Benchrest is a good discipline for the older shooter - under cover, sat at a bench, rifle supported front and rear. But, that doesn't make it easy, as every other competitor has the same equipment.

Vince

[Gun Pimp]

I believe there is an important place in our sport for this discipline but it is important to anyone entering it to fully understand what it is about and that it is not just Target rifle with a scope on - which many of us agree there is also a place for,

DM

Laurie Holland is currently exploring the 'budget' F Class rifle in Target Shooter He has acquired three budget rifles - one of which is a Target Rifle - to see if it is possible to be competitive.

However - he will not be winning any GB F Class League rounds with budget equipment - this is the F1 of F Class but at club level expensive dedicated equipment is not required. For example, a shooter 'cleaned' the 300 yd target (with 3 inch diameter bull) with a Sako TRG off the bi-pod last week shooting a 100.11v

You DO NOT need expensive custom equipment to shoot F Class. A Target Rifle with a scope and bi-pod will make a very good F/TR rifle - ask George Barnard.

To be competitive in the GBFCA League is another matter - though George certainly is. But, that is how it should be - the pinnacle of the sport and how good to be able to shoot against the current World F Class Champions every month.

Incidentally, World F/TR Champion Russell Simmonds set a new UK record a couple of weeks ago - shooting a 99.7v at 1000 yards - beating all the Open shooters as well! Russell's equipment? Barnard S action, Major Plaster polymer stock, Sightron scope and home-made bi-pod! Hardly exotic!

Vince

[targetman]

Thanks fellas.....all good replies and much food for thought.

I have a good Wichita Match Rifle, I will alter the inclination of the scope rail for shorter distances and see what it is like shooting off a rest...