The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Dave,

Unfortunately I won't be at Diggle for that shoot as it's the World Benchrest Championships in France but, I'll let the guys know you are coming and you will be well looked after.

Vince

Thanks

ovenpaa wrote:F/TR has become an arms race ...

Wasn't F/TR conceived because of the arms race that F-Open became?

rox wrote:

ovenpaa wrote:F/TR has become an arms race ...

Wasn't F/TR conceived because of the arms race that F-Open became?

I just wished that F/TR would become what F Class was originally meant to be, that is a Target Rifle with a medium powered scope NO bipod and shot like target rifle using only a sling for support. F Class (or Farquarson) was originally concieved in Canada to allow people with deteriorating eyesight to compete in target rifle events with the simple addition of a low/medium powered fixed magnification 'scope. Due to poor writing of rules we ended up with F class that was in effect prone benchrest. F/TR was concieved to make it easier/cheaper to take part but that has to my mind failed. It is just an arms race now. When my TR days are over it is a discipline that I shall not partake of, unless it becomes what it was originally intended. I'll go and shoot Match Rifle instead.

Steve

Steve E wrote:I just wished that F/TR would become what F Class was originally meant to be, that is a Target Rifle with a medium powered scope NO bipod and shot like target rifle using only a sling for support. F Class (or Farquarson) was originally concieved in Canada to allow people with deteriorating eyesight to compete in target rifle events with the simple addition of a low/medium powered fixed magnification 'scope. Due to poor writing of rules we ended up with F class that was in effect prone benchrest. F/TR was concieved to make it easier/cheaper to take part but that has to my mind failed. It is just an arms race now. When my TR days are over it is a discipline that I shall not partake of, unless it becomes what it was originally intended. I'll go and shoot Match Rifle instead.

Steve

I whole heartedly agree Steve, however have you seen some of the rifles that are being used in MR recently? Even they are starting to push the envelope with the type of hand rests, 'scope magnification and velocities they get up to, luckily the barrel is restricted by weight or we would see some serious monsters in use.

[/quote]
I just wished that F/TR would become what F Class was originally meant to be, that is a Target Rifle with a medium powered scope NO bipod and shot like target rifle using only a sling for support. F Class (or Farquarson) was originally concieved in Canada to allow people with deteriorating eyesight to compete in target rifle events with the simple addition of a low/medium powered fixed magnification 'scope. Due to poor writing of rules we ended up with F class that was in effect prone benchrest. F/TR was concieved to make it easier/cheaper to take part but that has to my mind failed. It is just an arms race now. When my TR days are over it is a discipline that I shall not partake of, unless it becomes what it was originally intended. I'll go and shoot Match Rifle instead.

Steve[/quote]

[/quote]
I just wished that F/TR would become what F Class was originally meant to be, that is a Target Rifle with a medium powered scope NO bipod and shot like target rifle using only a sling for support. F Class (or Farquarson) was originally concieved in Canada to allow people with deteriorating eyesight to compete in target rifle events with the simple addition of a low/medium powered fixed magnification 'scope. Due to poor writing of rules we ended up with F class that was in effect prone benchrest. F/TR was concieved to make it easier/cheaper to take part but that has to my mind failed. It is just an arms race now. When my TR days are over it is a discipline that I shall not partake of, unless it becomes what it was originally intended. I'll go and shoot Match Rifle instead.

Steve[/quote]

Steve, (pressed the button too soon - above!)

I can agree with some of your comments but I think that George Farquarson did advocate using a bi-pod right from the start. Also, he hoped that riflemen would explore long range accuracy - beyond the limits of the 308 catridge.

One of our shooters was very successful in the GBFCA League with his 308 Target Rifle, the reasonable weight permitted a good scope and bi-pod and the 30 inch barrel was ideal.

A 308 Target Rifle can still be competitive but you would pay over three grand now for a new one, so might as well start with something built for the job.

I can't agree to sling only - this would be simply optical Target Rifle and would not have atracted the large numbers who enjoy F Class today.

With regard to the rules - yes, I agree, I think they were drafted in haste - it's almost impossible to build a 22lb rifle without adding lead! But, the F/TR rules are good - challenging the gunsmith and shooter/reloader. If I could change anything, it would be the back-bag - get rid of it!

But, F Class is popular so it can't be all wrong. It is challenging and, the shooter can take his choice on cartridge - don't forget, Grant Taylor has won the League twice with a 284Win. and US shooter Larry Bartholome used the same cartridge to win the recent Tullamore shoot.

Of all the shooters who enter the GBFCA League every year (over 100) most know they will not win anything but they enjoy the long range shooting, the good company and all that goes with it. Please don't keep thinking of reasons not to shoot F Class - just come along and enjoy yourself!

Vince

I did not realise you used a back bag thought you just tucked it into the shoulder.
Been checking my rifle out.
Caliber .308
Harris bipod fitted with a thumb operated locking lever once you get the gun on you flick the lever and it locks the bipod in position.
The barrel length is 25.6"
Weight approx 9lbs 4oz with out optical sights.
Rifling four groove right twist 1 in 12.
Trigger double stage fully adjustable.
Scope Kahles ZF69 6x42 . Steyr SSG quick release mounts.
Two ten round rotary magazines. I guess my COL will be limited to the size of the magazines.
So what do you reccon is it up to the job.
Will it do the buisness with Amax 155 g

Personally I don't think it's a shame that F open has become an 'arms race' - I think thats part of what it's about. There's so many disceplines to choose from - you can test any shooting skill you like, and by choosing appropriate classes (this is where things could be tweeked) things can stay competitive.

It might no be my thing, but F class is pushing the limits of rifle engineering and reloading - so why not see just how accurate you can get...after all it is the 21st century...

Alpha1 -

I had the identical rifle many years ago - ended up re-stocking it in the McMillan McHale stock, which improved accuracy.

Used it for practical rifle - with those ten-round mags - benchrest, plus everything else - except F Class, which hadn't been invented. One of our guys currently shoots one in F/TR though.

Your rifle will be fine for F/TR. It will give you a taste of the discipline and if you do your bit, the rifle won't let you down.

Try and sort out a back bag - I often use a squashy 'bean-bag' type. You can easily make one from some nylon material and a pound of dried rice.

Vince