F-Class
Introduction
F Class is a Long distance Target shooting discipline that evolved out the traditional Bisley type shooting. Started in Canada in the nineties, the first F Class World Championships was held in 2001.By far the fastest growing precision Long Distance shooting sport, F Class is starting to dominate the Full Bore arena of traditional target shooting.
The latest addition to Bisley is the F Sporting Rifle class, shot on the F-Class target or in certain cases on targets with photos of popular game on. This class gives owners of commercial rifles the opportunity to put their long distance shooting skills to the test. The two divisions, F Sporting Rifle Standard and F Sporting Rifle Open are proving to be extremely popular and growing fast while creating a lot of excitement amongst shooters with an appetite for modern shooting equipment.
F-Class has three distinct disciplines in South Africa, being F-Open, F Target Rifle and F Sporting Rifle.
All three disciplines are fired from the prone position, slow fire (one shot loaded at a time). Typically, competitive matches will be found from the 300 meter to 900 meter distances. In a typical single day match, the competitors will fire between 45 to 65 shots for scores divided into different relays and different distances.
In general, rifles are equipped with scopes with no limit on magnification but with distinct limits on calibre. Muzzle brakes and suppressors are prohibited.
Briefly, the rules for each class are as follows:
F Class – Open (F Open)
- Calibre limit of 8mm and under and a total Rifle weight of maximum 10 kg.
- Adjustable front rest allowed that is not part of the weight restriction
- Rear bag allowed that is not part of the weight restriction.
- Rail guns or any connection between front and rear rest not allowed.
- 3″ wide forend maximum.
- Rifle must be shouldered when fired from the prone position.
F Class – Target Rifle (F TR)
- Caliber limited to ONLY .223 or .308 (unmodified case – must properly chamber SAAMI GO Gauge).
- Shot from a Bipod.
- Rear bag allowed that is not part of the weight restriction.
- Rail guns or any connection between front and rear rest not allowed.
- Rifle weight limit of 8.25 kgs that includes the weight of the BiPod.
F Class – Sporting Rifle (Standard)
- The rifle may be of any calibre up to and including 8mm.
- Maximum overall weight of 8.25kg, bi-pod included.
- Barrel length should be less than 65 cm (26 inches).
F Class – Sporting Rifle (Open)
- The rifle may be of any calibre up to and including 8mm.
- Maximum overall weight of 10kg, bi-pod included.
- No barrel length limit.
Examples of Cartridges used in F-Open & F Sporting Rifle Shooting
- 6 BR Norma with 90 – 115 grain bullets
- 6 BRX, 6 BRDX and 6 DASHER with 90 – 115 grain bullets
- 6 XC with 90 – 115 grain bullets
- 6.5×47 Lapua with 123 – 142 grain bullets
- 260 Remington with 123 – 142 grain bullets
- 6.5-284 with 123 – 142 grain bullets
- 284 Winchester with 168 – 180 grain bullets
- 7 RSAUM with 180 grain bullets
- 7 WSM with 180 grain bullets
- 300 RSAUM with 185 – 230 grain bullets
- 300 WSM with 168 – 230 grain bullets
- 300 Winchester Magnum with 168 – 230 grain bullets
Examples of Cartridges used in F-TR Shooting
- .223 with 70 – 90 grain bullets
- .308 with 155 – 200 grain bullets
