Lucky
Member
I'm not planning on entering any for a long time, but just so I know what is out there; What are the main competitions a person could enter with a .308 bolt-action rifle, and how do they affect/limit the rifle?
Building a .308 allowable in competitions:
- Thread starter Lucky
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USSR
Member
Lucky,
A very popular (and fun) competition that a bolt action rifle in .308 is suited to, is F Class. It is fired from the prone position. The rules are pretty loose and can be found on the NRA's website.
Don
A very popular (and fun) competition that a bolt action rifle in .308 is suited to, is F Class. It is fired from the prone position. The rules are pretty loose and can be found on the NRA's website.
Don
ocabj
Member
There is also NRA highpower match rifle. Usually fired with aperture sights (no scopes) where you shoot "Across the Course" or National Match Course (200, 300, and 600). Bolt 308s were popular in the past for this type of competition, but advancements in smaller caliber bullets (specifically .22cal, 6mm, and 6.5mm/.264cal) have given way to other cartridges. Only support allowed is a sling (no mechanical rests).
There are also variations of NRA long range, which is usually fired at 600, 800, and 1000 yards. Fired with aperture sights without rests from prone.
F-Class is still in it's infancy, but is most likely going to become more predominant in the near future for many reasons. For one, you can pretty much use any off the shelf rifle with a bipod and compete. NRA highpower requires very specific sights and other equipment that require a bit more startup capital if you don't already have a rifle designed for it. Second, F-Class isn't as physically demanding as NRA highpower. While NRA highpower doesn't require much physically compared to other sports, it does require the shooter to be able to get into positions from standing (sitting, prone), use a sling for support, and shoot standing without support. Also, NRA highpower requires shooters to move "Across the Course" during the competition, from the 200 to 300 to 600 yard lines after each stage of fire). Whereas F-Class allows the use of rests (such as a bipod) and is only shot in the prone position. This is great for elderly shooters and those who are physically disabled in some manner.
There are also variations of NRA long range, which is usually fired at 600, 800, and 1000 yards. Fired with aperture sights without rests from prone.
F-Class is still in it's infancy, but is most likely going to become more predominant in the near future for many reasons. For one, you can pretty much use any off the shelf rifle with a bipod and compete. NRA highpower requires very specific sights and other equipment that require a bit more startup capital if you don't already have a rifle designed for it. Second, F-Class isn't as physically demanding as NRA highpower. While NRA highpower doesn't require much physically compared to other sports, it does require the shooter to be able to get into positions from standing (sitting, prone), use a sling for support, and shoot standing without support. Also, NRA highpower requires shooters to move "Across the Course" during the competition, from the 200 to 300 to 600 yard lines after each stage of fire). Whereas F-Class allows the use of rests (such as a bipod) and is only shot in the prone position. This is great for elderly shooters and those who are physically disabled in some manner.
Zullo74
member
Jonathan,
In that vein of thinking, bench rest shooting is even LESS demanding and should be hawked to beginners! JMHO
jefmad
Member
Yea, start them out on a dicipline that is a huge equipment chase. That will get them excited for the sport! 
Lucky
Member
I couldn't find F class on the NRA site, is it the same as this Ontario site?
http://www.hockings.net/ora/f-class.html
Basically if it's under 22 pounds it's ok?
Thanks again
http://www.hockings.net/ora/f-class.html
Basically if it's under 22 pounds it's ok?
Thanks again
Zullo74
member
My point was that there is NO DISCIPLINE that the neophyte can start in cheaply and rise to the top. Eventually ALL disciplines become an "equipment race". If you want to compete effectively, it will cost you. No one can excel with inferior equipment e.g. Mosin-Nagant, AK-47. I'm not saying that one can not start with cheap equipment until he/she finds out what they really need. I applaud someone just for coming out and trying any shooting discipline. :banghead:
Zullo74
member
ocabj
Member
I believe the actual NRA rules for F-Class are still pending. They haven't officially updated the rulebook to reflect this new class of competition.
I wouldn't worry too much about the rifle rules. Pretty much any 'tactical' style bolt gun available, custom or factory, will be eligible for F-Class.
I wouldn't worry too much about the rifle rules. Pretty much any 'tactical' style bolt gun available, custom or factory, will be eligible for F-Class.
fitoo1
Member
the sporter class in nbrsa allows .30 cal. Ive seen local competitions in which a factory remington pss in that caliber did quite well using a harris bipod.
Zullo74
member
Jonathan,
That's not exactly correct. The Highpower rule book hasn't been reprinted since 2003. Every year, the NRA puts the changes on their website for all the rulebooks. Most of the F-class rules go into effect in a few days, Jan 1, 2007 [in section 22 of the rule book]. Section 22 is provisional until Jan. 01, 2007. Other rules for F-class became effective in 2006. The classification system for F-class goes into effect in January also.
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