
01 // LEARN
Understanding this shooting discipline
F-Class is a long-range prone rifle discipline at 300-1,000 yards. Shooters use front bipods and rear bags for support, engaging paper targets. Named after Canadian shooter George "Farky" Farquharson, it was created as a more accessible alternative to traditional Palma shooting.
F-T/R (Target Rifle) restricts caliber to .308 or .223 with bipod support. F-Open allows any caliber up to .35 and permits front tripod rests. Both classes shoot at special F-Class targets with smaller scoring rings.
02 // START
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into f-class doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$1,500-2,500 (F-T/R)
Basic equipment to begin
$4,000-8,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: F-T/R offers lower entry cost with .308/.223 restriction. Used Savage F-Class rifles ($800-1,200) are club-competitive.
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| F-T/R (Target Rifle) .308 Win or .223 Rem only, bipod attached to rifle, 18.18 lb limit. | Beginners and those wanting lower equipment costs |
| F-Open Any caliber to .35, front tripod allowed, 22 lb limit, no caliber restriction. | Those seeking maximum performance regardless of cost |
03 // ASK
Common questions about f-class
New to f-class? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about f-class long range rifle. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
For F-T/R, any accurate .308 or .223 with a bipod works at club matches. You will want a heavier barrel for competitive shooting as strings are 20 rounds.
F-T/R: .308/.223 only, bipod support, 18.18 lb max. F-Open: any caliber up to .35, front tripod allowed, 22 lb max. F-Open is faster to shoot well but more expensive.
6mm and 6.5mm calibers dominate: 6 Dasher, 6 BRA, 6.5x47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor. Low recoil lets you see your hits, flat trajectory, and excellent accuracy.
At 1,000 yards, 190-200 out of 200 is competitive. At club matches, 175+ is respectable for beginners. Top shooters hit 195+.
04 // FIND
Find f-class events near you
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Milan Rifle Club, Inc. & Jr. Div. for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Tri Cities Shooting Association for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
Practical Rifle match at Oconomowoc Sportsmans Club on June 28, 2026. This is a rifle competition that tests your ability to shoot accurately at distance under match conditions—solid way to measure where your marksmanship actually stands. Shoot against the clock and other competitors across various stages. Format runs rifle-specific drills that blend precision with speed, giving you real feedback on your setup and technique. Head to oscinc.org for match-day logistics and stage details.
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Milan Rifle Club, Inc. & Jr. Div. for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
A competitive pistol match featuring scored courses of fire. Depending on the format, this may include bullseye (precision), action pistol, or timed/rapid fire stages. Handgun (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (typically 50-150 rounds depending on format) Magazine pouches and holster (if action format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing If this is your first match, let the match director know -- most clubs pair new shooters with experienced mentors Focus on safety first, speed comes with experience Contact Renton Fish & Game Club for match format, round count, divisions, and entry fees.
Lone Oak R&P Club 2026 As Issued Military Rifle Match at Lone Oak Rifle & Pistol Club in Longview. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline