01 // LEARN
What is F-Class Rifle Shooting?
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.
Types & Variations
02 // START
Getting Started with F-Class
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.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does F-Class Cost?
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.
F-Class Divisions
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Upcoming Events
Find f-class events near you
Wendover Long Range Match ( 3 x 1000 yds)
April 2 4, 2021 Wendover Long Range Match ( 3 x 1000 yds ) May 2 2, 2021 Wendover Palma Match (800, 900, 1000 yds) September 2 5, 2021 Wendover Palma Match (800, 900, 1000 yds) October 2 3, 2021 Wendover Long Range Match (3 x 1000 yds) NRA REGISTERED TOURNAME NT:
Public Rifle Shoot: C Range
A competitive rifle match at Ranges. Depending on the format, this may include benchrest, highpower, CMP service rifle, or practical rifle stages at various distances. Rifle (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (round count varies by format -- check with venue) Shooting mat or rest (as appropriate for format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing Bring more ammunition than you think you will need If this is your first match, let the match director know Contact Ranges for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.
RSA NRA Approved Service Rifle, 88 Shot (Sunday)
RSA NRA Approved Service Rifle, 88 Shot July 24, 2022 (Sunday) CMP .22 Rimfire Sporter, OWC Upper Range August 27, 2022 (Saturday) OWC Christian Johnson M-1 Garand Match September 17, 2022 (Saturday) Tonasket Short Range Silhouette, .22 Rimfire and Pistol Cartridge Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette Matches are held the second Saturday of May, June, July, August and September at the Tonasket Gun Club off of North Pine Creek Road. Show up at 8:30, Record Firing beginning at 9:00. Contact Al Rise at 509 223-4461 for more information. OWC = Okanogan Wildlife Council
Rifle/Pistol range hours are 10am to 6pm
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.
PRS Great Lakes Regional Finale Match - CLUB CLOSED
PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches challenge shooters to engage targets at varying distances from unconventional positions under time pressure. Stages may require shooting from barricades, rooftops, vehicle simulations, and natural terrain. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Sanctioning body | Precision Rifle Series | | Typical distances | 100-1,200+ yards | | Common calibers | 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win | | Round count | 80-150 rounds | Bolt-action precision rifle with quality optic Rear bag, tripod, and positional support gear Ballistic data (DOPE card or app) 150+ rounds of match-grade ammunition Eye and ear protection (required) Contact West Bend Barton Sportsman's Club for stage details, round count, and registration. Many clubs offer separate gas gun or rimfire PRS divisions for newer precision shooters.
INDOOR YOUTH RIFLE
Indoor youth rifle match at Bucks County Fish and Game Association. Kids get a structured competition environment to test accuracy and consistency against other young shooters at the range in Doylestown. This is a sanctioned match format—not casual plinking. Youth shooters compete under match conditions, which builds discipline and exposes them to organized rifle sport. Good entry point if your kid shoots and wants to see how they stack up.
05 // LOCATE
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline