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BCM Europearms F-Class Open competition rifle
shooting-sports/f-class-long-range

F-Class Long Range Rifle

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.

f-class rifle shooting
f-class for beginners
f-class equipment
f-class rules
f-open vs f-tr

01 // LEARN

#01

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

F-T/R (Target Rifle): .308/.223, bipod, 18.18 lb max
F-Open: Any caliber to .35, tripod rest allowed, 22 lb max
Mid-Range: 300-600 yards
Long-Range: 800-1,000 yards

02 // START

#02

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

1Bolt-action rifle (.308 for F-T/R, 6mm-6.5mm for F-Open)
2Quality scope with adjustable turrets (5-25x typical)
3Bipod attached to rifle (F-T/R) or front tripod (F-Open)
4Rear bag for support
5Shooting mat for prone position
6Spotting scope for calling shots

Safety & Rules

Know these before your first shot

1All shooting prone, no artificial support except bipod/rest and rear bag
2Bipod must be rigidly attached to rifle (F-T/R)
3Rear support cannot be attached to rifle
425-minute time limit for 20 record shots typically
5Muzzle brakes not allowed

Pro Tips for Beginners

Advice from experienced shooters

Start with F-T/R if you have a .308 - lower entry cost
Savage F-Class rifles are affordable and club-competitive
Focus on position consistency before worrying about wind
Shoot with experienced competitors - they will help
Learn to handload; it saves money and improves accuracy

What Does F-Class Cost?

Realistic budget expectations

Getting Started

$1,500-2,500 (F-T/R)

Basic equipment to begin

Competitive Setup

$4,000-8,000+

Quality gear for serious shooters

Per event/match:$30-100 entry, 40-60 rounds ammunition

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

TypeBest 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

#03

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

#04

Upcoming Events

Find f-class events near you

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SEP
20

TC&Gwen Rossman Fun Rifle Match 10am

Competition
Benchrest

A competitive rifle match at Hollywood Rifle & Pistol Club. 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 Hollywood Rifle & Pistol Club for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Hollywood Rifle & Pistol ClubHollywood Rifle & Pistol Club, Dania Beach, FL
View details
SEP
20

IWLA .22 Rimfire Long Range Challenge Match #5 (Finale)

Competition
Long Range

IWLA .22 Rimfire Long Range Challenge Match #4 – August 23 Register via PractiScore: TBD Register via PractiScore: TBD Matches will consist of reactive targets (steel, poppers, eggs hanging on string, etc.) of varying distances from 50-~350 yards and is designed to be fun for beginners, intermediate, and advanced shooters. Targets and distances will be provided in advance so you can build your D.O.P.E. chart.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Izaak Walton League - Mt. AiryIzaak Walton League - Mt. Airy, Mount Airy, MD
View details
SEP
20

Rifle Range reserved for Club Members

Competition

This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on September 20, 2026. You'll compete against other shooters to test your accuracy and consistency at distance. The match puts your marksmanship skills to the test across multiple firing positions and ranges. It's a straightforward way to measure your performance, see where you stand relative to other shooters, and identify what needs work on the precision side of your game.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page, Redwood, NY
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SEP
20

Recon Centerfire PRS Style

Competition
PRS

zero opens at 8am- match briefing 9am less than 100rds with 8stages Trophies and lunch provided $60 entry fee with young guns free no target pass 850yds

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Recon by Fire Precision RangeRecon by Fire Precision Range, Logan County, OK
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SEP
20

PRS Rimfire -- Adv. Rifle

Competition
PRS

PRS Rimfire Website https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/profiles/rimfire-combined Match Description 8 stages Sight in at 9 Match starts at 10 $25, $20 for BGSL members Winner gets their match fee back. SIGNUP/registration is located at https://practiscore.com/clubs/bgslprecisionrimfire , matches will be listed as BGSL XXX Rimfire PRS Contact the match director at [email protected] for more information.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Blue Grass Sportsmen's LeagueBlue Grass Sportsmen's League, Wilmore, KY
View details
SEP
20

Rifle/Pistol range hours are 10am to 6pm

Training

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.

Sunday, September 20, 2026
Renton Fish & Game ClubRenton Fish & Game Club, Renton, WA