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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.

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f-open vs f-tr
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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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OCT
10

Musketeers (Juniors) Rifle/Pistol

Youth

MUSKETEER .22LR: Youth shooters are the future of our sport. Children and Grandchildren of Diablo members, who are between the ages of 8 and 18, may participate in Youth Rifle & Pistol, and Shotgun activities. Rifle & Pistol use .22 cal. rimfire only and shoot at the Multi-Purpose Range. Ammunition is supplied at the rifle events. Some loaner rifles are available, but the shooters should provide their own firearms and parents should help out. During the shoots, a responsible adult, OTHER

Saturday, October 10, 2026• 13:00:00
USI Multi Purpose RangeUSI Multi Purpose Range, Concord, NV
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OCT
10

LRP-UHRC (ULTIMATE HUNTER RIFLE COMPETITION) MONTHLY MATCH

Competition

More Information: https://ultimate-hunter.com/ Registration: https://practiscore.com/clubs/uhssclubone

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Cameo Shooting and Education ComplexCameo Shooting and Education Complex, De Beque, CO
View details
OCT
10

Musketeers (Juniors) Rifle/Pistol

Youth

MUSKETEER .22LR: Youth shooters are the future of our sport. Children and Grandchildren of Diablo members, who are between the ages of 8 and 18, may participate in Youth Rifle & Pistol, and Shotgun activities. Rifle & Pistol use .22 cal. rimfire only and shoot at the Multi-Purpose Range. Ammunition is supplied at the rifle events. Some loaner rifles are available, but the shooters should provide their own firearms and parents should help out. During the shoots, a responsible adult, OTHER

Saturday, October 10, 2026• 13:00:00
USI Multi Purpose RangeUSI Multi Purpose Range, Concord, CA
View details
OCT
10

Rifle Range reserved for Club Members

Competition

This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on October 10, 2026. You'll test your marksmanship against other shooters in a structured competition format that varies by discipline and distance. Matches like this let you measure real performance under match conditions, compete against consistent standards, and see where your skills actually stand. It's competitive shooting without the travel headaches if you're local to the Redwood area.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page, Redwood, NY
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OCT
10

Rifle Match 10/10

Competition

For Info, Contact, Jim Esarey (765)749-1387 or Joshua Price (765)993-6000

Saturday, October 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Farmland Conservation ClubFarmland Conservation Club, Farmland, IN
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OCT
10

Rifle Falling Plates

Training

Falling Plates The Falling Plates Rack consists of Six Metal Plates, approximately 8 inches in diameter. The Game requires every participant to shoot as many plates as possible in a specific time frame, which depends on the distance and firearm used, as follows: Falling Plates – Pistol is shot from 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 yards and the times are 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 secondsrespectively. Falling Plates – Rifle is shot from 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 yards and the times are 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14seconds respectively. Only .22 Rimfire (Long Rifle, Long or Short) are allowed. No other caliber or any Magnums are permitted. Courses of Fire are the same for both, Pistol and Rifle: the competitor shall load only 6 (six) rounds, and will shoot within the mentioned time slots. A timer is used to establish the shooting periods. Every participant will be called to the shooting lane, at which said participant will arrive with two magazines or speed loaders, with no more than 6 (six) rounds on each, and will load the firearm when directed to do so by the Match Director. Two strings of 6 (six) shots will take place. There are no alibis whatsoever. Only fallen plates will count as 1 (one) point each, towards the maximum possible of 60 points.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc.Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc., San Mateo, CA