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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
29

Rifle 100 Yd Open

Competition
Benchrest

A competitive rifle match at Oakdale Sports Mens 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 Oakdale Sports Mens Club for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
Oakdale Sports Mens ClubOakdale Sports Mens Club, Oakdale, CA
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OCT
30

Rifle Sight-In - , 2026

Social

Every Fall, the week prior to Minnesota Deer Opener, the Osage Sportsman's Club offers an opportunity for local hunters to sight in their rifles. 9 am - 5:30pm $7.00 per gun, no shot limit

Friday, October 30, 2026
Osage Sportsmens ClubOsage Sportsmens Club, Park Rapids, MN
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OCT
30

INDOOR YOUTH RIFLE

Competition
Youth

Youth rifle match at Bucks County Fish and Game Association—a chance for young shooters to compete, dial in their rifles, and see how they stack against peers on the same range. October 30th in Doylestown. This is match day: you show up, you shoot, you get scored. Real feedback on where your marksmanship stands. These matches run on a set format with established rules, so every competitor knows what they're walking into. Good way to build consistency under pressure and learn what your rifle can actually do.

Friday, October 30, 2026
Bucks County Fish and Game AssociationBucks County Fish and Game Association, Doylestown, PA
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OCT
31

PRS Rimfire Match

Competition
PRS

This is a PRS rimfire precision rifle match at long range—you'll be dialing distance, reading wind, and executing shots from 400 yards out. It's the real deal for shooters who want to test fundamentals under pressure without the cost of centerfire matches. Matches like this demand solid ballistic knowledge and wind-reading skill. You're competing against other shooters in a scored format that rewards accuracy and consistency across multiple stages. It's October 31st at West Bend Barton Sportsman's Club near Kewaskum.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
West Bend Barton Sportsman's ClubWest Bend Barton Sportsman's Club, Kewaskum, WI
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OCT
31

Rifle Range reserved for Club Members

Competition

This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on October 31st. You'll shoot against other members in a structured competition that tests accuracy across set distances—the kind of event that shows you where you actually stand as a marksman, not just at your home range. The format varies depending on the discipline the club runs that day, so your prep and positioning matter. It's straightforward competition: show up with a rifle zeroed and ready, put rounds downrange, and see how you stack against shooters who take it seriously. Good way to benchmark your skills and pick up field craft watching how others approach different positions and distances.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page, Redwood, NY
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OCT
31

Practical Rifle (Public)

Competition

Pre-Registration is required. We only can accomodate the first 20 shooters who sign up. Click here to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXgQQPL2inhLMpncOTIc4-27gjCyjj3p00WrBwey3U6ayVhg/viewform#start=openform Note: The above link will become active on the 10th of the month. You will need to be ready to go by no later than 0830hrs. Please feel free to Gary Bissig with any questions at [email protected] This link with be active at 9:00am on the 10th of the month for that month's match. Until 9:00am the link will be deactivated. Our matches typically sell out in 10-15minutes. Once the match is full, I will deactivate the link. Members are encouragedto email me if they are unable to register. I have received multiple emails frommembers who indicated the link on our calendar is not correct. Could you pleaseupdate the LRGC calendar with this link. We do our very best never to turn an LRGCmember away.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Langhorne Rod & Gun ClubLanghorne Rod & Gun Club, Holland, PA