
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 competitive rifle match at Firing Line: Firing Range & Gun Shop in Westland, MI. 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 Firing Line: Firing Range & Gun Shop in Westland, MI for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.
A competitive rifle match at Scarborough Fish & Game Association. 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 Scarborough Fish & Game Association for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.
Small Rifle Practice is a rifle match at Butler County Sportsmen Club where you'll shoot against a known standard and see how your marksmanship stacks up. Matches like this are the best way to test your rifle setup and find what actually works downrange. You'll shoot from various distances and positions depending on the match format. Bring a rifle you're confident with and enough ammunition to complete all stages. Show up at 1 p.m. on June 8th ready to put rounds downrange and learn where your gun prints.
Weekly bench time for rifle practice or to get your rifle sighted-in for hunting or competition events. You DO NOT need to be a Ridgedale Club member to attend – Ridgedale members attend for free but non-member guest fees are $25.00 and guests will have to call or email in advance to ensure a spot is booked for you. Guests are limited to 2 rifles and 90 minutes of bench time to ensure all shooters get access to the range. Additional technical help is available from our experienced, competition-l
A competitive rifle match at Lincoln Rifle 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 Lincoln Rifle Club for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.
An open practice session at Guth S Ville Rod and Gun Club. This is dedicated time for shooters to work on fundamentals, sight in firearms, test loads, or prepare for upcoming competitions. Your firearm(s) and ammunition Targets (or purchase at the range) Eye and ear protection (required) Any accessories you want to test or zero Contact Guth S Ville Rod and Gun Club for range hours, bay availability, and any guest policies.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline