F Open is recognised worldwide where there are no restrictions on calibres or ammunition components. Any calibre 8mm and under, with a maximum rifle weight of 10kg may be used.
This class is for people wanting the challenge of long range accuracy and the more technical aspects of load development.
F Class Open: An Introduction
Getting Started In F Class
An article by Vince Bottomley from Target Shooter Magazine to provide information to F Class shooters starting the journey into F Class shooting. Covers Rifles, Cartridges, Scopes and Bipods.
Optics Selection for the Newer Precision Shooter by Robert Abrams`
This is a really good article for anyone wanting information on the difference in brands, quality and price for some
of the models of scopes that are used in F Class.
F Class Target Shooting Techniques
This is an excellent training document designed for the new shooter, authored by Rod Dolman.
The information contained has value for all F Class members.
F Class Open Rules
20.1 - Open Rifle
20.1.1 - Rifles and Equipment Any rifle that may be legally held by the competitor for use on the range may be used, excluding return-to-battery rigs or similar and subject to the following conditions.
20.1.2(a) - An F-Class Open Rifle may be of any calibre up to and including 8mm. When groove diameter is included this is determined as 8.204mm (or .323”). The overall weight must not exceed 10kg including all attachments (such as, but not limited to, its sights and bipod, if any). NB: An attachment is defined as any external object (other than the competitor, his sling (if any) and his apparel) which recoils (or partially recoils) with the rifle, or which is in any way joined to the rifle for each shot, or which even slightly raises with the rifle when vertically lifting the rifle from its rest(s). (b) - Projectiles used for F Open may be modified by competitors. This includes Metplatting and Pointing of projectiles. Ammunition components and powder need not be sourced solely from the NRAA.
20.1.3 - Rifles must be manually operated and all shots must be loaded and discharged singly. A magazine, if legally permitted and fitted, may only be used as a loading platform for single rounds.
20.1.4 - Muzzle compensators or muzzle brakes are not permitted.
20.1.5 - Triggers must be manually operated: electronic set or “release” triggers are not permitted.
20.1.6 - The weight of a trigger pull is unregulated, but must be safe and conform to the requirements of rule
20.1.7.20.1.7 - A trigger is deemed “safe” if vigorous cycling of the action does not result in the firing pin being released. Refer to Rule 3.5.2.4 for details of thi s test. Any failure will lead to the trigger being deemed “unsafe” and the rifle may not be used until the trigger is made “safe”.
20.1.8 - Sighting systems are unrestricted, providing they must be aligned with the eye for each shot, and must be included in the overall weight.
20.1.9 - Barrel extensions of any length may be fitted to mount the foresight or to act as a counterweight or tuner, but must be included in the overall weight.
20.1.10 - A competitor may use as many rifles as he or she wishes but may not change rifles during the shooting of a particular application (match) unless approved by the CRO and then only if there is a malfunction with the rifle.
20.2 - RestsThe prone position must be used with the barrel protruding over the front of the mound.
20.2.1 - A rifle may have one front and one rear rest. A front rest can be attached to the rifle, or be unattached. A rear rest must be unattached. Front and rear rests may not be connected to each other.
20.2.2 - No part of the rifle, with the exception of an attached front rest, may rest directly on the ground, or on any hard surface.
20.2.3 - An attached front rest must have its weight included in the rifle’s overall weight. There is no weight limit for unattached rests, front or rear.
20.2.4 - An unattached front rest must use either a sandbag or the shooter’s forward hand as the only contact with the rifle. The area of contact between the front bag and the underside of the rifle fore-end may not exceed 76.2mm wide x 76.2mm long. It may have up to 3 spikes which can be pressed into the ground up to 50mm, unless the use of spikes is prohibited by local conditions.
20.2.5 - Rear Rest(a)A rear rest must use a sandbag as the only contact with the rifle. It may not be attached to the front rest. (b)Any number of simple objects of any material, including additional sandbags, may be placed underneath the rear sandbag to stabilise it or make allowance for variations in slope of the mound. This includes ‘donut’ bags.(c)A plate of board may be used to create a stable platform for the bag to sit on and may include spikes limited to 50mm. in length, unless spikes are prohibited by local conditions. (d)The plate or board may not have side rails or raised edges and the bag must be free to move horizontally in all directions. (e)There may be no mechanical means of adjusting the bag, either laterally or vertically.
20.2.6 - The contents of front and rear sandbags shall be a dry, finely (<5mm) divided substance such as, but not limited to sand, or grain, packed looselyenough so that the bag can be visibly deformed with the fingers.
20.2.7 - A front rest may be mechanically adjustable for both windage and elevation. A rear rest must not be mechanically adjustable. Rests may be adjusted before each shot.
20.2.8 - A sling may be used in addition to any of the rests mentioned above.20.2.9All shooting will be conducted from the prone position, however the use of a portable bench may be permitted when the competitor suffers a physical disability and has received approval to do so by their State or Territory Association and/or if permitted under the conditions of the competition as advertised by the promoting body.
20.3 - Time Limits As per Rules 4.1.4 to 4.1.4.11 inclusive.
20.4 - Range Equipment Range equipment such as shooting mats, jackets, spotting scopes as per TR rules. 20.5Targets and Scoring Normal Target Rifle targets will be used. A Centre Bull will score 6 points. Super V’s score 6 points, are marked as an “X” and used for Count- backs. Count-backs are decided as per Chapter 7 of these rules.20.5.1All shots on the target close to the scoring lines must be gauged to 7.82mm.
20.6 - Ring and Target Dimensions As from March 2011 all targets and scoring procedures for F Open shall be as per the rules and dimensions laid out in Chapter 13 of these rules.
20.7 - Sighting shots Unless otherwise specified in the Match Conditions, all competitors shall be entitled to two sighting shots at each range.
20.8 - Match Conditions and Procedures (a) - Divisions:- There shall be one division — F Class Open. (b) - Grading:- There shall be two grades – ‘A’ and ‘B’ Grade-at the discretion of the promoting body. The Grading System outlined in Rules 12.8 to 12.12.3 shall be used for grading F Open Competitors.