F-Class Explained: F-Open vs F-TR

Prone, scoped and supported, at distances where wind decides everything. F-Class is the long-range target discipline most open to precision rifle shooters.

Where F-Class came from

Traditional fullbore target shooting is done prone with iron sights and a sling. F-Class takes the same targets and distances and allows a telescopic sight and a rest. The discipline is named after George Farquharson of Canada. As the NRA of the United Kingdom tells it, his eyesight was failing, so he added a scope and supported the rifle on a sandbag, which also eased his tired muscles. Other shooters followed, and the "F" class became its own discipline with its own rules and championships.

Internationally, F-Class sits under the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA), which also oversees Palma. National bodies such as the NRA in the United States and the NRA of the United Kingdom write and publish the rules used in their countries.

What a match looks like

F-Class is shot prone at long distances, commonly from 300 to 1,000 yards, and the UK NRA describes distances out to 1,200 yards. Shooters fire a set number of record shots at each distance, usually after sighters, on large bullseye-style targets. Scores are totaled with an X-count or V-count for shots in the innermost ring, used to break ties.

There is no time pressure in the sense of practical matches; strings have time limits, but they are generous. What makes F-Class hard is the wind. At long range, a small change in wind moves impacts more than any other variable, and top shooters spend most of their mental energy reading flags and mirage. Our wind reading guide is a good primer.

F-Open vs F-TR

The two main classes are built on different philosophies. F-Open gives the shooter nearly free rein on caliber and supports within a weight limit. F-TR keeps the cartridge to the two traditional military calibers and limits the support, which makes it closer to classic target rifle shooting.

Rules differ in details between associations, including caliber ceilings and muzzle device rules. The UK NRA, for example, prohibits muzzle brakes and allows sound moderators counted toward weight. Always read the rulebook used at your match. Our article on reading a rulebook update is about CMP, but the method applies to any rulebook.

Why F-Open shooters choose their cartridges

Because caliber is open, F-Open shooters chase bullets with high ballistic coefficients that drift less in the wind. That trade-off is covered in our G1 vs G7 article. The cost is recoil, which matters because F-Open rifles are fired from a front rest that does not absorb much, and barrel life, which tends to be shorter for high-performance cartridges.

Why F-TR shooters care about bullet weight

Limited to .308 or .223, F-TR shooters get their wind advantage from heavy, high-BC bullets for the caliber. That makes twist rate a key decision, as covered in our twist rate guide. The .308 bullet weight comparison explains why heavier match bullets tend to hold up better at long range.

Equipment overview

• Rifle. Specialized F-Class rifles have long, heavy barrels and stocks designed to track straight back in recoil. For a first match in F-TR style, a factory .308 precision rifle with a bipod is a reasonable way to learn, if the match allows it.
• Scope. High magnification and fine adjustment are common. Reliable tracking matters because you dial for every distance.
• Front support. F-Open uses a front rest; F-TR uses a bipod, often a wide, low design meant to slide consistently on the mat.
• Rear bag. A rear bag shaped for the stock. No mechanical rear rests.
• Spotting scope. For watching wind indicators and mirage.
• Hearing and eye protection. Long matches mean many rounds and long hours behind the rifle, so plan for comfort as well as protection.

For a factory .308 approach, a basic bipod and a quality match load are the starting kit.

The .308 and 7.62 NATO category has other match options.

The pits and the culture

At many ranges, targets are raised, lowered and scored by people in a protected trench below the targets, called the pits. Competitors take turns doing pit duty, which is part of the sport's culture: you score for the shooter who scored for you. Pit work has strict safety procedures, and the range will brief you. Some ranges use electronic targets that show shot positions on a screen, removing pit duty.

F-Class also has a strong mentoring culture. Experienced shooters often help newcomers with wind calls, scorebook keeping and equipment. Ask before your first match whether the club runs a clinic or loaner program.

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