• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

F T/R Competition First F Class Match...Much Thanks!

DropZone

Shooter
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 15, 2006
97
1
Nebraska
www.chamberscustom.com
Hello,

Just wanted to share with you folks on here. Today I shot my first ever F-Class match at ENGC in Nebraska. It was a 600 yard match and was a fabulous time. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I knew several of the guys from an orientation I went to last year and a shooting buddy of mine (Herb) and I went out on Thursday so I could shoot at the range and get a feel for things.

Weather today was perfect in my opinion with temps topping out around 68 degrees and winds out of the SW at about 3-5mph. Sky started off overcast but cleared up as the third strings were being fired.

The match at ENGC is a 20x3 course of fire with two sighters to start each string of 20 for a total of 66 rounds.

As this is something I've wanted to do for years it was really awesome to be laying on the line for the first time. And, the rifle in .240 NMC that Randy Gregory built along with the stock that Carl Bernosky built me did very well. The new rest that Bob "The Viper" Pastor did for me not only turned heads but guided the rifle smoothly and with precision. I even managed to keep all my shots in the 9, 10, and X ring.

I also had the pleasure of shooting next to my friend Herb who shot a total of 598-31X with back to back 200's on the second and third relay with his .284 Winchester...he won the match.

Working the pits was something I had also never done but found very satisfying. There is something really cool about seeing the down range accuracy first hand the moment it happens. And it was actually enjoyable to know that I was giving good fast accurate service to the shooter.

So much thanks to all of those that have helped in making a dream come true of finally being able to shoot F Class competition. This is way more fun than you guys ever let on! ;-)



Oh ya, in case you are wondering I shot a 196-6X, 193-6X, 194-6X for a total of 583-18X which put me 5th overall and 4th in F-Open. It was a very pleasing day indeed.
 
Last edited:
Enjoying the match and the day is always good, but shooting well on top of that is even better. You did an outstanding job your first time out. It only gets better from here!
 
Yeah, I flew back to Omaha for the ENGC midrange match. It was a great time, perfect weather, good turnout, and I got to see some friends from Omaha. I try to make it back and shoot there once or twice a year, if possible. Conditions yesterday were pretty favorable and there were some really high scores posted.
 
Cool, I remember you said you were headed that way, I was not sure when? We had typical Pendleton conditions!! LOL How did you do at your match?

Ted
 
Congrats, man! I'll bet you're hooked! I know I am...

I shot my 1st match yesterday (04/27/2013), and had a ball! I was at Catawba Valley Rifle and pistol club in Conover, NC. We shot a 300 yard match, 3x15 with 2 sighters per match. It was an experience watching the big boys shoot, and it got even better when I beat quite a few seasoned shooters, who had much better equipment than me. Everybody (except one guy, but there's always that "one guy") was very nice and helpful, and the facilities were nice as well. I shot a 147-9x, 146-4x, 143-6x (shot an 8 and I have no idea why!!), and a 146-8x in the team match. My agg score was 436-19x that placed me 5th in TR. I was very happy for my 1st outing, but I know 300 yards aint very tough. However, if I keep it up I'll have a Master or High Master classification at Mid Range in 2 more matches. I think that would really impress people that don't know better ;-). Actually, I'd be very proud to obtain either of those classifications, and am going to work hard at improving my game. I was only 1 point off for High Master. (I know I can't get classified for 1 match, just sayin'.)


It was a learning experience also. For instance, I learned that I REALLY need a mirage shield for my barrel!!! I could barely make out the target for my last 6 shots in the 3rd match. I also realized that I need a different scope. I'm using my hunting rifle's Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 at the moment, and the reticle is way too large for F class. I've been saving for a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 for about 2 months and should hopefully have it before the next match. My rifle is a Remington 700 SPS varmint in a McMillan Adj. A5 with a Timney trigger and NightForce 20moa base. The darn thing shoots way on better than a $530 rifle should...
 
My rifle is a Remington 700 SPS varmint in a McMillan Adj. A5 with a Timney trigger and NightForce 20moa base. The darn thing shoots way on better than a $530 rifle should...

Congrats to both of you. I am shooting gas guns right now and will eventually go longer with a bolt rifle. I am wondering how much of long range is equipment and how much is shooting skill. I think you are helping me answer that question.
 
Props and help

I have to give props to your performance, and admit I am really jealous. Shooting this form of comp. has been a dream of mine for years now. I live in the pacific north west and am having a problem finding a place to shoot a match like this. our local range is only 200 yards at max but I long for more of a challenge. Would love someone's experience and advice on a minimum kit to at least be competitive,. I have a rifle (Savage 10BA), and an optics upgrade to Vortex PST on its way. Doing load workups this weekend. But What else do I need at a minimum to get shooting. I truly believe that's were the real learning starts.
 
Thanks all for the kind words. It really was a great time and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Yeah, I flew back to Omaha for the ENGC midrange match. It was a great time, perfect weather, good turnout, and I got to see some friends from Omaha. I try to make it back and shoot there once or twice a year, if possible. Conditions yesterday were pretty favorable and there were some really high scores posted.

Greg, if I remember right, yours was one of those high ones...593 in F-TR was pretty nice shooting. CONGRATS!

It was a learning experience also. For instance, I learned that I REALLY need a mirage shield for my barrel!!! I could barely make out the target for my last 6 shots in the 3rd match. I also realized that I need a different scope. I'm using my hunting rifle's Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 at the moment, and the reticle is way too large for F class. I've been saving for a Sightron SIII 8-32x56 for about 2 months and should hopefully have it before the next match. My rifle is a Remington 700 SPS varmint in a McMillan Adj. A5 with a Timney trigger and NightForce 20moa base.

I went with the SIII 6-24x50LRMOA. I like fine but am thinking really hard about the March. I also have a SIII 6-24x50LRMD that is new that I just put up for sale. As for the classifications, I don't really think about all that stuff. I just go out, focus on each shot, and move on to the next.

Congrats to both of you. I am shooting gas guns right now and will eventually go longer with a bolt rifle. I am wondering how much of long range is equipment and how much is shooting skill. I think you are helping me answer that question.

Mega, I think it is both. Over my years of shooting rifles (not F-class) I have seen lots of guys that take the time to work up a load for their "stock" rifle that will really hammer. And I've seen guys that buy all the "right stuff" and can't seem to get their crap together enough to shoot decent. The way I look at it is I wanted good equipment so I would know for sure that I was not the problem because I already know what my current abilities are with a rifle.

I have to give props to your performance, and admit I am really jealous. Shooting this form of comp. has been a dream of mine for years now. I live in the pacific north west and am having a problem finding a place to shoot a match like this. our local range is only 200 yards at max but I long for more of a challenge. Would love someone's experience and advice on a minimum kit to at least be competitive,. I have a rifle (Savage 10BA), and an optics upgrade to Vortex PST on its way. Doing load workups this weekend. But What else do I need at a minimum to get shooting. I truly believe that's were the real learning starts.

Steep, I think there is a place in Bellingham WA where they shoot LR IIRC. I don't shoot F-TR and you didn't mention caliber so I'm just assuming, but all you really need now is a good bi-pod, rear bag (I suggest the SEB), a spotting scope if you want to read mirage, your ammo and a good attitude!