Accuracy International Rifle as a F-Class Rifle????

[kujuak]

Can an Accuracy Internatonal rifle be set up to shoot F-Class competition.?I have an AI-AT and a AI-AX, both 308 with a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel also. I know this is not ideal. I have no illusions of being competitive,BUT, I am retired, in my 70's and not interested in buying another rifle. I would either use one of my barrels with muzzle brake removed or buy a new barrel specifically for this purpose.My goal, get to shoot at long ranges. and learn some wind reading skills.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[hafejd30]

You can 100% use it for that. The 308 if under 17 lbs I think can be used in FTR. You’d have to verify the specs and weight. I think open where the 6.5 would be is like 22-23 lbs. I shot my first fclass match with a Savage chambered in 260 rem. Was Michigan Regional Championship in Grayling MI. Finished 12th out of like 34 shooters. My gun weight was about 17 lbs but because of my chambering I had to compete in open

You can run a bipod but it adds to the total weight. Otherwise find a rail that tracks in a good front rest

Will it win an F Open match…depends. The open match guns are running 30-32” tubes in 284 calibers. Those guys hammer 190-198 scores fairly consistently at 1000 yds. There’s also matches closer range.

The 6.5 would be very competitive at 600. Shooting against 6mm on calm days though would be a challenge. Can always run a 6mm configuration as well. You single feed anyways so reliability isn’t a factor from the mag

 

[memilanuk]

F/TR - 308 Win or 223 Rem, weight limit 8.25 kg or roughly 18 lbs 2 oz.
F-Open - under .35 cal, weight limit 10 kg or 22 lbs.

Both weights are as you would lift the gun off the ground - anything that comes with the gun ie bipod, sling, whatever - counts towards that weight. Fat barrel = skinny bipod, at least for F/TR.

Either config would be viable for shoot for fun, especially @ mid range (3/5/600). Might even be competitive (ish), depending on the local crowd and what they're bringing to the line. Do yourself a big favor and get a single shot 'sled'. Matches are single-load only, and faffing about with tossing rounds in on top of an empty mag gets old quick.

Biggest hang-up most people have bringing their 'tacticool' rifles to an F-class match is NRA rules stipulate no muzzle devices. No brakes, no suppressors. Some small club events might look the other way for the sake of another body on the firing line; larger venues not so much. Generally if you can take off the muzzle device and put on a thread protector, you'll be fine. Otherwise maybe they'll have a tactical/field/other class for guns that don't meet the official rules.

 

[reelserious]

It can be done for sure. Not ideal but doable

 

[pronelife]

Most F-Class matches in MO include a "Tactical F-Class" for such a configuration allowing squeeze bag (Armageddon Gear type) rear support and foldable bipod up front. Mag fed not allowed, but you can use a mag as support for loading individual rounds. As others have mentioned muzzle breaks are frowned upon but typically overlooked as match directors are happy to expand attendance. Suppressors very welcome.

 

[DocRDS]

Yup. Its AT-X is my F-class gun. I got a plate from JP enterprises as the front bag rider to fit in the front rest. (Open). Especially if you are there to just shoot. I've done 190s scores at 1k with mine (bipod and rear bag no less). Not fantastic, but hey--better than not going to range.

FT/R slap a bipod and go. Nobody gives me grief about having my mag in (I single feed).

F-Class can be a nice bunch but also pissers about brakes (most don't care, but those who do--REALLY CARE). Just FYI.