What Is F-Class Shooting? A Beginner's Guide
F-Class is precision prone shooting at 300–1000 yards. The F-Open and F-TR divisions, their rules, calibres and weights – and which riflescope to choose.
F-Class is a precision shooting discipline shot from the prone position at targets 300 to 1,000 yards away (about 275–915 m). It is shot with a riflescope, a front rest or bipod and a rear bag. It is named after the Canadian George Farquharson, who helped establish it.
Two divisions
F-Open
Less restrictive rules: rifle weight including optics up to about 10 kg, calibres up to 8 mm (7 mm magnums are popular) and a mechanical front rest is allowed. The goal is maximum precision.
F-TR (Target Rifle)
Stricter: weight up to 8.25 kg, only .223/5.56 and .308/7.62 calibres, and a bipod only instead of a rest. A more accessible way into the discipline.
Division comparison
| Parameter | F-Open | F-TR |
|---|---|---|
| Max. weight | ~10 kg | 8.25 kg |
| Calibres | up to 8 mm | .223 and .308 only |
| Support | Front rest | Bipod only |
| Focus | Maximum precision | More accessible entry |
Which riflescope for F-Class
The target is static and far away, so you want high magnification (20× and more), a fine reticle with precise subtensions, quality glass and, above all, precise and repeatable turrets. Holding zero after many clicks is also important. This is what a fine reticle suitable for F-Class looks like at different magnifications:
Our recommendations
For F-Class we recommend the Tauron 5-50x60 ED line (fine reticle, precise turrets) and the Continental line. See the full range in the Riflescopes category.
Source: Vector Optics Academy