No! That is being viewed a bit out of context.
I am looking at the guy that is much like Greg or myself, the long time shooter that due to circumstances beyond their control that can no longer shoot the course of fire that they have shot for ages and already have the appropriate equipment. Many of you seem to address this relatively nonchalantly.
Greg has his own issues and they are in no way like yours. So let's just deal with your issues.
The gentleman that is the father of F class was motivated by waning vision. I wish I were that lucky. At the time I was victimized by a negligent driver, an XTC rifleman still started the rapid fire stages from the standing position. Due to the damage inflicted on my legs and the fact that I addressed this from the safety perspective, the NRA protest committee issued me a permanent authorization to start rapid fire from either prone or sitting, which is the current practice. That authorization was relatively easy to obtain. After trying to shoot XTC and midrange prone for 2 years, I succumbed (eventually) to the realization that I couldn't shoot sling any more, due to the arm injuries. I petitioned for authorization to use a monopod for standing since the tendon that provides strength snapped and couldn't be surgically restored, but that petition was denied because the committee felt I would have an unfair advantage. I was now removed from XTC matches due to physical disability and left with 3 options with a number of match tuned service rifles ... either shoot conventional prone (sling) and risk use of my arm, or shoot F class, or give up shooting.
Understood. I think F-class is what you want to shoot, let's see what we can come up with to adapt you for it.
Realistically, the Garand is not readily adapted to either F Open or F T/R. The M1A/M14 can mount a scope, but making it close to a 1/2 MOA rifle may not be financially viable. The AR15 can be the most viable, but better with an A3/A4 upper. Again, realistically, unless the newly challenged rifleman is independently wealthy, they can't run out and buy an appropriate rifle, and we all know there is a market demand for match grade rifles that will come close to returning the investment cost. Unlike a match rifle, the service rifle doesn't lend itself readily to F class competition. I am not looking for pity here, but in my instance, the accident that left me disabled realistically cost me my ability to do the job I held for 26 years and left me with $1.4 million in injuries and medical expenses. One of the important things I have learned after my accident is flexibility, characterized by my current mantra: improvise, adapt, and overcome.
I am looking to see how we can adapt an existing discipline that can be inviting to either the experienced or curious rifleman. One of the nice things I like to tout about competitive shooting is that it is one of the few sports that a disabled athlete can compete in with non disabled athletes on an equal par. Try to look at it from my perspective before you jump on this to maintain the current purity of F class and feel as if I am trying to garner a medal for everyone that shows up and just breathes. Look at what you have invested in a "pre-F class" competition rifle over a lifetime/long time in the game. Then think about what you would do if you woke up one morning with near total loss of 2 or more limbs, but still able to to squeeze the trigger with the burning desire to continue in the sport that has been a major portion of your life?
What you need to do is come up with a setup that is easy to shoot and competitive at the same time, and is also acceptable under the current rules. Wishing for the rules to change for you is a hopeless cause at best or one fraught with disappointment and despair and ultimate failure at worse. So let's see if we can come up with something that works now.
When I first got into F-class, I first took along my NM AR-15 that I mounted on a bipod and topped with a scope. It didn't work very well as the A2 AR-15 is not really set up for a scope. I did not want to lose all my knowledge of the AR and related ammo and so on, so I decided to morph one of my other ARs into a rifle that would work well in F-TR, unfettered by the rules of Service Rifle. It would also be relatively inexpensive and would allow me to benefit from my past experience.
So, I took one of my A4 uppers which had a free float handguard and I sent it to Krieger to have them fit a 26 inch heavy barrel chambered in their 5.56 Match setup with a 1:7.7 twist. While that was being done, I took the lower and went to town. I removed the A2 stock and fitted a Magpul PRS with a CS spring. I removed the little pistol grip, which is not very good for shooting prone and installed one of Tubb's competition grip. I installed a nice Giselle trigger and set it much lower than the regular NM 4.5 pounds. I also installed a through-the-triggerquard bolt release.
When the upper came back with its new barrel, I installed a Weaver T-36 scope with a Brownells ring and 20MOA ramp. I mounted the rifle on a Versapod bipod and a rear bag and went shooting. The rifle is extremely accurate and after a while I settled on an 80gr bullet from JLK for all distances. With this rifle, I earned a High Master card at mid-range and a Sharpshooter at Long Range. The rifle is a joy to use and requires little effort to drive well. Your left arm would have very little to do during a string, you would only use it to squeeze the bag to refine your aim. The right hand would do nothing more than load a cartridge, press the bolt release lever right next to the trigger and then squeeze the trigger. No bolt to open, no bolt to close, it's all done with your right index finger. All you need do is concentrate on your shooting, and if you have good pit service and a good scorer, you don't even need to break your cheekweld during the string. The recoil is non-existent and if you tune your ejector the brass just accumulates next to you.
With a setup like that, you can pick and chose which parts to install at your own pace and adapt to your style. I added a few more things, but essentially, what I described above was my end result with that rifle. When I found that I had plateaued at SS in Long Range with the .223 I switched over to a bolt .308, but that's a different story. I still use this AR to shoot F-class at mid range and I have fun with it.
If this is something that you would consider, I am happy to give you a detailed parts list.
