F T/R Competition For the Houston FTR shooters

HarryBallz2029

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Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 1, 2012
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Houston Texas
I would be appriciated if someone with experience could get in touch with me when another match comes up locally that I could perhaps meet up with and spectate an event to learn the ins and outs of FTR F class competition. PMs would be welcomed. Thanks guys.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

I am not an expert. I am actually in the same boat as you. Check out bayou rifles. they have a 1000 yard match on August 5 i believe and a 300 yard match on august 19. hope this helps.

ryan
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Bayou member here, and I am pretty active in the club and matches. We have 1k matches the first Sunday of every month and we alternate between 300 & 600 yard matches on the 3rd Sun of every month. As Ryan notes, we had a 600 last Sunday, got called part way through due to rain, so the next midrange match will be a 300.

You more than welcome, actually encourage to come out and watch, come to the pits with us if you have never pulled targets, etc. If you are match ready, just show, sign in and shoot. Easy as that. You don't have to be a club member to shoot any of the matches.

Any other questions??

Mark
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Layton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to come out and watch as well. Eventually I'd like to participate.

L </div></div>

Please do. We normally have between 20-30 shooters and they are a great bunch of guys and gals. You can look at equipment, ask questions, and just familiarize yourself with the match routines, so when you want to shoot its not brand new.

I think at the last match we had 4 new shooters join us, so being new is not a big deal.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

FYI yea Mark is active all right, gets real disapointed when he does not shoot 200-lots of x's at 1000.

Come on out FYI during this wet weather bring mosquito repellent!!! or you will be making alot of small hunger friends also.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Let me say that Mark and crew made my first f/tr match very welcoming and easy to understand last weekend. I shot my little 223 at 600, and fared pretty well for a first timer...too bad we only got one relay in.

Originally, I had planned on using the match to verify dope and work on wind reading for the matches that I normally shoot in (practical field matches ala the PRS). After this weekend, I'll be there much more often than not. Very welcoming group of folks, with some very good shooters. F/TR is VERY different from what I am used to, but it was a heck of a lot of fun.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Im in pretty much the same boat as the op ive been wanting to become active for some time and would very much like to come out during a shoot and ask some questions and meet some people. Ive been stuck shooting by since ive been back home the past 5 years.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

I'm in Spring and I have been making the monthly (sometimes more often) pilgrimage to Bayou Rifles for about 6 years now. I used to get on the road by 6:15AM to be there by 7:15 or so, but since I'm acting as the LR match director this year, I have to get there earlier to set up the match. So from Spring, count on about one hour of driving; from Conroe, add another 15-20 minutes, shooting down I-45.

The registration closes at 7:30AM, so if you are going to shoot, you had better be there before then or else you will be a spectator. If you sign up to shoot, you cannot leave during the match because you will be assigned to a target and you have to pull for the other shooters on your target, just as they pull the target for you.

Lots of folks leave right after their last shot or target pulling gig. I am usually back home by about 3:00PM, but that's also because I have to wait until everyone has left and I have to put radios, flags, etc, away after doing all the scores, awards and so on. The ride back can be just as quick as the ride down, or you can hit a massive parking lot at 288/I-45 or anywhere else on I-45 for that matter. It's almost a 100 mile round trip for me for a match, so I hate it when it's cut short or cancelled due to weather.

Bring water and sports drinks, something to eat, bug spray, a hat, eye and ear protection and sun screen.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

We combine F-class (not just F-T/R,) with the regular highpower competitions on the first and third Sunday of every month. The second Sunday is reserved for the Service Rifle gang doing Across the Course matches. We also have Palma matches on the Saturday before the LR prone matches.

I don't know what is a practical/tactical match, but if it's shooting in all directions and at various distances, we don't do that.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Are you allowed to use any muzzle accesories such as suppressors or brakes in the FTR or F class comps? I have a friend that is really interested but all his guns are equiped for suppressors. Thanks for all the info guys.
I decided to make my Savage listed in my sig my dedicated FTR gun, so I picked up a Savage S7 contour Shilen SS Match 26" .308 barrel from midway with a Pro Bed 2000 kit. Then after I spectate a match Ill be ready for my first(well 2nd match technically being I did a local 100yd just for fun) real LR comp. Thanks again for the humbleness.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Denys</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No brakes as per NRA rules and no suppressors as per Bayou Rifles rules.</div></div>

No suppressors for the matches or no suppressors allowed on Bayou ranges?
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

I'm pretty sure you just have to petition the board for approval on a suppressor at the range in general. However, they will not be allowed in the matches per the NRA rules.

Ryno, come on down to one of the next matches, we're not too scary...

JPipes, glad you enjoyed yourself, sorry the match got cut short. I think we are going to give some rainchecks to those present since we had to call the thing, so be sure to ask on your next visit. You did DAMN well for your first match, congratulations!

That was the first one I called, I normally just shoot, so it was a new experience for me also!

Keep the questions coming, Denys and I can answer most anything about the club or matches.

Mark
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Denys is not correct. I sent a formal request to the board, and was granted approval for my suppressor. It's a silly step, but a necessary one with Bayou nonetheless...I also wish they would allow steel on the long ranges.

Thanks Mark, you guys made it welcoming.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Layton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to come out and watch as well. Eventually I'd like to participate.

L </div></div>

Like wise, correct me if I'm wrong but is the next match on the 5th Aug?
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tinythief</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Layton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd like to come out and watch as well. Eventually I'd like to participate.

L </div></div>

Like wise, correct me if I'm wrong but is the next match on the 5th Aug? </div></div>

Correct, we have a 1k match on Sunday Aug 5th.

The following match will be a 300 yard match on August 19th.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Keep the questions coming, Denys and I can answer most anything about the club or matches. </div></div>

What is the format/number of rounds and time for each stage and total?

Is it the same for the 300, 600, and 1,000 yard matches?


 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Denys</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> It's almost a 100 mile round trip for me for a match, so I hate it when it's cut short or cancelled due to weather.

Bring water and sports drinks, something to eat, bug spray, a hat, eye and ear protection and sun screen. </div></div>

Wow 100 mile round trip, some people have all the luck.
wink.gif
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Denys</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> It's almost a 100 mile round trip for me for a match, so I hate it when it's cut short or cancelled due to weather.

Bring water and sports drinks, something to eat, bug spray, a hat, eye and ear protection and sun screen. </div></div>

Wow 100 mile round trip, some people have all the luck.
wink.gif
</div></div>

Well, maybe you should talk to Mark who would be very happy to help you relocate somewhere closer to the range, so we don't have to hear you complain.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goatphius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't mind having to petition, makes since to formally prove that you have the proper paperwork.

Is no steel allowed on the range? </div></div>

To petition for an exemption to rule 13, you must be a member.

There is no steel allowed on the range, only paper targets on the provided carriers, frames, etc, as per rules J2 through J5.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jeffbird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What is the format/number of rounds and time for each stage and total?

Is it the same for the 300, 600, and 1,000 yard matches?


</div></div>

The format for the high power prone and F-class matches is the same for 300, 600 and 1000 yards. There are three matches of 20 rounds for record and a specific number of sighters for each match. At the 1000 yard matches (LR) we allow unlimited sighters for each match as per NRA rules. It's been a while since I have shot MR, but I believe it's unlimited sighters for the first match and 2 sighters for subsequent matches. So you are looking at a minimum of 66 rounds for any of the matches.

The Palma format is different. It's unlimited sighters at the 800 yard line, then 2 sighters at each subsequent match and I believe it's 15 rounds for score. (I haven't shot one in a a while.)
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

It's per the NRA rules. For registered matches we do prep time and shooting time separate: 3 minutes for prep and then 20 or 30 minutes for 20 rounds at 300/600 and 1000 yards, respectively. For approved matches we do block time to speed up the matches for heat relief by combining prep and firing time into one unit of 23 and 33 minutes for MR and LR respectively.

Let me just point out that it is important for the target puller to be as quick as possible in marking the target; we urge people to take no more than 10-12 seconds to mark the target, starting from the time the shot is detected. After a little while, you should be able to do it in 8 seconds or less, scoring the target for a good shooter. If you keep your eyes on the berm, you should even know where the shot is on the target just by seeing the impact in the berm.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

3 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for 20 record shots (assuming 600yds)... what about the time allotted for sighters? Shouldn't it be 3 minutes prep, then 22 minutes for 2 sighters + 20 record shots?
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

It could be. I don't have anything to do with running the MR matches and when I shoot them, I'm done in about 10 minutes. On a slow day. I'll let Mark answer that one.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memilanuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for 20 record shots (assuming 600yds)... what about the time allotted for sighters? Shouldn't it be 3 minutes prep, then 22 minutes for 2 sighters + 20 record shots?
</div></div>

Bingo.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memilanuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for 20 record shots (assuming 600yds)... what about the time allotted for sighters? Shouldn't it be 3 minutes prep, then 22 minutes for 2 sighters + 20 record shots?
</div></div>

Bingo. </div></div>

Anything over about 4 minutes is just goofing off.
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Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Well, I picked up my bad habit of shooting quickly from you.

At any rate, most of the time, the F-class shooters will finish well within the alloted time but some of our sling shooters will take up almost all the time. You can tell because no F-classer has a timer beside them and a few slingers do have one.

The big difference is that the sling shooters have to rebuild their position for every shot, whereas a decent F-class shooter is able to stay in position for the entire string. Using my F-T/R AR-15 in an MR match, I can actually shoot an entire string without even breaking my cheekweld.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Denys</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I picked up my bad habit of shooting quickly from you.</div></div>

I can give David a run for his money if need be... but I'll stop rather than shoot thru a change given the choice (string fire). Some times though there is no choice (pair fire).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">no F-classer has a timer beside them</div></div>

...mmm I almost *always* do, whether shooting sling or otherwise. I'd rather wait for a condition to come back... and if you do that, you'd better have a timer handy. That, and I've gotten hosed enough times with poor pit service to where a timer let me know how much I needed to pick up the pace once they got back on track - or whether I had a legit complaint to call the line officer over about. If you shoot pair fire - like SOA @ Raton this year - you *really* want a timer to keep an eye on whether your 'partner' is taking too long and eating up 'your' time.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Using my F-T/R AR-15 in an MR match, I can actually shoot an entire string without even breaking my cheekweld. </div></div>

Do you use a spotting scope? If you do, thats impressive. I still pop my head up a bit to watch the flags better, but on other ranges that might not be necessary.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DGosnell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Walker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memilanuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for 20 record shots (assuming 600yds)... what about the time allotted for sighters? Shouldn't it be 3 minutes prep, then 22 minutes for 2 sighters + 20 record shots?
</div></div>

Bingo. </div></div>

Anything over about 4 minutes is just goofing off.
grin.gif
</div></div>

I'm going to go with this as well.. Get er done!!
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memilanuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I can give David a run for his money if need be...</div></div>

I don't know Monte, I would almost be willing to bet that at 1000 yards Mr. Gosnell could get three well aimed shots in the air before the first one hit the target.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Monte, I was talking about the shooters at Bayou; I don't think I've seen an F-class guy with a timer that I can recall, but I see several of our slingers with their timers.

In answer to your other question; no, I do not use a spotting scope at 300 yards and I can still monitor the flag from behind the riflescope. Anyway doing a full string without breaking cheekweld is not something I do often, it has to be calm (maybe first match of the day,) I have to have a very fast puller and a good scorer who's paying attention. Also, you can't do that with just any old AR.

Is it match day yet?
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

The F-Class crowd at Bayou Rifles is a fine bunch. I've been shooting with them for over a year. It is such a good group that my 11 year old daughter is now shooting with them at 300 yards. She is using STAG Varminter upper and my Nightforce NXS and she is shooting up to 90%. It is a good deal of fun and certainly challenging learning to shoot well in the Gulf Coast winds.
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Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the shooter score his own targets or do other shooters? </div></div>

In the summer months we run two relays when we can, and so you score yourself. Rest of the year, or when needed due to # of shooters, we run three relays and you take your turn scoring...
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Interesting... were you guys aware of this:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold">10.5 Competitors will score</span> - competitors will act as scorers when requested to do so by the Match Director or Chief Range Officer, <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">except that no competitor will score his own target</span></span>. (emphasis added)</div></div>

Normally we have the guys in the pits keep score when using only two relays... works better if you have some way to hold a clipboard to the target carrier to reduce the three-and-a-half-handed nature of the operation.
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memilanuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interesting... were you guys aware of this:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold">10.5 Competitors will score</span> - competitors will act as scorers when requested to do so by the Match Director or Chief Range Officer, <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">except that no competitor will score his own target</span></span>. (emphasis added)</div></div>

Normally we have the guys in the pits keep score when using only two relays... works better if you have some way to hold a clipboard to the target carrier to reduce the three-and-a-half-handed nature of the operation. </div></div>

We only shoot approved matches when we shoot two relays, never registered, granted the approved still calls for a scorer, but no records are submitted. I'm not sure why the club set things up this way.

Not shooting registered matches cost me a National record, though, as I shot a 200-15 at 1k two years before Biggs. Brutal..
 
Re: For the Houston FTR shooters

Well hey Guys.... looks like I just might be joining you in a couple of weeks... I just picked up a G. McMillian Palma rifle.. I shot XTC match's back in the early 80's up till 1986 and them got out of the sport.... Looking forward to shooting some 1000 yard...