F T/R Competition New to F Class / Introduction

[rangeryo]

Hey guys, just wanted to make a quick introduction. My name is Tim, and I work as a system admin (formerly welder/machinist) for a company that manufactures high efficiency air filters here in Virginia. I've been wanting to break into the LR shooting scene for several years now, and I'm just now finally getting into it. I'm piecing together a new rifle as we speak, which consists so far of a Rem 700 ADL, Jewell Match Trigger, Tubb Speedlock pin and Vortex 6.5-20x44 optic. I've got an order with Kyle from XLR for a new Tactical Evolution chassis system (I still need to pay for... eek!).

I've got plans to eventually switch to a Krieger or Bartlein barrel, but I'm squeaking by on the Chassis already. The gun already shoots sub moa with my wonderful stock noodle from Remington, so I'm sure the chassis will help a lot. I know that until I get a new barrel installed, I won't be very competitive, but I'd still like to get out and meet up with some folks that share the same interests as me.

If you've got any tips or tricks that you are willing to share, feel free, I'm all ears! If not, I'll see ya on the range!

 

[J-ROD]

Welcome! I'm fron Va as well, nice to have more people in the area to talk/shoot with.
Sounds like you have a nice rig there coming together, keep us posted on your progress.
You'd be suprised about being competitive....just come on out to some matches. Having optimized gear is definitely desired but being able to shoot and read the wind are the real equilizers...at least for a sudo-newbie like myself. These matches are full of great people who are always willing to help you out.
Lessons I have learned: There aren't any magic bullets, pic a decent one, load to the best of your ability with temp stable powder and shoot a lot.

A shot in the dark but if you know/find anywhere to practice that is more than 300yds locally, I'm all in and willing to pay/lease.

 

[rangeryo]

J-Rod, It's funny you mention that. I've been actively seeking a location to make shots from 300-600 yds and I already know a farmer nearby (in Louisa County) that has an abandoned drag strip on one of his properties. I think this would be suitable for a 300yd shot, and I'm sure he would be open to allowing access, as he already allows me to hunt there. Additionally, I've been working on something with a friend, who has a large family farm that we might be able to stretch a 1000yd shot on, but to my understanding, there may have to be some safety/clearing improvements to be made there before that range would be possible. Lastly, I do have access to a large farm that is less than a mile from my house, which I have not yet had time to scout out for potential shooting lanes and ranges, but it is very large. I'm sure if we got a handful of people together, and offered the farmer a small lease amount, he would be completely willing to give additional access (he loves money), and would probably even build a berm at the end of the shooting lane.

I'll definitely keep you posted to any new developments on both fronts.

 

[J-ROD]

Thanks for the response, you just made my day...just the hope of finding somewhere to practice...seriously. I know there are matches and the like at Quantico but that's not what I am looking for to do load development and testing.
If you need help scouting, clearing or whatever, let me know.

My apologies for redirecting your thread...pm sent.

 

[rangeryo]

No apologies necessary. I'm no forum Nazi, and you haven't really strayed from the topic (if there even was one). I'll try to get out and speak to a few of the farmers sometime over the next few weeks. Updates will follow.

 

[rangeryo]

This is the large farm right down the road from me. Never really payed much attention to the ranges, but I might take out the mil dot this afternoon and do some crude ranging. (need practice anyway). Google shows an easy 700 Meter max range.
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachment.php?attachmentid=720&d=1361982430

This is the abandoned drag strip.Google shows ~600 Meters max range
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachment.php?attachmentid=719&d=1361982420

 

[CarlosDJackal]

Hey guys, another newby from Central VA here. I have been thinking about doing some F-Class matches for years but just never got around to it. I am awaiting the arrival of a 1:7-twist .223 Savage 12 VLP DBM with plans to buy a NF optic for it. In the meantime, I need to start developing a load for it. If you guys know of a farmer who would like to make some extra cash, I have portable steel targets we can arrange at various distances. I would like to find a property that will allow us to shoot as close to 1000-yards as possible.

 

[nesikabay]

Hey guys, just wanted to make a quick introduction. My name is Tim, and I work as a system admin (formerly welder/machinist) for a company that manufactures high efficiency air filters here in Virginia. I've been wanting to break into the LR shooting scene for several years now, and I'm just now finally getting into it. I'm piecing together a new rifle as we speak, which consists so far of a Rem 700 ADL, Jewell Match Trigger, Tubb Speedlock pin and Vortex 6.5-20x44 optic. I've got an order with Kyle from XLR for a new Tactical Evolution chassis system (I still need to pay for... eek!).

I've got plans to eventually switch to a Krieger or Bartlein barrel, but I'm squeaking by on the Chassis already. The gun already shoots sub moa with my wonderful stock noodle from Remington, so I'm sure the chassis will help a lot. I know that until I get a new barrel installed, I won't be very competitive, but I'd still like to get out and meet up with some folks that share the same interests as me.

If you've got any tips or tricks that you are willing to share, feel free, I'm all ears! If not, I'll see ya on the range!

Welcome to the SHARK PIT

 

[rangeryo]

Thanks nesikabay.

Carlos, Nice to know another central va man is into the long range stuff. Where exactly in Central VA are you? I'm in Louisa area.

 

[mitch260]

Welcome to the sport! I am new also, this will be my second year. Last year I competed in f-open but i'm swithing too f-t/r. Last year I had the privlege of meeting High profile shooters like Bryan Litz and Bill Hammers, their advice, learn to estimate the wind. I live in michigan and compete at camp grayling which is notorious for crazy wind speeds and directions. My advice too you: get good at the wind, get a good barrel, a good trigger, and practice your form. A good form is paramount. Consistancy is key. Good luck!
P.S. Load your ammo for low es not always accuracy, i would sacrafice a little precision for a low es.

 

[rangeryo]

thanks for that information Mitch. I have yet to get to the reloading portion of the sport, as I'm still working on the rifle aspect. While I understand that the rifle doesn't make the shooter, I am a firm believer that confidence in your weapon system is key. I'm currently eying a kreiger barrel, with medium palma contour and 1:10 twist, so I think I'll be good to go there. Once the rifle has been built, I will begin to gradually ease into load development and reloading. Based on my limited understanding, I feel I have to agree with the ES being key, especially at long ranges, as without it, you aren't really going to be shooting very precise.

 

[cwinston]

Another VA shooter here, and one that just started shooting long distance / F-Class matches last year. I'm always on the lookout for places to shoot, but the best I've found thus far is this club www.peacemakernational.com which is just north of Winchester.

They run matches fairly regularly and anyone can show up to shoot a match, if you want to use their facilities to practice at distances longer than 300 yds, then you have to join. If either of you want to make a day trip up there let me know I'd be happy to have someone to shoot with.

 

[rangeryo]

I've been looking at peacemaker for a bit now. And would like to get out to the F-class in April or May. Only problem, is they don't list any details regarding the competitions on their website. How many people, cost of entry, schedule etc are all things that would be helpful in determining my ability to attend.

With that said, I would be open to a trip up there to shoot as a non-member on the 300yd range, just to see what the place has to offer.

For any of you in the Charlottesville area, I know that the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club has a 300yd rifle range, pistol range, trap/skeet ranges, but is a members only establishment. I've considered a membership, just based on the close proximity and abundance of resources.

 

[cwinston]

They just changed the format of their site this week, it looks like there is still some info missing. If they run them like last year, there were 20 or so shooters at each event, and the cost was around $35 for non members to shoot. They also run a Long Range Challenge Match that is fun, it's a steel plate varying distance out to 1k+ format. First one was unknown distance, second one was known distance. Before you head up there give them a call to make certain they are open on the range you want to use. Occaisionally they rent out the 1-300 yd rifle range for private events.

 

[cwinston]

rangeryo - PM Sent

 

[rangeryo]

Couple Pictures I took from the farm yesterday...
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachment.php?attachmentid=802&d=1362085548
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachment.php?attachmentid=801&d=1362085533

 

[KT35]

Welcome man! Nice to have another VA guy here. Butner and Quantico shoot F-class. Come out and give it a go. I will warn you though. You will catch the disease. It only goes down hill from there.

KT

 

[rangeryo]

KT35, I'm quite certain that I've already caught the disease My only wish though, is that it could take it a little easier on my wallet.

I finally got a deposit sent out for my XLR today, and went ahead and ordered a badger "Mini Tactical" bolt knob, and Tubb FF kit, which I hope will help reduce some fouling and get me by until I can splurge on the Krieger barrel. I hope to get out for some competition by April or May at the latest. Unfortunately, it's been a little rough financially, since my father just lost his job about a month ago, then went and had a severe heart attack last Tuesday. I'm struggling to pay my bills, and help out a little with his, so luxuries are pretty hard to come by right now.

Wonder where all the sugar mommas are hiding...

Oh by the way KT, just realized your birthday is the day after mine. A few years before, but still pretty cool I think.

 

[CarlosDJackal]

Thanks nesikabay.

Carlos, Nice to know another central va man is into the long range stuff. Where exactly in Central VA are you? I'm in Louisa area.

I live in Ruckersville but work in Charlottesville. Does "Flea" Harrison still teach long range stuff in that area?

 

[rangeryo]

I live in Ruckersville but work in Charlottesville. Does "Flea" Harrison still teach long range stuff in that area?

I'm guessing "Flea" is Vern Harrison... To my understanding he has retired, but Ed Shell is still running Central Virginia Tactical in Louisa. He seems to be a very knowledgeable guy, and has been very helpful, giving me lots of tips via email throughout my rifle build. I hope to get with him for some formal training once my rifle build is complete.

 

[CarlosDJackal]

Yes, one and the same. I took a Long Range Shooting class from him years ago. If you plan on signing up for one such class, let us know. I am looking to take another class that will hopefully prepare me for F-Class shooting. I know another guy from Crozet (who used to live in Louisa) who I had taken Flea's class with and has also competed F-Class down in NC. Maybe we can spread the cost between 4 or 5 of us.

 

[rangeryo]

I'm definitely interested. Should probably discuss in a new thread, possibly in the member meet up section?

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=177331&p=2364664#post2364664
go here for that discussion..