Hopefully we can get some sort of definitive answer as to what IS accepted and what isn't.
Firstly, the current (relevant) rules.....
SSRs 10th March 2017 wrote:CHAPTER 3
TARGET RIFLE (TR)
RIFLES, AMMUNITION and ACCESSORIES
TR Accessories :
3.2 Aids and Accessories Permitted
3.2.1 A waterproof mat may be placed over the fore end and breech mechanism to prevent the entry of water.
3.2.2 Competitors may use a ground sheet or coat provided they are laid flat on the ground and do not form an artificial rest or prop for elbows. Scope supporting stand legs must not be placed under the ground sheet or mat in any place.
3.2.12 Sun or Rain Shelter
Shelter from the Sun or Rain may be provided on the mound at the discretion of the Organising body. The shelter may not have sides or be organised in such a way that the shooter is protected from the effects of the wind. The use of shelter for protection from extreme conditions of heat and the sun is highly recommended.
3.3 Aids or Advantages Not Permitted
3.3.1 Except as provided in Rules 3.2.1 and 3.2.12 deliberate screening of a competitor or his rifle or both from the sun or weather when taking part in a competition is not permitted.
CHAPTER 20
F CLASS TARGET SHOOTING [FC]
NOTE:- Where these rules for both F Open and F Standard do not specifically cover a particular subject that may arise then the Rules as pertaining to TR shall apply.
20.4 Range Equipment
Range equipment such as shooting mats, jackets, spotting scopes as per TR rules.
20.9 Standard Rifle
(mmmm nothing relevant)
So, for FS & FO basically nothing relating to wet weather and therefore must go to TR rules which really don't have any properly defined rule other than
"3.2.1 A waterproof mat may be placed over the fore end and breech mechanism to prevent the entry of water".
My opinion is that FS and FO should be defined the same as FTR.
I also believe the TR rules should be more clearly defined.
SSRs 10th March 2017 wrote:F/TR DISCIPLINE
NOTE:- Where these rules for F/TR do not specifically cover a particular subject that may arise then the Rules as pertaining to TR shall apply.
20.46 Screening. A barrel mirage band is permitted and black or coloured adhesive tape may be applied to the top surface of the barrel.
A flexible or rigid cover may be used to prevent dust or rain from getting into the action. More general cover may be provided by a piece of transparent material not exceeding 1 metre square over the scope and action which:-
20.46.1 Does not interfere with the RO’s visibility over whether the bolt is open or not,
20.46.2 Is attached to the rifle in such a way as to ensure that the material cannot be blown away by wind or muzzle blast, and
20.46.3 Does not interfere with the shooter’s partner or his equipment.
20.46.4 Personal shooting ‘tents’ are not permitted.
As an F Standard shooter with the lack of any properly defined rule I have taken the 3.2.1 (TR) rule and read it as, "I can use any waterproof material to cover the fore end & breech to prevent entry of water".
There is no definition or distinction between attaching it to the rifle or ground or any size restriction. So, in the spirit of the rules intention, "to not provide any unfair advantage over any other competitor", I created my solution to include the FTR defined rules of 20.46/1/2/3/4 (Screening), which I considered appropriate as I shoot off a Bi-pod.
(NOTE: 20.46.4 - I believe "Personal" to mean a "Person" and therefore my setup does not contravene this rule.)
Below I'll post some pics to "hopefully" show you what I consider to be a legal & acceptable setup for F Class.
This is a light weight (8G), clear plastic sheet using 4.6mm fibreglass rod and cheap plastic drawer handles cut & drilled for connectors/corners.
It's attached to the bi-pod by simply slipping the fibreglass rods into mounting points fixed to the bi-pod.
Removed from the bi-pod the overall dimensions are about 940mm x 500mm (clear plastic coverage).
Removing the 3 cross-member braces allows rolling up to a small 1 metre length package.
Now, I should point out a couple of specific requirements I had when coming up with my best wet weather solution.
Firstly, I use a bi-pod with a linear guide rail/bearing system which allows the rifle to recoil freely from the bi-pod.
Here's a video from a few years back (2012) when I first made the bi-pod ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiBmkDjXvjE
There have been several changes since that first test but the principles remain the same.
For years in wet weather I put up with a simple plastic cover draped over the scope & action that dragged back with the recoil and had a huge affect on my wet performance. I needed a cover that didn't interfere with the rifle recoil and eventually came to the above concept, which after initial testing seems to perform as intended.
BUT, from testing last Saturday I found the biggest hurdle was going to be having it accepted as "Legal" under the SSRs.
So the purpose of this (somewhat long) post is to get some opinions and thoughts (and maybe an official response from the powers that be) on the legality of this wet weather solution.
Thank You,
Graham