Opinion - Ruger or Tikka

[Daveh]

I was wondering everyone’s opinion on weather a Ruger Precision (RPR) a Tikka TAC A1 or a Savage 110 Precision would be considered sporting/hunting class rifles.

None are sold as “target” rifles but all are quite capable of under 1moa.
They all come fitted with muzzle brakes and have adjustable stocks. (And muzzle brakes)

If an OPM included sporting/hunter class would these and similar rifles be eligible to compete in this class.

I would assume a custom PRS rifle with a Surgeon or a Defiance action, Bartlein barrel and a MDT chassis would not be allowed as they are “custom” built and not factory.

What do you all think?
Dave

[Weairy]

I've seen a fairly standard Savage 110 used as an F Std rifle, so I'm sure it'd be more than sufficient for a SH rifle. My personal choice though would be a Rem700, just for their flexibility in factory-standard rifles. Huge range of stocks, calibres and barrel options, and a good range of aftermarket options too.

The rules are a little grey when it comes down to whether a PRS rifle would be accepted in SH class. It states "Any rifle bought as a standard factory-made practical walk around sporting/hunting/varmint rifle and without the features or attachments that would place it in the style of a target, match or service rifle, and which complies with the following conditions".

Technically, it would probably meet the criteria by the rulebook, but my personal opinion is it's against the spirit of the class.

[Quick]

If you already had a custom build PRS, field, varmint, etc rifle then I doubt that anyone would would turn you away from a shoot. The idea behind the class is to grow the sport. But if your talking about building a rifle specificaly for competing in Sporter/Hunter, then that would be against the spirit of the class as many would ask you to shoot in whichever F-Class your legal for.

I think people need to remember technically, this class is NON-Competetive in its current form. If it is going to be competetive at prize meet and/or queens level then we probably need to explore a sub-class system that seperates the true sporter/hunter class rifles and PRS style rifles. Because alot of the PRS style rifle guys wouldnt want to shoot in F-Open. Thats just my opinion and one that would make alot more work for competition organisers.

The rules are that a rifle is allowed to be rebarreled with a max length of 26in and contour of Heavy Varmint (What barrel manufactures deem a HV, not OEM). We have guys here that are shooting Lithgows, etc and shooting high 50.xx scores.

[Daveh]

Thanks for the replies.
I think you may have misunderstood the question.
If there is a prize meet that is going to offer the sporting hunter class at their meet, would you think a Ruger precision, Tikka Tac A1 or a Savage 110 Precision be eligible to compete.

For example Clermont has advertised expressions of interest and they may offer Sporting/Hunter class at their OPM. If someone traveled to the meet with a Ruger or a Tikka would they be allowed to shoot Sporter/Hunter. Or would they have to remove the muzzle brake and shoot F-Open or F/TR.

Dave

[johnk]

For example Clermont has advertised expressions of interest and they may offer Sporting/Hunter class at their OPM. If someone traveled to the meet with a Ruger or a Tikka would they be allowed to shoot Sporter/Hunter. Or would they have to remove the muzzle brake and shoot F-Open or F/TR.

Ask them?

[Quick]

You will need to ask them. But I think you should be fine. As I said, most people wont send you away as the aim of the class to is grow the sport.

[Daveh]

johnk wrote:
Ask them?

John I did. I sent an email and have not had a reply.
I was going to attend the shoot and my son was going to come along for the drive. It is about 6hrs drive from here. The only rifle he could use is a 308 Ruger with a bipod. And he didn't want to end up in F-Open. He has never been to an open, neither have I, so we are both unsure.
Dave

[Daveh]

All good. Spoke to two of the boys from Clermont. They are great. We’re keen to meet them all at the shoot.

Thanks
Dave

[Rogue22]

Hi Dave,

The secretary has been having a few issues with the email address, it’s definitely not on purpose. I shoot sporter/hunter at Clermont and we will have it at the OPM. As long as the rifle meets weight limit and scope isn’t higher than 25x you will be fine.

We haven’t got firm numbers for SH yet but we had 6 at an inter club last weekend so hopefully with the advertising we should get a few!!

[Daveh]

Rogue22.
We have decided to travel down for the shoot. The Ruger my son shoots has an old vortex pst 6x24 so should be ok.

I spoke to Anthony and then got a phone call from Ben. If the S/H goes ahead he will shoot it. If not he can shoot F-Open.

Keen to meet them. Had a good chat on the phone.

I am set up for F/TR but will shoot with the big boys in F open as well.

There might be a few others from our club coming down to try S/H class.

We’re only coming down for the experience as none of us have been to an open shoot yet.

Dave.