Hunter/Sporter Class , Has it been DERAILED?

[DenisA]

I think sub division are an essential idea. The divisions should list off the shelf rifles that can be used. A system similar to the way IPSC does it with pistols in classic, production, standard, Open, etc. It'd be easy to do. Take a leaf out of their book.

[Sam Walker]

I don't agree with the idea 'No changes of Triggers, Barrels, Calibers etc unless changed for parent manufacturer spares' as Australia is a small market where suppliers sometimes cannot or will not supply spare parts.

I'm about to take the step from the occasional dabble to more regular participation and buy another rifle to shoot the longer ranges than my 'parts bin' Sako A1 .223 can do.
It was built for spotlighting (prior to Hunter/Sporter existing) has a Maddco barrel and a Sako sporter stock that I widened the forend. Under an "off the shelf rifles only" rule it wouldn't comply. It didn't cost a lot, doesn't wear a high end scope but seems to be more in the spirit of the class than some of the chassis setups around.

That said I do agree that it shouldn't turn into a spending competition/arms race or whatever you want to call it, any changes to the rules would have to be very carefully considered so as to avoid stifling the class. Sub categories or divisions would probably be the way to go.

[macguru]

I think that when SH makes it into an OPM, there is only going to be room for one category, so 308s, 6.5CMs and the rest will have to compete together, without muzzle breaks, as one class, alongside the other categories of FS, FTR, FO and FullBore. So those that do it at this level will have well bedded (probably chassis) rifles with good scopes and barrels up to 26in. I dont think you should obsess about sub-categories and extra rules when there will not be any room for them in an OPM anyways. Already the FTR people often have to compete in FSa because there is not room for yet another subdivision.

[AlanF]

...Already the FTR people often have to compete in FSa because there is not room for yet another subdivision.

In what way is there no room? Total numbers or reluctance to provide trophies?

[macguru]

There is a distinct and justified reluctance to fragment the field in regional OPMs in order to accomodate a large number of classes. Already FTR are shooting in FA, and if SH is to be accepted I cannot see organisers allowing SH/std and SH/open with a couple of entrants in each. Thats what I have seen and who can blame them ?

[AlanF]

Well, it may make things easier in the short term, but catering for small entries of classes in their infancy has paid off for my Club. I was the only F-Open entry in Rosedale OPM in 2004, but in recent years F-Open has had the biggest fields of any class/grade. F/TR started slowly, but now has healthy numbers. We offered SH for the first time in our March OPM and ony had one entry, but are expecting several next year. Its nice to have big fields, but clubs should also invest in the future I think.

[Weairy]

There is a distinct and justified reluctance to fragment the field in regional OPMs in order to accomodate a large number of classes. Already FTR are shooting in FA, and if SH is to be accepted I cannot see organisers allowing SH/std and SH/open with a couple of entrants in each. Thats what I have seen and who can blame them ?

We still have TRC at OPMs, and I've never been to a prize meeting yet that has excluded FT-R as a sub-category, despite both being a 1-3 man category in a lot of circumstances.

We had S/H in our OPM in May. We only had one entrant at the time, but given the lockdown circumstances and other factors, it wasn't a great example of what the class can become. But that one shooter had an absolute ball, came out of it with a couple of range medallions and a trophy and is really keen to keep shooting. That's what the class is about; to encourage people to come and have a crack.

We are also planning to add this to the GVDRA/Karramomus OPM (if and when it manages to go ahead). Already we have 3 shooters keen, with several more expressing their interest. I will likely shoot S/H as well, to mix it up a bit and keep the round count low on my F-STD rig (and the ever-dwindling supply of 155.5 Bergers up a little).

All it takes is a bit of a push and someone to put their hand up and sponsor all of about $100 in medals/prizes to make this class gain momentum. If we don't make the effort to support these classes in their infancy, then of course they'll never grow...

[macguru]

This year I think I went to 3 regional OPMs before all the shooting finished for us in June->? lockdown, and at 2 of them there was no FTR and no SH. In addition I went to the 2020/21 nsw queens and it had both FTR and SH (but only one category of SH I believe). I was shooting FO but I would consider giving SH a go if I felt my 308 was competitive with the 6 and 6.5 rifles. I suspect it is but i'm not sure. They would not be allowed muzzle breaks I imagine.

[Weairy]

No FT/R is an odd move, considering it's an international class etc.

S/H just needs support to develop.

When I have a crack, it will be with a 308 at this stage, simply because that's what we've got dies/brass/projectiles for, so that's what we've bought. 308 will keep up.

Muzzle brakes are an important piece of equipment for this class. They make a huge impact on controlling recoil on the bipod. I've only shot next to one for a couple of rounds and while at first it was a little off-putting because of the direction of the noise (300 WBY MAG didn't help), it wasn't much different to laying down beside an F-Open 7SAUM. Not that hard to accommodate really; put them on the end of the mound in a squad if you're concerned.

[Wayne_tri62]

Would the addition (as in SH in NZ) of limiting the scope range also assist. Just my way of thinking, is that the very cashed up and gamey will have no problems fitting a 30+ power $3+k scope and still declare it is a hunting rig. I hope, scopes are limited to say 20-25 x as max. Even the most experienced long-range bunny buster would not go past 20x. If dudes rock up with a Lightforce 30+ power on top of his Tac 2 and a new shooter with his Howa 243 with 6-16x scope see's this as an example of S/H, there is no way he will stick around, he may as well just get a loan and go FTR.

[AlanF]

Expensive high magnification scopes may look intimidating, but any reliable scope of 20X is not at a serious disadvantage to them. However a $5000+ tactical rifle will almost always outperform a $1500 off the shelf sporter. Personally I'd rather see a total value (based on RRP) limit of around $3000 for a basic SH class, with an "Open" class for more serious competitors.

[Tim L]

Personally I feel that the only rule that needs to be changed is the rear support rule.
Get SH class to shoot off a Harris style bipod and from the shoulder and I don't think the equipment will make a blind bit of difference.

[mike H]

Personally I feel that the only rule that needs to be changed is the rear support rule.
Get SH class to shoot off a Harris style bipod and from the shoulder and I don't think the equipment will make a blind bit of difference.

I like your thinking Tim,getting close to Match Rifle style.
Mike.

[Tim L]

Personally I feel that the only rule that needs to be changed is the rear support rule.
Get SH class to shoot off a Harris style bipod and from the shoulder and I don't think the equipment will make a blind bit of difference.

I like your thinking Tim,getting close to Match Rifle style.
Mike.

Having done it I found if you preload the bipod you have to deal with your heart beat, if you don't preload you have to deal with recoil. TBH, with no rear bag I'd be opting to shoot TR style with a jacket and sling rather than a bipod.

[AlanF]

Personally I feel that the only rule that needs to be changed is the rear support rule.
Get SH class to shoot off a Harris style bipod and from the shoulder and I don't think the equipment will make a blind bit of difference.

I like your thinking Tim,getting close to Match Rifle style.
Mike.

Having done it I found if you preload the bipod you have to deal with your heart beat, if you don't preload you have to deal with recoil. TBH, with no rear bag I'd be opting to shoot TR style with a jacket and sling rather than a bipod.

Didn't optical class die a slow death?