OzFclass

Hi all,
I have started to get into FTR. I have been going over the rules to make sure I am compliant, I dont want to get a smack if I front up to a shoot and something is not right. The only issue I have come across is the size of plate under the bipod. I made a plate from a bit of plywood and glued some carpet to it. It is as wide as my dolphin bipod will go. I read something along the lines that my plate cannot be any wider than my bipod plus 51mm on both sides, this isn't an issue with the dolphin but I also use a SEB joypod, this gives me 70mm on either side. Am I reading this correctly? Will I need to make another plate if I want to use the joypod?

Hello Mitchell,
Just remember the ssr's state no more than 51mm each side more than the dimension of the rests (feet/skis) so 71mm each side would not comply. You would probably have to get a second plate.

I use both the same bipods you have and instead of two boards I have been using a podpad. There is no overall measurement in the rules when using a front sandbag and I use it with both bipods. I can't run the Dolphin out to max (600mm with about 60mm of guide rod sticking out) but have found I haven't had to go that low.
The Podpads are NLA I believe but if you got one made up by an upholsterer you could make it a little wider to allow full extension of the Dolphin if required.

Dave

Hi Dave. I know I don't shoot FTR but I am fairly sure there is nowhere in the rules that allows the use of any form of sandbag under the front of an FTR rifle. Attached bipod, flexible matting, flat boards or plates get a mention but not sandbags. A lot of people have and probably still do use pod pads but I would think that they should still meet the dimensional requirements of the boards or plates ? Regards Malcolm.

Thanks for you comments Malcolm.

We need someone with more knowledge than me to comment. I thought if the rules didn't mention the use of a sandbag under the Bipod then you were good to go. The podpad was sold as something to place your Joypod on while shooting FTR. I always assumed they complied with international rules.

The SSR's also say you can use a flexible mat or carpet but does not specify the size. You can also put the Bipod on the grass. I would assume you could drop your Bipod feet on your range mat if you wanted and if the mound was dirt or sand you would end up with a big sand bag.

I would also ask if you use a plate and you are shooting on some of the mounds in NQ would you be allowed to place sandbag socks under the ends of the plate to attempt to stabilise it.

Thanks for the input. We may all get a better understanding of the intent of the SSR's

Dave

Hi Dave. Have just measured a podpad and sure enough it comes in within the specs listed in the rules, joypod width 520mm podpad width 600mm. 40mm either side of bipod. Instead of referring to the podpad as a sandbag I would suggest you call it a flexible mat so as to stay within the rules. If however you use a bipod of less than 498mm width on that podpad I would consider you to be in breach of the rules as you would then have more than 51mm width outside each bipod foot. As far as issues on soft grass such as Belmont I would think that most shooters would use a heavy flat plate (made to the correct width for their bipod) with carpet or podpad on top to get a stable platform. Best thing is check with the experienced FTR shooters to see what they are using that keeps within the rules and works. The rules are fairly clear on what is allowed to be used so whatever you use must fit the description of what's in them. Regards Malcolm.

You are correct in thinking you will need 2 different boards to switch between those bipods. The rule allows for the board to be as wide as the maximum width of the bipod + 50mm. With a Joypod that is 600mm.

Thanks Malcolm,
I have never shot at Belmont but hope to this year. So if a solid flate plate is used can a sandbag "donut" be placed under each side to stabilise the plate. I have heard Belmont is fairly spongy due to thick grass.

I have two Podpads and the one I have been using has stretched and the edges are curved so after using it for a while is no longer compliant!
The new one that hasn't been filled can be measured from three different places and to me would not be compliant before filling.
The first might have started with some cardboard or something glued inside the top but after being caught in the first shower of rain there is no longer any stiff top in the partitions. I have to pat them flat with my foot.

Would two separate not attached sand filled pads, one under each bipod leg be considered legal and where would you measure them from.

Regards
Dave

Dave you cannot use donut bags under your front plate. The plate needs to rest on the ground. You can't use wedges or sandbags to level or prop. I have included the rule below. I use a steel plate with a foam underneath and foam and carpet on top. You cannot use 2 different pads either. They need to be attached. I have competed in FTR at many national events. Your best bet is to look at what the guys leading the pack are using. Garry Faulkner, Frans Konx, Marty Kelly all of these guys (just to name a few) have shot consistently at a high level for a long time. They are the guys to talk to and learn from.

Rule 20.40
The use of ‘tables’ i.e. a single flat solid surface extending under both front rest and rear bag is prohibited. Carpet or similarly flexible matting may be placed under the front rest and rear bag. Separate flat boards and or plates not exceeding the dimensions of the individual rests by 51mm on a given side may also be placed under the front rest and rear bag. In the case of a bipod the board or plate may be as wide as necessary to accommodate the bipod at its widest point, but not be more than 30cm front to rear. It is not permitted to provide tracks for the guidance of bipod feet. No levelling screws or protrusions are allowed on these boards or plates. They must be flat on the top and bottom.

For what it’s worth, I have been using a thick rubber matt, about 1inch thick with a carpet glued on top for the past 5 yrs. Size as per max from SSR’s. Bought everything from Bunnings.

Have shot most ranges in Australia, Belmont is my home range. SEB joypod for me.

Others use similar to what Mick described. They all work. Need to find something that prevent the rifle from jumping vertically (that is bad), easy to transport for flights and within the rules.

Regards
Frans

Thanks Frans,
Appreciate the advice. I was trying to sort something for traveling without needing a forklift to load it..

Also Mitchell, I hope I didn't railroad your post and hopefully we can all learn from the advice given.

Regards
Dave

No worries mate, I am learning heaps here. I just made a new plate at 600mm so I can use either bipod.

Daveh wrote:Thanks Frans,

Appreciate the advice. I was trying to sort something for traveling without needing a forklift to load it..

Also Mitchell, I hope I didn't railroad your post and hopefully we can all learn from the advice given.

Regards
Dave

As already stated , plate/mat must be flat top and bottom amd within length and width. Biggest hurdle is dealing with so many different surfaces you find on shooting mounds/ranges ie, sand , gravel , grass and even concrete they all play an effect on how the plate itself behaves also translated through to the rifle and shooter executing a shot .

Thanks everyone,
I'm not trying to be "a smart .." just trying to get my setup sorted out.
After reading rule 20.40 a few times, more questions are raised than answered.

During a shoot last year at a range that has concrete mounds I was using a steel plate with marine carpet on top. It was within the size of the rules. When placed on the concrete it rocked terribly. I shifted it onto the grass in line with the edge of the concrete and was asked to move it behind the firing line by the range officer. I moved it and did not say anything. A quick look left and right and there was at least 6 front rests sitting with their levelling screw legs in the same grass.
So, by pushing the corner of my range mat under my plate between the concrete to "stabilise" it I was breaking the rules?

After then I have been using a Seb Podpad. Now I am unsure if it is legal to use. If it isn't a sandbag rather a flexible mat it is definately not flat on the bottom.

In rule 20.40 posted above mentions front rests. This also raises questions as I was to believe in FTR you can't use front rests only a Bipod and or a sling. Why are front rests even mentioned..

I intend grabbing some gear from Bunnings to make a plate like Frans described. Thanks.

"In the case of a bipod the board or plate may be as wide as necessary to accommodate the
bipod at its widest point, but not be more than 30cm front to rear."

Is the widest point of a Joypod measured from the outside of the skis or the outside of it's widest point being the ratchet clips that raise and lower the Bipod.

Regards
Dave

Someone could have raised a protest against you by doing that. You can't use anything under your plate. You also are not allowed to deform the mound to stabilize your plate.

The widest point of the bipod is what you have you to go by. Whether that is the edge of the skis or the ratchets, it makes no difference. It states the widest point. Seb podpads are legal. Plenty of people use them. Like I said before, look at what the guys at the top are doing. Talk to them if you can and learn from them.
I was fortunate enough to have a very good mentor. I listened, watched and I applied what I was taught. Saved a lot of guessing.

If you are unsure about the total maximum length, just make it a little bit shorter. 10mm under won't cause you as much trouble as 10mm over.

When it states "front rests" it is referring to bipods. You can use either a bipod or a sling as long as the total weight of the gun and accessories does not exceed 8.25kg.

Thanks Barossa,
I realise now that putting my range mat under the plate could have ended with a protest and I won't do it again.

To sum it up - nothing under the plate except the grass, dirt or concrete surface of the mound.

Where it says flat plate on the bottom, does that also mean no holes, handles or centres cut out of the plate.

I will be making a new setup and to be on the safe side it will be under the max like you said.

Up until about 18 months ago I was the only FTR shooter in our club, now there are two of us. Two more are changing over real soon as their rifles are built, so you can say we are all green but doing the best we can.

We have a great mentor (Jordan) who is sharing and helping heaps. He is about five to six hours away.
Asking questions and reading on this forum is the other way we are learning. Having good and experienced shooters like yourself and Frans as well as other who take the time to answer and explain is invaluable and appreciated.

Thank You,
Dave