Thread: Advice on a precision F class set up

Originally Posted by Tentman

Gidday Macca - interesting project. I had one of the Gen 1 Ruger PR's for a couple of years and shot a little bit of F Class. Mine came as a 243, and shot Ok in my hands, but not in F class territory. I happened to have a lightweight Krieger 6.5 barrel that wasn't doing anything so got that fitted and chambered in 6.5 Creedmore. In that configuration it shot very well for me, and on one glorious day I was able to shoot several 500 yard groups in a row that made onlookers very envious, but annoyingly I could usually shoot better scores with a Omark 223, albeit one put together by the Collings guys (supposedly Din but who would know).

For shooting F class the Rugers need some sort of single shot adapter made up (I made my own from hardwood) but most importantly, the 60 degree bolt lift on a rifle with the Rugers level of finish is to say the least, stiff. I found it very off-putting and for that reason sold it.

The other rifles you mention, if you just want to compete against yourself in F Class they'll do the job. If you want to shoot competitive scores you'll need a better rifle than any of them unless you are lucky enough to strike a "plum" out of the box. Heaps of people will tell you a Tikka will do it (and probably be offended at the mere hint they will not), but you don't see many of them featuring at the top of the clubs results sheets.

Cheers for the reply

I have read/heard a fair bit of people not being satisfied with the fit and finish of the Ruger, and there's more than a few lemons getting pumped out. I'm aware that the listed options aren't really "true" F class rifles for the classes shot here, but being limited to H&F has me listing Pre built options as if I bought a basic 700/savage to strip the barrel for a precision one/new bolt/full chassis then it would be as expensive as the Tikka anyway.

Another limiting factor is I would still like to be able to use the rifle to haul around a farm for some rabbit/goat shooting or perhaps a deer, so overall weight and portability is of a slight concern (I'm no pansy though)

Also while I'm of the buy once cry once mentality (much to the missus hate) I am thinking the Tikka is pushing it a little much to keep my manhood intact.