M1A for F-class?

B

Barrya

Guest
Having lived with an M1A for years while in the Marine Corps, I was impressed with it's capabilities on the range out to 600 yards. Now 40 some years later I'd like to consider using the same rifle (current model) for the F-class matches. Anyone out there that has tried this? Your thoughts?

Thanks

Barry
 
Barry, if the M14 puts a smile on your face and gets you on the firing line, go for it and enjoy a day in the sunshine. If your objective is to be competitive for overall F-Class wins (or F-TR wins) then you're starting off behind the 8 ball. A well built bolt action (in the right stock) will get the same shooter a higher score on a consistent basis than an M14 will.

It's just a matter of defining your objectives and making sure the day rewards you in a manner that makes the effort worthwhile.
 
If you want to try it at distance go to long-range.com and read about service rifles. You can compete with the m1a at distance (800, 900, 1000yd) in NRA highpower competiton. Also you might like over the course
(200,300,600) or midrange. (500 or 600) Instead of competing against f-class guns off of a rest (and much smaller target) you can shoot against other service rifles. Most matches have f-class and service rifle classes shooting at the same time.
 
it would be much cheaper and easier to get a bolt gun to easily out shoot an M1a, however i am an M1a fan. for any kind of competition with one, i wouldnt consider less than a supermatch, or a full custom build. neither are cheap.
 
I agree with Mr Salazar.
First decide your goal in shooting.
If you need to be competitive with the other shooters you should go with a dedicated bolt gun.
If, on the other hand, you are shooting for fun(why else?), and to see how well you can do with the M1A go for it. (Its not like you get some tremendous financial award for first place anyway. Plus you can still potentially win the service rifle class)
There are some very good articles in the Precison Shooting Highpower Primer about shooting the M1A to 1000 yards that are well worth reading.
I would suggest keeping bullets weight to 180gr or less. The 174SMK and 175BergerVLD would be my choice over IMR 4064. You should work up loads carefully with a chronograph. A ported gas plug would be a good idea to help avoid beating your rifle up too bad (and you too).
Better yet build a bolt gun too and shoot both!
 
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