Old School F-Class
feature By: Scott Elliot | May, 19
The American Single Shot Rifle Association (ASSRA) encourages and coordinates research into the history and lore of single shot rifles. Therefore, it has developed a competitive course of fire involving the use of cross sticks. This new course of fire is rooted in updating the ASSRA Buffalo Match. It is inclusive and has been adapted so individuals with limited physical mobility can participate.
The rules are easy to follow, allowing anybody with a single shot rifle to participate. There is an Open Class and Traditional Class. The Traditional Class follows the current ASSRA Traditional Class rules while the Open Class is basically wide open. In theory, a shooter could show up with a modern Miller rifle with an internal adjustment scope and participate in the Open Class. Both classes do not allow jacketed bullets. All projectiles must be plainbase lead bullets.
The Cross Stick course of fire involves the following rifle matches: Buffalo Match (.40 caliber and larger), Coyote Match (.39 to .28), Woodchuck Match (.27 to .17, centerfire) and Prairie Dog Match (.22 to .32, rimfire). Centerfire events involve 10 shots fired for score at 200 yards with unlimited sighters, while the rimfire event is 50 shots for score with unlimited sighters.
All participants may utilize wind flags and must spot for themselves; spotters and partners are not permitted. Competitors fire from seated or prone position and may use a shooting mat. Competitors 65 years of age or older, or those who have physical limitations may shoot off of a stool no taller than 18 inches.
Locally at the Ben Avery Range, I have been conducting Rimfire Cross Stick matches. These events are gaining in popularity and the participants are amazed at the accuracy they achieve. Some competitors actually shoot better scores than they do in benchrest events! The information I’ve shared is only an introduction to the new course of fire and is by no means a final draft of the rules. The ASSRA will be posting the final draft of the Cross Stick rules on its website (assra.com). Please go online for more detailed information.