Action/Stock for F-Class Open Rifle

[Quinny]

I have been out of the F-Class game for a little while and keen to get back in. I am looking to get a setup that can be used mostly for F-Class, but also for benchrest, 500 Fly and other long range matches.

I notice many people use the Barnard action for their long range rifles - where can you buy a Barnard action? And what is the cost?

There are also many people who base their long range rifles off an Omark action - given that the Omark can be had for around $300 (plus some gunsmithing) is it worth going with the Omark action?

What other options are available?

Also, where does one buy a stock to suit these actions?

The other option I am considering is to buy something like a Savage target model as a starting point - thoughts?

[Brad Y]

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6237

Fantastic starting point and very well priced. Just add a scope.

[DenisA]

G'day Quinny,

I stand to be corrected but don't the Omarks suffer flaws when subjected to hot .308's and higher pressures...? If so, I suspect that would make them a poor option for F Open.

Haven't you already had a Savage 12 .308 that was a tac driver and then re-barreled it to 6.5x47?

I'm committed to Savage now, but If I were to start over with a new rifle, I think I'd just go straight to Matty Paroz or Keith Hills for a quality ground up Barnard build. I wouldn't skimp on cost since the accuracy level is rediculous now. Competetive scores = fun = satisfaction = glad you spent the money. Still have to drive it though.

What cartridge are you thinking of?

[Quinny]

Haven't you already had a Savage 12 .308 that was a tac driver and then re-barreled it to 6.5x47?

What cartridge are you thinking of?

Yeah I did have the Savage F/TR rebarrelled to 6.5x47.... and I regret selling it.

Cartridge... I am torn between 308 for F-Standard and 6mmBR or 6.5x47 for F-Open.

What is a Barnard or Stolle/Panda/Stiller action worth?

[Matt P]

Quinny
Give me a call tomorrow and I can try a give you some prices and options.
0402230877
Regards
Matt Paroz

[Quinny]

Thanks guys, and thanks for the offer Matt.

After doing some research, I think that a custom build is going to be more money and more stuffing round than I am willing to put into it at the moment.

The Savage 12 Benchrest in 6mmBR seems to be a good choice. Topped with a Nightforce 12-42BR, I am sure that I will have something that is more accurate than I am, at half the price of a custom.

[Brad Y]

I still think Andrews rifle is going to be more bang for buck than anything out there. Great stock design, great quality match barrel, great quality action and put together by master gunsmith. Wouldnt be wasting money on a factory rifle at that price...

[Barossa_222]

I built a F standard gun on an Omark action before I had any real knowledge about the sport and what it takes to be up there with the best. Time over again and it would a Kelby Atlas, Barnard P or a Stolle F Class. Buy once, cry once.