Which is Better? PRS vs F-Class

Introduction

Time to read: 9.5 minutes

Date: June 13, 2023

Are you interested in competitive shooting? If so, you may have heard of the two most popular disciplines: PRS (Precision Rifle Series) and F-Class. In this blog post, we will be exploring the history, equipment, rules and regulations, benefits, and challenges of both PRS and F-class shooting. We will also compare their popularity and costs and provide tips for beginners. Finally, we will answer the ultimate question: which is better, the PRS or the F-Class?

History of PRS and F-class Shooting

The history of PRS and F-class shooting dates back to the early 1980s, when the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) was founded. Ben Stoger, a competitive shooter, shot GM (Grand Master) his first qualifier in 1982. Since then, USPSA has grown to become one of the most popular forms of practical shooting, with over 15,000 active members and 500 clubs affiliated with the organization nationwide. 

PRS and F-class shooting are two distinct disciplines within the USPSA that focus on accuracy and speed. Matches are designed to test shooters’ ability to accurately and quickly engage targets at varying distances while also providing an opportunity for competitors to learn how to focus, slow down time in their heads, and remember their stage plan while executing at speed. Competitions are typically held on outdoor ranges, with 75% of the sport being stage planning. 

It is important for participants to do research on what guns are allowed before participating in competitive shooting, as not all guns are eligible for IDPA or USPSA PCC division due to safety concerns, such as FN 57×28, which is not a 9mm, 357 sig, 40, 10mm, or 45 caliber gun. 

Additionally, if participating in practical shooting with a pistol caliber carbine (PCC), you will need a belt and some magazines, as well as a trigger designed for fast competition shooting rather than slow precision shooting. When shooting in the minor division, using Lord’s caliber optics gives you a scoring advantage over those who shoot in the open division, but there is no competitive advantage. 

Overall, PRS and F-class have become increasingly popular forms of practical shooting that combine gun handling skills with speed and accuracy—both recreationally and competitively – offering shooters an enjoyable challenge that all levels of experience can enjoy. 

Equipment Used in PRS and F-class Shooting

When it comes to competitive shooting, the equipment used can make a big difference. In PRS and F-Class shooting, the right gear is essential for success. For PRS, competitors need a rifle that is accurate and reliable, as well as a scope with features such as adjustable parallax and target turrets. A bipod or tripod may also be necessary for stability when taking shots at long distances. Additionally, shooters should have quality ammunition that is consistent in performance. 

For F-Class shooting, competitors will need a rifle with an adjustable stock and trigger that allows them to shoot accurately at long distances. They will also need a scope with features such as target turrets and adjustable parallax for precision aiming. Similarly to PRS, a bipod or tripod may be advisable for the same reason. 

Naturally, quality ammunition is also valuable in this type of competition; shooters should use ammo that is consistent in performance so they can accurately predict their shot placement on each target. 

Rules and Regulations for PRS and F-class Shooting

The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) has rules that competitors in the PRS must follow. These rules govern things like magazine capacity, trigger requirements, scoring advantages for open-division shooters, and the use of Lord’s caliber optics in the minor division. As an added complication, not all firearms are allowed in competition. – FN 57×28 is ineligible for the IDPA or USPSA PCC division because it is not a 9mm, 357 sig, 40, 10mm, or 45 caliber gun. 

F-Class is a type of competitive shooting in which competitors use scoped rifles to shoot at extremely long distances. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has rules that competitors must follow, and these rules include limitations on magazine size and trigger requirements that favor rapid fire over slow precision. Also, competitors are not allowed to use any weapons that are not explicitly allowed, such as pistols, revolvers, or rifles with calibers smaller than.223 Remington or larger than.308 Winchester or 6mm Creedmoor. 

Benefits of PRS and F-class Shooting

In practical shooting, also known as PRS and F-Class shooting, speed and accuracy with firearms are prized. It is a thrilling opportunity to put your shooting skills to the test in a friendly yet competitive setting. There are a lot of upsides to joining a PRS and shooting in the F-Class. 

1. You can practice shooting in a risk-free setting. Most shooting competitions take place at outdoor ranges, and their courses of fire are made to test competitors’ speed and accuracy at engaging targets at various distances. This allows shooters to practice their accuracy under pressure while still adhering to safety protocols. 

2. It is an excellent way for shooters to challenge themselves mentally as well as physically. Matches are the only way to create enough performance stress to get better, which can help improve focus, slow down time in their head, and remember their stage plan while executing at speed. 

3. It is an excellent way for shooters of all levels to socialize with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for firearms. Many old-school shooters bring lawn chairs to matches and sit watching until it’s their turn – this creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that can be hard to find elsewhere. 

4. Practical shooting has both a competitive and recreational element – many shooters take part simply for the enjoyment of the challenge. USPSA has over 15,000 active members and over 500 clubs affiliated with the organization nationwide – so there’s no shortage of opportunities for those looking for some friendly competition or just some fun target practice! 

Challenges of PRS and F-class Shooting

Competitive shooting is an inherently challenging sport that requires a great deal of skill, practice, and dedication. PRS and F-Class shooting are two popular forms of competitive shooting that require shooters to be accurate and fast. Both styles of shooting have their own unique challenges that must be overcome in order to succeed. 

The difficulty of PRS lies in the shooter’s needing both long-range accuracy and the ability to switch targets on the fly. A lot of practice is needed to get good at aiming and pulling the trigger accurately. A shooter’s attention to the wind is also crucial, as it can significantly alter a bullet’s path. 

The main difference between PRS and F-Class shooting is that in the latter, competitors may use scopes with higher magnification levels. While this improves accuracy, it also makes hitting distant targets more challenging due to the effects of parallax error. Additionally, F-Class shooters must also take environmental factors such as wind speed and direction into account when making their shots. Ultimately, both PRS and F-Class shooting present unique challenges that require a great deal of skill, practice, and dedication in order to succeed. 

The Popularity of PRS and F-class Shooting

The popularity of PRS and F-Class shooting has grown significantly in recent years. PRS is a sport that simulates self-defense and combat situations, while F-Class shooting is a competitive form of long-range rifle shooting. Both sports require competitors to use their gun-handling skills with speed and accuracy to engage targets at varying distances. 

Overall, PRS and F-Class shooting have become increasingly popular due to their challenging nature combined with recreational elements that make them enjoyable for all levels of shooters alike. With proper research into what guns are allowed as well as the necessary equipment needed for each type of competition – such as belts and triggers – anyone can join this exciting sport!

Cost Comparison of PRS and F-class Shooting

When it comes to cost comparison between PRS and F-Class shooting, there are a few key factors to consider. First, the cost of the gun itself. For PRS, you will need a rifle that is designed for precision shooting with features such as adjustable stocks, adjustable triggers, and optics that are designed for long-range accuracy. This can be an expensive investment, depending on the quality of the gun you choose. On the other hand, F-Class shooting requires a more basic rifle with fewer features than those used in PRS. This can make it more affordable for those who want to get into competitive shooting without breaking the bank. 

The second factor to consider is ammunition costs. For both PRS and F-Class shooting, you will need match-grade ammunition, which can be pretty expensive compared to standard target ammo. However, if you reload your own ammo, this cost can be significantly reduced over time as you become more experienced in reloading techniques. 

Finally, there are additional costs associated with participating in competitions, such as entry fees and travel expenses, which should also be taken into account when comparing costs between PRS and F-Class shooting. All in all, while both sports require an initial investment in equipment and ammunition, they can both provide an enjoyable experience at a reasonable cost if done correctly.

Conclusion

Both forms of competitive shooting offer different benefits that make them appealing to different types of shooters. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled high-stakes sport, then PRS might be a good choice for you, but if you’re more interested in honing your accuracy, then F-class might be more up your alley. So: the answer to the ultimate question, PRS vs F-class: which is better? Well, ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so it’s important to research both disciplines before making a decision on which one is right for you! So don’t hesitate – get out there today and start competing! The best option might be to give each one a try!

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