For decades, F-Open and F-T/R have defined F-Class High Power Rifle competition—and they will continue to do so. These two divisions remain the foundation of the sport and the standard for national and international competition.
Beginning in 2026, however, the NRA is expanding F-Class to better reflect the needs of today’s competition shooting community. In response to shooter feedback, three new F-Class categories have been created to lower barriers to entry, welcome new equipment types and place greater emphasis on shooter skill.
Whether you are new to F-Class, coming from another precision discipline or simply looking for a fresh challenge, these new categories may offer a place for you on the firing line.
F-Production
The new F-Production category is designed for shooters who want to compete without the expense of a custom-built rifle.
Only factory-production, bolt-action rifles with a retail price of $3,000 or less are permitted. Custom rifles are prohibited. Rifles must be chambered in calibers not exceeding .308 cal. / 7.62 mm, and scopes are limited to 25x magnification.
F-Production rifles are fired from a Harris-style folding or collapsible bipod and a rear bag. Suppressors are permitted where legal. The maximum rifle weight is 14 pounds, including scope and bipod.
While F-Production is intended primarily for new or budget-conscious competitors, it also offers an appealing challenge for experienced shooters who want a more equipment-limited, fundamentals-driven form of F-Class competition.
F-Precision/Any Rifle
At the opposite end of the equipment spectrum is F-Precision/Any Rifle, a category created for shooters who already own precision rifles built for disciplines such as PRS and want to compete in F-Class without purchasing specialized equipment.
There is no limit on rifle cost and no limit on scope magnification. Rifles may be bolt-operated or gas-operated and chambered in any caliber up to .308 cal. / 7.62 mm. The maximum rifle weight is 22 pounds.
Suppressors are permitted where legal, making this category especially attractive to shooters who prefer suppressed fire.
F-Precision/Any Rifle provides a natural bridge between modern precision rifle sports and traditional F-Class competition.
F-Limited
The third new category, F-Limited, takes a different approach. Instead of limiting the rifle or equipment, F-Limited limits ammunition.
Competitors may use either:
- An F-Open rifle under standard F-Open rules, or
- An F-T/R rifle under standard F-T/R rules
However, ammunition is restricted to one of the following:
- .223 cal. / 5.56 mm, maximum bullet weight 92 grains, or
- .308 cal. / 7.62 mm, maximum bullet weight 156 grains
By equalizing bullet weights across rifle types, F-Limited places greater emphasis on wind reading and marksmanship rather than ballistic advantage.
F-Limited is currently designated as a “provisional” category. It will not be included in the NRA F-Class Nationals, and no national records may be established until sufficient participation data is collected and the provisional status is reviewed.
Preserving Tradition While Expanding Opportunity
These new categories are not intended for international competition. F-Open and F-T/R remain the sole divisions for international F-Class events, preserving consistency with global competition standards.
In its report to the NRA Board of Directors, the F-Class High Power Rifle Committee made it abundantly clear that the reason for creating these new categories for F-Class competition was to respond directly and affirmatively to the needs and requests of the F-Class shooting community. The goal is simple: expand participation, accommodate modern equipment trends and provide more ways for shooters to enjoy F-Class competition.
The shooters asked for it, and the NRA has responded.
The updated NRA F-Class High Power Rifle Rules will be published online shortly.
