The 2025 NRA F-Class Fullbore Long-Range National Championships were hosted by the Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club in southern Delaware from October 23-25, 2025. Competitors enjoyed three days of nearly perfect fall weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures and ideal shooting conditions, which was reflected in record-setting performances across nearly every yard line and category.
The weather on the opening morning began crisp and calm, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s and wind flags laying limply on their poles as the first rounds went downrange at 800 yards. But as competitors quickly learned that Bridgeville’s mix of grass, sand and water, along with navigating winds passing through the breaks in the trees on either side before reaching the target —presented subtle challenges.
Although high winds were never a factor, wind switches and small changes in wind speed could make the difference between an X and a 10—and given the quality of shooters on the line, that difference could—and did—make a difference in who would win and who would not.
Henry Ferris of the Bridgeville Long Range Rifle Team led the way in the F-Open class, winning the overall individual F-Open National Championship with a score of 1347-97X, dropping only three points over three days of competition at the 800-, 900- and 1,000-yard lines. In addition, Ferris set new national records for the 135-shot aggregate in both the Open and Civilian categories. He also set a new national record at 1,000 yards in the Senior category with a single 15-shot match score of 150-10X and at 800 yards in the Senior category with a score of 150-19X.
Tracy Hogg of the United States F-Class F-T/R Rifle Team set the pace for the F-T/R shooters, posting an equally impressive score of 1343-68X as he set new national records in both the Open and Civilian categories.
New national records were also set in the team matches for both F-Open and F-T/R. The new 2025 F-Open National F-Open Team Champions and new national record holders were The Trigger Fish Team with George Van Why as both Team Captain and Team Coach, posting a record aggregate score from the 800-, 900- and 1,000-yard lines of 1793-118X, dropping only seven points out of a possible score of 1800. Team members included Henry Ferris, Shiloh Plue, Jack Neith and Mike Eash.
Two USA Teams led the F-T/R pack, with Team USA Vortex edging out Team USA Berger by seven points, posting an aggregate score of 1790-117X for a new national record. Team USA Vortex was led by Team Captain Tracy Hogg and Team Coach Keith Trapp, with team members Brad Suave and Drew Rutherford.
While most people think of older shooters as being the backbone of the F-Class community, 14-year-old Shiloh Plue proved that younger people can excel at F-Class High Power Rifle competition. Young Ms. Plue hung in there with the big boys and girls posting scores that saw her set a new national record for the 135-shot Grand Aggregate in the Junior category of 1343-86X and set a new Women’s national record at 800 yards in a tie with Gwen Basalla, both of whom posted 15-shot single match scores of 150-13X. Shiloh also set new Junior records at 900 yards (150-13X) and 1,000 yards (149-8X).
Ohio shooter Kimberly Rowe was shooting a T/R rifle and set new national records in the Women’s category. Her record-breaking scores included 150-9X at 800 yards, 149-7X at 900 yards, 147-4X at 1,000 yards and 1321-49X for the 135-shot Grand Aggregate and the Women’s F-T/R Fullbore National Championship title.
Winning is a family affair for Gwen and Matt Basalla. On the F-Open side, Gwen Basalla shot her way to the Woman’s National Championship with a Grand Aggregate score of 1343-94X. Her husband Matt Basalla placed second overall in F-Open to capture a silver medal with a Grand Aggregate score of 1346-93X.
Among the most impressive performances of the tournament was Keith Trapp’s new F-T/R Open and Military Veteran national records at 800 yards of 150-26X. This newly retired US Naval Officer finished as the runner-up, one point behind Tracy Hogg with a Grand Aggregate score of 1342-69X.
Other shooters setting or tying national records included F-Open shooters Mike Eash, Adam Scholl, Gwen Basilla (who won the Women’s F-Open National Championship), Jack Neith, Mike Drass, Herb Egberts and Daniel Maple.
Additional F-T/R shooters setting or tying national records included Drew Rutherford, Ryan Crozier, Ramsey Abid, Dale Lucy, Todd Norfleet, Brad Sauve, Nick Tubito and Jim Crofts.
This NRA Long-Range national event was shot using the HEXTA electronic target system. Bridgeville chose the HEXTA system over others that were available specifically because of its accuracy and dependability. There are no “lost” or “dropped” shots with the HEXTA system.
As a 100% NRA Club, the Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club is proud to have been chosen by the National Rifle Association of America as the host for this 2025 F-Class Fullbore Rifle Long-Range National Championship. The Bridgeville club has been hosting NRA Registered, State Championship and Regional High Power Rifle matches for more than 70 years and is proud to have supported NRA F-Class competition since its introduction to the United States at the end of the last century.
Special thanks to Mr. John C. Sigler, a past NRA President, member of the NRA Board of Directors and current F-Class High Power Rifle Committee Chairman, for his assistance with this article.
