Thinking about trying F-Class shooting but not sure where to start?
In this episode of Straight Shooters Podcast, we sit down with Mike Summers, an experienced F-Class competitor and match director, to break down what F-Class really is — and why more shooters should give it a try.

We cover everything from getting started with the rifle you already own, to how F-Class matches are structured, what gear actually matters (and what doesn’t), and why the community is far more welcoming than most people expect. Whether you’re coming from service rifle, PRS, or casual range shooting, this episode removes the intimidation factor and explains F-Class in plain terms.

Topics Covered:

• What F-Class shooting is (mid-range vs long-range)
• F-Open vs F-TR explained simply
• What rifle, rest, and ammo you actually need to start
• Match formats, scoring, and X-counts
• How local, state, regional, and national matches differ
• Why most shooters are holding themselves back unnecessarily
• Reloading philosophy for F-Class (accuracy vs overthinking)
• Barrel cleaning, SDs, and trusting the paper
• Youth shooters, women in the sport, and growing participation
• How to find F-Class matches near you

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not good enough to show up to a match” — this episode is for you. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s learning, camaraderie, and having a great day on the range.