James “Jimmy” Crofts, a multi-time FTR National Champion is one of America’s best F-Class competitors. This F-TR ace now has a stunning rifle in his arsenal. CigarCop of KW Precision LLC and AccurateShooter member CigarCop built a stunning FTR rig for Crofts a couple seasons ago. This top-tier rifle is made up of top-tier components, including a Cerus RifleWorks stock, Brux barrels and Jewell trigger. It rests on a wide base Phoenix Bipod. Kent Reeve’s photograph of James Crofts. Take a look at the photos below. Yes, envy would be the right reaction. James’s rig is as accurate as it looks, thanks to the Borden action’s smooth operation and the Brux barrels’ predictable accuracy. CigarCop chambered two barrels with different fluting patterns for James. One tube had conventional linear flutes, while the other had staggered oval lines. Both barrels are 30” in length. The fluting is cool, but it was done to save weight because the barrels are 30” long. CigarCop says the rifle is just under 15 pounds without scope or rings. The maximum weight allowed for an FTR rifle with scope is 18.18 pounds (8.25 kilograms). Visit our AccurateShooter forum and read KW Precision’s F-TR gun-building thread to learn more about the impressive F-TR build by CigarCop. Cerus Rifleworks created the stock on an automated CNC machine. When James Crofts’.308 Win rig is not being fired,
He often trains with a.22 LR Rimfire. Read on… Rimfire training for F-Class competitors 2014 and 2012 U.S. National F-TR champion James Crofts, one of America’s best F-Class shooters. James Crofts, a member of the 2013 World Championship-winning F-TR Team USA, knows a lot about long-range shooting. You may be surprised at how James sharpens the skills of his shooting at relatively short ranges. James practices with a.22 LR rimfire at distances ranging from 50 to 200 yard. James says: “I save money by shooting my F-Class rimfire training rifle. It also improves my shot-process and wind-reading ability.” Remington rimfire.22 LR barreled action with PR&T LowBoy Stock and PT&G Bolt.
James Crofts teaches wind-reading skills through Rimfire training
You can train with a rimfire from 25 to 200 yards. I am fortunate to be able to shoot 50 yards from my back deck. This distance is enough to show any mistakes in rifle handling on the target. For my practice, I use a routine of two dry-fires to one actual shot. This gives me more positive reinforcement, without any negative reinforcement. With a.22 LR, wind reading is crucial. I use smallbore flags for my wind calls. Smallbore flags force you to focus on the flags and mirage with each shot.
This Rimfire rifle is equipped with a CMP Rem 40X barreled actions, PR&T Low Boy Stock, Jewell Trigger, and Phoenix Bipod. The gun was made by Ray Bowman from Precision Rifle & Tool. James Crofts said: “The project was awesome — the rifle turned out to be a hammer even with the stock-barrel.” Rimfire training is cost-effective
Rimfire ammo is cheaper than centerfire ammunition. Although.22LR prices have increased, you can still buy a 500-round brick ELEY.22LR target ammo at around $70.00. This works out to be fourteen cents per round. With the current price of bullets and primers, handloading.308 win match ammo is a fraction of what it used to cost. The cost of a hundred.308-cal centerfire match bullets can be around $70. You also have to factor in brass, primers and powder. You also have to think about the precious barrel life of your centerfire rifle that you will lose to practice.
