Benchrest
Benchrest
shooting is a rifle sport, where the shooter attempts to place five or ten
shots into the smallest possible group at varying distances. Benchrest tests
the accuracy of the rifle, ammunition and the shooter's skills, particularly with
regard to position; technique and reading of conditions.
It
aims to encourage competition in order to achieve extreme accuracy in firearms,
ammunition, equipment and shooting methods. Participants are encouraged to
explore the design limits of firearms hardware. After beginning by shooting
with standard rifles and ammunition, many shooters set forth on a personal
voyage in pursuit of extreme accuracy. In
doing so they develop new hardware, adopt better shooting techniques and gain
personal satisfaction.
Benchrest Shooting video here
Rifles are fired from rests which comprise a front rest to support the fore-end of the rifle, and a rear sandbag to support the butt. There are six classes of rifle for group shooting comprised of four centrefire and two rimfire. Benchrest Hunter Class is a shot for score, and has categories for both centrefire and rimfire.
The Rifle Rifles are custom built from the finest components. Currently in Australia there are several custom benchrest gunsmiths who can build a winning rifle. Ask a benchrest captain, or some of the competitors for details. Some components, such as high power scopes, have to be imported, but others are obtainable locally.
Scoring Group sizes will be determined by measuring from the centre to centre of the two widest shots in the group. The ultimate group of .000 inches has never been achieved, although the sport has been around since 1948. For Benchrest Hunter Class, one shot shall be fired on each of the scoring bulls. 'Best edge' scoring is used, in that if a shot touches or covers any part of a scoring ring, then that score shall be given.
International Rimfire Benchrest
International Rimfire Benchrest (IRB) allows the use of .22LR rimfire rifles. The total maximum weight of the rifle must not exceed 6.35kg (14lb) and the scope power is unlimited. The match is shot at 50m for score, with a 25-bull target being shot over 30 minutes from the bench. A match comprises three targets.
IRB is affiliated with the World Benchrest Shooting Federation (WBSF), which manages Benchrest at the world level and of which Australia was a founding member. The WBSF now includes more than 30 member countries.
WA Discipline Delegates
For more information contact:
benchrest@ssaawa.org.au
Trevor Pearson - benchrestwa@gmail.com
or
William Barrett - 0422 744 901 - williambarrett@optusnet.net.au
