Bench shooting

[Lutes]

Ok I am entering new territory here and could use some pointers or suggestions. I planning on building a couple of guns to be mainly shot in bench matches.  My main concern is amount of drop and trigger pull length compared to offhand guns? They will be set up with open or peep sights. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

[Bob Roller]

So many variables there it is hard to start a thread other than
to say a FIRST class barrel is required as a start.

Bob Roller

[Lutes]

Agree with that. But my main concerns are with amount of drop compared to offhand stocks. I would assume you would need less drop but not sure how much difference?

[Don Stith]

Comb height to align your eye with the sights.  Toe line and comb parallel to the bore. I liked a shorter pull than offhand stocks. You have to snuggle up to them to control elevation with the bridging of your gloved hand. You might want to go to a state territorial or match at Friendship to see what is being used.
 My last one weighed 48 pounds. PROBABLY NEED TO BUILD A BENCH TO HAUL TO THE MATCHES WITH YOU. Great game but equipment intense.

[Lutes]

Don I have been watching at  Friendship for a while. Just havent really talked to any of them about specifits. That is the kind of info I am looking for. I am planning on the14 lb class.

[Acer Saccharum]

I've also seen special carts made to haul the gun and other stuff needed for shooting. It doubles as a loading stand. Good idea to go to a shoot, see what others have. Some shooters may let you peer thru their sights, get the feel of the set-up.

[smylee grouch]

14 # class, light bench will take the same type of equipment only lighter. Go with a long med weight barrel the best you can find, preferibly with false muzzle. If I remember right you only shoot out to 100 so the heavy cal isnt as desirable as in heavy bench where you shoot out to 200. Get the best adj. front and rear sights you can find. New ones will run up to 400 bucks but are worth it when you are shooting in the wind. As Don said, get or make a solid bench, very important.  You will also want among other trappings a good spoting scope. You might as well make up a set of good sturdy cross stixs as the 14# limit applies to that too and you will want to shoot that with the same gun posibly. Drop tube, range rods, good sharp patch knife, note book, etc. etc, I have a 12 & 1/2 # gun that has a modern thumb hole stock with little drop, wished it had just a little more.

[Lutes]

Smylee thanks for the information. Aware you talking about a set of redfield peep sights? Also how  much drop do you have compared to your offhand rifles? What size barrel did you go with?

[smylee grouch]

Recevier sights prefered over tang mounted sights. A 42 inch 1&1/8 50 cal barrel will weigh about 10 lbs. not counting breech. You have to figure out what type of action, conventional side hammer or one of the others like underhammer, box lock etc. and start adding up the weight sights included so you can get a close estimate befor you start building. No under rib needed.

[Lutes]

Smylee I am pretty sure I am going to make a back action mule  ear lock. It should be a fast lock and quick ignition. Also I can use set triggers with it. Also can you recommend a set of sights.