Benchrest shooting

[Darkhorse]

I'm thinking about entering a Benchrest match in a local rondevous but I know nothing about it. I've always been a line shooter. Will
someone share the rules and methods involved so I'll have an idea what I'm getting into.
Thanks, Darkhorse

[smylee grouch]

Rules and regulations will vary in different locations. If it is an NMLRA match , a rule book from them will be handy. It will outline such things as ignition, sights, weight limits, etc,  Develop the best tightest grouping load you can and know where it shoots at the various ranges.

[hortonstn]

You are entering a remarkable sport I started about 30 years ago and love every minute of it
It's remarkable how tight of a group these guys can produce
A lot of great people and a lot to learn
Good luck

[Daryl]

Above all, solid seating position, as low as possible & both feet flat on the ground or floor. Technique is VERY important.
Bringing up pictures of BR matches should help with seating position/style.  Where you rest the gun on the bags also important. Guns have preferences.
Very important.

[smylee grouch]

Just a snapshot of the Bench Rest / Cross Stix / Slug Gun / Shoot zen ( sp ) rang at the Ben Avery Shooting Complex in Pheonix AZ and some of the boat loads of equipment you might acquire if your in the game lone enuf.

[Keyhole]

Each place is different, but we shoot 10 rounds at 50 yds and another 10 rounds at 25yds for score.  Just show up….folks will gladly help you to get started.  You’ll love it…

[Daryl]

I usually rest the rifle on the V-bag at the entry pipe location. My left hand (right handed) holds the bag at the butt of the rifle, squeezing the bag to raise or relaxing to lower the butt.
Instead of my feet being closer to me butt, the knees bend at 90 degrees, so the legs are relaxed and the feet are flat on the floor.
The large deep V Calwell bags are popular with some air rifle bloggers. I've never used one but do have the larger shallow V Caldwell bag shown with the lady shooter. I use it indoors
only. I need an adjustable bench rest for outdoor shooting as the benches & chairs are of different height then the ones indoors.
The heavy $200.00 Caldwell adjustable iron rest is a good solid rest.
This is the rest I am referring to. https://www.caldwellshooting.com/rests/shooting-rests/rock-br-competition-front-shooting-rest/440907.html#start=1

[StevenV]

Darkhorse are you talking about shooting your offhand rifle on a bench or shooting a bench gun on a bench? Bench guns are much heavier (25-35lbs. or more ). False muzzles and a few others items different from your offhand rifle. I was deleted a while back for posting a bench gun pic. So lets see how this goes. Lots of other bench shooting pics. Rest your gun towards the end of the muzzle , around the first ramrod pipe. And hold your gun like the guy in the picture. Resting your gun back at the tailpipe and holding it like shooting offhand is not the most stable position. Too much room for movement which doesn't lead to tight groups.   
     
Steve

[Darkhorse]

I have 2 Lancaster type hunting rifles I built, one is a .54, the other a .40. I built them to be nearly identical to fit me as close as possible the same way. I don't yet have a heavy bench rifle but if I like bench shooting I will build one.
The reason I'm considering this is due to health issues. I have developed shoulder problems which can only be cured with both shoulders being replaced. This problem prevents me from shooting over a couple of accurate offhand shots.
The other reason is I had major back surgery a couple of years ago. I now have nerve damage in one leg which has affected my balance and ability to stand and shoot offhand.
So if I'm going to shoot competition again it will be benchrest or nothing. At least until after the shoulder replacements.
I appreciate the tips on shooting benchrest but I've been doing it for many years and I'm pretty good at it. If something holds me back it will be my equipment not my form.
BTW I only shoot flintlocks.

[JBJ]

Darkhorse
January's  ALR postal shoot is any position at 50 yards (take a look at the thread "January 2025 ALR Postal Shoot") and I think that you would enjoy shooting the target from the bench and getting your feet wet so to speak. I  hope that you will consider participating.

J.B.

[alacran]

Darkhorse, I had a total replacement of my left shoulder two years ago. I almost chickened out at the last minute. I am glad I went ahead with it.
I went at the PT like I was killing snakes. My left shoulder has 100% range of motion, and I am close to 100% strength.
Good luck with yours.

[Darkhorse]

JBJ, I would like to shoot that match but I'm trying to build a new fence to contain my horses. I built my present fence from electra-braid over 20 years ago and now the sun has deteriorated it. I've had several horses get out lately. It's proving to be a slow chore for someone in my condition. So I don't have much extra time but we will see.

Alacran, I'm glad your shoulder replacement came out good. I will never recover my former strength. A few years ago I was teaching Tae Kwon Do and bench pressing 315 pounds. These medical problems have robbed me of my strength, robbed me of muscle mass and generally taken a negative toll on everything. But when the time comes I'll work as hard as I can to recover all I can.

My rifles weigh just a little too much for me to shoot matches offhand. I'm thinking about fitting a Rice B weight 50 caliber to my 40 caliber rifle, it will be a little lighter. Lighter enough? I don't know. Until then it will have to be benchrest.