Benchrest
Background
Benchrest rifle shooting is all about placing five or ten shots into the smallest possible group size at various ranges. This sport originated in the in the United States around 1947 and came to Australia in the 1950’s, with the first benchline thought to be at the old Baulkham Hills range near Sydney. The sport has grown significantly over the years, with competitions in every state and National Championships held every year for the various Benchrest classes. SSAA Australia Team shooters have completed in Oceania, Pacific Regional and World Championships.
The Firearms & Classes
- Experimental/Unlimited Benchrest
Experimental/Unlimited Benchrest is a centrefire class, which requires shooters to fire 10-shot groups, while all other classes fire five shot groups. There are no rifle weight restrictions, but the length of the barrel must not be less than 457.2mm (18”).
- Heavy Varmint
Heavy Varmint is a centrefire class in which the maximum total weight of the including a telescope must not exceed 6.123kg (13lb 8oz). The stock width must not exceed 76.2mm (3”) at any point and the length of the barrel must not be less than 457.2mm (18”). There are no restrictions on scope power.
- Light Varmint
Light Varmint is a centrefire class in which the maximum total weight of the rifle must not exceed 4.763kg (10lb 8oz). The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
- Sporter
Sporter is a centrefire class in which the maximum total weight of the rifle must not exceed 4.082kg (9lb). The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
- .22LR Rimfire Benchrest
.22LR Rimfire Benchrest is a rimfire class in which any rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle caliber rimfire cartridge can be used. The total maximum weight of the rifle including a telescope must not exceed 3.515kg (7lb 12oz). The stock width must not exceed 57.15mm (2.25”) at any point. Scope power is restricted to 6x magnifications. The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
- Custom .22LR Rimfire Benchrest
Custom .22 Rimfire Benchrest is a rimfire class in which any rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle caliber cartridge can be used. The total maximum weight of the rifle including telescope must not exceed 6.350kg (14lb). The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
- Centrefire Hunter Class
Centrefire Hunter Class requires the use of a centrefire rifle with a total maximum weight that does not exceed 4.536kg (10lb) and a stock width that does not exceed 457.2mm (3”) at any point. The rifle must have a functioning magazine that would hold two or more cartridges that can be fed, chambered and made ready for firing and extracting solely by the bolt in the normal manner. Scope power is restricted to 6x magnifications. The rifle must be fired from restricted rest only.
- Custom Centrefire Hunter Class
Custom Centrefire Hunter Class requires the use of any centrefire rifle with a total maximum weight that does not exceed 6.35kg (14lb). The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
- .22LR Rimfire Hunter Class
.22LR Rimfire Hunter Class requires the use of a rifle that meets the specifications of .22LR Rimfire Benchrest class, but must also have a functioning magazine as per the Centrefire Hunter Class requirements.
- Custom .22LR Rimfire Hunter Class
Custom .22LR Rimfire Hunter Class requires the use the use of any rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle rimfire caliber cartridge. The total maximum weight of the rifle must not exceed 6.35kg (14lb). The rifle must otherwise meet the specifications of the Heavy Varmint class.
Scoring
Competitors try to shoot the required number of shots into the smallest possible group spread on each target and the five groups are added together to form an overall aggregate, which decides the finishing order of the competitors. Groups are measured with devices that can identify the exact centre of the two widest shots. The ultimate would be to put 5 or 10 shots into one single bullet hole. In 60 years of Benchrest shooting, this has never been done, although many have come very close. The target backer system used at registered matches ensure that the correct number of shots have passed through the scoring target.
Hunter Class is shot for a score out of a possible 250 points at each yardage. There are five scoring targets on each card and five of these targets are shot. Many shooters have achieved a ‘possible’ of 250 points, but each target has a tiny dot within the 10 ring, which is referred to as a ‘10x’. This is used to decid the winner and so far, no-one has shot 250.25x. The times allowed for each target are the same as for group shooting.
Course of fire
For Benchrest group shooting matches, there are five targets shot at each range. The majority of matches are shot at 100 and 200 yards – the distance and group sizes are expressed in imperial measurement in Australia.
For the first five-shot group of a class or after a change of distance, 10 minutes shall be given to complete firing – all other groups have a seven minute time limit. For to-shot groups as in the Experimental/Unlimited Benchrest class, the time limit are 15 and 12 minutes respectively.
Targets
All targets have an application section and a sighting section. On group shooting targets, the two areas are divided by a line through the centre of the target. There are no restrictions on the number of sighter shots that may be fired.
On Hunter Class score targets, there are five scoring roundels and a specific sighter target which is identified by a line around it.
Where to Start?
Most SSAA ranges have an active benchrest section. Participants interested in taking up benchrest shooting should contact the clubs benchrest captain for further guidance.
Major Benchrest Shoots:
- National Championships: held every Easter on a roster system around Australia, where ranges are available. All classes are contested over five days.
- Australia Day Matches: held in Canberra at the end of January, usually for light and heavy varmint.
- SA State Championships
Rules
http://www.ssaa.org.au/competition-info/rulebook/benchrest-rulebook.pdf
Contacts:
State Disipline Chairperson: Brendon Atkinson
National Disipline Contact
http://www.ssaa.org.au/competition-info/benchrest_contact.html
More Information
National Benchrest Dicipline Page - National Hall of Fame, Scores, Up Coming Shoots, Posters and much more.
http://www.ssaa.org.au/competition-info/benchrest.html
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
