Beginner Benchrest Shooting
Huskerbob - as an alternative to full blown ARA match guns many clubs also have local matches which depending on the rifle class, older wood stocked target guns and good sporters can be very competitive to get started as long as you have your rests sorted out. We have 100 yard rimfire matches just east of Omaha every month in the summer that have an unlimited class where the heavy ARA guns shoot in but also a 10.5lb class (no tuners), a factory sporter class (under 7.5lbs, any sites) and an iron sight class (any gun). We use the 100 yard NRA prone target, four targets, 10 rounds each, all off concrete benches and a perfect score is 400/40X which has only been done once at this range. The ARA guns are generally custom actions but in the other classes you see bolt Winchester 52s & 75s, Remington 37s, 40Xs, 581s, 541Ss,Ts, and rebuilt 541Xs, 54/64 Anschutz, tuned CZs, old Walthers, falling block Martinis, etc. Since we shoot at 100 yards in Iowa wind is almost a factor. Over in Lincoln, NE this last year the day before the ARA matches they had fun shoots limited to wood stock guns at 50 yards with several different ARA/PSL targets being used. I suggest checking the clubs around you to see what they offer - the matches I shoot are totally dominated by bolt guns, and the shooters are really good but very willing to teach. Good ammo is a must to place in any class and personally, sporter class is the toughest. Cheers! 87beemer
