One of the biggest disincentives for anyone looking into trying Rimfire Benchrest is being told right up front that you need the top of the line equipment that can compete at the national level.
It is like being told that the price of admission is:
Custom rifle: $3000
One Piece rest $800
Competitive Ammo $1500 per case
And the attitude that “if you don’t want to pony up (equipment wise) before even your first match, just buzz off boy, you are bothering us.” That is what kills the interest of most people that would even consider trying the sport even before they sit down at a bench at a match.
My advice is to just ignore the grumpy old men and show up at a match with what you have (CZ, Anschutz etc.) and try the course of fire to see if you would enjoy the competition. Yes, there is no way you will win, but you can get a feel for whether or not you would even enjoy the competition.
I started with an Anschutz 1411 that I bought for $425 and have been slowly upgrading it, and having fun along the way. I am sure I won’t get my entire investment back. But if that was my concern, I probably should put the money in a CD at the bank.
I compete at local club matches and I am really enjoying myself, but I almost let the elitist attitude of some on this board keep me from even trying the sport.
Someday I will have the time that it takes to justify buying a custom built bench rifle and the time to test ammunition for every phase of the moon, barometric pressure, temperature range, humidity level and wind direction.
Until then I am just enjoying company of other competitors at the matches and trying to increase my scores.
Michael Ohlsen
Andover, Kansas