are there requirements and guide lines for bench and service matches

[scanner]

I'm thinking about getting started in some benchrest shooting as a hobby, and then also taking part in matches and events. So are there any written requirments and guide lines for the rifles being used in regards to weight, caliber, trigger pull, scope size, hand loading, etc, that I need to know before I start shopping for a rifle?

I'm thinking of a bolt action 308 Win for a centerfire rifle, and also a 22lr bolt action for rimfire.


Thanks in advanced.

 

[Ganderite]

I urge you to attend a match ebfore doing anything. This will give you some ideas as to what you want to get involved in.

A benchrest rifle is a cutom bilt affair, probably shooting a custom chamber for a wild cat cartridge.

But there is a factory class with rules about what qualifies.

 

[Obtunded]

I would consider an F-class match to be a good place to look first. This is shot at fixed, known distances from a prone position (300-600M) using rifles of any non-magnum caliber up to 8mm, using a bipod OR front rest and a rear bag. Any sight may be used, with virtually everyone using scopes of at lease 14 power or more. The idea is to to hit the middle. A rifle capable of shooting under a half minute has the potential to be competitive.

308 and 223 can be shot in a class of their own (F-TR) provided the rifles are under 17 pounds and shoot bullets under 156 grains and.... can't remember for the 223. I think it's 70 grains...

F-Class combines the use of rests and bipods like Benchrest, with the distances seen in Service matches. It is a very relaxed friendly class, and the shooters are an extremely welcoming bunch. Where do you call home?

 

[scanner]

I would consider an F-class match to be a good place to look first. This is shot at fixed, known distances from a prone position (300-600M) using rifles of any non-magnum caliber up to 8mm, using a bipod OR front rest and a rear bag. Any sight may be used, with virtually everyone using scopes of at lease 14 power or more. The idea is to to hit the middle. A rifle capable of shooting under a half minute has the potential to be competitive.

308 and 223 can be shot in a class of their own (F-TR) provided the rifles are under 17 pounds and shoot bullets under 156 grains and.... can't remember for the 223. I think it's 70 grains...

F-Class combines the use of rests and bipods like Benchrest, with the distances seen in Service matches. It is a very relaxed friendly class, and the shooters are an extremely welcoming bunch. Where do you call home?

Sounds like fun, and more to it than I first thought. I'm in Alberta, and once I get set-up I'll check out some events. I have a built, single shot 243 that's been a good varmint rifle with 80gr factory loads.

 

[cycbb486]

Scanner,

If you are interested in shortrange benchrest or are wanting to go to a match in Alberta to watch there are a few gusys on the board who shoot benchrest out there.

Tony Gauthier,Jefferson,Dan Opel, Rob Seeman, are a few. Talk or get a note to those guys and they will point you in the right direction.