Advice for a first time benchrest shooter

[kthomas]

I'm not new to competitions, have shot a few PRS club matches and 2 day national matches, but thinking of dabbling into benchrest comps to learn some new tricks and tips, and because there are matches local to me (Tucson AZ). Will still primarily shoot PRS/NRL type comps, but I feel that learning to shoot another discipline will do nothing but help me progress as a shooter.

My goal is to meet new people, learn a new shooting discipline, and ultimately come out of it a better shooter.

I have no intentions of building a new rifle to compete. I have a PRS rifle in 6BRA that I will use. While not fit for purpose for the task at hand, I'm sure I'll learn more about the rifle and my ammo then I may otherwise. It's a very accurate rifle, and I don't think it's going to hold me back at all. I don't have any disillusions about setting any records, ultimately this is a side hobby for fun and education.

That said, any tips, tricks and/or advice that you have for someone looking to dabble in 1,000 yard benchrest? Perhaps something you wish you knew before you showed up to your first match, or common mistakes you see from new guys?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Set your rig up on your rest and see if it tracks properly. You can even do this in your yard. If it doesnt track back n forth and return to close to your point of aim address that first. Not sure what kind of match youll be attending but if its more than an informal club match your gun will probably not be legal. No matter how accurate it is if it doesnt track and return to battery and load very fast youll be at a serious disadvantage so get your feet wet and dont get discouraged. Im sure somebody will have a spare gun there to get you really hooked on a purpose built br rifle. Good luck and keep us posted

 

[R.Morehouse]

I don't know what you are using for a front rest. But if you don't have one set up yet I suggest getting a 4+ inch top for it and getting a plate for the front of your PRS stock to fit it. There is a guy selling the plates here on the site that are quality & lightweight. I was planning on giving a chassis gun a go at 1000br this year just for kicks, it is an MPA chassis in 300WSM (16.8lb) that shoots well at distance. But as mentioned I will be at a disadvantage IMO ( RB-RP ) over the 2 port guns I am used to running....Best of luck...

Regards
Rick

 

[drano38]

I started shooting 600 yard IBS with a Savage in a prone style stock. So yes, it can be done, knowing it is a workaround. But you already realize that, so life is good.
Find a way to attach 3 or 4" wide aluminum or plastic to the front for riding in a rest. 3" front rest bags are much easier to find.
What is the shape of the rear stock? Can you add aluminum or plastic back there too? Stocks for 1000 yard competitions generally have the rear parallel to the forearm, so they track straight back, or the crosshairs raise only slightly.
On my Savage, I made an aluminum runner to go from the bottom of the pistol grip to the butt. Put slick tape on it, and it will ride on a bag fairly well.

 

[kthomas]

Appreciate all the tips so far! I'll take a look into some of the equipment suggestions, though to be honest I hope to not spend much money, if any, on extra equipment.

To give a better idea of what I'll be using, here's my rifle.

- Mausingfield action
- 28" HV 1:7.5 twist Krieger chambered in 6BRA
- Khales K624i scope w/ SKMR3 reticle
- BNA Tacsport 2 stage trigger
- ARC M10 rings
- JAE chassis, with accessories such as a bagrider
- bipod, was planning on using the LRA F-class bipod that's in the picture

 

[kthomas]

If a wide forend and front bag is much more advantageous then say a bipod like I was originally planning on using, would a plate such as this be acceptable?

https://grayopscnc.com/collections/shooting-gear/products/mini-gun-plate

The reason I'm asking about this specific plate, is because I could also use it in other disciplines that I shoot.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If a wide forend and front bag is much more advantageous then say a bipod like I was originally planning on using, would a plate such as this be acceptable?

https://grayopscnc.com/collections/shooting-gear/products/mini-gun-plate

The reason I'm asking about this specific plate, is because I could also use it in other disciplines that I shoot.

Is it flush on the bottom? I wouldnt think that would ride a bag too well, it looks like a rig just to make your rifle not rock too bad sitting on a barricade. Most important thing is just getting to a match. You can sort stuff out later. Do you have a single load sled for the magazine? You cant use a magazine in br

 

[kthomas]

Is it flush on the bottom? I wouldnt think that would ride a bag too well, it looks like a rig just to make your rifle not rock too bad sitting on a barricade. Most important thing is just getting to a match. You can sort stuff out later. Do you have a single load sled for the magazine? You cant use a magazine in br

Good point on the single load sled, I will have to pick one of those up.

I believe that gray ops plate is flat on the bottom, but you are right, it was designed for use with bags on barricades for stability, not so much tracking through a bag.

The bottom of my chassis is flat, but it's only 1.5" wide. Are their appropriate bags for that width?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Yes protektor will make you one thatll fit any rest. Id put teflon tape on each side and the bottom to maybe help fill in the gaps

 

[D-4297]

I don't shoot BR at any distance ; but when I first started shooting F Open with limited gear , a knowledgeable Open shooter suggested putting a light amount of baby powder on the base of my stock where it rode in the bag . Made it much smoother , and seemed to improve the tracking also .

 

[JCardenas]

K,

You can use used dryer sheets to make them ride smooth in the bags as well. Once you start winning you can sell them for 12$ a piece...

Oh...and shoot fast.

 

[johara1]

I don't shoot BR at any distance ; but when I first started shooting F Open with limited gear , a knowledgeable Open shooter suggested putting a light amount of baby powder on the base of my stock where it rode in the bag . Made it much smoother , and seemed to improve the tracking also .

Baby powder get sticky when damp, Bag wax doesn't..... wax or baby powder doesn't make it track .......jim

 

[R.Morehouse]

If a wide forend and front bag is much more advantageous then say a bipod like I was originally planning on using, would a plate such as this be acceptable?

https://grayopscnc.com/collections/shooting-gear/products/mini-gun-plate

The reason I'm asking about this specific plate, is because I could also use it in other disciplines that I shoot.

I didn't see any specs on that forend plate in regards to width & weight. Not a fan of the tightening wheel if it protrudes below the bottom of the plate. The ones made from Urbanrifleman attach to a pic rail and are much easier on the wallet. Nice looking gun, I am running the same scope in a Spuhr...And the CG-22 Extreme 2 stage.

Regards
Rick

 

[kthomas]

I didn't see any specs on that forend plate in regards to width & weight. Not a fan of the tightening wheel if it protrudes below the bottom of the plate. The ones made from Urbanrifleman attach to a pic rail and are much easier on the wallet. Nice looking gun, I am running the same scope in a Spuhr...And the CG-22 Extreme 2 stage.

Regards
Rick

I will check out the one made by urbanrifleman, thanks!

 

[johara1]

There is no width on the forearm for long range and that rail in the rear would be better as parallel to the fore arm as you can get it and it will ride good in a flat top bag. What does it weigh? 17 lb for light gun...... jim

 

[INTJ]

I'm not new to competitions, have shot a few PRS club matches and 2 day national matches, but thinking of dabbling into benchrest comps to learn some new tricks and tips, and because there are matches local to me (Tucson AZ). Will still primarily shoot PRS/NRL type comps, but I feel that learning to shoot another discipline will do nothing but help me progress as a shooter.

My goal is to meet new people, learn a new shooting discipline, and ultimately come out of it a better shooter.

I have no intentions of building a new rifle to compete. I have a PRS rifle in 6BRA that I will use. While not fit for purpose for the task at hand, I'm sure I'll learn more about the rifle and my ammo then I may otherwise. It's a very accurate rifle, and I don't think it's going to hold me back at all. I don't have any disillusions about setting any records, ultimately this is a side hobby for fun and education.

That said, any tips, tricks and/or advice that you have for someone looking to dabble in 1,000 yard benchrest? Perhaps something you wish you knew before you showed up to your first match, or common mistakes you see from new guys?

They are a great bunch of guys that shoot in Tucson. @WAMBO shoots 1K BR and if you like I can put you in touch with another of of the guys who shoot there.

 

[D-4297]

Baby powder get sticky when damp, Bag wax doesn't..... wax or baby powder doesn't make it track .......jim

My bad ... I live in a place where it doesn't get damp very often . Like almost never . Left the swamp , rain , doom & gloom a long time ago . I really enjoy living where I get 345 days of severe clear & sunshine n average . I do forget about the damp , rainy , gloomy places .

 

[WAMBO]

We shoot NBRSA 1000yd BR matches 2nd Saturday of every month ( with the exception of last month and this month) at the Tucson Rifle Club in 3 Points AZ, shoot me a PM if you want to chat.

 

[JFrank]

Appreciate all the tips so far! I'll take a look into some of the equipment suggestions, though to be honest I hope to not spend much money, if any, on extra equipment.

To give a better idea of what I'll be using, here's my rifle.

- Mausingfield action
- 28" HV 1:7.5 twist Krieger chambered in 6BRA
- Khales K624i scope w/ SKMR3 reticle
- BNA Tacsport 2 stage trigger
- ARC M10 rings
- JAE chassis, with accessories such as a bagrider
- bipod, was planning on using the LRA F-class bipod that's in the picture View attachment 1176976 View attachment 1176977 View attachment 1176978

I would recommend a good rear bag, like Edgewood mini gator

 

[Evan]

If you want to get going on the cheap, build a little 2x4 frame at the right height, drape a towel on it and rest you rifle on that. Squeeze your rear bag for elevation. Rules say rifle can't be held down or attached. Rifle should ideally weigh less than 17# so you can shoot both light and heavy classes.You're just going to have fun and get more time behind your gun: you don't need to buy any gear to do that.