Benchrest Popularity and Growth

[Jud96]

I know this has probably been discussed before, but I wanted to start this thread to have a good, up to date discussion about this topic. The topic being, what is holding back benchrest growth, popularity, and how do we reach new shooters and get new members.

I shot my first match last April when Ken Hottenstein invited me to Holton to shoot his rifle and use his equipment. I was hooked instantly and dove down the rabbit hole. Previous to this, I had little interest in short range, but after my first match it’s all I have shot and really focused on since then. I’m 27 and the I’ve been the youngest guy at every match I’ve shot the past couple years. I would really like to see some younger guys get into this, and really any new people regardless of age. The sport needs growth.

Having said that, what’s holding people back? I know there’s hundreds if not thousands of people on this forum who have benchrest level rifles and skills that shoot groups and play around with it. Why not shoot a match? I know several people who shoot PRS and spend as much or more than we do in barrels, bullets, powder, optics, equipment, match fees, etc. I also have many more friends who spend thousands on trucks, cars, bikes, side by sides, boats, etc. Obviously they’re not shooters, but they have the time and money for it if they wanted to do it.

So, how do we get more shooters and get the match attendance back up? I’d really like to learn how to help people get started and what is holding them back. Thanks!

 

[DngBat7]

It’s probably the 3000 to 5000 or more startup fee. For decent rifle, good rest, quality reloading equipment, cost of brass, primers and bullets right now. I just thinks it’s cost prohibitive for most. The travel to matches can also be difficult unless your self employed or retired. At least it can be if you don’t live close to the matches. All that aside. I have found that if you let people try it with a nice setup, they can get the bug.

 

[mdram]

i shot my first br in sept 2023, my first fclass in march 2024.
i cant understand why people from one dont shoot in the other, equipment is similar. but they just dont.

it seems most younger guys go right to prs

 

[wvlongshot]

Going out on a limb, but if compared to ASA or IBO archery and you have to shoot against the pro division shooters right off the start most will be intimidated. If there were a rookie class where once you won an agg or yardage, or top 3 couple times move on up.
People don't want to spend thousands of dollars competing against pros when starting out. Short range br is the only sport I know of that runs that way.

 

[Fuj]

Going out on a limb, but if compared to ASA or IBO archery and you have to shoot against the pro division shooters right off the start most will be intimidated. If there were a rookie class where once you won an agg or yardage, or top 3 couple times move on up.
People don't want to spend thousands of dollars competing against pros when starting out. Short range br is the only sport I know of that runs that way.

Spot on......When I started IPSC combat pistol back in the mid 70's,
you shot 3 match's to be averaged to find a class placement. Generally
A thru D class. You then competed in that class for a full season, and at
that point, your accumulated scores could keep you in that class or bump
you up to the next higher class. Sand baggers were warned, if caught, they
would be moved up 2 classes......In BR shooting, you get your feet wet, all
at once, and up to your neck......As it is, it's dead in my area. I have to travel
a minimum of 100 miles in any direction to find something.

 

[G Liles]

Going out on a limb, but if compared to ASA or IBO archery and you have to shoot against the pro division shooters right off the start most will be intimidated. If there were a rookie class where once you won an agg or yardage, or top 3 couple times move on up.
People don't want to spend thousands of dollars competing against pros when starting out. Short range br is the only sport I know of that runs that way.

It is very discouraging as a new shooter to spend a lot of money just to get your butt handed to you every match, ask me how I know!!

 

[DngBat7]

It is very discouraging as a new shooter to spend a lot of money just to get your butt handed to you every match, ask me how I know!!

I have been competing for several years and still feel that way

 

[Longtrain]

I believe that all the shooting sports are struggling to attract young participants. Twenty years ago, a local club would fill four relays with 60 shooters at an Across the Course match. Now they are lucky to get 20 shooters, if that many.

We fielded 38 shooters a few weeks ago for a NRA long range registered match. Two days, all at 1000 yards. In doing the stats for the match, 75% were Grand Seniors, two gentleman are in their later 80’s and still banging away. F Class dominated the field with 27 shooters and 11 shooters across three sling disciplines. We don’t see young shooters, some that I know have turned to PRS.

 

[CJ6]

I know this has probably been discussed before, but I wanted to start this thread to have a good, up to date discussion about this topic. The topic being, what is holding back benchrest growth, popularity, and how do we reach new shooters and get new members.

I shot my first match last April when Ken Hottenstein invited me to Holton to shoot his rifle and use his equipment. I was hooked instantly and dove down the rabbit hole. Previous to this, I had little interest in short range, but after my first match it’s all I have shot and really focused on since then. I’m 27 and the I’ve been the youngest guy at every match I’ve shot the past couple years. I would really like to see some younger guys get into this, and really any new people regardless of age. The sport needs growth.

Having said that, what’s holding people back? I know there’s hundreds if not thousands of people on this forum who have benchrest level rifles and skills that shoot groups and play around with it. Why not shoot a match? I know several people who shoot PRS and spend as much or more than we do in barrels, bullets, powder, optics, equipment, match fees, etc. I also have many more friends who spend thousands on trucks, cars, bikes, side by sides, boats, etc. Obviously they’re not shooters, but they have the time and money for it if they wanted to do it.

So, how do we get more shooters and get the match attendance back up? I’d really like to learn how to help people get started and what is holding them back. Thanks!

Bring them to a match or two and let them shoot.
If they like it that's a start. Getting them to get the right equipment is another matter as is having the mindset knowing they most likely will take some time before they can get to the middle of the pack or better.
I've never been to a competition where other shooters didn't want to help new guys out.

 

[tony parker]

iI started last year now almost through my secount and im having a ball Yes it can be exspesive i have done a little travling but im still overwhelmed at how everyone helps you and im still asking a lot of questions but having a lot of fun and yes its tough to get even near the middle but im trying

 

[tikkaman308]

I've been shooting short range BR matches this year, I've shot UBR, IBS score and club matches of group and score. I travel at least 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hrs one way to shoot. Its an expensive game to play ,but I don't have really expensive equipment either. I have yet to win a match but I have a great time trying and all the other shooters are more than happy to give advice or help when asked. They want you to shoot your best ,so they can beat you at your best. I encourage anyone to give it a try. My wife recently started shooting with me and won the first match that she entered,shooting 250 with 20 x to beat 10 other experienced shooters. It was only the 3rd time she had even shot that gun......I say beginners luck...lol.

 

[Schippergreg]

Going out on a limb, but if compared to ASA or IBO archery and you have to shoot against the pro division shooters right off the start most will be intimidated. If there were a rookie class where once you won an agg or yardage, or top 3 couple times move on up.
People don't want to spend thousands of dollars competing against pros when starting out. Short range br is the only sport I know of that runs that way.

I’m the opposite, getting thrown in with the best is what gave me motivation. If you beat a hall of fame member or a world team competitor on one target you know that you can do it again.

 

[Tommie]

Ok here goes. No flames please.
I was hot to trot in the 1990’s. I really wanted to get into serious benchrest competition. After visiting and asking questions with a couple fairly well known shooters I lost interest. Words that came to mind: elitist, condescending, dismissive. Not the kind of people I want to spend my free time with. Totally turned me off. Probably (maybe) just a couple bad apples but I was done.

You asked.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I’m the opposite, getting thrown in with the best is what gave me motivation. If you beat a hall of fame member or a world team competitor on one target you know that you can do it again.

Same here but I think it encourages some and discourages others. It drives me to be better. It drives some to sell out if they don't win every match.

My first year, 7 of the top 11 in ibs points shot every month at that club. Tough not to get beat up and discouraged against that competition. I think we are all simply different and we shoot for different reasons. I shoot to be competitive. I realize I won't win every match but I would probably quit if I didn't have a chance too. NFL culls people out in a different way but to the same end. The ones that want it bad enough are the ones that stick around and they are the ones that will shoot best too.

 

[Evan]

Ok here goes. No flames please.
I was hot to trot in the 1990’s. I really wanted to get into serious benchrest competition. After visiting and asking questions with a couple fairly well known shooters I lost interest. Words that came to mind: elitist, condescending, dismissive. Totally turned me off. Probably (maybe) just a couple bad apples but I was done.

You asked.

I agree, but I think generally it’s subtle and probably comes from what the sport is and the kind of people who are drawn to it. You get some guys who are very overt in their elitism. I know on reflection that I have treated some newcomers without enough sensitivity when I was just trying to be earnest and honest with them in answering their questions.

I don’t think it’s a generational thing or a financial means thing that keeps benchrest small. I think it’s visibility. PRS has A LOT of advertising. I have talked to more than a couple non gun people that had heard of PRS and had a concept of what it is. I have had to explain benchrest to everyone, even competitive shooters from other disciplines.

 

[jxb]

I have to wonder if folks who grew up doing individual sports and/or before the everyone wins and everyone gets a prize bs started find this a non-issue. Whole generations were done a disservice by that everyone wins stuff because they get out in the real world and many are completely unprepared to deal with it. Then we wonder why there's so many issues in later generations, most get along but some don't at all.

Every contest has a first place and last place and xx between, that's just how it is. Folks that grew up doing individual sports understand. No matter how good you are there's always someone better, maybe not this year but sooner or later someone beats you, takes your title, or breaks your record.

Not everyone can be the best but most folks with hard work and time can move up the pack and more than anything see improvement in their own performance. This is what motivates me, winning is simply a bonus.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I agree it can be intimidating but I don't think that's the entire story. We can't expect young folks to be anxious to entire BR with the way firearms and the 2A are presented to them.

I know a lot of people do teach their kids to shoot, but the kids go to school, use social media, and quite honestly they see the same BS we do. Why would they want to enter something that requires a firearm?

If most young folks were to buy a firearm, it would most likely be a modern type sporting rifle. BR rifles are specialized, IMO. Look around at the competitions, do you see a lot of the next up-and-coming generation at the BR matches?

 

[Longtrain]

Ok here goes. No flames please.
I was hot to trot in the 1990’s. I really wanted to get into serious benchrest competition. After visiting and asking questions with a couple fairly well known shooters I lost interest. Words that came to mind: elitist, condescending, dismissive. Totally turned me off. Probably (maybe) just a couple bad apples but I was done.

You asked.

Absolutely the truth. Saw the same in XTC 25 years ago. They didn’t shun anyone, but were a little standoffish, I could see how a new shooter would be turned off. Hey, it took a lot of balls just to show up to your first match, never mind actually shooting. Where do you think that offhand wobble came from anyhow?

But, a retired Army Master Sgt was squadded with me during one of my first matches. After 300 prone, he asked my classification. I told him Sharpshooter. He smiled, called me a sandbagger, and told me to keep with it. That kept me in the game, never forgot that or him. Made a big difference, a little kindness goes a long way.

 

[quest450]

iI started last year now almost through my secount and im having a ball Yes it can be exspesive i have done a little travling but im still overwhelmed at how everyone helps you and im still asking a lot of questions but having a lot of fun and yes its tough to get even near the middle but im trying

Tony, I can totally agree with you buddy, nothing but the nicest ppl you can meet and most of them are willing to help, you are lucky and you're in a 600/1K shooting Mecca surrounded by some of the best shooters.

"the harder you work the luckier you get"

 

[Schippergreg]

I don’t believe that money is keeping newcomers from sr benchrest. There’s too many $80,000 trucks in driveways that have never been hooked to a trailer or left the pavement for me to believe that. I believe that the 2 largest factors are distance to matches and advertising. Who’s going to drive 3+ hours one way to try something new that you have no idea if it’s something you might enjoy. Other than 2 forums and the nbrsa magazine where else have you seen anything about benchrest? There’s a pile of potential new shooters that have never heard of benchrest. I don’t have the answers to how we can reach new shooters and get them hooked but I wish I did.