History of Benchrest

[RiflePainter]

So, me and my wife shoot mostly Long Range Benchrest and I love learning about the history of the sport of benchrest in general. Articles like "Secrets of the Houston Warehouse" are really interesting to me. I just wanted to see if anyone had any other recommendations on any books, articles, videos, etc. that talk about the history of our sport, the people that have helped create and evolve benchrest and the guns and how they have evolved over the years? Thanks for any input. I look forward to learning more about this passion of our community.

Jonathan Jones
Alabama Gun Works LLC

 

[Mulligan]

Did Long range BR start in Williamsport?
I too, would like learn more about the history and the pioneers that had a passion.
CW

 

[1911nut]

Landis wrote about Varmint rifles in the 1930’s-1940’s. He traces the development of Varmint cartridges into target / benchrest winners.
The 219 Donaldson Wasp, the hot benchrest cartridge before the 222 is an example. Great read.

 

[Tommie]

“Yours Truly” by Harvey Donaldson. He was a founder and the first president of NBRSA

 

[JRanum]

Get yourself some copies of 'The ultimate in rifle precision, the benchrest shooters annual' put together by Townsend Whelen. Theres about 4 volumes from the decade of the 1950s. I have them and they are outstanding.

 

[Lbart]

Take a look at "Precision Shooting at 1,000 Yards".

 

[Bugs]

The Early Years

 

[JimPag]

I know short range group started at the Pine Tree range in Johnstown, NY in the 40's and short range score started up here in Maine.

 

[tmwinds]

Jonathan, if you need to know anything about bench rest shooting, just ask your wife.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Glenn Newick‘s book “The Ultimate In Rifle Accuracy” is a great read that covers the history and
ins and outs of Benchrest through it’s beginnings to the 1990’s.

It is geared mainly toward short range Benchrest, but quite a bit of it translates to all aspects of accurate rifle performance.

 

[RiflePainter]

Jonathan, if you need to know anything about bench rest shooting, just ask your wife.

Thanks Merrell! She definitely knows how to beat me lol.

 

[jdh47]

"Yours Truly" by Donaldson is good at looking into the beginning. The rest is history. There are many good books on the sport though.

 

[Mulligan]

Wasn't planning on it today, but bought three books today from ABE books....
gotta love this forum.
CW

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Get your hands on some old precision shooting magazines.

 

[Mulligan]

Get your hands on some old precision shooting magazines.

I really miss that publication.
CW

 

[KMart]

Benchrest History Thread

If Wilbur doesn't mind, I thought I'd start a thread highlighting benchrest's history (old photos, ads, articles, etc). I have a lot material, as I'm sure others do. For the guys that lived through those years it'll bring back memories. For newcomers like myself it'll connect us to the sport's...

benchrest.com

 

[Mulligan]

Benchrest History Thread

If Wilbur doesn't mind, I thought I'd start a thread highlighting benchrest's history (old photos, ads, articles, etc). I have a lot material, as I'm sure others do. For the guys that lived through those years it'll bring back memories. For newcomers like myself it'll connect us to the sport's...

benchrest.com

Awesome thread, thanks for posting this.
CW

 

[geo.ulrich]

Look for Warren Pages book " The Accurate Rifle " goes all the way back to the start of b.r.

 

[Field_2_Fork]

I'd love to read some of these, always so difficult to find up here in Canada. I bought Tony Boyers book earlier this year, cost me about $175 by the time it got here. Good book, but ouch!

 

[1911nut]

Here’s photos of some of the early bench shooters:
Harvey Donaldson, Clair Taylor and Don Robbins are there. I’ve got a Taylor and Robbins unlimited bag gun in 219 Donaldson Wasp that shoots the prettiest tiny bugholes.

Benchrest History Thread