Looking for some help/Opinions

[Cbrown3020]

So for many years I have been drag racing. But now it’s gotten out of hand financially. So my reloading mentor passed away a few years ago I was able to purchase a few of his rifles from the family. I have a Panda action rifle in 6PPC built bye Borden rifles. I would like to go somewhere and attend a bench rest match to see if I would like to try it. What is the best way to start and learn how things work without getting in anyone’s way. Keep in mind that I have know idea what I’m doing. So I would like to learn without ruffling any feathers. I live in Southeastern CT. Any suggestions as to where to go or even what class I would fit into with my rifle? Thanks fellas for looking and any help you can provide.

 

[Tempest]

Greetings from fellow former drag racer. Just show up at a local match, ask questions and have fun. I've found competitive rifle shooters to be some of the most helpful and nicest people I've met in any hobby.

 

[Nowhere Man]

Go early. If the match starts at 9:00am, get there by 7:30. Guys have plenty of time to talk then. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[Matthew Schwartzkopf]

Don't be afraid of getting in anyone's way. Benchrest shooters enjoy talking about their sport and what they do. I like to call the sport "the art of reloading while bullshitting."

 

[Cbrown3020]

Ok great thank you fellas for the responses. Now I just need to find a match close bye.

 

[rjtfroggy]

Cbrown you are a couple of days late, had you posted Thurs. or Fri. I would have had you drive up to Southington for a 2 day IBS Score match, matches are done for the year now.
Bell City range we hold 4-5 100/200 yard matches a year and we are only a little over an hour away. We are right off (maybe 2 miles) from I84.
Check the IBS web site and the schedule for all registered matches is there. We get shooters from up and down the east coast( Maine to S.C.)
There were 45 shooters this past week end and every one of them would of been happy to sit down with you before and during the match to answer any questions that you might of had.
Ear mark this post and get in touch with me after the first of the year and we can try and touch base to get you started.

go here https://internationalbenchrest.com/

 

[Cbrown3020]

Fantastic thank you!!!

 

[BigWyoming]

It's like drag racing - just show up and rev your gun while staring down other competitors. You'll be a fan favorite. Unless you are into sleepers, then take a different approach.

Find a match and go - guys /gals are great and welcome new blood to the sport!

 

[Sandstorm]

Absolutely like Drag Racing but unfortunately it has not been a lot cheaper for me...
However its better than a wiff of Nitro in the Morning Sir and way more addicting...lol
Go have a blast @Cbrown3020

 

[rjtfroggy]

Cbrown in answer to your PM all I can tell you will not amount to much compared to what you can learn coming to the match and talking to some of the older shooters. Some have been at it since the mid 80's early 90's and are willing to share their knowledge, I've only been at it for 8 seasons and went into it cold with a good shooting factory gun. Boy have I learned a lesson or 2.
In IBS score if you can keep it in a dime consistently for 5 shots you have a chance. So practice and tuning is a big part of it.
Items needed to start, front rest (style and make what ever you are comfortable with), rear bag(to match your gun). good tuned gun and bullets. You won't need wind flags to start they are helpful but at matches almost everyone puts them out so chances are a set will be at the bench you use.
For practice trace out a dime 5-6 to a sheet of paper and try to stay in the center of the circle, every time.
Before the season we will talk and hopefully meet, and then I will introduce you to some pretty good shooters at the match. Shooters that are way better than me, with a lot more experience than me.
Practice through the winter and good luck.