New shooter question

[captpete]

I'm going to plead ignorance and just ask some dumb questions out right... This is my first REAL attempt (read actually spend money) at capital "B" Bench Rest Shooting. I now have the pieces and parts to build a 6.5 Creedmore Savage Target Rifle on a Mcmillan Stock.

1. Based on max range here is around 300 yards/meters, what scope should I look for? Power? 40mm? 50mm? Variable? Fixed? Bullzeye for the age afflicted? Is it as good as the site says it is? Cast offs and donations gratefully accepted But seriously, money has become an issue lately

2. Spotting scopes - can I use my scope as my spotter or do I also need to "invest" here again?

3. What class would I be shooting in? Where do I find the rule book?

Thanks y'all

 

[fdshuster]

captpete: First off you have to decide on what type of benchrest competition you want to start with. There are local club match's in many locations, each with their own rules for their match's. Also different types of targets. Could be shooting for smallest group or for score. Different types of targets either for group or score. Try to attend a match, observe, and ask a lot of questions but do not approach someone while they are on the line. Wait 'til before or after the match. International Benchrest Shooters are a more formal organization and have set rules that apply to all their sanctioned match's. For more info there you might contact one of their officers, listed in "Precision Shooting" magazine. (1) Get scope info by going to a match, observe what is being used, and ask questions. Some report great success with the Bullzeye attachment, others do not. Might be best if you could try one first before buying, although I understand there is a money back policy. (2) If your rifle scope magnification is high enough ( a high quality 36x?) you should be able to spot the shot holes at 300, depending on weather (mirage) and light conditions. Like many other 'things", get the best optics you can afford. (3) In all the benchrest competitions I'm familiar with, there are no classifications. The breakdowns would be based on the rifle/ammo being used. A custom built rifle would compete in the Custom class. A bone stock factory rifle, in the factory class. A hunting rifle, maybe with a max. 6x scope might go into the Hunter class. There also may be weight restrictions on the rifle. 10.5# max, 13.5# max. etc. Other than the IBS Rules, and those of a few other orginizations I know of no other published rule book, unlike the NRA NRA Hi Power, Silhouette, Bullseye Pistol, etc. Rule books. Bottom line: ask a lot of questions. Don't want to keep rambling on. Feel free to send a PM if you have any questions. I don't know all the answers, but may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[captpete]

A thoughtful reply - Thank You!! I had no idea about weight classifications, etc... I will get in touch with the local IBS person and see what's up locally...

 

[artbosco]

I'm going to plead ignorance and just ask some dumb questions out right... This is my first REAL attempt (read actually spend money) at capital "B" Bench Rest Shooting. I now have the pieces and parts to build a 6.5 Creedmore Savage Target Rifle on a Mcmillan Stock.

To be in the short-range [100-300 yard] "B"enchrest class of shooting you really want to be shooting the 6PPC for Group and/or the 30BR for Score, otherwise you're going to be totally outclassed and disappointed with what you have, if you want to really compete in this specialized portion of the sport. There's a lot of good info on both cartridges in this site at the home page. I know where your coming from, I been there and done that, and finally saw the light after two intervening cartridges I thought might be competitive.

1. Based on max range here is around 300 yards/meters, what scope should I look for? Power? 40mm? 50mm? Variable? Fixed? Bullzeye for the age afflicted? Is it as good as the site says it is? Cast offs and donations gratefully accepted But seriously, money has become an issue lately

There are three basic scopes used in short-range "B"enchrest: the Weaver T-36X [$400], The Leupold Competition 45X [$1000] and the March 40X on up and their variables [$2200+]. Look at the Weaver T-36X and its competitors. I have 2 of them and 2 of the Leupold.

2. Spotting scopes - can I use my scope as my spotter or do I also need to "invest" here again?

You can use your rifle's scope, it will have plenty of power unless you decide to shoot in the Hunter class which is restricted to a 6X scope, in which case you will need a spotter scope so you can see what you can't see with the first one.

3. What class would I be shooting in? Where do I find the rule book?

Locally, depending on their rules, it could be in the factory class, or semi custom class. When you move up to one of these: http://www.stevensaccuracy.com/ then you'll be in the "B"enchrest/custom class.

There are two ruling bodies in the U.S. for Benchrest competition for the yardages you're talking about and others. The National Bench Rest Shooters Association [NBRSA], go to http://www.nbrsa.com/ and the International Benchrest Shooters [IBS], http://www.international-benchrest.com/. I belong to both organizations.