How to improve your Benchrest Shooting Skills

Benchrest shooting is a competition discipline which requires the shooter to hit a target from a bench in a seated or standing position. Highly precise and accurate rifles are used in benchrest shooting, with competitors constantly trying to improve their firearm’s accuracy through experimentation.

The aim of benchrest shooting is to fire multiple rounds, typically five or 10, at paper or steel targets in the smallest possible group from various ranges. The benchrest shooting discipline has 10 main classes, determined by the rifle’s weight and calibre.

What equipment do I need for benchrest shooting?

Benchrest shooting is a highly skilled discipline that requires competitors to shoot with high precision and accuracy consistently. There is certain benchrest shooting equipment that each competitor must have to ensure they are achieving the best possible results.

Rifle

The most important equipment for benchrest shooting is your rifle. Without the correct one, benchrest shooting will be pretty difficult.

Many competitors use .22LR rifles for their high accuracy and minimal recoil. Some shooters tend to modify their rifles to suit their preferences and help them achieve better results.

Opting for a bolt-action single-shot rifle will ensure you are patient with your shots, giving you a better chance of shooting accurately. Alternatively, a high-quality air rifle will help you to compete while taking away the need for a firearms licence.

Front rest and back bag

A front rest and back bag are crucial for improving your shooting accuracy in benchrest competition. Depending on the competition, some rules may differ from what you can and can’t have, so it may be best to check beforehand.

Many competitors modify their rifle rests to adapt to their needs, helping them achieve the best possible results. Front rests and back bags also offer an excellent level of stability for all shooters.

Stool

An adjustable stool is another crucial piece of equipment you should have if you prefer to compete in a standing position. Benchrest stools will ensure you are comfortable when shooting and will accommodate different bench heights, allowing you to shoot at the correct height and ensuring you can get the best possible results.

Scope

Shooting scopes are essential for all competitors in benchrest shooting to help them achieve excellent accuracy.

Benchrest scopes offer high magnification levels, allowing the shooter to hit their intended target precisely.

Scopes used in benchrest shooting are designed with adjustments for competitors to adapt to windage and elevation. Benchrest shooting scopes must be designed with premium glass to give each competitor a clear sight.

Pellets

You will need to test which pellet is best for your rifle, as every rifle is different due to modifications that you may have made to your rifle. Once you find a pellet that is best for your rifle, you should find out which batch of that particular pellet is best for you to use.

After finding a pellet that you intend to use, you should decide whether you want to start preparing pellets to increase accuracy. By washing, weighing and lubing each pellet, you can improve accuracy, albeit by fractions.

Wind flags

If you are competing in benchrest shooting disciplines outside, wind flags are an essential piece of equipment to help improve your shooting accuracy. Wind flags allow competitors to adapt to harsh weather conditions and adjust their aim to hit targets accurately.

Other useful equipment

The equipment listed above is crucial to help improve your accuracy in benchrest shooting competitions; however, there are other pieces of equipment that you may find useful during competitions.

Ear defenders are an ideal piece of equipment, as they protect your ears from the noise of your and other competitors’ rifles. Shooting gloves are perfect for providing extra comfort when shooting. An ammunition box may also be a useful item to have for safely transporting and storing your ammo.

How to improve benchrest shooting accuracy

Once you have all the necessary equipment, you can improve your shooting accuracy. There are several things you can implement in your shooting routine to achieve the best results.

Preparing to shoot

You need to ensure that the bench you are shooting from is sturdy, as shooting from an unstable bench will stop you from hitting your targets with precision. Your rifle should be set upon a sturdy rifle rest to ensure you have maximum stability when shooting.

Accounting for the wind is another crucial aspect you need to master, as this can have a huge impact on your precision. By correctly accounting for the wind, you will be able to hit your targets with maximum precision.

Setting up your shot

It is recommended that you make a routine when setting up your shot to allow you to hit your target consistently. The first part of your routine should be to find a natural point of aim where you feel comfortable and are not struggling to keep the crosshairs on the target.

Stay relaxed and ensure you have your scope focused on your target to give yourself a clear image and a better chance of precisely hitting the target. Before shooting, ensure you have the scope adjusted to the correct setting for the range you are shooting at.

Taking the shot

Unless you are competing in a discipline with a time limit, remain calm and take your time before taking your shot. Carry out your routine and maintain complete focus when doing so; otherwise, you may fire off target.

Ensure you have the centre of the first pad of your index finger on the trigger when firing, as this will give you extra stability. Release your shot and repeat the cycle for each time you shoot.

Benchrest shooting requires patience, skill, and precision. However, the right shooting equipment is equally essential to achieving the best results.

This blog has discussed the best ways to improve your benchrest shooting skills, including which equipment you need for maximum accuracy.

By following our expert advice, we’re confident you can achieve the best results!