Rimfire Benchrest
The rimfire benchrest program at Capital City R&P follows the USRA IR 50/50 Unlimited format. It’s called 50/50, because at some ranges, matches involve both 50 yard and 50 meter events, but at our range, we can’t get 50 meters.
Any .22 LR rifle and rest configurations can be used, with few exceptions. Weight is not an issue, but rifles cannot be attached to the rest. This is a game that’s highly dependent on getting rifles to shoot as well as possible, finding the ammo that the rifle shoots best, getting the rest set up perfectly for each shot, and reading wind and mirage. Equipment is getting better with time and as people get more competitive. Most started with match rifles, modified for bench shooting, including Winchester 52, Remington 40X, Anschutz, 64, 54, etc. Adjustable front rests and a rear bunny-eared rear bag are commonly used, though one-piece rests are allowed.
Shooting is done at 50 yards on the Rimfire Range on the IR 50/50 target, which has a ¼” bullseye and just a dot for Xs. A match consists of 25 record shots (unlimited sighters) in 20 minutes. It sounds like a lot of time, and it’s usually adequate, unless there are unusual wind conditions.
The Rimfire Range at Capitol City R&P is one of the most difficult around, due to the swirling winds. That’s what makes the game so interesting. The luck of the draw of benches is helpful in achieving high scores, but wind reading skills, especially in variable condtions, is all-important. It takes time to learn the finer points of wind flag reading, but home-made wind flags can be nearly as good as the most expensive ones. Mine were made from cheap plastic sign stock and music stands. Everyone should have at least two flags, but some shooters don’t have any.
In addition to the official Unlimited matches, a Plinker Category is offered for beginning shooters and those who prefer to shoot basic sporter rifles. No target rifles are allowed in that competition, but participants are eligible for Unlimited awards. Some shooters do well with accurized Ruger 10-22s. Anyone shooting scores over 241 (out of 250) will be soon required to move to Unlimited.
Costs are deliberately kept low; $10 for a 3-target event, just to cover expenses. Small prizes are offered. It’s the joy of competition and the friendly, helpful atmosphere that makes this game so much fun! For folks wanting to try the sport, rifles are usually available, but call or e-mail me to assure that extra equipment will be available.
John Picher
Phone: 207-592-5451