Benchrest Rifle

Benchrest provides a stable platform where beginners can learn the principles of good trigger control and aiming before having to worry about supporting the rifle with a sling, or shooting offhand in the standing position.

Far from the preserve of beginners however, Benchrest is a competitive discipline in its own right. With all movement eliminated, shot release must be perfect, attention given to the smallest details and when outdoors, wind-reading becomes more important than ever as competitors hunt for the smallest scoring rings. Benchrest has become popular amongst shooters seeking acute attention to detail as well as those with limited mobility who struggle with the weight of a match rifle.

Benchrest is normally shot with .22lr rifles, but air rifles have become increasingly popular.

A novice takes aim with a benchrested rifle
Taking aim on the indoor range
A lady with grey hair and a grey jacket sits at a benchrest table ready to shoot a target air rifle on an indoor shooting range.
A warm space guest tries her hand at benchrest air rifle
A man sits on a chair at a table, aiming a rested rifle on an outdoor shooting range. He wears a blue and black canvas shooting jacket.
Rugeley member competing at Bisley
A rifle and stand lie on a bench in a building. A large door is open to the outside and targets are floodlit at the other end of the range.
A benchrest rifle waiting on the 50metre range
On a 50Metre outdoor range, a man aims a rifle lying down in the prone position, whilst a junior shooter aims a benchrested rifle. It is dark outside and the targets are illuminated by floodlight.
Benchrest and prone on the 50metre range