Accuracy Competitions
Benchrest competition is the proving ground for accurate rifles. In the UK, the United Kingdom Benchrest Association (UKBRA) is the governing body. Have a look at their website for a competition calendar and results of their benchrest competitions www.ukbra.co.uk
WORLD BENCHREST CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007 - AUSTRIA
The embankments on three sides made the Holles range quite challenging in a gusty wind
At each World Championship, the World Benchrest Shooting Federation delegates hold their biennial meeting and the venue for future events must be decided at these meetings. At WBC7 in
A super new range was to be specially built at
Who could take over this mammoth event at such short notice? Ideally it should be another European country as some competitors had already made provisional travel arrangements and booked flights and ferry-crossings. Step forward Alfred – hero of the Austrian benchrest community.
The Austrian BR fraternity is small, similar to the
The opening ceremony attended by local dignitaries, police and military
The Championships are now truly global with 26 nations taking part and every continent represented. This year, we welcomed new shooters from
Most teams were billeted in hotels in the small villages dotted around the region. This is a popular tourist area, though it does not enjoy the spectacular scenery normally associated with
The Championships open with two days of official practise followed by four separate competitions over four days using two classes of rifle – Light Varmint and Heavy Varmint – each shot at 100 and 200 metres. One competition is shot on each day and a competition consists of five, 5-shot groups and with 26 benches and 176 shooters, that meant seven relays. We started at
Some of the GB team in the loading tent
Although the range was superb in every respect, it soon proved that we were in for a challenging four days. The range was surrounded by high, tree-lined bankings on three sides which meant that despite hundreds of wind-flags, there was little chance of a ‘clean’ readable wind. Temperatures were in the seventies for most of the shoot though we did have a day of rain which cooled things down a little.
At the end of day one – Light Varmint at 100 metres – Bo Petersson of Sweden was a surprise winner with a stunning 0.19 MOA agg. (average of five, 5-shot matches) with Alex Calder of
For the next day’s 100 metre Heavy Varmint most competitors were shooting the same 10.5lb. rifle though a small number do upgrade to the heavier 13.5lb. rifle. In truth, there is no discernable difference in accuracy though some might argue that the heavier guns are easier to shoot. We were all looking to Bo Petersson to repeat his day-one triumph and give the Americans something to think about but benchrest can be a fickle game. Even though conditions were similar and Bo was using the same gun, he could only manage 41st place.
On day three, the targets are moved back to 200 metres and this is where we sort out the men from the boys. In the
We’ve already mentioned the difficulty in wind-reading on this range but for the fourth and final competition at 200 metres, the wind really decided to have some fun with us. I have never shot in a wind so gusty and switchy! I can get five aimed shots off in around 20 seconds – the quick guys can do it in half that but even the ‘machine-gunners’ couldn’t get five off in the same wind. Two or three was about the most you could manage. Just seven minutes is allowed for a match and shooters began to run out of time as they waited for their ‘condition’ to return. Usually it didn’t, which mean’t having to ‘aim-off’ – not something I like to do, especially at the Worlds!
It’s not difficult to shoot small groups at 100 metres with top-notch benchrest equipment and even the competitor in 100th place in the HV competition had a 0.30 inch agg. but at 200 metres it’s a very different story. This time, the 100th place competitor – Manny Garcia of the Phillipines – could only agg. 0.957 inches. Just under an inch at 200 metres for 25 shots might not seem too bad but in world-class company, not near good enough! Larry
"If it hadn't have been for that last shot......" GB shooter Ian Dixon at the appropriately named 'wailing-wall'.
The tricky conditions produced some horrendous groups - many approaching two-inches, which of course totally destroys those nice little quarter-inch aggs. you had proudly established on days one and two at 100 metres.
In a world-class event, you expect competitors to also be ‘world-class’ and in the most they are but the pressure gets to everyone and fundamental errors occur. The first disqualification came when an Argentinian competitor shot before the ‘commence-fire’ command was given. The range commands are “Place bolts in rifles, commence fire” Two separate commands but to a shooter who speaks no English it can be difficult. Two competitors were heavily penalised for shooting on the wrong targets and one was disqualified for an over-weight rifle.
Of course, all these unfortunate errors serve to elevate the other teams but unfortunately the
When the aggregate of each competitor’s four shoots was computed it was no real surprise to see Mike Ratigan’s name at the top of the list. Mike’s agg. for the four shoots was a stunning 0.21 MOA. This was a dream result for Mike as he has just launched a new book on benchrest shooting Extreme Rifle Accuracy (see New Stuff) and I reckon it could now be more popular than Harry Potter – in the benchrest community! Italian shooter Quaglino Giantonio took the silver medal and popular Frenchman Jean Louis Espinet, the bronze.
GB team member Steve Newman gets ready for the 'Commence fire'
Although Mike Ratigan is the new individual World Benchrest Champion, the Championships are all about teams rather than individuals and as usual, the three
What of the
Individually, our best placing was 38th out of 176 competitors and we also had three Top 20 placings in the individual competitions.
But of course, it’s not just about the end result – it’s about taking part and meeting with other benchrest shooters who don’t even speak your language. New friendships are forged, stories told and the troubles of the world put aside for a while.
The 2009 World Benchrest Championship will be held in
THE 500 YARD FLY SHOOT - 15TH JULY 2007
Peter Wilson, shooting his F Class rifle chambered in 7mm BooBoo was eventual winner at 400 yards
Keeping water out of the barrel was my main concern and it wasn't an auspicious debut for my Predator chambered in 22 Dasher
Although winds were moderate, there was an extreme of about two MOA – enough to take you from one side of the target to the other, so even at 400 yards, it was no push-over. Fellow scribe, Laurie Holland was shooting his new 6BR and did extremely well, taking second spot in the Open class with a score of 161 compared to my mediocre effort of 133 with the Predator. This was an excellent result from Laurie, being only two points behind eventual winner Peter Wilson using his F Class rifle chambered in 7mmBooBoo.
Best factory rifle shooter at 400 yards was Mal Roberts with an absolutely standard Remington hunting rifle in 243Win. The rifle had an horrendously spindly barrel and cheap plastic stock but Mal shot it superbly attaining a score of 124.
Les Holgate also used his 284 F Class rifle.
At 500 yards, top factory rifle shooter was Terry Mann using an Alpine Unique with a score of 144 - which also beat the score of the best 500 yard open class shooter, Rob Hunter, who finished on 128. We also give a small group award and this year, it went to Ian Dixon with a 1.625 inch group - shot at 400 yards.
The Diggle Club are generous in that they like to return as much of the entry-fee as possible to competitors and there were cash awards for the first three places in each class at both distances plus of course the coveted fly patches and this year, we even had a raffle with a cash prize.
Results
400 yards Open class 1st Peter Wilson 7mm BooBoo Bat 163 points
2nd Laurie Holland 6mmBR Rem. 161
3rd Ian Dixon 6.5 Nesika 154
Factory class 1st Mal Roberts 243 Rem. 124
2nd Kent Sherrington 308 Rem. 101
3rd John Drake 308 Sako TRG 96
500 yards Open Class 1st Rob Hunter 6.5 RPA 128
2nd Dave Wylde 308 Alpine 120
3rd Stuart Anselm 308 Savage 53
Factory class 1st Terry Mann 308 Alpine 144
2nd Mike Putt 308 Sako 109
3rd Chris Parkin 308 Rem 106
In summation, thanks to the appalling weather, it was a dog’s breakfast of a competition and everyone got very wet – either on the firing-point or in butts – but I was impressed by the humour and good spirits displayed by all in the face of such adversity. Shooters are indeed a great bunch – see you all next year.
The Great Diggle Egg Shoot - 28th May 2007
Dad Chris gives son Matthew a bit of advice before he shoots at the egg - or is it the other way round?
The 2007 May Bank Holiday Monday will go down as one of the coldest and wettest on record and, although many areas were hit worse than the
None the less, a decent entry of thirty-odd competitors turned up for a chance to scramble a fresh hen’s egg from 500 yards and – if successful – take home £100 in cash.
Many of the entrants are egg shoot regulars who turn up every year but we never see them in between – the Egg Shoot’s like that, you either love it or leave it!
The Egg Shoot was of course devised in
When Tim Finley pulls that trigger he will be £100 richer.
Although the main event is the egg and its £100 bounty, the Groundhog stages are what occupy most of the day. Three shots are taken at a groundhog-size target from 100, 300 and 500 yards. No sighters, fouling shots or blow-offs are allowed on the day.
True to form – for those who had prepared by sighting-in the previous day - the fickle Diggle wind was now blowing in our faces from the east - rather than its usual ‘over the left shoulder’ as it does 95% of the time at this range. Ominous dark clouds were now gathering as we assembled at 100 yards for the first stage.
This stage definitely favours the really accurate rifle. The groundhog head-bull is just 20mm in diameter but scores 15 points for a clean hit. Do that with all your three shoots and you start the day with a massive 45 points. This year, no one managed to clean it. Best efforts were from young Matthew Hoyle with his 22BR and your scribe - shooting the Litts supplied 6BR Kelbly Stolle as part of the Target Sports review of this rifle - both of us scoring 39 points.
Setting up at 300 yards
At 300 yards, it’s difficult to see your shot-holes, especially in the black body area. Only the very brave will now shoot at the head-bull, most will go for the 36mm body-bull where a clean hit scores 10 points. I knew from my 100 yard effort that there was a light wind, so I held off about half a minute left and yes – the shot went exactly where I aimed. I aimed straight at the middle for shot number two and couldn’t see a hole (it was touching the previous one!) I held the same aim for the third shot and it impacted to the right. Just 14 points scored from a possible 30. Les Prior took the stage win with 23 points using his F Class rifle chambered in 6.5x55 Imp.
The two Les's - Prior and Holgate. Les Prior was overall winner and shot small group at 300 yards and Les Holgate shot small group at 500 yards.
As we assembled on the 500 yard firing-point for stage three, the first of the day’s hail-storms hit us. We ran for the cover of the range house and decided that this would be a good time to break for an early lunch! It was a wise decision - an hour later the sun was out and most of us were able to shoot the 500 yards stage in dry conditions. Even so, only eleven of us even hit the groundhog! Most of those hits were body shots which score a measly one point but Paul Harper scored a stunning 26 points. Paul’s equipment? Just a 308 tactical rifle shot off the bi-pod! Having said that, you may remember that we tested Paul’s rifle a couple of years ago. It was built by an American outfit who simply call themselves Tactical Rifles Inc. and it proved to be a very accurate piece of kit.
When the scores were totted up, Les Prior took the overall win with a respectable 58 points. The little Litts 6BR Stolle got me into second place with 54 points and young Matthew Hoyle and Paul Harper tied for third spot just one point adrift.
Winners - from left, Vince Bottomley, Matthew Hoyle, Paul Hunter, Les Holgate, Les Prior, Terry Mann, Tim Finley and Simon Stanton
We also give small group awards. My own 0.513 in. on Stage one was easily eclipsed by Terry Mann’s 0.449 incher. At 300 yards, it was Les Prior with a super 0.912 inch group and at 500 yards, Les Holgate put in a similar stunning performance with his 6.5 F Class rifle, shooting a 1.452 inch group. This is true benchrest accuracy and exactly the kind of performance you need from an F Class rifle to be competitive in this demanding sport. For the record, Terry Mann used an Unique Alpine tactical rifle and Les Prior and Les Holgate’s rifles were both from the Walker Custom Rifles stable.
Once the rain had subsided, we all lined up along the 500 yard firing-point to shoot the egg. Traditionally, the lowest scorer from the groundhog shoot goes first but the rain clouds were gathering again so we needed to get on. Target Sports scribe, Tim Finley was about the tenth person to shoot and splat - the egg was well and truly scrambled! Tim shoots a modified 308 Remington PSS. You may remember his write-up of the rifle in Target Sports a few months ago - the theme being “the only rifle you’ll ever need” Who can argue?
By the time another egg was mounted, spots of rain were already falling. The rain quickly turned to hail and the latter half of the field were just glad to get off their shot and run for cover. No more eggs were broken.
Results:
Stage winners: 100 yds Matthew Hoyle 22BR Clark BSA
Vince Bottomley 6 BR Kelbly Stolle
300 yds Les Prior 6.5
500 yds Paul Harper 308 Remington
Overall: 1st Les Prior 58 pts.
2nd Vince Bottomley 54
=3rd Matthew Hoyle 53
Paul Harper 53
Egg Breaker: Tim Finley 308 Remington PSS
Finally, thanks to Fox Firearms of Manchester for donating awards for the event.
Benchrest
THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - SPAIN, SEPTEMBER 2006
There was a previous attempt to establish a European Championship way back in the eighties but, for some reason, the idea didn’t catch on. At WBC8 in
Part of the vast, air-conditioned reloading tent.
Certain prominent nations chose not to send a team. The Swedes didn’t want to miss the moose-hunting season again. They missed it last year due to the World Benchrest Championships and if they missed it for a second time they feared that the moose might not show up next year! The Russians were coming - but problems with firearm permits meant they had to cancel at the last minute. Nonetheless, most of the top European shooters were there - including the current World Benchrest Champion,
Flags des nations fly above the Torres de Segre range
Talking of the Super Shoot, the Spanish pulled off a master-stroke by flying in Jim Kelby to act as Range Meister and Jim’s presence gave the event a real ‘world-class’ feel. Jim conducted things with his usual good humour and aplomb and things ran pretty much without a hitch.
Range meister Jim Kelbly kept us all under control. That's Herve du Plessis on the right.
For we Brits, it was great to be able to drive to a major shoot and take as much equipment and wind-flags as we pleased. Flying to benchrest shoots is becoming increasingly difficult with yet more weight restrictions recently imposed by airlines and after an appallingly wet August in the UK, it was a real pleasure to travel and shoot in a country where the temperature rarely drops below 80 degrees at this time of the year and rain is almost unknown.
The range was situated a couple of miles outside the tiny
Prior to the shoot, there were two days of practice though we arrived with only an hour to go, so just time to set-up and fire a couple of groups. The actual competition was held over four days and followed the usual format of 100LV, 100HV, 200HV and 200LV. Most shooters were billeted in hotels within a 15 minute drive of the range and prices were very reasonable. A three-course cooked meal complete with wine was served at the range each day after Match three. Alcohol and shooting is a strict no-no in the
UK team-manager Jack Searle makes sure we don't shoot any big groups!
With temperatures well into the eighties, loading and cleaning could have been unbearable but the Spaniards had erected an enormous marquee - about half the size of the Kelby loading barn. An equally enormous generator ran a very efficient air-conditioning system which kept temperatures down to a bearable 60 degrees. The range was also concrete-covered in the shooting area and remained tolerably cool so the only opportunity to enjoy the sun was via the short walk from loading tent to range.
The range itself was something which would have greatly amused most American shooters. It was designed in such a way that it was virtually impossible for a fired round to leave the range. Think about that and try to visualise it. The firing area was concrete – concrete walls, concrete floor, concrete roof. That included a five-foot high concrete wall behind the benches and a fifteen-foot high concrete wall on either side for the first 30 metres. Then there were baffled overhead concrete ‘gantries’ at 25 meter intervals down range so that when you were seated at the bench it was impossible to see (or shoot) anything other than the targets – or concrete!
Firing point is to the right - the first half of the range is in a concrete box!
The 22 benches were double-sided and similar to the Kelbly ones. Waiting shooters and spectators could stand up to the concrete wall behind the benches and tables were provided for rifles and equipment. Once the shock of all that grey concrete had been absorbed, I found it quite a pleasant range to shoot on. We used a three-bench rotation and the team shot on the same benches for the whole competition so just three sets of wind-flags were needed and there was no need to move them each evening. Reading the wind in this concrete-box was however another matter.
Generally, there were plenty of flags.
Most teams had arrived by car so there were plenty of wind-flags but the near flags – in the first 30 metres were effectively contained in an open-topped box, so what could they possibly tell us? Even the flags in the next 170 metres didn’t bear much resemblance to the prevailing wind blowing across the range which was best indicated by the flags of competing nations on top of the range roof.
At least with a range of this configuration, the winds were never strong and a ‘condition’ would generally hold long enough to rip off five rounds. At 200 metres there were plenty of large groups and I would have loved to see how the cream of American BR shooters handled it. I reckon the ‘runners’ would have had a field-day but many of the Europeans are ‘pickers’ and got caught out waiting for a condition to return. One French shooter waited just a bit too long and was disqualified for shooting after the ‘cease-fire’ command.
Target-changing was efficiently handled by workers employed by the local town council. The robust hydraulically-driven moving-backer system could have pulled out tree-stumps but it was quite strange in that it moved from side to side a number of times during the course of seven minutes. This could clearly be seen through your shot-holes. Fortunately, as far as I am aware, there were no ‘incidents’ which required examination of the backers.
Hydraulically driven moving-backer system
The official dinner was held on the third night of the shoot and attended by all shooters, helpers and local members of the range, who had kindly allowed us to use their facility. On another evening, delegates from each competing nation gathered to form the new European Benchrest Federation and elect a president and officials and agree which rules we should use. Legendary French benchrest shooter, Herve Du Plessis was duly elected as the first President of the new European Benchrest Federation and bids will now be invited to hold the second Championship in 2008. A further meeting of delegates will take place at the next World Benchrest Championships in
Gold medal, centre Paal Jensen - Norway. Silver medal, left, Jean Louis Espinet - France
Unfortunately, I do not have the usual list of equipment as it was not made available but it would be typical of any US benchrest shoot with American sourced kit predominating. As usual, Leupolds were the scope of choice but there was an interesting assortment of home-made front rests. Interestingly, the winner, Norwegian shooter Paal Jensen, used one of Sebastian Lanbang’s Indonesian joystick rests.
Results: Two gun aggregate
Teams 1st
2nd
3rd
Individual results: Two gun aggregate
1st Paal Erik Jensen
2nd Jean Espinet
3rd Vince Bottomley
4th Francois Lacourt
5th Carlos Pacheo
6th Ann Marie Delatang
7th Joan Portella
8th Ivaldo Gabasio
9th Andrea Barbanti
10th Gian Quaglino
The Spaniards did a fine job and set the standard for a future that hopefully heralds the dawn of a new era of European benchrest shooting. I’m sure the Championship will grow in years to come and become the biggest BR shoot on this side of the pond.
F Class League
The FCUK Association now has its own website carrying results, news etc. at www.f-class.org.uk