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Benchrest

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Crusher

Crusher

Member
Mar 6, 2018
1,420
65
Irving Texas, United States
Ok, I thought I knew the basic benchrest rules, but evidently I don't. Please don't point me to a list of rules. I thought I could shoot my 25 (Crown) but I find that the 25m is limited to 177 and 22. 
So, Could someone just give me a simple run down of the rules? Are certain rules like under 20 fps and such applicable at ALL of the matches? I wanted to get into the game a bit, but first I have to understand the rules. I've been trying to get to some of the recent contests but just haven't been able to get that done.

If I set up a 177 for 25m, then what happens when I go to 50m and farther? Can I go to 25 cal then? So does that mean I need a 177 just for the 25m?

I'll probably ask a couple hundred more stupid questions, so bear with me :)

Crusher

 
Hey Crusher,

Any USARB (United States Air Rife Benchrest) sanctioned event will carry the rules that govern the three classes. Which are Light Varmint Class (12 fpe limit), Heavy Varmint Class (20 fpe limit) and Open Class (35 fpe limit).

Also, at any USARB sanctioned event one can shoot .177. .20 and .22 caliber only. As John mentioned, one can shoot higher calibers at EBR, but that's not a USARB event. (It's actually more of a product promotion event than it is a shooting event, but that's another thread!) One can use any of those three calibers for any of the three classes. Although some combinations would just not make sense. Like trying to be under 12 fpe with a .22, or shooting 50 M Open Class with a 12fpe .177 rifle. 

Distances at all USARB sactioned events are 25 Yards for indoor shooting and 25 meters or 50 meters for outdoor shooting. 

So, to answer your question, "If I set up a 177 for 25m, then what happens when I go to 50m and farther? Can I go to 25 cal then? So does that mean I need a 177 just for the 25m?" 

The most optimal thing in terms of accuracy is to have a rifle that is set up for each of the three different classes. Yes, that mean's three rifles! Although, many guys use their HV rifle to shoot Open class, especially at 25 M. But just to be perfectly clear, no 25 cal rifles at USARB events.

Hope this his helpful. 

Chas
 
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There are 5 sanctioned classes as defined by the USARB, taken from their website. Take note that in the Unlimited class .25 cal ic allowed to participate, hopefully to gauge interest for possible inclusion at a later date.

Rules and Classes
The rules below are for competing at sanctioned United States Air Rifle Benchrest matches.The USARB has 5 sanctioned classes. Two of these classes are Light Varmint and Heavy Varmint as outlined in the World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation rule book. The rulebook is available here.In addition, the USARB includes 3 USA Classes that are described below:

USA Open Class:
  • .177, .20 and .22 calibers are allowed.
  • Up to a maximum of 35 foot-pounds of energy.
  • Up to a maximum of 25 pounds total weight.
  • Fore end of stock not to exceed 3 inches in width.
  • Rifles using electrically actuated or powered components, or computer processors and applications are not permitted.
  • Wind flags or anemometers sensing and transmitting data to a computer device or display are not allowed.
  • Front rests using electrically actuated or powered components are not permitted.
  • One piece rests are allowed.
  • Scopes transmitting or receiving data from a computer device are not permitted.
  • Scopes may utilize illumination.
  • Tethered tanks are not allowed.
  • International scoring rules will apply.
  • Target distance will be 25 meters or 50 yards, at the discretion of the match director.
USA Unlimited Class:
  • .177, .20 and .22 calibers are allowed.
  • Any power level is allowed.
  • Any weight rifle is allowed.
  • .25 or larger calibers are allowed to compete for score at the discretion of the match director; given non compliance with WRABF scoring procedures, scores will not be recognized by USARB.
  • Rifles using electrically actuated or powered components, or computer processors and applications are allowed; these components need not be integral to the rifle.
  • Wind flags or anemometers sensing and transmitting data to a computer device or display are allowed.
  • Front rests using electrically actuated or powered components are allowed.
  • One piece rests are allowed.
  • Scopes transmitting or receiving data from a computer device are allowed.
  • Scopes may utilize illumination.
  • Tethered tanks are not allowed.
  • International scoring rules will apply.
  • Target distance will be 25 meters or 50 yards, at the discretion of the match director.
USA Spring Piston Class:
  • Power plants: Spring or Piston. Rifle must be cocked for each shot. When the trigger is pulled, a piston or spring (which is the source of power) is released, thereby compressing a mass of air to launch a pellet. No rifles in this class may store compressed air that is used to fire the pellet.
  • Power restrictions: Any FPE may be used.
  • Rests: Two piece rests are allowed as referenced in Section B8.1-B11 of 2014 WRABF. Exceptions: Bipod use is allowed.
  • Calibers: .177, .20, .22
  • Scoring: World Rules apply.
  • Distance: 25 meters or 50 yards, at the discretion of the match director.
  • Match Times: Shall be 20 minutes, or as referenced in WRABF rules Section D3.
  • Maximum Rifle Weight: No weight limit.
  • Stock: 3″ maximum forend width. Rules as specified in Appendix F of the WRABF.
Applicable Conditions incorporated by USARB Board of Directors on 1/2016:
  • That sanctioning and inclusion of a Spring Piston classification is on a 12-month trial basis to test its design and gauge shooter participation.
  • That sanctioning thereafter is based on repetitive and visible participation by shooters during the trial period, sufficient to warrant continuance of a national class.
  • That the Board’s judgment will be influenced to large degree by club and regional competition scores being posted to USARB Scoreline page.


 
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Thank you for the info. Now I have to figure out what I want to do. I have a couple of really great guns. I have a Wildcat and a Crown, both in 25 cal. 
It just makes better sense to use a 22 for BR since it would be less effected by the wind. 
So, Maybe I'll get a 22 I can set up for BR and FT?

I appreciate you taking me seriously and giving me some good info.

Crusher
 
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"crusher75060"Thank you for the info. Now I have to figure out what I want to do. I have a couple of really great guns. I have a Wildcat and a Crown, both in 25 cal. 
It just makes better sense to use a 22 for BR since it would be less effected by the wind. 
So, Maybe I'll get a 22 I can set up for BR and FT?

I appreciate you taking me seriously and giving me some good info.

Crusher
Click to expand...
Crusher, the best rifle to get you started would be .177 20fpe HV class, why i say this???
1. More HV class matches
2. HV rifle can shoot all class except LV
3. .177 is more accurate than .22 @20fpe
4. 20fpe .177 is competitive at 50m, with right rifle and traning. 

Im sure theres more reasons, but this is a start.
My advise is dont look for a 25m rifle with the FX name on it, its not going to be competitive. Not hating on FX, their great LR rifles, just horrible (my standards) at short range precision shooting.

hope this helps, feel free to message me if you have more questions about my thoughts.
 
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"crusher75060"Thank you for the info. Now I have to figure out what I want to do. I have a couple of really great guns. I have a Wildcat and a Crown, both in 25 cal. 
It just makes better sense to use a 22 for BR since it would be less effected by the wind. 
So, Maybe I'll get a 22 I can set up for BR and FT?

I appreciate you taking me seriously and giving me some good info.

Crusher
Click to expand...
I have found that the .177 is inherently more accurate than the .22s, probably due to pellet quality and consistency.
 
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