Sunday GunDay, October 22nd,2023: Top Gear for Benchrest 100/200 The Rifle for Benchrest Short-Range CompetitionHardware Options: Actions Stocks Barrels Optics and MoreTech Talk by Jeff StoverThis was written by Jeff Stover, former IBS President, based on the results of the 2019 IBS Group Nationals held at the Holton gun & bow club in western Michigan from August 12-17. Let’s look at the Top Ten Rifles from the IBS Group Nationals for the 10.5-lb light Varmint class. We’ll concentrate on the most popular components of rifles — the options for Actions, Stocks, Barrels, Scopes, etc.
Hall of Famer Jeff Gaidos aiming at the 2018 IBS Group Nationals. He uses a low-profile Leupold fixed-power Leupold scope on a carbon-fiber stock. For some years, BAT actions have been the dominant action. This year, BAT actions occupied nearly 100% of the Top Ten positions in all Bag Gun Equipment lists. Bruce Thom’s Idaho crafted actions, with the exception of a few stray actions for Heavy Bench, swept to the top. Next, look at barrels. Bartlein and Krieger barrels seem to be the most popular, with Hart barrels from upstate New York being competitive. Gunsmiths Jeff Peinhardt and Wayne Campbell are the most popular among top benchrest shooters. Stocks are varied, but they share some similarities. Both Scoville and Scarbrough, made in Michigan, are laminated wood with carbon fiber, and wrapped in carbon fibre. The Scoville stock that I use on my 10.5 lb rifle is 18 ounces, but it’s full size and has a nice long front end. Bob Scarbrough also makes a product that is very similar. Both are winners – it’s a Ferrari or Lamborghini choice. The stocks of these top rifles, by Roy Hunter and Terry Leonard, take a different path to the winner’s circle. Both are made of wood (cedar, or another type), but they are super high-tech because they are laminated in carbon fiber. They are also beautiful. Benchrest optics are dominated by high-magnification Leupolds, Marchs, and Nightforces. Bullets and PowderBullets play a big role. It’s really important. A hot bullet will give you “Teen Aggs”, and lots of trophies. An average bullet does not. The majority of these are 6mm boattails weighing 68 grains. This list is dominated by the Peinhardt bullet (StaMoly Precision), but you can also see that some top shooters have their own bullets. Bullet jackets will likely be StaMoly, or J4. Powder is Vihtavouri N133 for the most part, except a few guys who use LT30/32 and surplus 8208.
Similar Posts:Tags: 6 PPC, BAT action, Carbon Stock, IBS, N133, NBRSA, Scoville Stock, Vihtavuorie N133
