It is the endless pursuit of accuracy. Take a look at the five-shot group shown above. The group was shot by a novice shooter, who began shooting with our group two months ago. It was shot at 50 yards, in heavy winds using a factory produced sporter class rifle with a six power scope. This was not a specialist high-priced rifle but aided by information gained from other benchrest shooters at the club she was able to select a rifle known for accuracy, a scope adequate to the task, and do it for less than five hundred dollars. With coaching by the other BR members, she was able to rapidly develop her technique and is well on her way to being a competitive shooter.

There are two general forms of benchrest shooting. 1) For score: targets have scoring rings and you are scored accordingly. 2) For group: you are scored according to the diameter of your shot group. Rimfire Benchrest Association (RBA) shoots 'for score' only.

All rifles are fired from rests placed on rigid benches. The front rest is mechanically adjustable for elevation and windage and has a 'sand bag' on top on which the rifle rests. The rear rest is a 'sand bag' but has no adjustments. Shooters provide their own rests.

Rifles are assigned to classes by the sanctioning association according to weight, scope power, types of triggers and modifications allowed for each class. Rifles are weighed and scope power verified at each match.

At ARPC we shoot under RBA rules and procedures. We shoot the 3-gun combo (5 targets) and unlimited (3 targets) at fifty yards. Each shooter draws for a bench number and is provided with the appropriate number of official targets. Each target card has twenty five bulls for record plus several sighting targets. Shooters have 30 minutes to complete each card. Targets are scored by appointed referees and scorers. The match is run according to all safety rules and procedures of ARPC. The match director directs the conduct of the match. Scores are reported to RBA and are made available to all national and international RBA clubs. We shoot the fourth Saturday of each month. Registration begins at 8am for all classes. Matches begin at 9am.

Membership in RBA allows each shooter to compete with shooters on a national and international level. Scores are posted nationally and internationally on the RBA website.

Come out and watch a match. We have spotting scopes that visitors can use to watch the targets. You must bring some type of ear protection and safety glasses with you. During the intervals between targets feel free to ask questions of the shooters. Check in with the match director when you arrive and he will go over the safety and other procedures with you.

Want to give it a try? If you are already a member of ARPC you are aware of the safety rules and procedures. If you are familiar with RBA rifle classes and have your own rifle you probably have all the necessary equipment. Contact the match director in advance (he/she is listed on the club web site) so we know you are coming and can have a bench set up for you.

If you are a new shooter you will need a rifle or two. We have a list of equipment required. E-mail the discipline director to receive this list. You need not be a club member to shoot the first time. Contact the match director prior to the match to let him know you are coming.

Will you be welcomed and put at ease when you come out? Yes.