These are our top picks for Centerfire Benchrest Shooting. We've chosen these based on our experience of using these scopes in the field.
Benchrest shooting requires pin-point accuracy, and you need to be able to see exactly where you are aiming. With this in mind, a fine crosshair can be very helpful as it doesn't obstruct the shooter's view of the target or point of impact. There are a few scopes available that are dedicated to benchrest shooting, all of which have large magnification and fine crosshairs with centre dots. Due to restrictions in some competitions, these scopes generally tend to be quite light weight.
The scope must track straight and true so you can achieve the best possible score, so accurate and precise clicks are a must. Generally, benchrest shooters prefer 1/8 clicks, although other click adjustments work too, and a lightweight scope body tocomply with weight restrictions found in most benchrest competitions.
Magnification
Benchrest shooters tend to use higher magnification scopes so that the target can be seen clearly and you can make sure you are dead centre of the 'bull'. 36-50x is generally popular but higher magnifications can increase visible heat haze. Scopes with 20-35x magnification can be used and are usually more affordable, making them perfect for beginners to learn how to use the equipment and get into benchrest shooting before paying for a top-end scope.
Entry Level Sightron SII 36×42 BRD Bench Rest 1/8 MOA
£475.00
The Sightron SII 36×42 scope is designed purely for benchrest it combines value with added performance. The Sightron SII 36×42 comes with a one inch main tube made of high quality aircraft aluminium. The Sightron SII 36×42 is made with Japanese lenses giving a crystal clear crisp image edge to edge ideal for bench rest shooting, these scopes also fogproof, shockproof and waterproof and feature Sightron’s unique ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system. The Sightron SII 36×42 has an adjustable objective down to 10m and out to infinity making it perfect for air rifles, rimfires and full bore rifles.
Mid Level Nikko Stirling Diamond Sportsman 10-50x60
£699.00
The Nikko Stirling Diamond Sportsman 10-50×60 will magnify your target 50 times! The new Nikko Stirling Diamond 10-50×60 design allows for the scope to become 10% lighter and shorter. This high powered target riflescope has been one of our best selling riflescopes over the last 5 years and still as popular as day one. The Nikko Stirling Diamond Sportsman 10-50×60 gives the shooter an affordable yet quality high powered optic without spending a £1350.00 and moving into Sightron territory. The Nikko Stirling Diamond 10-50×60 is 100% manufactured in the Light Optical factory in Japan where the majority of top end Japanese optics are made; such manufacturers include Nightforce, Nikon, Sightron and Bushnell Elite.
Top Level Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60x52
£1,667.50
The Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 was specifically designed for long-range, F-class, and other competition shooters. The Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 comes with a 4x optical zoom, side focus, generous eye relief, and ruggedly constructed single-piece 30mm main tube, will ensure you’re ready for your next match.