Benchrest Shooting
Benchrest Shooting is a precision shooting sport where shooters strive for the highest possible accuracy at a fixed distance.
The most common forms of Benchrest are 25m Airgun (indoor), 25m Rimfire (indoor), and 50m Rimfire (outdoor).
Competitors shoot from a bench with the aid of front supports, such as bipods or rest bags, and they can also use rear supports.
At Optics Warehouse, we’ve compiled key factors to consider when selecting a scope for your next Benchrest competition:
Parallax Adjustment
Many Benchrest scopes feature an adjustable objective (AO) rather than a side focus. This is because competitions are conducted at fixed distances, reducing the need for frequent parallax adjustments. Additionally, AO scopes are simpler to manufacture, which helps lower costs. That said, side focus scopes are not disadvantageous, but the quick adjustment capability they provide is less critical for Benchrest compared to other disciplines like Field Target.
Magnification
For dedicated Benchrest setups, a fixed magnification scope—often around 40x—is a common choice. However, a variable magnification scope, such as 10-40x or 5-50x, offers greater versatility for shooters who participate in other disciplines like Field Target or F-class. High magnification is essential for this sport, as it enables shooters to see the placement of their shots with millimetre-level precision.
Reticle Design
For Benchrest shooting, clarity of the target is paramount. Many shooters prefer a simple fine crosshair reticle to ensure the target remains unobstructed. Others may opt for a reticle with a central dot, which is sometimes illuminated, to provide a clear aiming reference point. While these minimalist designs are not ideal for range finding or holdovers, they are perfectly suited for fixed-distance and group shooting.
Size and Weight
The weight of a scope is usually not a concern for most Benchrest shooters, as shooting is done from a supported position. However, some competitions impose weight limits on the total setup, including the rifle and scope, which could make scope weight an important consideration. Always check the competition rules to ensure compliance with weight restrictions.
