The World Benchrest Part of the vast range complex of concrete boxes
Championships in France By Vince Bottomley
The very first World Benchrest Championships were also held in France, in 1991 and that was won by the USA – as have all subsequent Championships – apart from the last one, held in South Africa, where the Aussies inflicted a shock defeat. Make no mistake, the three American Teams were out to put matters right this time.
But, although America and Australia are the strongest benchrest nations, many other countries also have world-class shooters, including Italy, France, Sweden, Finland and let’s not forget Canada.
Equipment
For those not familiar, the Championships are contested using two rifles – heavy and light and over two distances – 100 and 200 metres. In other words, four separate competitions. The Light Varmint rifles must weigh no more than 10.5lbs and the Heavy Varmint up to 13.5 lbs. There is little, if any difference in the accuracy of a light and a heavy gun, so most competitors will choose to shoot the same ‘light’ rifle in both classes. Some may spin-on a heavier barrel or add weight to the butt but for most, keeping one rifle in-tune is demanding enough. Rifles are weighed at the end of each day and spot-checks made throughout the competition.
Scope power is unlimited but most will use something in the region of a fixed 40 power scope made by March or Leupold. The 6PPC cartridge is still the favourite with 99% of shooters, though some may try the 22 version.
The vast reloading area – in what was normally a 50m smallbore range – the concrete kept us nice and cool and a great improvement over the leaky draughty tents we usually get.
The Competition Day-one, Tuesday and targets were at 100m for the Light Varmint Class. It was hot, winds were light but switchy and Canada’s Vera Carter took first blood, with Spain, Sweden and Australia pushing USA down to 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th places! Not only that, South Africa’s Steve Williams shot a world record group of 1.51mm in the Warm-up.
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