10 m benchrest
I think that your idea of 10 m bench rest with 10m rifles is not a bad idea. But I also think that we would be pushing the match directors too hard. More classes to score, more targets to set up more work.
I think that if a match director was willing to set up a 10m match then he should be able to do so. But it would be an optional class and not scored by the sanctioning body.
It would be up to a group of people to demonstrate the intrest and participation in the class to demonstrate the need for such a class.
Further, scoped 10 m rifles shooting off a bench even at the existing target page, at 10 m from a rest, would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Iron sights would add a little edge to the competition, but perfect scores should be obtainable with PCP 10 m rifles using quality pellets.
So, it is my humble opinion that if you want to ddo it at your match or if a match director is willing to set up for this class, have at it. But I don't think it shoulld be considered by the national orginization until interest and participation dictates a need for the class.
I don't know about ya'll, but I feel like the bench rest rifle club I belong to is not interested in air gun shooting. The rimfire group is sour on air guns for some reason going back a few years. It is doubtful at this time that we could even share the range at the same time that the rimfire bench rest shooters are using it, even though we would not ask for scoring and follow their range commands so as to lesson our impact on their game.
I think we need to get this current association set up and shooting. Then, if demand is there, I am sure that the national asssociation would listen to a proposal for a class shooting at 10 m. But until then, I think we need to try to get the game going. I think we need a year minimum to gauge acceptance and popularity of this venue. Some clubs like the one I belong to have had their match schedules set since October of last year.
What I would like to see is air gun bench rest matches as stand alone matches. That way a person does not have to choose which match to compete in, rim fire or air rifle when there is only one match per week or less. I think that this is not going to happen over night. We may get some people who will eventually prefer air gun to rimfire and by participation in matches will show a demand for their preference.
Just some thoughts. And the opinions are only mine and worth exactly what they cost. I wish for the success of the Air gun Bench rest group. I like it.
I remain,
Respectfully,
Dan Hankins
