Thanks to those who have responded, your insight is very helpful. Empirical insight is what I was hoping for.
But I am looking for a little more depth into the subject. Much of the information shared here, and on other forums, is mainly based on technology or equipment. As I see it, benchrest shooting consists of a combination of technology and art. The technology part is fairly well documented and understood; the artistic aspect is understood only by those who have much experience. This aspect of benchrest competion is not always well explained and is what I would like to learn.
We all spend a lot of money and time attempting to get good at the game. Generally we are successful at developing our shooting style and tuning our equipment. But then the match starts: you find out your flags are not lined up right, you get tense, forget to lock in the front rest post, can’t keep your hand from shaking, flinch without realizing it, rush your shots because everyone else is doing the same thing, then stop when you hear a lot of cursing and whaling down the line, the brain reaches overload, you shoot an ugly three incher at 200 yards, etc… Then there are a couple of guys on the line who are having a great time, laughing, joking, and congratulating one another. These are the guys who shoot well, shoot through rough conditions, never have technical difficulties, and just make it look easy. Those are the guys who have developed the art of competition. After the match you can ask them all the questions you want but at the end of the day is seems to me it boils down to psychology. The winners have been shooting long enough that not only they have developed a sixth sense about benchrest shooting in general but they are also there to have fun. This is what I consider the art of the sport.
Am I way off here? Does it require a certain personality to develop the art? Are some folks cut out for it and others are not? Some of the guys who don’t win have been at it for many years and have the finest equipment. I love benchrest shooting, the friends I have made, the good times and memories, the skills I have developed: but I sure would like to win a few. Is the art of the winning based on long term experience, or is it a gift, like artistic talent that one must naturally possess. Or is it both. This topic is open for all thoughts and experiences.